Suggestions for Backpack for Photo Equipment

[Edelweiss]

I'm trying to find a backpack which I can use on photography hikes/outings. I've been looking at Lowepro packs and found THIS , a Fastpack 350, on eBags.com. Has anybody heard of or used this pack? Does anyone have any suggestions about camera backpacks I should investigate? I'm looking for a pack which gives me easy access to my camera and equipment without taking the pack off each time I want to take a photo. I also would like some storage for things like water, lunch, bug dope etc., and maybe a rain jacket (that's probably asking too much).
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Edelweiss

[Edelweiss]

I've just ordered a Lowepro Topload Zoom 1 camera bag to replace my well-worn Tamrac. I won't be getting a camera backpack but will use the new camera bag/Rebel XTi/17-85mm workhorse lens along with my Osprey daypack. Should work fine!

[daLunartik]

Joanne,

I can't remember if I have the Topload Zoom 1 or Zoom 2, which I use for my 35mm Film Camera with the 620mm effective lens (310mm w/2x converter). I rarely carry it now that I have a decent pseudo-DSLR (the Fuji FinePix is really a glorified P&S). I think I have a spare set of shoulder straps, which allows you to carry it like a reversed-backpack, slung across your front. I always referred to it as "the baby carrier". The integrated rain cover is a nice feature, that I wish I had on the TLZ Mini 10 I carry my Digital Camera in.

[Edelweiss]

Hi Moonray-
I also have a Lowepro harness which I have used (with carabiners) with the Tamrac camera bag I am replacing. In the summer, however, it's very hot under my backpack so I've stopped using it and hang the camera bag on my sternum strap (not ideal either). I may try to use the shoulder strap of this new bag and attach a carabiner to the side of my backpack so it doesn't get in the way when I hike. Work in progress ........ :D
Joanne

[daLunartik]

In the summer, however, it's very hot under my backpack so I've stopped using it and hang the camera bag on my sternum strap (not ideal either).

Funny, I actually found that the lack of air flow and extra-insulation from the front hanging rig of the harness to be an issue. Of course, the Zoom 2 (which is what I think I have) is also about the length of my torso, so it really was like slinging a pack on the front and back. I was never able to get it to sit comfortably as a side-slung bag, which could also be a sizing issue - it's almost as wide as I am :rolleyes:, and even sideways, I kept whacking my hands into it. That being said, I went down the path of the LowePro TopLoaders because of recomendations on VFTT, with folks who used them in a side-slung manner with no issues.

I also had some minor issues on descents with the camera in harness-mode, as it obscured my feet and could not always tell where I was stepping.

[Edelweiss]

I also own a Lowepro 70AW (sounds similar to the large bag you are talking about) which I would never take on a long hike for the reasons you mentioned. The 70AW is big enough to hold my three lenses - an EF 35-70, EF 70-210, and my EFS 17-85, plus filters, CF cards etc. I only take this with me when traveling short distances and I want the luxury of other lenses to fit the conditions. "Normal hiking," however, requires a much smaller bag and I only bring along my 17-85 workhorse lens. It needs to be handy for quick out and back into the bag. I hope the new Topload Zoom 1 will do the trick!

[daLunartik]

I also own a Lowepro 70AW ........ I hope the new Topload Zoom 1 will do the trick!

Now that I am home and can actually check my gear....I have a LowePro TLZ AW (http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Topload-Zoom-AW-Holster/dp/B00009R8B9), not a Zoom 1 or 2.

I think you should be ok with the setup you are looking for, using the Zoom 1. Might take a little getting used to as a side-slung setup, but once you get it set to your liking, not only will you find yourself taking more pictures (yeah, I know), but your likely to find yourself reaching for it when your off the trail.