The winner of our September review contest is Anthony Reiss of Sydney, Australia. The Nikon D70 digital SLR review he posted on September 18th was randomly chosen from all the reviews posted in September and he’ll be getting a brand new Clik Elite Medium Nature camera pack for his efforts. He’s posted a total of five reviews for digital SLRs and SLR lenses. His most recent review, for the Nikon D5000 DSLR, was just posted today. Thanks for your contribution, Anthony - we hope you enjoy your new Clik Elite camera pack!
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Think Tank Photo announced the new Airport TakeOff rolling camera backpack. It has the portability of a backpack and the ease of a rolling suitcase by tucking the straps away or completely zipping them inside the rear panel.

The Airport TakeOff features adjustable sternum straps, lockable zippers, a front cable and lock to secure laptops, and straps and tripod cup to easily carry a tripod or monopod. It can hold up to a 300mm f/2.8 lens and other assorted lenses, two pro or regular size DSLR bodies with or without lenses attached, and other professional photography gear. The Airport TakeOff also complies with international airline carry-on requirements. Read the rest of this entry �

 
Clik Elite was officially introduced to the world at the PMA tradeshow this spring. I was really impressed with the backapcks they had at the show. But I was even more impressed by their genuine interest in what outdoor, action sports photographers like me want. These guys are making the camera packs I’ve been wanting (and requesting) for years. The Clik Elite packs are built for photographers who actually spend time in the backcountry, with an eye for real backcountry needs - hydration, food and clothing storage, and good fit. I need a backpack that allows me to ride, ski or hike comfortably and safely and that can accommodate extra clothing, tools and food as well as my camera gear. Since the majority of my photography is done from skis or a mountain bike, I was anxious to get my hands on a pack to test.
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I spend a lot of time using and thinking about backpacks. Too much time, really. Well - too much time thinking about them, anyway. Camera backpacks seem to be designed with little thought about the reality of serious outdoor activity. Sure, many of them hold a lot of gear, protect it well, and have reasonably comfortable harness systems. But anyone who spends a lot of time shooting on the trail - especially in the backcountry - knows that water is the top priority. And so far I’ve seen very few dedicated camera backpacks that address the critical need for water when you’re on the trail. Over the years I’ve gone through a lot of dedicated camera packs and big hydration packs. I always end up going back to big hydration backpacks that can carry a DSLR bag and a big zoom in a lens case. But I’m hoping that’s about to change. Let me introduce new camera backpack maker, Clik Elite.
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I visited the Lowepro booth at PMA this year and got some demos of new camera cases, including the cool new Flipside 400 AW backpack. I’m seeing more and more innovation in camera backpack design - especially when it comes to quick camera access. The Flipside 400 AW is full-featured pro-sized camera backpack with a neat new twist that should make all outdoor photographers excited.
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Three new backpacks for shooting in crowded urban settings

Think Tank Photo has announced three new photo backpacks to their StreetWalker series, the StreetWalker, StreetWalker Pro, and StreetWalker HardDrive. The StreetWalker backpacks have a slim vertical profile making it easy for photographers to access their photographic equipment while navigating crowded places or public transportation. The shoulder straps are designed to fit a wider range of sizes for both genders giving it a unique unisex design useful for both men and women photographers.

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Think Tank Photo has updated their line of Airport Addicted professional photo travel backpacks. All four backpacks now include a built-in metal security cable that can be used to lock gear into the backpack or lock the backpack to immobile items like airport benches. As the name implies, Think Tank Photo’s “Airport Addicted” backpacks are designed for photographers who spend a lot of time traveling. They range in size from the Airport Antidote, which will fit in tiny commuter plane overhead compartments; to the Airport Addicted, which fits a 400mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4 lens along with multiple DSLRs and complies with international carry-on rules.
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Osprey Talon 22 Backpack - The Ultimate Outdoor Photo Backpack?

