Name: Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8, Photo / Laptop Sling Backpack, Brown / Tan
Brand: Tamrac
SKU: TR5788BT
Price: 149.95 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.3 (10 reviews)

Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8, Photo / Laptop Sling Backpack, Brown / Tan

Tamrac 578885 Evolution 8, Photo/Laptop Sling Backpack

Tamrac

Adorama

Photography

Photography Bags & Cases

Camera Bags & Cases

Camera Backpacks

Tamrac Camera Backpacks

Tamrac 578885 Evolution 8, Photo/Laptop ...

38% Off: Tamrac 5788 Evolution 8, Photo / Laptop Sling Backpack, Brown / Tan Buy now & save $92. Holds: DSLR (Long Lens), Material: Fabric, Special Features: Holds Laptop

All of my prior experience has been with traditional camera bags so I will admit that this is my first (and only) backpack.  However, it is so useful that I've abandoned my other bags and will rely exclusively on the Tamrac.

It has adequate room for my D600 (with the kit 24-85 lens mounted) plus a 28-300 zoom.  Both fit with the hoods stowed on the lens (which I had wondered would fit).  Also room for my 50mm 1.4 and the usual accessories.

The pack was very comfortable on a recent trip to LA.  Having dual access was very convenient and a strong selling point with me prior to purchase.  With my bad knee, I've given up hiking, so I cannot attest to its comfort on the trails, but a couple of days of using it in an urban setting was a pleasure.  I had to adjust the straps as they seem capable of fitting the Jolly Green Giant.  I know I need to lose some weight but the waist strap was rediculously large.  I tucked it away as I found that it was comfortable and stable enough without using the waist strap.

All in all, I have no complaints.  Sure, it may be nice to have a hydration pack, but I'm not a hiker.  There are points to attach bottles if I need them.  I initially wondered if I should have ordered a larger pack, but after using it, to me - it's a perfect complement of size, weight, and ergonomics.

Totally Happy

I use this for day hikes in the desert areas, so the fact that it's one of the few packs that is not black is a plus. I like the strap system and find it comfortable, but the straps do seem too long (better than too short!) The bag in general seems slightly undersized if you are carrying full-sized DSLRs. If it was about 1/8th bigger it would be a great fit. The undersize makes accessing equipment cumbersome. Tripod mount is too high and fairly useless. What it desperatly needs is a pocket for a water bottle. Been using it for about a year now and the bottom is showing excessive wear as I sit it down on rocks a lot. Construction should have had a stronger bottom fabric as that's just too soon.

Close but no Cigar

It is a very convenient way to transport gear.  It is not large enough to carry a long telephoto.

Excellent sling pack

I use this bag all the time, I can store 2 bodies and 3 lenses, 3 flashes. This is my main bag and it really works for me.

It very strong bag.

So far I really like this pack, although I have not had a chance for any long outings yet. Seems to be well-made, with excellent access to equipment. I have a Nikon D90 with 18-105 lens attached, plus a 100-300mm, a 10-20mm, a 60mm macro, and several filters and other small items in the lower camera part of the pack. The upper part is adequate for a lunch, light jacket, and other small items. The only drawback I see as a hiker is a lack of dedicated hydration sleeve, but I'm intending on adding a waterproof sack with a Camelbak hydration bladder to the laptop sleeve when I go on longer hikes.

Good pack

I bought the bag for hiking and taking most of my gear.  The bag is comfortable for me if I do not carry the laptop, but if the laptop is in the bag, it is hard on the back.  This size is a little small for carring a 80-400 zoom, but with a little organization, it will fit.  I wish I had bought the larger Evolution, but this is a nifty bag for hiking, especially if I don't try to carry all of my gear.

Great Bag, Too small

Excellent bag, however I should have bought the larger size.  80-400 lens is a tight fit

Like the style, but not the size

First impression:
I bought this specifically for carrying my equipment with me on airplanes. It's roomier than I expected. 'Turns out I use it for my backup rig and extra equipment for event photography, as well.

Versatility:
I know this bag can be used as a sling for "quick access," but I don't foresee ever using it that way for a couple reasons so I can't comment to it's effectiveness as a sling bag.

