The Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black) is a medium size pack that offers foam-padded protection and quick access to multiple SLR cameras, lenses, flash, accessories and a 14.1" laptop computer. It is made from double coated, weatherproof 900 denier PolyTek fabric. The main compartment is completely foam padded with numerous adjustable, foam-padded dividers to protect digital or film SLR, 5-6 lenses, and a flash. 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 the lens firmly in place. Two 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 a LockDown rain flap protects the zipper from the elements.
The 5586 QuickClip tripod attachment system is centered between the wing pockets, while the lower, plastic-reinforced Tripod Foot Pocket holds two of the tripod legs secure. It is carried by a carry handle or harness. Dual-Density Comfort Pads on the harness provide maximum carrying comfort while Air Flow Channels help keep the harness cool and dry during extended use. There is also an adjustable waist belt, expandable sternum strap for finer adjustments and "D" rings that accept an N-11 optional backpack camera strap. The backpack has M.A.S. (Modular Accessory System) attachment slots that allow you to add optional accessories and S.A.S. (Strap Accessory System) optional accessories that allow you to customize the bag. Four SpiderTabs provide additional attachment points for expedition equipment or extra clothing.
| Material |
Exterior: 900 denier PolyTek is a smooth, very tightly woven, extremely strong and double coated fabric to provide superior weatherproofing. Interior: Lined with thick, closed-cell foam for the very best shock and vibration protection. |
| Type of Closure | Self-healing nylon coil zippers |
| Exterior Dimensions | 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 17" (34.29 x 26.67 x 43.18cm) (WxDxH) |
| Interior Dimensions | 11 x 5 1/2 x 14 1/2" (27.94 x 13.97 x 36.83cm) (WxDxH) |
| Tripod Holder | Yes |
| Waist Belt | Yes |
| Accommodates | Digital or film SLR, 5-6 lenses, flash and most 14.1" screen laptop computer |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Carry handle Harness with Dual-Density Comfort Pads Adjustable waist belt Sternum strap "D" rings |
| Weight | 5.0 lbs (2.28kg) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Excellent Tool
I looked a long time before ordering this backpack. I have never used a backpack before, but have used many shoulder bags and aluminum cases. The weight of those cases was extremely uncomfortable. ...Read complete review
I looked a long time before ordering this backpack. I have never used a backpack before, but have used many shoulder bags and aluminum cases. The weight of those cases was extremely uncomfortable. The same equipment plus more fits in this backpack and the comfort is outstanding. A pad at the bottom of the backpack hits my right in the lumbar area of my back. While I expected the comfort to be better with a backpack, I did not realize how much difference it would make.
If I had it to do over, I would probably get the next size larger, but that is just due to the amount of equipment and the reluctance to leave things behind. My system fits, but not much room to add more equipment, which makes my wife happy. Seriously, it is a nice size and will handle all but those who carry two bodies with lenses attached and
The tripod system is good, but I carry a monopod with it. A full size tripod would be a little too much. It might be fine for a compact tripod.
I carry a Nikon D300 with 18-200mm attached (with hood attached) and MB-D10 attached, Sigma 600mm mirror, Nikon lenses 50mm, 10.5mm fisheye, SB-600 Speedlight, Sekonic meter, misc cords, filters, etc..
The only issue I have with this method of transporting gear is accessibility. This is not the fault of this bag, but rather the nature of backpacks. One other con is that Tamrac makes too many different choices, making it very difficult to find the one to fit your needs. This is not really a fault, but more a nice advantage in that you can find the bag to fit your needs. But it did make picking the right size more difficult.
Not only is this backpack very functional, it looks great! The construction appears to be very sturdy. The Tamrac S.A.S. and M.A.S. systems allow you to add external storage for all sorts of extras.
This bag definitely deserves all 5 stars! I recommend it to anyone suffering from a sore shoulder and who wants to transfer the weight to a much more comfortable mode of carry.
