[CountryGirl]

Hello all,

I'm looking to replace my little black daypack with an actual photographer's bag. I'll be hiking single days over moderate terrain, and want to take only (2) two K-5 bodies mounted with lenses, one a 18-55 DAL and the other a 55-300 stacked with a 1.4 TC -- about 5 lbs in gear total. Important features for me include a waist band and room for a water bottle. I like the quick access of the two packs above - side/top access on the Manfrotto and rear access on the Lowepro. I'll be flying so I'm glad both have room for me to slip in a 13" laptop and stow it all under a seat. Next year I hope to add another 2.5 lbs via a DA* 300.

Both are more pack than I need, but I can use the extra space for a Redhead rain jacket, couple Kind bars, phone. The question is, will it still be overkill? I know Pentax kits are considerably smaller than Canikon. Can I maybe get away with smaller bags that will still accommodate those bodies with lenses attached? I'm 5'-3" so that may come into play - especially at higher altitudes, I don't want to wear myself out with an oversized pack.

I'm very rural but hope to get to a major city next week to try some of these on. Thanks for your input.

[C_Jones]

I have the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW. Actually two of them. It would carry the camera equipment, water bottle and other things that you referred to easily. You could also fit flashes, battery charger, filters, and batteries along with what you mentioned. It fits under the seat in front of you when you fly on planes most of the time. The only exception might be where you are on one of the smaller commuter planes and you would most likely just have to put it in the overhead bin. The pack has adjustable velcro compartments in the main body, side pockets (stretch), and multiple compartments that are suited for carrying different type of accessories such as batteries, sd cards and other small items. I have never carried a laptop in mine, but if the size of the laptop can fit in the main compartment measurements, most likely it could be carried. The bag has different sleeves in the different compartments. When you are flying, this type of bag can be classified as a camera bag, not your actual carry on, so it usually costs nothing, and as I mentioned can fit under the seat in front of you usually.

[CountryGirl]

Sounds like I have extra room - which is dangerous. Could I fit the set-up and extras I described into any of the smaller bags, like a 300?

[C_Jones]

The 300 might be more compact. The camera and lenses would most likely fit with room to spare. I am not sure if the tablet would fit, due to not knowing the complete size of the tablet (13 by ?). The internal dimensions are 9.84 x 5.43 x 15.94 inches as stated below in the size specs. The one I am referring to is the Flipside 300 AW II.

Lowepro Flipside 300 AW II Camera Backpack (Black) LP37127 B&H

Specifications:Internal Dimensions: 25 x 13.8 x 40.5 cm (9.84 x 5.43 x 15.94 in)External Dimensions: 28.5 x 21 x 49 cm (11.22 x 8.27 x 19.29 in)Weight: 1.2 kg (2.64 lbs) Lowepro Flipside 300 AW II Backpack - Black LP37127

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Last edited by C_Jones; 05-17-2018 at 05:25 PM.

[Mr. Ed]

I don't seem to notice too many Tamrac fans on our forum but I have really been please with my shoulder bags and Expedition 6x backpack. They can probably only be found on sites like ebay now as they are no longer in production. Mine is actually too large loaded down for much hiking but it makes a great way to transport when I am traveling out west to visit and also a great way to store much of my gear. Very durable as are my shoulder bags. I have had them for a long time with no failures. You can pick up smaller backpacks for very little money if you don't mind pre-owned. Anyway, good luck in your search.

[Paul the Sunman]

I haven't tried it, but by reputation the 55-300 doesn't play very well with a TC. Have you tested the combination?

[jpzk]

I've travelled with the "huge" Lowepro Flipside 400 AW and hiked quite a bit with it.
Although it is one great "bag", I found it way too large for (travelling) and hiking as I, personally, would tend to put too much in it ... heavy! Big !
I still have it but, I would certainly recommend to get a smaller bag and carefully plan what you take with you.

[CountryGirl]

I haven't tried it, but by reputation the 55-300 doesn't play very well with a TC. Have you tested the combination?

At the far end, it doesn't focus well, and I'm hoping to eventually get a DA* 300mm prime. But I'm pleased with it for closer work, especially when the light is good.

[FreeSpirit9]

I haven't tried it, but by reputation the 55-300 doesn't play very well with a TC. Have you tested the combination?

This is a shot of a Frangipani using 55-300 taken at 300 mm using a manual 2x TC. I am really please with the result. I used a tripod and mirror lock up with IR remote to keep things as steady as possible.