I’m kind of a backpack whore. Those of you who know me or my photography know I spend a lot of time on the mountain bike, skis, or hiking. I have all kinds of backpacks - both camera-specific and hydration packs made for action sports. I’m always on the lookout for the perfect bag that can pack a bunch of camera gear along with my mountain bike tools, extra clothes, and water for epic rides. I’ve used one camera-specific backpack that also accommodated a hydration bladder. But I always end up going back to dedicated hydration packs because they fit the best and water is mandatory when you’re doing backcountry mountain biking.

Enter the Osprey Talon 22…
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Lowepro Primus AW Backpack
List Price: $279
Quick camera access is key for the Primus AW backpack from Lowepro.

by Alan Davis www.alandavisphoto.net
As an active mountain biker, hiker and photographer I have always been on the lookout for a photo backpack that carries well and allows for quick camera access to help capture fleeting photographic moments. The Primus AW immediately caught my eye with its unique side-access pouch. A U-shaped side zipper gives fast access to a complete SLR without removing the pack or even one shoulder strap.

The primary feature in this pack is its lower storage area that has both side and a lumbar access. By unzipping a U-shaped zipper on the right side of the pack via the extra-long zipper tab I can access a compartment big enough to fit my Canon EOS 5D with a 70-200 f/2.8 L lens without removing the pack (It’s not big enough for my 1D body however). I can also use the U-shaped lumbar zipper, but I have to remove the pack to do so. This option gives additional access to my camera and lens, a few small accessory pouches for batteries or filters plus I can reach another padded pocket just big enough for my 24-70 f/2.8 L (an optional divider is provided for use with a combination of smaller lenses or flash).
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CARRYING CAPACITY EXPANDS IN POPULAR SLING BAG
Lowepro Adds Notebook-Compatibility to Largest Model in SlingShot AW Series

Sebastopol, C.A. – August 1, 2008 - Lowepro, creator of innovative carrying solutions for the imaging world, announces the launch of SlingShot 350 AW, featuring larger carrying capacity plus a protective space for a widescreen notebook.

The latest addition to the popular sling-style camera backpack series, SlingShot 350 AW is poised to follow the success of its smaller-sized companion models (SlingShot 100 AW, 200 AW and 300 AW) with its unique “carry mode” to “ready mode” design. The ergonomic sling strap evenly adjusts weight and rotates from back to front—making it easy for enthusiasts or professionals to work out of the bag and quickly capture the shot.

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LOWEPRO EXPANDS ECO-FRIENDLY BACKPACK SERIES
Lowepro Adds Two Packs to Primus AW Series + Continues Polar Bear Support

Sebastopol, C.A. – August 1, 2008 - Lowepro, creator of innovative carrying solutions for the imaging world, announces the extension of the Primus AW series of rugged, eco-friendly, dual-compartment camera backpacks. Joining the Primus AW pack are a smaller, yet fully featured Primus Minimus AW and the pro-sized notebook-compatible CompuPrimus AW.

The Primus Minimus AW carries one DSLR with attached medium zoom lens, 1-2 additional lenses, tripod and accessories plus personal gear. The CompuPrimus AW accommodates one pro DSLR with attached lens and 3-5 additional lenses, tripod, accessories and personal gear, plus features a removable notebook sleeve with integrated sunshade that fits most 15.4” notebooks and offers protection from glare.

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MORE SPACE, MORE PROTECTION, MORE COMFORT
The Flipside 400 AW Backpack, Designed for a Full Day of Shooting—Rain or Shine

Sebastopol, C.A. – August 1, 2008 - Lowepro, creator of innovative carrying solutions for the imaging world, announces the launch of Flipside 400 AW, a high-performance camera backpack designed with a large capacity, premium security, all-day comfort, plus protection from the elements.

Flipside 400 AW features a unique back-entry compartment that provides easy access to gear when setting up—keeping the harness off the ground and clean—plus extra security when on the move. With access to gear placed in the rear of the backpack, roving hands are discouraged from reaching into the bag. With the padded waistbelt secured, gear is quickly reached by rotating the entire bag to the front, offering hands-free use and providing a stable work platform while changing batteries, memory cards or setting up for the next shot. To protect expensive gear from the elements, the Flipside 400 AW includes Lowepro’s patented, built-in All Weather Cover.

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