Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black)

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The Expedition 8x is Tamrac's largest pack for the most extensive collection of photo equipment. The main compartment is completely foam padded with numerous adjustable, foam-padded dividers to protect multiple pro-size digital and film SLRs with lenses attached, a full range of lenses, and flashes. A foam-padded front pocket with a water-resistant zipper holds most 17" screen laptops. Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories without disturbing the photo gear. These "wing" accessory pockets also feature Tamrac's patented Memory & Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify available memory cards and batteries from ones that have been used up. A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system. Inside, the camera with a long zoom lens attached is suspended on two vertical, foam-padded dividers that are internally reinforced with rigid plastic. A restraint strap holds lens firmly in place. A Dual-Hinge Divider System allows a second SLR to be carried with a lens attached. Three Windowpane-Mesh pockets inside the front flap visibly organize filters, film and other accessories. A plastic, foam-padded platform in the bottom provides shock protection while the LockDown Rain Flap protects the zipper from the elements. The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep you cool and dry during extended use. The pack is also equipped with a BioCurve dual-pivoting waist belt and an expandable sternum strap. Internal Dimensions: 11W x 6.25D x 20.5H. External Dimensions: 13W x 13.5D x 22H. Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz.
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Technical Details

- The Expedition 8x is Tamrac's largest pack for the most extensive collection of photo equipment.
- Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories without disturbing the photo gear.
- A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system.
- An SLR with lens attached is held on 2 vertical, foam-padded dividers. A Dual-Hinge Divider System lets a 2nd SLR be carried with a lens attached. Two Windowpane-Mesh pockets organize filters and accessories.
- The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep you cool and dry during extended use.
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 "High quality, flexible and carries a lot of gear well" 2009-07-06
By KC Mares (Reno, NV)
I am very happy with this product. I've loaded it with up to 45 pounds of camera gear (500mm, 200-400mm, large body, and numerous other lens, laptop, etc), and it does hold a lot of gear. It gets uncomfortable although still supports the gear fine over about 30-35 pounds worth of gear, but quite comfortable with loads below 25 pounds. The tripod straps and pocket work well although I wish the tripod foot pocket came out more when open and the straps were sewn in so the buckles didn't slide out of reach and also not so long. The side attachment points are handy if you use Tamrac's accessories, but not really needed other than a water bottle holder, as the back pockets for cards, batteries, etc are pretty handy although one does have to worry about a card slipping out if you have the pocket open when opening the main compartment. I did loose a battery this way. I wish the pack opened from the inside (against back) instead of outside/back of the pack so it was more secure from prying hands and also so the back pad and straps didn't have to get laid onto the dirt every time its opened, as you lay it down on them and then the dirt transfers from the back pad to you shirt. I also wish the laptop pouch was between the back and camera gear instead of on the outside which adds weight to the top and gets banged every time its opened. Also a built in water bottle holder or attachment point, also pockets on the straps for phone, battery and memory cards would be a nice touch. The main compartment does have velcro everywhere to adjust the pads where you need them, and there are just the right number of pads. Overall, this pack is very well made, well designed, of high quality materials and has good padding that is easily adjusted to match your equipment. Some minor refinements would make this pack even better.

 "Camera Backpacks are largely a matter of preference" 2009-04-17
By DigitalMan (Denver, CO)
Like alot of things people buy on Amazon I think camera bags and backpacks are largely a matter of preference. If you buy a Lowepro, Tamrac, Kata, Think Tank or any of the other well known brands you will get excellent quality. They each have their strengths and differentiators that really depend on how important those things are to individuals. I have tried several backpacks and finally settled on the Tamrac. It is a big bag, and when it's packed it is heavy...but then again anything in this size class will be; it's a tradeoff between weight and not wanting to get caught in the field having made a tradeoff and leaving something home that you ended up wishing you had. I found this bag not quite as big and bulky as the Kata that I originially ordered and returned. It has good build quality, is very customizable, and can carry alot of gear (meaning I could get all the gear I own in it, including my Macbook pro). I have both a D80 and D700 body, the 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 and 105 f/2.8 lenses as well as the 300 f/4 (all bulky and heavy). Then I have a 50mm, 2 teleconverters, two SB flashes, several filters, batteries, charger and miscellaneous accessories. I also found the tripod holder more functional, secure and to have better weight distribution and balance than some of the other bags I tried. Fully loaded with tripod on board I am at 36 pounds with this bag.



