Brian Fairchild

My New Camera Backpack Bag

The Tamrac Evolution 8 offers unprecedented versatility for quick access to photo gear.  With its unique harness system, the Evolution 8 can be carried three different ways - as a backpack or as a sling pack worn over the right shoulder or the left shoulder.  With Tamrac's Triple Access System™, there are also three way to access photo equipment - through the front door and through two side doors.

The Evolution 8 is perfect for a DSLR with a grip and up to an 8" lens attached, several additional lenses, and a flash.

Pros: Strong Construction, Extra Padding All Around, Versatile, Roomy, Easily Accessible Equipment, Adjustable Straps, Comfortable

Cons: Heavy If Fully Loaded With All Gear

Best Uses: Travel, Transporting Gear, Storage

Let me just say after I got home with the new bag and loaded it will all my equipment and tested it out in a few ways. I would give this bag 5 stars for having great quality and construction.  This is now my new go everywhere camera bag.
I have a few ATV and Camping trips planned this year and I was looking for a backpack with the following options:

–> Rugid  – As I will be wearing as I ATV in the back country, and the dust and bouncing around is my main concern.
–> Comfort – I’ll be wearing this bag all day, every day so it needs to be comfortable.
–> Flexibility –  I wanted this bag to not only carry my camera equipment but also carry a laptop when I am on vacation.
–> Storage – I needed to be able to carry a small jacket, bottle of water, personal electronics, and other travel items.
–> Quick access – I wanted a backpack with quick access to my camera similar to many of the other backpacks on the market.

My personal review:
After looking at a multitude of bags, I finally decided this one would fit my gear the best. On the upside, everything does fit, the laptop compartment even fits a 15.6" laptop. However it's a tight fit width-wise for the laptop. Good construction on the bag, rain cover is a bonus. Once it's adjusted it's comfortable to wear even fully loaded. The top area is plenty spacious for any personal items or even a light jacket. Even when laden with gear, the well-designed and padded shoulder straps make the weight almost disappear. However, the entire hip belt can be stowed behind the back pad comfortably, and it's unlikely you could fill a pack this size with enough weight to warrant use of a hip belt.

The one down side to this bag is that depending how you wear it (backpack vs. sling) and how high up on you back it is worn, the metal clasps used to convert the bag into a sling sometimes rub on your sides. This did not seem to pose any problems and did not occur often. The rain cover that comes with it, is such a great addition and has already been put to use. The bag was built to withstand time and terrain. You will not be disappointed with this backpack. I would strongly recommend this bag to everyone who is in need of a camera backpack.

Bottom Line  Yes, I would recommend this to a friend