I need an new xl backpack

[daniela]

Hi Guys!
I´ve started looking for an new xl sized backpack.
My equipment for wildlife: 600mm L II, 100-400 L, 2 bodies, two smaller lenses, an flash and an extender to carry. And some food. Oh, yes and an tripod
My long time used Tamrac expedition 9 has been "retired" by my dog.
Looking in the web, it brought me to Loewpro 650 pro trekker. This bulky backpack looks quite stable, but is heavy too.
Do you recommend another model for carrying heavy equipment with you?
f-stop seems to sell interesting models, but I do not know how robust they are.

Thank you a lot
Daniela

 

[HeavyPiper]

Check out Tank Tank bags.

 

[Del Paso]

F Stop backpacks are highly recommendable, very satisfied with mine.
They are durable, modular and designed by photographers.
And they don't have front-opening!!!!!
And: can be fitted with a water-pouch!!!!

 

[Don Haines]

I have a pro-runner 450. It is considerably lighter than the pro-tracker 450 or the 600.

Depending on what you have for lenses, you can get two bodies in there, but it really depends on your individual kit.

 

[LDS]

My long time used Tamrac expedition 9 has been "retired" by my dog.

If you were satisfied by the Expedition 9, you can look at the Tamrac Anvil series also, which is its successor. It has the same capabilities to mount add-on pockets to fit it to your needs.

 

[RGF]

I have put a 600, 200-400, 2 1DX-ii bodies, 70-20, and I think 24-70 into a gura gear bataflae. Lifting / carrying the best was difficult but everything did fit

 

[GMCPhotographics]

I have a pro-runner 450. It is considerably lighter than the pro-tracker 450 or the 600.

Depending on what you have for lenses, you can get two bodies in there, but it really depends on your individual kit.View attachment 183881

That's a nice bag but it certainly won't fit a 600 II L in there.

My advice is to pick up a 2nd hand Gura Gear back pack. They are still the best large lens back pack available.

 

[daniela]

Thank you for all answers.
I´m going to see some of your rcommended bags in Munich at several shops.
The Gura gear bags look quite interesting, also the Anvil.
The f-Sop bags seem to be interesting too, but they are in the same weight class as the Lowerpro 650 with the ICU. Also the big lens ICU is out of production.

 

[Deleted member 91053]

I bought a used LowePro SuperTrekker a while back. Holds my 800 F5.6, 300 F2.8, 100-400, 24-70, 16-35 both camera bodies, 100 Macro and has room to spare. There are two side pouches for more lenses and a thermos flask of tea + an add on daypack for munchies and waterproofs + plenty of options to carry a tripod or two - 3? That should cover you! However do not fall over - you will never get up!
Realistically, more sensibly loaded, it is a VERY comfortable pack and with loads up to about 50/55 lbs, has loads of attachment points, the most comfortable harness system I have yet found. Now they are no longer made they are cheap too!

 

[docsmith]

The Mindshift/Think Tank First Light 40L is what I use (500 f/4) and seems to get a lot of press:

FirstLight® 40L

Comfortable and adjustable to fit all body types. Fits super telephoto DSLR lenses, 17" laptop and 3L water bladder. Sized for domestic or international travel.

www.thinktankphoto.com

MindShift Gear FirstLight 40L Review

Is the MindShift Gear FirstLight 40L right for you? Learn all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!

www.the-digital-picture.com

MindShift FirstLight Review - Adventure Photo Backpack

In-depth review of the MindShift FirstLight backpack series, as well as comparisons to other packs like the MindShift Rotation 180 Pro, Panorama and Horizon

shuttermuse.com

 

[BobG]

The Mindshift/Think Tank First Light 40L is what I use (500 f/4) and seems to get a lot of press:

FirstLight® 40L

Comfortable and adjustable to fit all body types. Fits super telephoto DSLR lenses, 17" laptop and 3L water bladder. Sized for domestic or international travel.

www.thinktankphoto.com

MindShift Gear FirstLight 40L Review

Is the MindShift Gear FirstLight 40L right for you? Learn all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!

www.the-digital-picture.com

MindShift FirstLight Review - Adventure Photo Backpack

In-depth review of the MindShift FirstLight backpack series, as well as comparisons to other packs like the MindShift Rotation 180 Pro, Panorama and Horizon

shuttermuse.com

I use the 40L whenever I'm using my 600F4 and I've found it to be very comfortable once correctly adjusted, and more than enough space for a couple of bodies + 600F4 +100-400, and a couple of free slots for 20-70F4 or filters etc. One slight warning, I measured it as being right on the limit in height for some aircraft carry-on, so you may want to check.

 

[docsmith]

I use the 40L whenever I'm using my 600F4 and I've found it to be very comfortable once correctly adjusted, and more than enough space for a couple of bodies + 600F4 +100-400, and a couple of free slots for 20-70F4 or filters etc. One slight warning, I measured it as being right on the limit in height for some aircraft carry-on, so you may want to check.

This is very true. Be careful not to overstuff and check your airlines size limitations. But I have flown with my 500 f/4 II in the 40L without issue. The other option that I've heard but have not yet tried is something like the Pelican luggage carry on. The 600 f/4 II should very snuggley fit in there, then, if it gets checked, it is at least in a hard case.

 

[DominoDude]

I've just started looking into the new Mindshift Backlight Elite 45 from Think Tank. I'm not about to stuff it with a 600mm, but from their video it is said that it should be possible.

 

[daniela]

Hi Guys!
I tried a lot of backpacks and stayed with the Lowepro Trekker 650. I got one really cheap from an private seller who wrote an PM to me, for whom it was to heavy.

I´ve just one small problem with it:
On the front side, there is an compartment, where you can put the Laptop-sleeve inside. This is an very big compartment and is welcome for a lot of my things like colth eg.
But the problem is: The compartment can´t be closed. There is an belt on the top to secure, but when it ist closed, you can not open the lens-compartment. And if you unsecure the belt, the content of the big front-compartment falls out of it.
Has someone solved this issue?
Should I sew an button on the backpack, to keep the content insode the department? Or sew (more difficult) an velcro fastener inside the compartment?

Thanks for your thoughts....
Daniela