Recommendations for a camera backpack

[bassett1976]

I've been looking at getting a camera backpack to carry my Canon Digital Rebel with standard lense and also the 70-300mm lense, a few filters, charger and possibly my camcorder. We also like to take a sweatshirt/long sleeve shirt and a few other small items with us.

I ordered the Dryzone Rover since it is waterproof and we will be going to WDW in the middle of thunderstorm season. When I opened the box tonight when I got home I realize the backpack was HUGE. I thought it would be big but it looks like my typical college backpack on top of a backpack. I don't think I'll be lugging it around too much. It feels like it's in the 5-10 pound range without putting anything in it.

So, what recommendations do you have? Part of my worries is getting stuck in a rain storm at WDW with all of my electronics. I also want to try and only have one backpack between my wife and I. My current backpack is just big enough for the camera and the accessories, not much more.

[RU42]

I use Tamrac packs. The one I have now holds my D70, 2 other lenses, flash unit, mini DV cam, IR light for the cam, 10 dv tapes, 3 camera batteries, 2 vid cam batteries, 3 flash cards, filters, and a few other misc things. I can hook my lightweight tripod to the front of the bag. It also has a SAS system for adding side pockets; one of which holds my water bottle.

And the size of the pack that holds all of this: smaller then your standard school backpack.

The thing is awesome, lightweight, and water proof. One thing it would not hold would be an additional sweatshirt. But there is one size larger then mine that probably could. Then again, there is always locker rentals (which also makes things lighter for the cam bag since you will be carrying it all day for multiple days.)

When my wife and I go we carry to packs; one gear and one for misc like jackets, med supplies, etc.

Hope that helps.

RU

[bassett1976]

RU, do you know the model number of your pack?

[RU42]

it is an Expedition 4
http://www.tamrac.com/5574.htm

RU

[Shrkb81987]

get a sling pack for a camcorder they are more comfortable and make your camera and accessories easily available you can modify the pack to accomodate your camcorder and all its accessories by sewing pockets into the actual backpack its self.