Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Executive summary: Buy this bag, it's exactly what you need. Trust me, I looked at the other bags out there, and this does everything, plus it's well designed, intelligently assembled, and generally perfect.
Detailed review:
I recently purchased my first DSLR (a Nikon D90), and I had absolutely nothing in the way of camera gear. I've been taking photos for a long time, and while I have a couple of cheaper digital cameras, my purchase of the D90 pushed me to find a secure, comfortable, easily accessible bag in which I could store the camera and everything associated with it.
First, a note about what I mean by "everything." As a DSLR newbie, I wanted to be able to pack and carry the following items at all times:
*The D90 body with 18-200mm lens attached
*Nikon SB-600 speedlight (large, external flash)
*50mm prime lens (fairly small, stubby lens)
*Quart-sized bag of stuff (extra camera battery, lens caps, flash mount for remote flash usage, etc.)
*D90 printed manual (just in case I need to figure out a specific setting on the go)
I also wanted a camera bag that met the following criteria, in order of importance (but all are required):
*Accessibility - I want a camera bag that lets me access my DSLR, with lens attached, in less than 15 seconds, all without taking off the bag or having to set it down anywhere (I also want to put the camera back in 15 seconds)
*Pack shape - I want a backpack, not a sling bag; I just don't feel comfortable wearing a sling-style bag or a messenger-type bag
*Subtlety - I don't want a bag that screams "$3000 in gear inside!" and I don't want a bag that is anything other than black on black
*Size - This bag needs to be sized for carrying onto an airplane; I don't want to check my DSLR and gear
*Comfort - I want to be able to wear this bag all day as a daypack but with my DSLR gear and my lunch inside, and I don't want to get back spasms from the weight distribution or from objects poking through the backpack fabric and jabbing me
*Aesthetically pleasing - Some of those camera bags out there look incredibly ugly; I want one that looked modern and stealthy, without 37 zippers or drawstrings or pouches hanging around the front and sides
*Security - Somebody else can't tear or easily cut the bag off my body while I'm wearing it, and the zippers and closures aren't terribly easy to open or unseal
*Mild weatherproofing - I'm not going to wear this bag underwater or in a hurricane, but I don't want water or dust to get in easily, either
*Manufacturing location - Although products made in China are of generally high quality at this price point, I want a camera bag made in the US mostly because I'm in the US and we need all the jobs we can get at this point
*Laptop space - My least important requirement because I don't plan to travel with a laptop all that often if I can help it, but I am willing to choose one bag over another if there's padded space for a laptop without compromising on the overall carry-on size requirement
As you can see, I'm picky. I'm also a product designer by trade, so I did my homework on camera bags. I narrowed down my options online first, and then went to local stores to try on bags, using all of my gear to see which bag would work.
I wasted my time. There were no bags out there that met my first two criteria, let alone all the rest. But then I noticed that Tamrac had just announced the Aero Speed Pack 75 and 85. The major difference between these two is the padded laptop pouch and slightly larger size of the 85. Both work as carry-on bags regardless of the laptop space.
I couldn't find any reviews for either of these bags, nor could I find a Seattle-area retailer who had them for sale so I could check them out in person. So I took the plunge and bought the 85 from Amazon. How does it stack up against my criteria?
*Accessibility - I can get at my DSLR, with lens attached, in less than 15 seconds! I love the side pocket; it's apparently the only current camera bag that has a side-access pocket on a backpack-shaped bag. Brilliant.
*Pack shape - The Aero Speed Pack 85 is a backpack. Awesome.
*Subtlety - Unlike the LowePro and other bags that have camera and tripod icons clearly visible, this bag doesn't really advertise its purpose. If you're into cameras, you'd recognize the small Tamrac logo and brand name on the front and on the strap, but I'm cool with that. Also, this bag comes in two color choices, and I went with the black on black.
*Size - This bag is a carry-on according to Alaska Airlines, so I'm happy.
*Comfort - The padded laptop pouch at the back of the bag forms a cushion between your back and the bag contents. It's one of the most comfortable bags I've worn, although it may make my back sweaty over an hour or more of use. That's probably unavoidable for a camera bag if you want it to keep out dust and water, though.
*Aesthetically pleasing - This bag looks nice. It's all black. And, it stands up on its own when empty or full of gear. Now that's pleasing.
*Security - Some of the zippers have weather stripping around the seams, which means they're hard to open. They seem like they'll get easier as I break in the zippers a bit, but I like this feature because it adds a little security.
*Mild weatherproofing - The weather strips around the zipper seams give the impression of mild weatherproofing. In Seattle, we get a lot of blowing mist rather than straightforward rain, so I'm glad this bag has the weather strips.
*Manufacturing location - Tamrac bags are made in California. Dude!
*Laptop space - There's a dedicated, padded pocket for a 17" widescreen laptop (haven't tested the fit, but it's a pretty big space). This means the laptop is safe, and I can take it out for airport security without rearranging all my stuff in my bag. This pocket also features weather stripping around the zipper, which is smart.
The Tamrac Aero Speed Bag 85 is precisely the bag I wanted. It's like the people at Tamrac decided to make a camera bag that solved all the design problems that plague not just camera bags, but backpacks too. This bag stands up on its own. I love that. There's a webbed grip on the top handle so it's easy and comfortable to lift. I love that too. These little touches demonstrate the attention to detail that Tamrac invested in this bag. It's worth the money. It's the right size. I can put my lunch in it along with my D90.
It's time to go take some photos!
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Tamrac 3385 Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack (Rust)Tamrac's Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack is the perfect carrying solution for the photographer who prefers the comfort of a backpack, but doesn't want to sacrifice the ability to quickly and easily access photo gear. To accomplish this, Tamrac developed an innovative Dual Access System that allows fast access through the side door when the pack is worn over one shoulder. Like a traditional photo backpack, equipment can also be accessed through the front panel with the pack is removed. This versatile backpack holds and protects a DSLR with a grip and lens attached (including most 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses), 2-3 additional lenses and accessories. A separate, foam-padded laptop compartment holds most 17-Inch screen laptops. For weather protection, the side door is equipped with a water-resistant zipper while the front panel has a weather flap. Inside the side door, accessory pockets hold memory cards, lens caps and other accessories. In addition to the completely foam padded bottom compartment, the pack has a large top compartment perfect for personal items, such as a lunch or light jacket. An elasticized mesh side pocket provides convenient access to a water bottle. The pack features a carrying handle and a comfortable, foam-padded backpack harness contoured to distribute the weight of the camera gear across the shoulders. Two lash tabs on the bottom allow a tripod to be carried (requires accessory straps, Model S-113, sold separately).
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