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

by Tamrac

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 13.5 x 22 inches ; 7.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00148XH5M
• Item model number: 558801
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A disastrous first impression was all that took to return the backpack to Amazon.com, June 15, 2008

By 

Hyun Yu - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black) (Electronics)

I got this backpack as a Father's Day present. I'd been looking for a large backpack to combine the camera gear and the laptop, and this seemed like an ideal bag to carry all my stuff for the weekend getaways.

Unfortunately, my experience with the backpack did not survive the first encounter. I loaded the backpack up with my camera gear (2 D/SLRs, 5 lenses, three flashes, batteries and PSD and other gear) and the laptop. The total weight including the backpack itself was 30.2lb. The first time I tried to heft up the pack to wear it, the top of the left strap began to tear from the bag. That was it. That was all it took to convince me to return it to Amazon. I'm sorry, if something as fundamental as the shoulder strap of the backpack can't hold the weight, then I have no confidence in the durability or the workmanship of the pack.

For those interested, I've uploaded a photo of the damaged strap.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Camera Backpacks are largely a matter of preference, April 17, 2009

By 

DigitalMan "DMAN" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black) (Electronics)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Bag, Holds a LOT of stuff, and protects it well, February 25, 2009

By 

BCinDC (Sterling VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Photo/Laptop Backpack (Black) (Electronics)

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.