Mountainsmith Quantum Camera Backpack - 1709cu in

Here's the scene: I've got myself a brand new camera and this brand new Quantum Camera Pack. I'm off on a weekend in the Berkshires with friends. I leave the pack in the car, so nothing will happen to it. Someone decides to be "helpful" and, thinking I've left the bag unintentionally, moves the bag (with brand new camera) from the safety of the car, to the exposure of the field. When the thunderstorms hit, all I thought was how glad I was that my backpack was safe and dry in the car. When I went to find it, I was certain my camera was done for.

As it turns out, the water-resistant camera pouch outlasted a good hour of driving rain, and my camera was find, even without the storm pouch wrapping the pack. While I won't be leaving it out in the rain again, It's nice to know the bag will protect my gear.

This is a great pack for day hikes and one camera/lens, tripod. Zippered pockets/straps/compression straps are well designed and positioned, the built-in raincover comes in handy, and the pack straps are comfortable. Zippers are strong,sealed, and easy to open. There is no internal frame so the pack will sag some if the main compartment of the pack is not filled. Back panel access to main compartment is useful. Enough room to fit shell, fleece jacket, lunch and water, first aid kit, compass, knife, few other small things. The supplied camera pack will fit a Nikon d200 or f100 with 28-85mm lens. I bought the larger Mountain Smith Beacon II Medium to fit the body and 18-200mm lens.

I haven't traveled with this yet but I am liking it so far. I did have to order the bigger SLR camera case, but it snaps inside where the one that comes with it goes. You access the entire pack from the top or the back, so it is good for theft issues. It is slim, so low profile and i am not hitting things when i turn around. So far have put camcorder, SLR camera and lens, prob about 15 lbs worth, and it still feels nice. Good for carry-on or small day pack, not for long term i think.

Nice pack, ideal for a day hike and minimal camera equip. Incorporates a removable camera bag accessible from the top of the pack.Room enough for an SLR with one lens (medium tele) and extra stuff like filters lens cleaners etc... Overall the pack is light, comfortable, soft, has good ergonomics and looks. With the removable cam bag up top there's still enough room for lunch/snacks, a light jacket and a few other items. Main entrance to the pack is behind the pack shoulder straps, which I really like.