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!
My review is based upon my one-time use of this backpack.
For you reading this review; to buy, or not to buy: that is the question. Yes? I have attempted to include specific information to facilitate your decision.
Pros:
sturdy,
well-balanced,
made of quality materials,
good looking, and
efficient.
Cons:
Too few pockets, and (maybe)
one too many zippers?
First, let me say (and this is just a personal observation) that many people hope to get more than what they pay for. We all love a bargain, but don't expect a Jeep to have all the features of a Hummer. This is a relatively inexpensive backpack; you could spend $300 or more for a fancier item. However, in this case at least, inexpensive does not mean cheap. This is quality merchandise.
Second, I believe that a review should be based upon whether or not the item is as advertised. This item is at least as good as advertised, so it deserves five stars.
I like this pack a lot. I used it yesterday at its max capacity, carrying a 15.4" laptop, a reflector, a camera with lens attached, an extra battery, filters, cords, three extra lenses and a full-size tripod: 26.4 pounds.
That was a HEAVY load, but there is no question in my mind the pack could have managed more. It is well constructed, and the straps, even holding all that weight, remained comfortable.
However, I don't plan to carry that much of a load every time I go out with this pack, and I don't think you would either.
There are six noteworthy points that may not be clear from the advertising and specs for this pack, yet that are crucial to a purchasing decision:
6This pack does not sport a hip strap, which is a necessity when carrying heavier loads.
5This pack has no cell phone pocket.
4The water bottle can fall out when you sling this pack off one shoulder in order to access your camera from the side compartment on the other side.
3The zippers on two of the four zippered compartments close water-tight. That makes them a little harder to operate than a regular zipper.
2Too few pockets/pouches exist. Those included are: One for a water bottle on the side (holds a liter bottle or a canteen easily), one for cords and miscellaneous on the back outside (five inches by six inches), two stretch pockets inside the upper "personal" compartment, two zippered pockets approximately 3" by 5" on the inside flap of the main camera/lens compartment, and three Velcro-closing compartments on the ready-camera side flap, one that is 3" by 4", big enough for a spare filter (in its case), and two more that measure about 2" x 2" for memory cards.
1Your camera can fly out the side access door, or your lenses can spew from the back door (if you forget to zip up).
The only item above that matters a great deal to me is the last one. I don't plan to carry a heavy load all the time, I won't have my cell phone with me on a photo expedition, I can lash down the water bottle with the built-in elastic strap, and I can deal with the slow zippers (if you're in an area where photo ops abound, you should have your camera around your neck anyway, not in your backpack). While I'd appreciate more built-in pockets, there is enough room in this pack to carry a small multi-pocketed pouch to hold extra filters and other gizmos.
So, the NUMBER ONE reason you may want to reconsider purchasing this backpack:
Yesterday, after returning home from a photo field trip using my new backpack, I carefully zipped up the rear compartment and said to my model as I slung the pack from the trunk of the car, "Wow, I could really screw up my lenses if they fell out because I forgot to close the zipper." At that moment, my camera flew from the side compartment, fell three feet and landed on a hard, cold and unforgiving concrete slab.
If you are forgetful, perhaps sometimes a little daft like me, don't buy a pack with more doors than you need. The side-door access is a great feature. You can access your camera while still holding the backpack on one shoulder. But you must remember to close it!
Fortunately--and this is hard to believe--my camera and lens escaped unscathed. Amazing. So, when you hear that stupid is as stupid does, consider that even stupid sometimes gets lucky.
In closing, I'll address some of the comments I have read and add a few points that may not have been covered:
The zippers work well in California beach weather. I can see them becoming stiffer as the temperature drops, but this is not because the zippers are flawed; it's just a matter of physics. This pack contains four zippered compartments in all. Two of those--the one that protects your laptop and the one that gives you access to your camera with lens attached--have rubber faces that meet to hold out water. They stiffen as the temperature drops.
I am 5'8" and this pack is not too long for me.
I bought the S-113 straps so I can carry a bedroll or tripod beneath the pack. It makes you a wide load, yes, but there is no easy way to attach a full-size tripod to this pack vertically.
BEWARE: My laptop (a Hell Inspiron 1520 with 15.4" screen) fits safely and snugly, but it barely fits. Dell's battery protrudes at the back, increasing that dimension from a normal 10 3/4" to 11 3/8". If your computer is a 17", it won't fit if exceeds 1 1/2" thick and is deeper (from front to back) than 11 5/8".
If you work from the trunk of your car as I sometimes do, you will be opening and closing this pack like you would a regular camera bag; but a regular camera bag doesn't have secret side doors. If you suddenly pick a regular camera bag up by the handles, you won't spill your equipment. With this pack, you might.
These things having been said, if you are of at least normal intelligence and take care to zip up your zippers, this is a fantastic and fun item; by far more convenient than any camera bag. It feels good and looks good. It is efficient and sturdy, and will carry a couple of camera bodies plus a flash or two, with lots of those precious and expensive pieces of glass, plus your lunch, a laptop, a reflector and a tripod.
This is a very good product; and I do feel that I got a lot more than I paid for.
