Bag Recommendation

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Ming

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I know this topic has been kind of beat to death. I have reviewed previous threads, but am still having a hard time finding something that suits my needs. I am looking for backpack to hold a Z8, Z 100-400, Z 600 6.3, and Z 24-120. I want something as small and light as possible but still comfortably fit this equipment. Hoods reversed is ok. Any thoughts would be appreciated
 
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Ming …

I think that kit would fit very nicely inside my GuraGear Kiboko. I use the 22 litre version but there is also a 30 litre which I regard as enormous — it would tempt me to pack too much!

The 'beauty' of the Kiboko bags is the split between left and right compartments. I stow my camera with big lens attached in the right compartment which can be opened without risk of exposing the 'other stuff' (in the left compartment) to the elements, or my own clumsiness.

… David


Kiboko 22L.
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If talking a "real" backpack for carry then I would seriously consider the Atlas packs. I have the larger one and carry the 800 pf attached to the Z9 plus have the 400 4.5 or 100-400 stowed plus a couple primes. They ain't cheap nor particularly light but very well made and a treat to wear and distribute the load as a proper backpack does.
 
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Try the Think Tank Commuter. I love mine. And I have similar lenses. The waist belt is great for getting the weight off your back and onto your hips/legs. The shoulder straps are very comfortable. Excellent quality, also.
 
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David Berry said:
Ming …

I think that kit would fit very nicely inside my GuraGear Kiboko. I use the 22 litre version but there is also a 30 litre which I regard as enormous — it would tempt me to pack too much!

The 'beauty' of the Kiboko bags is the split between left and right compartments. I stow my camera with big lens attached in the right compartment which can be opened without risk of exposing the 'other stuff' (in the left compartment) to the elements, or my own clumsiness.

… David


View attachment 104857
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I use this back because it's one of the only backpacks that can fit an 800PF, 400/4.5, two bodies, and a midrange zoom, but it might be a bit big for a 600 6.3 and 100-400 with just one body.
 
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One suggestion is to use the LensCoat collapsible lens hood that folds flat and allows for a shallower backpack. If I can keep the exterior at 6 inches or less which makes it easy to fit the bag inside the overhead bin. I never travel by air with the hoods for my 600mm f/4 or 00mm PF lenses. The OEM hoods take up too much space and are very costly to replace.

I now take a 32L backpack but it is only 65-70 percent full and I use a 18L size backpack that qualifies as a "personal item" for air travel. Much easier on my body to have the weight distributed between two bags. Going through airports the 32L is on a Samsonite folding cart and secured with a bungee cord. The 18L is on my back.

My Guru Gear Bataflae bags have handles at the top and on one side and this makes it easy to have the shoulder straps out of the way and to carry the bags like luggage.

The Guru Gear bags use thinner padding that allow more to be put inside the bags - a great feature.
 
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Ming said:
I know this topic has been kind of beat to death. I have reviewed previous threads, but am still having a hard time finding something that suits my needs. I am looking for backpack to hold a Z8, Z 100-400, Z 600 6.3, and Z 24-120. I want something as small and light as possible but still comfortably fit this equipment. Hoods reversed is ok. Any thoughts would be appreciated
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Look at the Ruggard bags. I have 3 of them and they are lasting great and are extremely functional.
 
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The Gura Gear bag mentioned above is a good choice. I do have a few issues with that company (specifically regarding a different bag they sell, and their customer service related to some issues I had) but I think they make some of the best long lens bags available. Pricey IMO, but a great design.

My choice would be the MindShift (ThinkTank) BackLight 36L, they make excellent, durable bags and their customer service is tops. I have the 15L BackLight which fits a lot more than I thought it would - Z6III with grip and 70-200 2.8 attached / Zf with 26 2.8 attached / 24-120 4. Again, that's the 15L. The 36L should accommodate what you list (measure twice / buy once :) ).

* Wanted to add a link to all the BackLight bags / capacities, but note that the 36L is currently on sale for a great price at B&H / in my first link above.
 
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I own the GuraGear 22L and the Mindshift Backlight 36L. The GuraGear is a fantastic pack for protecting your equipment. Well made, heavy straps, thick padding, heavy duty zippers and the vertical split feels natural and helps the bag hold its shape. However, for me it gets uncomfortable really quick on a hike. I think the bag is too short for my torso. I needed something bigger and wanted additional storage for clothing layers. I settled on the Mindshift 36L. It is comfortable to carry and does everything as advertised, but it is not built as well as the GuraGear. Straps are lighter, zippers feel lighter, padding is lighter, dividers are not as universal, not as many small misc pockets for the small stuff. I thought I wanted the 'load from the back' concept to spin it around and get access to my gear, but in real time with a 20+lb backpack, spinning it around and dropping it out horizontal is not as nice as it appears. I would take a closer look at the larger GuraGear if I was to do it again. PS: I carry everything you mentioned plus a Z6ii.
 
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Ming said:
Thanks all for taking the time to give me your input. I decided to go with the Mindshift 26L. Arrives tomorrow.
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Seems like a good choice and now you have me looking at it as well. I have the discontinued Mindshift Firstlight 30L with similar setup to what you have. I am thinking Backlight 26L is just slightly smaller which might be better for travel. Interestingly, I found a video review of Backlight 26L that compares these two bags exactly near the end.
 
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Too many bags the wiser later, here's a possible decision making solution....

List all the bags which fit and protect your primary items, with decent flexibility for kit changes.... This includes all the models suggested above. Now add all the Variables/Features and rank their importance for Yourself and only You :LOL:
  • ICU compatibility - especially 3rd Party;
  • Harness quality;
  • Backflap access Yes/No? ;
  • Top Flap Access Yes/No? ;
  • Suitability for Storage and Efficient Access to accessories;
  • Straps for attaching, carrying a Tripod including MOLLE;
  • Weatherproofing Quality, including integral Rain cover.
You should have other features to add to such a list. I learned via the expensive route that fStop Tilopa Diamond or a Vanguard 53 Sky Alta works about the best for me, with Thinktank pouches for managing accessories (batteries, filters etc). Otherwise I use pelican cases in a vehicle and have a LowePro LensTrekker 600AW to carry a long heavy rigged 800 prime plus tripod
 
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Ming said:
I know this topic has been kind of beat to death. I have reviewed previous threads, but am still having a hard time finding something that suits my needs. I am looking for backpack to hold a Z8, Z 100-400, Z 600 6.3, and Z 24-120. I want something as small and light as possible but still comfortably fit this equipment. Hoods reversed is ok. Any thoughts would be appreciated
Click to expand...
Lay the gear on a table.
Then measure to see what bag you need...🦘
 
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