This bag also fit my frame better than the others I tried. One thing I highly recommend is to go to a local camera store and try the bag on before you order it on Amazon. Make sure it fits you well because these things are bulky and costly to ship back if you want to return it. A return will quickly offset the significant cost savings you find on these bags on Amazon over reatil store prices (can be as much as 25% cheaper than retail).



I recommend this bag. A couple of minor things I would change, hence the 4 stars, but for me this bag works well and meets the need.

 "I can get all my gear on a regional airline." 2009-04-16
By K. Herman (South Florida)
I recently went to California and back with my Tamrac expedition 8x back pack. I carried my Nikon D-90 a 400mm sigma, a 70-300mm Nikor a 55-200mm Nikor, a 18-55 Nikor, a 50mm Nikor, an Sb600 flash, assorted filters,spare batteries and an apple macbook.



It was easy to carry and fit easily in the overhead on all the planes includeing a Brazillian biult 50 seat regional jet from Houston to Florida. The computer was easily reached for the security inspection and for use.



I would rate this highly it has excellent padding.



Cons a little heavy.

 "Great Bag, Holds a LOT of stuff, and protects it well" 2009-02-26
By BCinDC (Sterling VA)
I have the Expedition 8 (not 8x) but the only difference is that the 8x adds padding in the outer pocket for a laptop (I have padded sleeves from my laptop so I don't miss that).



In the main compartment, I store two D300's with battery grips on, with a 70-200mm f/2.8 on one and an 17-55mm f/2.8 mounted on the other, along with 3 other lenses, a TC, 3 extra battery packs for the grips, bulky (Black Rapid and UPstrap) straps, 2 speedlights, and I STILL have some room I haven't used.



On the inside of the large flap that covers the main compartment, there are 3 rows of clear pockets that hold all of my accessories - filters, expodisc, demb diffuser, rocket blower, lens pens, gels.....



Finally, on the outside of the pack there are two long pockets that hold a ton of batteries (easily 48) & many memory cards (there are four little pockets in each side that could easily hold 3 CF cards each, so that is 24 CF cards...or maybe some more batteries). Between these two pockets there are straps that can hold a tripod, with a bottom pocket/pouch to support the tripod. There are also straps on the sides of the pack to attach additional M.A.S. (or LowePro, or Think Tank) modular components.



The shoulder straps and waist belt are well padded, very durably constructed (IDK what happened with the guy who's strap tore, bad luck, I'd assume), and very comfortable.



The only drawback I can see to it (assuming you need a bag this big), is that it doesn't come with a rain cover. The main compartment zipper has a rain flap to go over it, but I would have liked to have an integrated rain cover like many of the LowePro and Think Tank products do. You can by a separate rain cover to add to it, however.



Overall, an excellent very large back pack.

 "Camera backpack" 2009-01-24
By Peter Lai
it took a little longer than i expected,maybe due to christmas, it is as good as describes..........thanks,i would recommend it to a friend


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Tamrac 5587 Expedition 7x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black)

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The Expedition 7x is a large pack for a full complement of photo equipment. The main compartment is completely foam padded with numerous adjustable, foam-padded dividers to protect multiple pro-size digital and film SLRs with lenses attached, a full range of lenses, and flashes. A foam-padded front pocket with a water-resistant zipper holds most 15.4" screen laptops. Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories without disturbing the photo gear. These "wing" accessory pockets also feature Tamrac's patented Memory & Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify available memory cards and batteries from ones that have been used up. A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system. Inside, the camera with a long zoom lens attached is suspended on two vertical, foam-padded dividers that are internally reinforced with rigid plastic. A restraint strap holds lens firmly in place. A Dual-Hinge Divider System allows a second SLR to be carried with a lens attached. Three Windowpane-Mesh pockets inside the front flap visibly organize filters, film and other accessories. A plastic, foam-padded platform in the bottom provides shock protection while the LockDown Rain Flap protects the zipper from the elements. The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep you cool and dry during extended use. The pack is also equipped with a BioCurve dual-pivoting waist belt and an expandable sternum strap. Internal Dimensions: 11W x 6.25D x 16H. External Dimensions: 13W x 13.5D x 19.5H. Weight: 6 lbs. 6 oz.
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Technical Details

- The Expedition 7x holds a full complement of photo gear. The main compartment has adjustable
- Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories
- A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system.
- An SLR with lens attached is held on 2 vertical, foam-padded dividers.
- The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort
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 "A solid bag - well built for travel" 2009-07-25
By Joe Traveler (Midwest, USA)
I would describe myself as an enthusiastic amateur photographer/videographer who frequently travels with a lot of equipment.



