Waterproof backpack

[pinotnoir]

I'm after a waterproof backpack for my 500D and Giottos 9361B Tripod. I don't really want something too big and have been looking at the Lowepro backpacks. I've only got the stock 18-55mm lens at the moment but plan on getting a 200mm Max lens sometime soon and some type of Wide Angle lens.

There's just so many to choose from!

This reminds me of the time I was in Booths supermarket in Windermere in July. I felt like complaining because their choice of beers was just unbeleivable. there was just so many to choose from.
Could anyone recommend something?

Thanks

[Hugh]

Hi Pinotnoir,

Do you have a budget in mind and I assume weatherproof is acceptable?

Hugh

[Piano]

Before I got my bigger pack (yes you'll fill it up no problem) I started with the Lowepro microtrekker and it held my 40D with 17-55, 70-300, 1 flash and a 60mm macro lens together with filters and cards etc. I attached 2 velcro straps to it for my tripod and it was a nice lightweight package.

[pinotnoir]

Hi Pinotnoir,

Do you have a budget in mind and I assume weatherproof is acceptable?

Hugh

Hi hugh,

Yes, weatherproof would be fine.

Max of say £80

Thanks

[Hugh]

Have a look round on sites like Warehouse Expreess, if you are interested in Lowepro then look for ones with AW in the name as these will have a pull out weather proof cover.

The Flipside 400 AW is a good option at £84 - I've not used this particular one but I have used a smaller Flipside and founf that excellent (until I outgrew it).

Another good oen would be the Pro Runner 300 AW at £79.99.

There are many many more to choose from.

Hugh

[pinotnoir]

Thanks Hugh. Will these be able to hold my Giottos 9361B Tripod securely?

[Hugh]

I would say that the Pro Runner would hold your tripod and I would expect that the flipside would (the smaller model I had would). Might be an idfea to have a look at these and their specs on the Lowepro site to be sure.

Not sure where you are in the Borders but can you easily get to a camera shop in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you may be able to see the bags in the flesh and have a proper look at them before you part with your hard earned.

Hugh

[Brian N]

Just as a quick thing to watch out for - if the tripod is strapped to the outside, then you might not be able to put the built-in waterproof cover over the backpack. Depends on exactly how the cover and the tripod holder work but it's probably one of those things where you actually need to see one in the flesh to make sure. For example, a shorter 4-section tripod might fit where a longer 3-section does not. And if you take the tripod off to fit the cover, then what are you going to do with the tripod when you've just covered up the hold-on straps? Which might mean that you want a backpack with better quality sealed zips rather than relying on a cover?

The corollary to all this is that you will never find a shop with all the possible choices in stock at the same time to do a proper side-by-side comparison!