So far I only use the backpack configuration – either hauling it on my back or carrying it brief-style at my side merely for transport. I don't work out of this bag, per se. I use different systems for location photography.

I also never use the third access zipper on the bottom section and secure that with a luggage lock so it doesn't inadvertently work it's way open. So I can't comment to it's usefulness, as it serves no purpose for me.

The center/main compartment access doesn't have the "dump" factor I feared. A strap holds the tele in place in the event of accidental non-closure and the surrounding gear is snuggled into their slots enough that they won't easily fall out. That's a nice safety.

Ergonomics/Comfort:
There are a few issues. Understandably, the bag gets brick-like with a computer in the laptop sleeve, so the bag is not contoured to your upper back, causing the straps to pull on your shoulders and leaving your lower back to support the remainder of the weight. This gets uncomfortable fast. But this bag is as (if not more) comfortable than other loaded laptop packs. Without a laptop, the pack fits to the back better, but still not great. There is still shoulder pull. I wish it was designed to distribute the weight better – more evenly across the entire back and shoulders.

The shoulder straps themselves could use some additional ergonomic considerations, as well - to distribute the weight better – across a broader span of the shoulders (Dear Tamrac, see Lowepro media vests or CamelBak hydration packs). Also, the shoulder straps are crazy long. I'm 6' tall and still had to remove the secondary pads to shorten them enough. 

The waist strap is also crazy long. And it only adjusts on one side, so the buckle is way off to one side now, which looks kinda' silly to me. I will probably cut and rework the waist belt myself.

The sternum strap is positioned too low on the shoulder straps to be effective (for my height and build) and is not designed to move up or down; making it more of a breast smasher than a shoulder saver. Not comfy and certainly not flattering! I will probably modify the sternum strap so it works better.

I give the ergonomics 2.5 stars when fully loaded. 3 stars without a laptop in it.

Capacity:
I was worried my 70-200 Sigma lens, at nearly 8" in length, wouldn't fit, but it does – and quite comfortably. I couldn't fit other lenses in with the lens hoods on, but I stowed the hoods in the top compartment and the lenses fit along side the 70-200 nicely. Fully loaded with all my usual photo gear and laptop, it weighs about 24 lbs. 

With the tele on my camera, I can fit a lot in this bag with very little rearrangement of the dividers from their factory positions. This is everything I get into this bag comfortably:

Bottom compartment:
•	Pentax K20D with battery grip and attached Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM tele with lens hood attached
•	Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM lens (lens hood in top compartment)
•	Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM lens (lens hood in top compartment)
•	Pentax AF-540FGZ Flash
•	Sekonic L-358 Flash Master light meter
•	Hoodman HoodLoupe 3.0 & case
•	Seagull right-angle view finder & case

Top compartment:
•	2 Pentax D-BC63 Battery Chargers with cords
•	5 Pentax D-LI63 Camera Batteries
•	2 lens hoods for Sigma 10-20mm & 24-70mm
•	Tripod collar for Sigma 70-200mm
•	Delkin batter tester
•	Energizer AA/AAA battery charger & cord
•	2 polarizers in hard cases (77mm & 82MM)
•	R Strap with Joey
•	Spydercube
•	Room to spare

Exterior pockets:
•	Lens/body caps
•	Several memory cards
•	Rain cover (from Tamrac)
•	Misc small accessories

Notebook pocket:
•	15" notebook
•	Laptop power cord/pack

Tripod foot:
•	Manfrotto pro monopod (looks silly, works great)

I could probably carry an extra camera body and another flash in this bag as well, but it'd just be too darn heavy. I could also carry more with my Tamrac SAS pouches.

4.5 stars on capacity.

Overall:
It does what it's supposed to do, looks stylish and doesn't scream "steal me." 4 stars. But I'll keep watching for more comfy packs.

Nice

Iwanted a versatle bag that could carry a tripod,however the tripod pocket is too small except for a momopod.I have a vanguard alta pro  and could only get one leg in the pocket.I returned it and am looking for another that might work for me.It's a well made and useful bag if it fits ones needs and body.It wasn't comfortable as  a backpack for me.

Didn't work as i thought it might

Versatile, Comfortable and Easy to Access Gear