This series of backpacks has been given high ratings by a number of users which prompted my initial interest. I live in a small town and was unable to get a "hands on" look at this backpack, although my local vendor did carry the Aero series of packs.



Prior to purchase I was looking for:

1) Protection for my 2008 15in MacBook Pro (LED series)

2) Protection for my Canon EOS 40D with multiple lenses

3) The ability to bring my Sony HDV Handycam

4) Plenty of room for accessories and additional small items

5) A sturdy external construction that would survive travel and hiking

6) A bag would serve as a carry-on for flights



This bag meets and exceeds my expectations. I am able to fit the bag under the seat of regional and large jets. On regional jets, it won't always fit in an overhead compartment...but I'm sure that this can vary among airlines.



In addition to the expectations above there are several other pluses:

1) The waste-strap provides plenty of extra support when you load up this bag

2) The inside may be customized in a number of configurations to suit your equipment needs with well designed velcro pads (keeps wasted space to a minimum)

3) There is room for later expansion with Tamrac's SAS and MAS systems



Be Aware:

1) This is a large backpack as others have suggested. Though it would appear to work well in a plane, it barely makes it under some seats. When there is a tight fit in an airplane you will have some difficulty getting access to your laptop without a bit of work.

2) This is probably not a bag to be used for short trips with a small amount of stuff...this bag is designed to be a carry-all.

3) It would appear that the zippers on laptop access portion of this bag are similar to the waterproof/rubberized zippers that have been given low ratings on other Tamrac bags in the past. I have not experienced any issues with these so far, though my time with this bag has been short to date.



I highly recommend this bag to those that have expectations similar to mine.

 "Expedition Bag" 2009-06-14
By B. Cartwright
I've been in photography for 40 years. I've had a lot of bags but this is the best I've ever owned. Its beautifully designed and flexible for any shoot or trip.

 "It fits all!" 2009-05-02
By Roberto Abdala Selmen (Mexico City, Mexico)
Due to my photo equipment growth, I jumpped from Tamrac Adventure 9 to Expedition 7x. I am happy because the room increasing. And it fits my laptop, too. Heavy, voluminous and protectant. That is the charactheristics' combination of a well done backpack.

 "Backpack, backpack" 2009-04-19
By J. Summers (Chandler, AZ United States)
I am not sure how it happened but the amount of photographic equipment and accessories I've accumulated has blossomed like a mushroom cloud. I found myself carrying two or three bags of equipment with me when I went out on a photo shoot. This became cumbersome and frustrating. I decided what I needed was a bag that could hold my gear and keep it protected while I was out in the field. I looked at several before finally deciding on the Tamrac 5587 photo backpack.



Part of the problem with buying a bag over the Internet is that you never quite know how big it really is. I read the description of this bag but still did not have a clear vision of the size. I placed an order thinking I knew how big it was but when it arrived I was slightly stunned. This is by no means a small bag. It is large enough to require a waist belt and for good reason. The bag itself is capable of holding quite a lot of equipment. To give you an idea let me share with you what I had in the bag during my last assignment.



I was able to include a Nikon D300 camera with a Nikkor 80-400mm lens, a Nikon D200 camera with a Nikkor 18-200mm lens, a Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 lens, two Nikon SB800 flash units, a Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 lens, a Gitzo GM3551 monopod (strapped to the outside), an assortment of batteries, filters, lens caps, cleaning supplies, 12 Compact Flash memory cards, an Apple MacBook Pro 15", and the power cables and connections for the computer. All of this gear fit comfortably in the backpack. Once loaded it was by no means lightweight but I at least felt like the gear was protected and I could carry everything I needed in 1 bag.



The construction of the bag is first rate. The zippers are heavy duty and the velcro seems to be top notch. There are several adjustments that can be made to make the bag fit well. Fully loaded the weight seems to be distributed well so it was not overly painful to carry it. I would not want to hike for days with this on my back but over the course of several hours covering a soccer tournament it worked pretty well. The base is fairly square so it stands up on the ground pretty well. While I like the waist strap for carrying it, it does get in the way when you are not wearing the backpack. I wish there was a way of removing the waist strap but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be possible. Overall I like the idea, just be aware that it is pretty large so don't be too surprised by the large box it is delivered in.

