Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I actually didn't expect this bag/backpack to be so big. However, it makes sense and it holds allot of equipment and the Sony 15.4" laptop all in one bag with good solid construction and padding along with some light rain guard on the outer areas. It fits well, is very adjustable, comfy but heavy especially when filled. However, to me that is a no brainer. If you are looking for light weight this is NOT it. It does what it should and does it well and it moves well with you when hiking or on uneven terrain it doesn't throw you off balance as some other more stiffly attached ones do. Remember this bag/backpack comes in a larger one (Expedition 9x) and 2-3 smaller ones (Expedition 3x & 5x). These are usually on display at larger camera specialty shops, so go check it out before you buy it. Do search around as you can find good prices as with most items prices change often.

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.

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.

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.

This is absolutely the perfect photo bag for me. It's comfortable, rides well, carries everything I could need in the field, including a tripod. I think the design is by far the best so far.

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.

I really don't have anything to complain about for this camera backpack. The support structure is phenominal and the ability to "build" your compartments as you see fit, makes it very user friendly. Ive been using it for about 2 motnhs now and very happy with it. Doesn't feel as heavy as as much gear as I carry in it. This size fits in the as the carry-on size for airliness too...nice to know my camera gear won't be getting damamged.

This backpack is great! It's very durable and has a ton of room inside. I can hang the tripod in the front using the leg pocket if I want, but I prefer using the small side "buckles" to hold a leg and put a monopod on the other side. It's a bit heavy, but this is photography... you should be used to that.

Great materials and looks as new as the day I got it.

Great backpack for transporting your camera gear and computer. It is a little tight under the seat in the Canadian RJ aircraft. Worked great, recommend if upgrading to a larger back pack.

I like the craftsmanship though it is a little heavy.

I am not crazy about the waist belt for quick trips and short walks, but I tie it back over the pack.

There are compartments for most everything I carry including a 70-200mm lens.

My only gripe is the zipper sometimes gets jammed when opening the main compartment on the portion that is supposed to help keep the weather out.

Over all it is a great backpack for those used to backpacks.