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Most Liked Negative Review
too bulky and not enough pockets
I am returning this backpack, although it is well built, but it is simply not for traveling or hiking. it looks like carrying a suitcase on my back. also after I starting to ...Read complete review
I am returning this backpack, although it is well built, but it is simply not for traveling or hiking. it looks like carrying a suitcase on my back. also after I starting to transfer my gears from my Lowepro Slingshot to this bag, I have a hard time figure out where I stuff all the lenses,filters and cleaning tools. I don't really have a lot of gears, just one D800 + battery pack, 70-200, 50mm, 105mm, 17-35mm and a flash. after squeezed in the gears, there simply not much space for other stuff.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
I carry a Canon 600D and 5D MkIII, with 3 lenses, a tripod, filters etc. They fit into this bag with plenty of room to grow (biggest lense is the 18-135mm).
I like how there is a cover over the main zipper, quick access pockets on the front, and very sturdy carry handles, straps etc.
So far I have no gripes, very happy, i would buy Tamrac again!
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Pros: This Backpack can have all the equipment in one place to protect the security and transport it comfortably. Very handy against other promising feature "swing" with fast access but ultimately sacrifice comfort in transport (especially important with heavy equipment). Cons: zippers of the two external pockets are not easy to operate. It is not a matter of life or death, but often the opening or closing process takes more effort than usual. Conclusion: backpack excellent, practical, acceptably lightweight, rugged, protecting your equipment and comfortable to carry back.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
I am returning this backpack, although it is well built, but it is simply not for traveling or hiking. it looks like carrying a suitcase on my back. also after I starting to transfer my gears from my Lowepro Slingshot to this bag, I have a hard time figure out where I stuff all the lenses,filters and cleaning tools. I don't really have a lot of gears, just one D800 + battery pack, 70-200, 50mm, 105mm, 17-35mm and a flash. after squeezed in the gears, there simply not much space for other stuff.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Using to store my D800 with lenses, great design bag, but not enough space for large lenses having to purchase an addition larger bag
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Awesome pack. Fits 4 Prime lenses, 4 adjustable lenses, hoods, batteries, camera, and lots of audio accessories. Monopod or light tripod - perfect size and amount of padding. Tons of extra storage compartments that are roomy. Velcro adjusters allow for easy adjustments to fit all lenses making sure they are in snug and not too tight.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Very nice bag and not bulky at all. I have two cameras Nikon d700 & d800 with four lenses 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm & 85mm. I also have sb-910 flash. It all fits nicely and still have room for laptop and other accessories. Great investment for my equipment. Love my bag!!
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
This is a very comfortable backpack. It carries my heavy equipment easily and is very solidly built. The only thing I would like to see is a large "catch all" pocket to quickly stash odds and ends.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
With the purchase of a Nikon D600, 70-200 F/2.8, and a 1.4x teleconverter, I needed a new bag to carry all my stuff all setup and ready to go. This bag does it. It has plenty of room for other lenses, flash, and Sennheiser camera set for my wireless mic.