 "Camera Bag" 2009-02-18
By Michele L. Roberts
I can't wait to take this on my hikes and cross country skiing. It will be nice not tha have my camera hanging around my neck for this now.


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Tamrac 5585 Expedition 5x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black)

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The Expedition 5x is the perfect mid-size pack for a wide range of photo equipment. The main compartment is completely foam padded with numerous adjustable, foam-padded dividers to protect digital and film SLRs with lenses attached, 4-5 additional lenses, and a flash. A foam-padded front pocket with a water-resistant zipper holds most 12" screen laptops. Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories without disturbing the photo gear. These "wing" accessory pockets also feature Tamrac's patented Memory & Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify available memory cards and batteries from ones that have been used up. A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system. Inside, the camera with a long zoom lens attached is suspended on two vertical, foam-padded dividers that are internally reinforced with rigid plastic. A restraint strap holds lens firmly in place. A Dual-Hinge Divider System allows a second SLR to be carried with a lens attached. Two Windowpane-Mesh pockets inside the front flap visibly organize filters, film and other accessories. A plastic, foam-padded platform in the bottom provides shock protection while the LockDown Rain Flap protects the zipper from the elements. The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep you cool and dry during extended use. The pack is also equipped with an adjustable waist belt and an expandable sternum strap. Internal Dimensions: 11W x 5.5D x 13.5H. External Dimensions: 12.75W x 10D x 16H. Weight: 4 lbs. 8 oz.
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Technical Details

- The Expedition 5x is the perfect mid-size pack for a wide range of photo equipment.
- Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories without disturbing the photo gear.
- A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system.
- An SLR with lens attached is held on 2 vertical, foam-padded dividers. A Dual-Hinge Divider System lets a 2nd SLR be carried with a lens attached. Two Windowpane-Mesh pockets organize filters and accessories.
- The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep you cool and dry during extended use.
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 "A very nice camera backpack" 2009-07-21
By Virginia Godfrey (chicago area)
This is a very well-engineered camera backpack. It's flexible enough to store items of various sizes and rigid enough to protect them. I like the accessory attachment points, which are handy for water bottles or big lens cases. I have no complaints whatsoever about this backpack. It holds my Pentax K-10D with a long zoom, and whichever lenses I decide to take with me. At home I use it to store my entire camera kit.

 "Tamrac bag" 2009-04-19
By Chris Draper (St. Louis)
This is a simple one. Outstanding bag! Roomy and built like a tank. One suggestion a bigger waist support belt. If your're on the road or like me out in the woods this is a must have. 5 out of 5

 "Really, nice back pack" 2009-02-23
By Behzad Pirvali
One unique feature of this back pack is its depth. So, I put most of my lens vertically and save space. So, it fits a lot for its external size. It is also easy to carry.

 "The Best Small Bag Which Holds More Than You Think" 2008-11-08
By M. Quintano (Southern California High Desert)
I researched a number of Backpacks and camera bags. I kept coming back to this one on Amazon. The Tamrac 5x 5585 Photo/Lap Top Backkpack. When I purchased this bag it came with a few extras. A cleaning kit, window view protection film, and an all in one card reader. Which was nice. Other online shops had just the bag for the same price. Some where more expensive than others.

It is small but holds more than you think it would hold.

With pockets both inside the bag and out. You can also attached more to the sides if you wish. I have two cameras and a camcorder, 4 lenses, flashes and filters. Holds everything very nicely. The inside is adjustable so you can arrange it how ever you want. It is also very ruggard. The inside of the bag is cushioned and weather protected with the zipper flap which keeps the rain out and protects your gear. It is airplane friendly. You can carry it on and stow it in the overhead or under the seat.

I would recommend this to anyone (Even without the extras)who has two cameras and a few lenses. Even if you have only one camera and lots of lenses this bag would work. You might think that it is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for here. Quality, Versitility, Cushioned inside, Lots of Storage Used battery red flaps and Weather protection of your gear. You paid a lot for your camera gear. This is the bag that protects that investment so you can take it with you ANYWHERE.

Hopes this helps you.