Buy Tamrac 3385 Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack (Rust) Now
Tamrac 3385 Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack (Rust)
This is a great camera/equipment backpack with one problem (more about that later). The pack is well designed and carries a great amount of camera and equipment in the field and has room for a laptop and a jacket/lunch (or whatever).
When hiking the pack when loaded is comfortable and does provide quick access from the side to your camera body and attached lens. There is one problem that limits the use of the pack's design for quick acccess during colder temperatures (20 degrees f and below):
The side quick access flap and the laptop access zippers have a vinyl zipper cover that is designed to waterproof the zippers--works well for waterproofing and during warmer temperatures, while stiff to operate, does allow quick access to your camera. However, when temperatures are on the cool side the zipper(s) get so stiff that in order to access yur camera equipment you have to take the pack off and access the equipment from the from access panel which has a convential zipper and a normal pack-cloth flap for weatherproofing. The result is that when hiking or snowshoeing in colder temperatures, one of the pack's finest features is useless.
So if cold weather is part of your use for this otherwise great pack--beware--you will need to give up on the quick access the side access panel is designed to give you. Let's hope Tamrac corrects this problem.
DPA
Colorado
Read Best Reviews of Tamrac 3385 Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack (Rust) Here
I purchased this to use as by carry on for a two week trip to China and it performed well. For the trip I had it packed with:
Camera Compartment
Cannon 30d with a Cannon 28 300mm lens
Spare lenses
Cannon 28 70mm
Cannon 18-55 lens (basic kit lens)
Cannon 580ex speedlight
CF card reader
Battery charger
Cleaning kit
Power converter for the flight
Handheld GPS
Laptop Compartment:
HP Laptop with 14" monitor
Power cord
Storage compartment
DVD Player
DVD Wallet
Bose headsets
paperback book
Plastic bag for my liquids/gels
Side Pocket:
Power cord for dvd player
Pens
plug adapters
Back Pocket
Phrase book
Map
Boarding pass
As you can imagine it got heavy but it balanced the load well. It was easier to deal with when I stashed the non-essentials (laptop, flash, etc) in my hotel safe. It would have been nice to have the litle chest strap but it sill worked out ok.
In general the side flap was great, it made it very easy to get my camera in and out very quickly and I didn't have to give up the extra storage space. I had no problem even with the huge 29-300mm lens. The only drawback was that the zippers get very difficult to open and close if they get cold. It was about -5 (c) in Beijing and it took quite a bit of effort to open the side flap. The problem was the rubber they had embedded into the zipper (I assume it is to help keep out raid)
The only other thing I didn't like about it was the only option it had for carrying a mono pod. I was able to strap it to the bottom in a horizontal position. This was fine when I was walking around in wide open spaces but I ran into problems on the crowded subways. Probably won't be a problem for most people.
Want Tamrac 3385 Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack (Rust) Discount?
I recently visited a local Camera Exchange to find a backpack that will hold the following items: D90, 18-200mm, 10-24mm, 35mm, SB-600, 17" laptop, and several accessories. I narrowed down my decision to the "Tamrac Adventure 9" and the "Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85". I was really intrigued by the design of the Aero 85 because of the side access and the overall great aesthetics of the bag. However, I quickly noticed some glaring differences in the construction of the two bags (See Below).
In the end I chose to purchase the "Tamrac Adventure 9". It does not have a quick access feature like the Aero 85, but the laptop compartment is side loading (shoulder straps connect to main body of the backpack) with more room than the Aero 85. This backpack also has a sternum strap and a waist strap. In addition the camera compartment has three additional clips on the outside just incase your zipper ever desides to give out. The camera compartment is still large for a compact camera, but the body is much more stable and secure. Also, the Adventure 9 seems to have more strap padding and back padding than the Aero 85.
Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85 (Issues):
1) The shoulder straps for the backpack connect to the laptop compartment instead of the main body of the backpack. This means the weight of the backpack is being transfered to the zipper for the laptop compartment. This has and will lead to premature failure of the backpack according to other reviewers on this site. This is simply a bad design. Most quality backpacks that have a top opening laptop compartment have the shoulder straps arc over the top of the opening and attach to the main body of the backpack (ex. Swiss Army).
2) The laptop compartment barely fits a 17" laptop. You have to push in the corners of a 17" laptop to make it fit in the rounded top. You can find a video of this on youtube ().
3) The camera compartment is of course built for side entry, which will be a problem for compact cameras "DXX". I asked the store clerk to let me borrow his D90 with the kit lense installed to see how the bag fit the camera. The compartment for the camera is too big for compact models. The compact camera body and lens will sag down at a 45 degree angle unless you have a long lens "6 inches" installed on the body. This might not bother some people, but I do not want any undo stress put on the body/lens connection while hiking/walking. This range of movement will allow the camera/lens to move freely up and down in the backpack.
4) The backpack does not have a waist strap or sternum strap, which is fine if you are just doing casual walking and dont want a bunch of extra straps flapping around. However, if you have a decent amount of equipment in the bag you atleast need the sternum strap.
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