Camera Backpack

[frankftr]

I am an aspiring professional photographer carrying a dSLR, 3 lenses, a flash and batteries, sd cards, etc. I am looking for a backpack to carry all my gear and use as a daypack. The one I've been looking at is the LowePro Dryzone Rover. I would like to see the bag before I buy it but I've been to all the local places I can think of (Ritz, REI, etc.) and haven't been able to find it. Was just wondering if anyone on this board has used this bag or can suggest one they have used. My favorite parts of this bag are the fact that the camera section is completely waterproof and the hydration pack is nice.

Thanks for your help!

[Eagle]

frankftr, I travel with much the same photography kit that you mentioned, but I don't use a Photo Backpack so can't offer any comments on the Lowepro model. Just curious, did you check the "dealer locater" section on the Lowepro website, to see if there's a stockist in your neighborhood?

The Hydration pack and waterproof Camera section are great design features. One thing I'd be a bit concerned about is whether or not one can lock the pack, so that none of the Camera gear can be "removed" in crowded places.

My preferred method of travelling with photo gear so far is to use a Vest (the Tilley Vest I'm using was not exactly designed as a "photo vest" however it suffices, and also has a large pocket which fits a 1L. water bottle quite nicely. During travel I usually leave two Lenses and the Flash packed in clothing in the main Backpack; the dSLR travels in a smaller Lowepro case which is either inside my Daypack or carried externally. When I'm out touring the cities, the Lenses are kept in the Photo Vest and the Camera is in my hands (with a firm grip on the strap!). I have to be a bit careful with the Lenses when they're in the pockets of the Vest, as it's not too "well padded", so if I "bump" anything too hard it could damage the Lens.

Another concept i've been looking at lately is www.newswear.com/mfouldetail.htm. I was speaking with one of the professional news Photographers in this area a few weeks ago, and he's a big fan of this particular product. It seems like it might be a bit "bulky" to travel with, so I haven't really given it any serious thought yet. They have a few other products also, so I'll look at them a bit more closely when I get some time.

Good luck and happy shooting on your travels!!!

[frankftr]

Thanks for the vest suggestion. And yeah, i checked lowepro's website and tried the places they listed. The only one that was at all promising is going out of business and didn't have any left in stock. :-(

He did give me a couple of stores out of town to try so I might check them out. I just really want to see this bag before I make any decisions!!

Thanks again!!