 "Great Backpack Design" 2008-11-02
By John Finkbiner
Tamrac 5585 or Expedition 5X is the perfect choice for me to hold all of my current photography gear. The size of this one is perfect to hold my camera body when mounted to my 6 3/4 inch zoom-telephoto lens. I still have length beyond the end of this lens to hold my battery charger within a separate compartment. All of the features of the bag are well thought out. It is very comfortable to wear even when fully loaded. I wished it had a full cover for rain, but I do not think I will be shooting in a downpour anyway. For someone who wanted to store two camera bodies mounted with lenses, then they should select at least the Expedition 6X or even larger. Tamrac makes wonderful products.


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Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black)

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The Expedition 6x is the ideal medium-size pack for a generous amount of photo equipment. The main compartment is completely foam padded with numerous adjustable, foam-padded dividers to protect digital and film SLRs with lenses attached, 5-6 additional lenses, and a flash. A foam-padded front pocket with a water-resistant zipper holds most 14.1" screen laptops. Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories without disturbing the photo gear. These "wing" accessory pockets also feature Tamrac's patented Memory & Battery Management System that uses red flags to identify available memory cards and batteries from ones that have been used up. A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system. Inside, the camera with a long zoom lens attached is suspended on two vertical, foam-padded dividers that are internally reinforced with rigid plastic. A restraint strap holds lens firmly in place. A Dual-Hinge Divider System allows a second SLR to be carried with a lens attached. Two Windowpane-Mesh pockets inside the front flap visibly organize filters, film and other accessories. A plastic, foam-padded platform in the bottom provides shock protection while the LockDown Rain Flap protects the zipper from the elements. The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep you cool and dry during extended use. The pack is also equipped with an adjustable waist belt and an expandable sternum strap. Internal Dimensions: 11W x 5.5D x 14.5H. External Dimensions: 13.5W x 10.5D x 17H. Weight: 5 lbs.
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Technical Details

- The Expedition 6x is perfect for a wide range of photo equipment. The main compartment is foam padded with foam-padded dividers to protect SLRs with lenses attached, 5-6 extra lenses, and a flash. A foam-padded front pocket holds most 14.1" laptops.
- Two "wing" accessory pockets with water-resistant zippers organize and provide quick access to important accessories without disturbing the photo gear.
- A tripod is carried between these pockets with Tamrac's QuickClip tripod attachment system.
- An SLR with lens attached is held on 2 vertical, foam-padded dividers. A Dual-Hinge Divider System lets a 2nd SLR be carried with a lens attached. Two Windowpane-Mesh pockets organize filters and accessories.
- The state-of-the-art harness system with Dual-Density Comfort Pads provides maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep you cool and dry during extended use.
See more technical details

 "Good bag, but limited for business travel" 2009-07-09
By M. MCKINNEY (Iowa USA)
I ordered the Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black# backpack for an overseas business trip with Canon Digital Rebel XT DLSR, 4 lenses - including a heavy 70-200 zoom f/2.8 L IS with 1.4x extender, flash and Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod. The bag would work OK for this and I especially liked how it carries this tripod. However, I need space for computer cords, business paperwork and a light change of clothes in case the airline lost my luggage. This pack didn't work for carrying these extra items as a single airline carry-on so it was returned. I also would have liked faster access to the camera and lens. It would be a great bag if just carrying camera and computer gear.



I returned this Tamrac Expedition 6 and instead bought a Tamrac Pro 12 shoulder bag Tamrac 5612 Pro 12 Camera Bag (Black) . My computer, cables and papers will stay in my Swiss gear computer backpack. The light change of clothes got stuffed into extra pockets or laid on top of the camera bridge. The Pro 12 had it's own limitations like a poor way to carry a tripod but it worked good enough for a business trip where I carried my camera gear. I especially like the lens bridge for my big telephoto zoom and could easily store the extra 3 lens and my flash with room for more. Other suggestions - offset the photo bridge so that one camera body can mount the big zoom while the 2nd body could hold a mounted multi-purpose zoom. Also please consider a means to attach to backpack type straps for easier carrying on long distance hikes.



I would have considered the Tamrac Ultra Pro 11 or 13 as a single combination bag, but ran out of time to order and have this shipped. Teh local camera store didn't carry it. However, even these bags don't have a sleeve for business papers, need a bigger compartment for computer cables and especially have a terrible way to sling a tripod. Lashing it to the bottom of the bag only gets the tripod banged up and makes it harder to place on top of the luggage through the zippered pocket.



Still, I have been pleased with all the Tamrac bags I've owned or ordered and would recommend Tamrac for their design and construction quality. I just was looking for something even more multi-purpose that carrys well on the airlines.

