Need a back pack recommendation

[Cygnus]

As I have moved out of the macro photography, I am finding the need to carry more and more equipment. I am looking for a back pack that will easily carry 35mm d slr two bodies, 5 or more lenses, various flashes, other small items, and a tripod.
I have looked at the big websites, but none really show the storage ability.
If anyone owns one that they would recommend, please let me know.

[Analog6]

I saw one that would fit your needs in a magazine I was reading at home.  I'll dig it out and post the name of the bag - it will be tomorrow morning probably.

[OZZI-BLOKE]

I have read about a couple in mags and will be looking into getting one myself soon.
Lowpro seem to have the best range and features that would probably suit.
They are made in the USA as well I think.
Thats alot of stuff you will be carrying around, Do you need it all with you all of the time.
Gets pretty heavy after a bit of walking.

[Ross and Cher]

We have lowepro Fastpack 250's- We are very happy with them but will not be big enough for what you are trying to achieve - basically will take camera body with 70-300 lens plus has about 5 other pockets for lenses/filters! Has a few external pockets clips etc, laptop pocket and as a bonus - a handy size pack at the top for snacks!!!! 

Cheers

Ross

[Cygnus]

I love using a few different lenses, and it is easier to have two bodies. Since I have expanded my interests, I am taking loads of different pics to find what I like and what works best for me. So I tend to shoot a lot of wide shots, telephoto, and of course the macro shots.
I would rather go heavy than to miss a potential shot.

[Cygnus]

We have lowepro Fastpack 250's- We are very happy with them but will not be big enough for what you are trying to achieve
Ross

I would love to find a local store that carries bags so that I could get a first hand view. It is really hard to shop online when you aren't sure of what you want..

[Ross and Cher]

Yep - I looked through a few of the camera stores, bag shops and the like to get an idea of what would and wouldn't work! 

Cheers

[Analog6]

OK, I saw your post on the new posts and panted uop the stairs for the latest copy of Better Digital.  The one I was thinking of is the Lowepro Nature AWII, but I hope you have a strong back!

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Nature-Trekker-AW-II,1971,14.htm

They are a popular brand, ring around stores you can get to and ask if they have it.

The article also mentioned the Naneu range but no inside pics, here's a link

http://www.naneupro.com/products/ug-u60/

Good luck, hope you find something that suits.

[Cygnus]

Thanks!

[admin]

Further to Odille's link, here is a page to enter your postcode for the nearest US seller.

http://partners.lowepro.com/where_to_buy/dealers_us_postal.asp

We have used a very similar pack for our lifestyle portrait  business that gets knocked around a bit and it still looks like new after about 18 months.
A big tip for everyone who leaves things in back packs lying around anywhere, for any length of time. Make sure you have all of your serial numbers written down somewhere safe and make a small identifying mark somewhere out of site. It makes an insurance claim so much easier if your gear is stolen. If on a trip for a week or more away from home, spend the few dollars for basic travel insurance.

[Cygnus]

Today was a perfect example of why I need a backpack. I am in San francisco shooting some fog, smoke, animals and other scenes, and no matter what lense I have on, I need another. I packed a couple for the trip, but could have used several more today. See pics in other posts.

[Truckman]

I use a Tamrac roller bag for my arsenal which I am very happy with...They also make backpacks...

http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm

...Ben

[Helen]

I have the Lowepro Dryzone 200. It's a heavy puppy, but holds 2 bodies and 5 lenses with ease along with my 580EX speedlite and various other bits and pieces. The good thing about it (and why it's so heavy) is the dry pod which makes the bag waterproof. The bad thing of course is the weight and why I've had to buy a smaller bag for my overseas trip.