Tamrac 3385 Aero 85 Backpack Reviews - Cambags.com Camera Bag Resource.

Tamrac 3385 Aero 85 Backpack

for Sony DSLR-A300

Review #1

(Added 17th May 2009)

Equipment list in bag:

1. Sony DSLR-A300 + Minolta 50mm f/1.7
2. Sony HVL-F36 flash
3. CPL filter, spare battery, and a few lens caps in here
4. Blower
5. Sony 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6
6. Sigma lens cap, but its on a Minolta 70-210 f/4
7. Sony Strap
8. Minolta 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5
9. Macbook Plug, USB lead
10. Tripod Plate, Remote Shutter cable
11. Flash diffuser
12. Personal daypack type stuff here. Laptop power adapter, asprin, etc.
13. Apple Macbook
14. Weather flap
15. Side access pocket
16. Mesh side pouch to hold a drink bottle.

I also looked at the LowePro CompuDayPack and FastPack 250, and a couple of Kata bags, the Sensitivity V and a more traditional one. However the Sensitivity V wouldn't hold my work Thinkpad, even though it will hold my Macbook, and the other bags didn't really hold enough gear, they were more daypack focused. This was also the only one besides the FastPack that had the side access so you don't have to take the bag off to get the camera out. My only disappointment with this bag is the lack of day pack compartments in the top. There aren't any pencil/pen slots, or key ring holders, or little zipper pockets. Otherwise I've been very happy. One big benefit is the solid bottom, so the bag will stand upright. There is plenty of padding and space for both laptop and camera gear, and a decent sized upper pocket for everything else. My tripod came with a bag, so I typically just throw that bag on my shoulder when I need to take it.

thanks to Laydros for review

Reviews for Nikon D50 / D80 / D90

Review #1

(Added 6th November 2010)

Equipment list in bag:
Nikon D90
Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 DI II VC
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX AF-S
Nikon SB-600 flash
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 micro 4/3rd camera
Gary Fong puffer diffuser

Thanks to kayone73 for photos

for Canon 300D / 10D / 20D / 30D / 40D / 50D / 5D / 7D

Review #1

(Added 24th January 2011)

Equipment list in bag:
Config #1

Canon EOS 5D MK II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Canon 580EX II
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM

Config #2

Canon EOS 5D MK II + Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L USM
Canon 580EX II
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 2X Extender

I am writing this review on the Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85, which I have now owned for a couple of weeks. Before I purchased this bag I was not able to find many reviews on it, so hopefully this review will help out others who may also be considering this bag. Here is a brief description of the bag from the Tamrac website:

Dual Access backpack allows the comfort of a backpack, but doesn't sacrifice the ability to quickly access photo gear.

The criteria I used when looking for a bag was relatively simple.

I wanted the bag to hold a laptop in addition to my photo gear.
I preferred to have a backpack style bag.
I wanted the ability to have quick access to my camera without having to remove the bag completely.

I narrowed my choices to the Lowepro Fastback 200/250 and the Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85, as those were really the only two bags which I found that met my criteria. I decided against the Lowepro simply because I thought it did not look as nice aesthetically.

The bag is quite comfortable to wear and seems to distribute the weight across my shoulders well. Access through the side panel simply requires that you remove the strap from your right arm and swing the pack around from the side.

As you can see the bag looks pretty much like an ordinary backpack.

There is an elastic pocket on the front, and another pocket on the side which can be used for a water bottle.

Here is a picture with my camera in the side opening. Notice there are also several pockets to hold additional memory cards on the inside of this flap.

There is quite a bit of room around my camera, and I do not think it would be a problem to hold a camera with a grip attached. The zipper for the side access area has a rubber seal on it to help with weather protection.

Here is a view with all my gear inside. As you can see I still have quite a bit of extra room.

Config #1

Config #2
I just loaded up the bag with the following equipment shown below, and found that although the bag is heavy it still feels comfortable to wear. This comfort may be due to the fact that the shoulder pads are nice and thick. Even so, however, the weight will be carried on your shoulders so I am not sure how well it would do on a long hike.

Notice that in this bag you are able to carry the 580EXII in the vertical position so that it will not take up two slots like it does in the Fastback 350. I do agree that the opening in the Fastback does allow easier access to the camera, but I really haven't found access to be a problem at all so far.

The flap that covers this opening also has a small pocket with a zipper on it. The pocket does not have much depth, so most likely could be used to store things such as extra memory cards.

Here is a picture with a 15.4" laptop inside. The zipper for this area also has a rubber seal on it.

Here is a shot of the upper compartment area. The seperator between the upper and lower compartments is actually removeable, since it is held in by Velcro.

The straps are well padded and seem to contour to my shoulders well.

There are also two places on the underside of the bag that could be used to attach a strap. By doing this, you could theoretically attach a small tripod to the bag, although I am not sure if that would make carrying the bag awkward.

Here is a shot with me wearing the backpack (5' 8" tall).

CONCLUSION:

I am really impressed with the quality of this bag. It satistifed all of my criteria and has met my expectations to date. The build quality of the bag is outstanding. I also appreciate the fact that it looks like an ordinary backpack.

Thanks to Steve for review.

Additional Info

Description: The Aero Speed Pack 85 Dual Access Photo/Laptop Backpack is the perfect carrying solution for the photographer who prefers the comfort of a backpack, but doesn't want to sacrifice the ability to quickly and easily access photo gear. To accomplish this, Tamrac developed an innovative Dual Access System™ that allows fast access through the side door when the pack is worn over one shoulder. Like a traditional photo backpack, equipment can also be accessed through the front panel with the pack is removed. This versatile backpack holds and protects a DSLR with a grip and lens attached (including most 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses), 2-3 additional lenses and accessories. A separate, foam-padded laptop compartment holds most 17" screen laptops. For weather protection, the side door is equipped with a water-resistant zipper while the front panel has a weather flap. Inside the side door, accessory pockets hold memory cards, lens caps and other accessories. In addition to the completely foam padded bottom compartment, the pack has a large top compartment perfect for personal items, such as a lunch or light jacket. An elasticized mesh side pocket provides convenient access to a water bottle. The pack features a carrying handle and a comfortable, foam-padded backpack harness contoured to distribute the weight of the camera gear across the shoulders. Two lash tabs on the bottom allow a tripod to be carried (requires accessory straps, Model S-113, sold separately).
Bag Type: Backpack, Holster
Interior Size: Top Compartment 11.5w x 6.75d x 9h in. (29 x 17 x 23cm).Bottom Compartment 12.25w x 6.25d x 8.5h in. (31 x 16 x 22cm)
Exterior Size: 14w x 9d x 19½h
Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz. (1626g)
Material:
Bag Capacity: DSLR with a grip and lens attached (including most 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lenses), 2-3 additional lenses and accessories.
Colours Available: black,rust