 "Very good bag that fits everything I need." 2009-05-30
By Mark Coffin
Just picked this up after reading the other reviews and I must say it is very, very nice. Inside I am hauling a Nikon D90 with an 18-105mm attached, a Canon Digital Rebel XTi with a 100mm macro lens attached, a 50mm Nikkor lens, a 70-300mm Nikkor lens, a speedlite flash, an ExpoDisc, and a couple of lens hoods all with room for another lens or two! I also carry a Sony VAIO 15" laptop in the sleeve and it fits perfectly. I doubt a 17" laptop would fit unless you got the 7x version. I attached a Lowepro bottle bag to hold my Nalgene on the outside (gotta have that water). What's cool is if you don't need the laptop, you can put a camelback diaphragm in there instead. Next I think I will attach another Tamrac accessory case for my iPod. The tripod holding system is also a plus. I can strap a full size Manfrotto to the outside very snug. Needless to say if you are going to lug all of this around, it gets a little heavy but who cares. Its great to have the ability to take all of this with you if you desire. I compared it to various other laptop/camera backpacks and this one takes the cake. The only gripe I would have is the price, but you get what you pay for and this is very high quality.

 "Great build quality, but design could be improved . . ." 2009-04-26
By trebe
Having used Tamrac gear for years, I have been impressed by the excellent build quality and sharp appearance of their products. Generally the materials are high quality, very durable, and the workmanship superb. I wanted a heavy duty backpack with enough space for two bodies, three or four lenses, a flash unit, flash meter, battery pack, flash bracket, filters, spare batteries, a tripod, and miscellaneous accessories. I chose Tamrac's Expedition 6 (E6), and was not disappointed. This backpack is designed for heavy duty outdoor use, and the materials are even more wear resistant than their regular bags. The shoulder straps are padded and very comfortable, and the panel that rests on the back is well padded and designed to promote air flow. With the chest strap and belt clip fastened, the fit is a snug and secure, even when the pack is fully loaded. The zippers on the exterior are heavy duty, with a rubber self-seal upon closure, a very cool feature! There is a rugged heavy duty handle on top. From a materials and construction standpoint, the E6 is solid, and pretty close to indestructible.



The main interior compartment is very well constructed, and custom configurable. There is ample padding all around, and the adjustable dividers are quite thick. The compartment is about six inches deep, with two nylon straps in the middle section for extra security for securing a camera or lens. On the lid are two large zippered compartments, made of heavy duty clear plastic. The padded laptop compartment, is in the lid section, and will accommodate a computer up to about 14 inches. I was able to get all the gear listed above into the backpack, and also squeeze in a large Gary Fong type diffuser, lens hoods, and a small point and shoot camera as well.



Tamrac products are designed well, but are not perfect. In general, they do a great job with the main compartment, but could do with some design improvements for the outside pockets and auxiliary storage spaces. Such is the case with this backpack. Tamrac has a fixation with memory and battery storage. The two vertical compartments on the back of the E6 each contain three tiny pockets, devoted to these items. If the goal was to cosmetically display memory cards, rather than provide spaces designed to carry a significant amount of gear, it is achieved. Not much can be carried in these spaces, since the compartments are small, and not very deep. I don't even use the spaces for the items they were intended for. I carry four extra memory cards in a Hakuba case, and spare camera batteries in another case. These are both stored inside the pack. I squeeze what I can into the tiny red tagged pockets, but these are not well utilized spaces.



The center pocket at the bottom of the back cover, is designed to accommodate two of the three legs of a mid-sized tripod, and has an additional sheet of hard plastic liner inside for protection. While the setup works as designed, the pocket is perhaps wider than it needs to be. When you insert two tripod legs in the pocket, zipping it up on either side, is no easy task. Not the best design, and again another space that is not utilized very well. A suggestion would be to reduce the size of the tripod pocket and enlarge the two side pockets to run the full height of the pack, and make them deeper, so more gear can be carried. The fasteners on the straps for the tripod get loose too easily.



