Photo Backpacks 2010; Innovation Paves The Way Page 2

Tamrac Evolution 8, Model 5788
(www.tamrac.com/$149 MSRP)
Category: twin-tier, convertible daypack/sling
Features: polyester and nylon construction; airflow back panel; tripod sling; small outer pockets; rain poncho
Camera section: customizable; padded; holds D-SLR with lens attached, several more lenses, including a 70-200mm f/4 zoom, flash; front plus side-panel access
Laptop size: 15.6”
Exterior dimensions & weight: 12.5x8.75x19”; 4.75 lbs
Evaluation: This solid pack is a nice size, considering it also holds a laptop. It employs a comfortable harness system, though not on a par with some of Tamrac’s other packs, largely due to the convertible design.

Tamrac Evolution 8, Model 5788

Vanguard UP-Rise 48
(www.vanguardusa.com/$149 street)
Category: twin-tier daypack
Features: polyester and nylon construction; airflow back panel; tripod sling; spacious front pocket; rain poncho
Camera section: customizable; padded; holds D-SLR with long lens attached plus other lenses/flash, and even accommodates long lenses such as a 70-200mm f/4 on end when expanded (hence the UP-Rise name); high-visibility interior; front plus side-panel access
Laptop size: 15”
Exterior dimensions & weight: 13.75x11.875x20.25”; 5 lbs
Evaluation: This is a stylish and functional bag that rides comfortably on your back, with a quick-access side panel that is truly quick. And the option to expand the bag gets kudos.

Vanguard UP-Rise 48

Not Laptop-Compatible
These bags are neither large nor heavy, with modest aims.

Clik Elite ProBody Sport
(www.clikelite.com/$157 street)
Category: twin-tier daypack
Features: nylon construction; lightweight; holds optional hydration pack; airflow back panel; several outer pockets; rain flap on top; weather-resistant zippers
Camera section: padded camera bay is minimally customizable and holds D-SLR with short zoom attached, plus extra lens and flash; side-panel access only
Exterior dimensions & weight: 20x12.5x7.5”; 2.57 lbs
Evaluation: This bag will best serve the nature enthusiast who is more focused on hiking than shooting, since the camera section has limited space for the diversity of lenses one normally carries on the trails, and there is really no effective means for carrying a tripod.

Clik Elite ProBody Sport

Jill-E Brown Nylon Backpack
(www.jill-e.com/$89 MSRP)
Category: daypack
Features: nylon construction; airflow back panel; outer pockets, including spacious front pocket
Camera section: occupies full interior; customizable; padded; suited to a consumer- or prosumer-level D-SLR with lens attached and a few more lenses
Exterior dimensions & weight: 12x12.5x6”; 1.75 lbs
Evaluation: I would say this bag would work well for the woman who enjoys sightseeing, not hitting the wilderness trails. It reflects one’s fashion sense.

Jill-E Brown Nylon Backpack

M-ROCK 676 Canyon Lands
(www.m-rock.com/$132 street)
Category: twin-tier, convertible daypack/sling
Features: nylon construction; airflow back panel; tripod sling; several outer pockets; weather-resistant zippers; rain poncho
Camera section: holds D-SLR with lens attached, additional lenses, including a 70-200mm f/4 zoom, flash; front plus side-panel access
Exterior dimensions & weight: 17.5x11.5x7.75”; 5.3 lbs
Evaluation: The harness system was a bit troublesome, but this sturdy bag was otherwise quite functional and a convenient size for a nature hike.

M-ROCK 676 Canyon Lands

Tenba Shootout Ultralight Backpack
(www.tenba.com/$134 street)
Category: twin-tier daypack
Features: nylon construction; airflow back panel; tripod straps on bottom; water bottle and other pockets; weather-resistant zippers; rain poncho
Camera section: customizable/padded removable insert; configurable as front or rear access (rear access for added security); holds D-SLR with lens attached, additional lenses/flash, but not a 70-200mm f/4 zoom or other long lenses
Exterior dimensions & weight: 12x18x8”; 2.9 lbs
Evaluation: While I would have preferred to carry a tripod elsewhere than on the bottom, I found this bag comfortable to wear and small enough so that I wouldn’t be tempted to carry too much gear when I only needed a compact zoom, macro, shoe mount, and ring flash for a nature outing.

Tenba Shootout Ultralight Backpack

Notes
“Twin-tier” describes bags with separate upper (for personal items) and lower (camera gear) sections, usually with front-panel access to each (and side-panel access on select models). “Construction” refers to materials used on the outside (different materials are often used inside the bag). “Laptop size” is the maximum size accommodated, but, since notebooks vary, verify compatibility prior to purchase; the laptop section may be a separate compartment, sleeve, or even a removable pouch—all padded. “Airflow back panel” refers to the padded design, often with mesh covering, at the rear of the pack, which promotes air circulation and reduces moisture accumulation. The “tripod sling,” in conjunction with one or more straps, secures the tripod to the front or side—usually a compact tripod with ball head. “Removable camera section insert” means the entire padded section can be removed to convert the bag to a regular daypack for clothing and such. “Exterior dimensions” are provided to help you gauge airline friendliness. Measurements do not include stuffed outer pockets or addition of tripod. Verify carryon size/weight restrictions in advance. Take into consideration changes in aircraft or other transport modes on any leg of a journey.

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