Input on photo backpacks?

[teally]

I'm looking for a 2 compartment backpack- one that can hold some warm clothing, ie puffball jacket, wind pants, and a seperate access photo compartment for a couple bodies and lenses. The Lowepro Orion looks ok but maybe a bit small for clothes/water. Anyone use anything that fits the bill?
Thanks

 

[Ole]

I use a Lowepro S&F Trekker Lite, but the only item of clothing in it is a black T-shirt. All the rest is LF gear, both compartments. The shirt is, too...

 

[veriwide]

I use an f64 backpack. It is the large model, about the size of a full scale camping backpack. I carry a variety of gear in it, anything from an 8x10 field camera, to 5x7 field, to a pile of Hassy gear.

I get a few funny looks on short trail outings. I look like I'm ready for a Himalayan assult, but I just don't care what I look like, as long as it gets the job done. I'll be behind the camera anyway.

This may be too large for you, but I know it would do the trick. It has many removable dividers, and could configure to your needs.

 

[Thomassauerwein]

I use a Jansport backpack that you can get at the local sporting goods store. It's got a large upper compartment a medium lower compartment and two front smaller compartments + water warter bottle holders on either side (these also work great for holding a light stand). on the lower part of the pack their are straps that are designed for bed roles but I use it to attach my tripod to the pack. All total I carry 80 to 90 lbs of gear and this pack works really well.

 

[brimc76]

I use 2 backpacks, a LowePro Mini Trekker and a LowePro Photo Trekker AW. Both are good for different reasons. I have a friend that has a Tenba backpack and it has a 2 compartment system like you are looking for. The top is like a regular lined backpack for clothes or lunch etc., and then the bottom unzips and opens up to a camera compartment good for a few lenses and camera body. I can find out exactly which one it is if you're interested. I know that out of 3 or 4 bags this fellow has it's definately the favourite one.

 

[teally]

Thanks for your replies-
After alot of netsurfing, the LowePro Rover might be the ticket but I'll have to
demo it with my gear first. The main problem with most of the smaller 'dual' purpose packs seems to be a inadequate waist belt strap- they're long on the buffed out photo compartments but short on suspension.
With 5 weeks in Patagonia, I want to be set! This time I'm taking my Canon with 1 short zoom and a 1 long zoom in addition to my mainstay Leica m7 w/ 1.4 35mm and Hasselblad xpan, so weight is a factor...
I post back with what I find.
Thx again,
Jay