Saving the worst for last, rather than provide any usable pockets, pouches or compartments on the sides of the pack, there are only provisions for attaching additional accessories, using Tamrac's Modular Accessory System (MAS). This approach is infuriating! For what this costs, I expect a backpack that enables me to carry as much gear as is practically possible. Instead users are expected to pay extra for that capability. Tamrac's MAS and Strap Accessory System (SAS) components are expensive, and generally only marginally useful. Customizable separately attached carriers and pouches may appeal to some, but with sewed on pockets or carriers, you won't need to be concerned that an add-on component might get caught on something and get detached. No doubt Tamrac would say that they are providing `versatility' to the customer. Great, but at what cost? If you add four MAS components at $15 to $20 each, that adds up to the cost of another small bag! If MAS has to be integrated, how about putting provisions for MAS only on one side of the pack, and providing built-in pockets, straps and a bottle holder on the other side? At least give the user some additional storage space! Adding pockets or compartments on the shoulder straps is another possible improvement. Even a simple pen holder would be nice.



Some backpacks have the computer compartment located just behind the padded backrest, which might be a more secure design. Transporting your gear safely is one matter, and being able to conveniently access your things once you get to your destination is another. With the E6, access is convenient, however you obviously need to be careful whenever you have a laptop in the computer compartment, as there is no strap to keep the computer in place, and the weight makes the lid swing like a pendulum. If you happen to forget to zip up the compartment, the lid could flip open and your computer could bang something or even slip out. Basically, if you forget to zipper up, any unsecured objects stored in the lid of the E6 could fall out, when you flip the lid open or closed. It has happened to me a couple of times, but fortunately it was only some accessories that fell out, and not a laptop.



Since the other backpacks in the Expedition line are similar in design, most of these comments apply to them as well. There was potential for this series of backpacks to be really outstanding, and with a few modifications they very easily could be. The interior compartment is well-designed, the overall build quality is excellent, and the addition of the laptop compartment is an improvement over the previous version of the E6. This backpack can carry a lot of gear, and should last for years. Unfortunately, because of some poor design choices, maximum utility is not achieved. Still even with the shortcomings, the E6 solidly met my basic needs. Tamrac gear is not perfect, but their high quality, competitively priced products, often tops the competition.

 "Tamrac Expedition 6X" 2009-03-25
By Guy Whiteley (Buffalo, NY)
Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black)



The Expedition 6x is an excellent carry all backpack for the offroad photographer. I use it to carry my Nikon D80 with a mounted medium telephoto, a long tele, another mid tele, 2 smaller lenses. Additionally I carry a full set of 11 Cokin filters with adapter rings and holders, a light meter and a small flash unit. There is plenty of space for circular filters and an assortment of accessories, with room to spare for a future lens purchase. The laptop compartment is spacious, as are the extra compartments for spare batteries and memory cards. I am a large man (6'5") and tyhis pack fits perfectly. If there is anything negative to say about the 6X it is that my LARGE Manfrotto tripod is too big for the tripod attachment, though my monopod is easily attached to the pack. This 6X was a birthday gift. I almost asked for the 7X, but I am very satisfied with this model.

 "Fits the Macbook Pro 15" (pre LED version) - barely" 2009-02-27
By R. Ager (Denver, CO USA)
I did quite a bit of research before ordering this bag - including going by retail outlets to try bags on. I had originally ordered a Kata R-106, but much to my dismay, it was huge!. I travel quite a bit for my job and wanted a bag that allowed me to take my camera equipment and my laptop, and can fit under the seat on the airplane.



My goals when looking for a new camera bag:

- Needs to fit all of my camera equipment (4 lenses of varying lengths, 1 flash, vertical grip &, 1 dslr body)

- Needs to fit the accessories that go with the camera - charger, cords, extra batteries, storage, etc.

- And most importantly - fit my 15" MacBook Pro (2007 version).

- Fit a female frame (I have found that many camera backpacks do not take female anatomy into account and place the breast strap in a very uncomfortable place for the girls)

- Light, well padded and easy to carry

- Have a place for a water bottle

- Backpack



I decided to go with this bag because it fit all of the above criteria. My laptop barely fits, though. I had to take out the bottom Velcro piece of padding (there is still some that is build in) to get it to fit, which is nice and snug. If i keep my incase sleeve on the laptop, it fits as well, but the zipper has stress points at the corners of the laptop. Although there is not a water bottle holder on this bag, it can be ordered from the list of accessories that come with the bag (MX5398) or I can just clip a bottle on.



I have not taken the bag on the airplane yet, but thus far, I am happy with this purchase. The bag has weatherproof zippers for the wing pockets and computer compartment and has a weather "hood" over the camera section and tripod foot pocket (including a drainage hole in the foot pocket).



Indeed it is a durable bag that meets my needs.


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