It is tough and the zippers are very rugged and waterproof. I use the laptop area to store manuals and a light jacket.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
This is the best bag. It holds all my gear that I use most of the time. I also have strapped my tripod on to the bag. The bag is padded very well and I have not had any problem with my gear not being protected. Love the bag. Glad I purchased it. Only thing I have to say, in the description it says it can hold multiple camera bodies and multiple lenses. I have a camera body (Nikon D7000) with a battery grip, 4 lenses, a few filters, and just odds and ends of things, and the bag is pretty full. I really don't think I could get another camera in the bag comfortably.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
This backpack is used for field photography in extreme weather conditions throughout the U.S. It is rugged, holds all the required equipment, is easy to use and provides excellent protection to my equipment. It's a valuable tool that helps me successfully complete photography expeditions.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Well organized system Well built. Nice size for the gear I use while traveling. Easy to load and change dividers.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
I bought this to take my camera gear on a trip, it worked great. I stowed the bag under the seat on one flight and in the orverhead compartment in another, so flying isn't a problem. The bag also protected my camera gear going into some rough areas on a quad, the padding is very good and can be easily rearranged for the equipment to fit. I was going to one spot to sit for the day, if you are going to be walking and taking the camera out often, this bag has to be set down and opened to get the camera out.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Because I needed a larger backpack I naturally found myself reading B&H customer ratings of various makes and models. In the end, I bought from Tamrac simply because my prior backpack was a smaller Expedition4 series that has been one great product and just didn't feel comfortable changing brands. The resultant Tamrac Expedition 6X that I decided on gave me the increased space that I needed BUT!!!to be perfectly honest, when I unpacked the 6X, I was disappointed with the quality appearance. I say appearance because only time will tell how good it really holds up, but comparing it to my older Tamrac it appears to me that their quality standards have taken a hit.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
After recieving, spent a week hiking in ME with it. comfortable for a "short" pack- on me (6'), the waist belt sits well above my waist and does not support as much weight as it might. Well made, typical of all Tamrac products I have owned since the late 80s- but I expect that for the higher end price. Did fit under the seat of a Delta 757, and I would expect it to under most mainline aircraft- but there are so many individual aircraft mods that it is a little bit of a crapshoot. Overhead would be no problem except in RJs.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Looked at numerous backpacks and decided on the Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x. Needed a comfortable backpack to carry my camera equipement on hikes. Used it on a 9.8 mile hike in East Glacier for the first time and was very satisfied. It held my camera, four lenses, an other misc things including snacks. Would liked to have some small zippered or velcro closed pockets withing the outer two left & right wing accessory compartments: extra batteries and cards slipped out. Other than than, no complaints. Would reccommend this item.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
I did quite a bit of research on packs before I chose this one. My biggest concern from reading others reviews was the size of it. People kept saying it was huge. I'm a female, 5'4 and 125 pounds. The pack is large but not as big as I felt others made it out to be. It fits both of my DSLR's perfectly with 5 lenses, holds my Mac Pro and there is plenty of room for me to add more stuff. With that said, this isn't the pack I would take hiking with me but it makes transporting my gear to photo shoots super easy and is a very safe and convenient way for me to store my gear.
The quality of the bag is topnotch and the inserts are easy to move around. B&H had it to me in just a couple of days. For me and my needs it was a great buy!
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Before i purchased this backpack i had to carry my equipment in two different bags. What a pain. With this pack i was able to get my 7D with lens and battery pack,Sigma 150-500 lens, tripod and all my extra parts and pieces into this pack with room for more. The only reason i did not give it 5 stars is the bottom strap that goes around your waist can not be removed or stored out of the way.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
Great for hiking. This backpack feels great on your back and has more than enough slots for lens, cameras, and your laptop.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
THE BEST PART OF THE BAG IS THE AMOUNT OF PADDING FOR A SMALL BAG AND THE OPTIONS TO SWITCH THE INSIDE PADS TO YOUR OWN NEEDS. pERFECT FOR TRAVEL OR WALKING AROUND ON DAY TRIPS.
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Comments about Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack (Black):
As soon as I have received the Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x Backpack I realized I have made big mistake.. It is way too big. Even for a guy like me 6'5" and well over 230 lbs.. The most critical dimension for me was depth. Backpack looked as it was large piece of luggage with back pack harness. Originally I though it would be nice to put most of my lenses oriented depth wise and be able to carry Laptop as well. After seeing the bag first time I thought whao what a monster and simply lost my original interest. Decided to go with smaller Tamrac (5375 Adventure 75) giving up on Laptop pocket and saving a bit.
I would recommend this only for those who are aware how big this bag is. For those like my, buying only by reading specs I would strongly advise to go check it somewhere in the local store before buying at B&H or even build a box to get the idea of the size. (or put your carry on luggage on the back – it is not smaller for sure)
That is why I am giving it only 3.5 stars. Otherwise it was impressively well built (although I have not used it all) but everything seemed quite good.