The Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black) is a medium size pack that offers foam-padded protection and quick access to multiple SLR cameras, lenses, flash, accessories and a 17" 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 pro-size digital or film SLR cameras with lenses attached, a full range of additional lenses, and flashes. 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 5588 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 x 13 1/2 x 22" (33.02 x 34.29 x 55.88cm) (WxDxH) |
| Interior Dimensions | 11 x 6 1/4 x 20 1/2" (27.94 x 15.88 x 52.07cm) (WxDxH) |
| Tripod Holder | Yes |
| Waist Belt | Yes |
| Accommodates | Pro Digital or film SLR cameras with lens attached, additional lenses, flash and most 17" screen laptop computer |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Carry handle Harness with Dual-Density Comfort Pads Adjustable waist belt Sternum strap "D" rings |
| Weight | 7.0 lbs 4.0 oz (3.29kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Mother of all camera packs
I've only had my Expedition 8 for six months. I had previously used an Expedition 5 for two years, but outgrew it. I still keep and use the Exp-5 for light trips.<...Read complete review
I've only had my Expedition 8 for six months. I had previously used an Expedition 5 for two years, but outgrew it. I still keep and use the Exp-5 for light trips.
I am a backpack abuser. I overstuff bags until they are ready to burst just sitting on the ground. I have probably gone through more bags than lens tissue.
I love this bag (Exp-8). I carry 3x digital bodies (1D MkIIn/5D/20D), 4x strobes, 5x lenses, 4x chargers, 3x spare camera batteries and 2x battery packs, cards, accessories, tools, cables and cleaning supplies... with room to spare for a fourth body and a point-and-shoot.
Even with all this gear, I have never heard a seam pop, or a thread stretch. This bag is built like a tank. Even the top handle is plenty strong, and wide for comfort.
The front pocket is large enough to hold my enormous 17" wide-screen laptop loosely; however, I don’t use this pocket for my computer.
Flat storage inside the main flap is more than adequate for most any accessories. The dual front wing pockets accommodate small items that are not so flat.
The tripod foot pocket and accompanying straps are odd. This system can only accommodate a very small tripod, or a monopod. A large professional tripod placed in this pocket would extend a full foot and a half above the wearer’s head. I prefer to carry my pods in a separate slung bag, which just frees up this pocket for more storage, i.e. cleaning supplies.
The zippers have never fouled on either pack, and they are sealed for weatherproofing. There is also a drawstring rain flap for the main compartment zipper. The zipper straps are always getting caught in the other zippers; however, they aren’t really needed, so I should just cut them off… but I haven’t.
The big advantage of the Exp-8 and 7 over the 4, 5 and 6 is the true padded waist belt with lumbar pad. This belt takes the weight off your shoulders in true “frame-pack” fashion, plus it has multiple adjustment points per strap. The 4, 5 and 6 simply have a flat-webbing belt. My Exp-5 with two bodies and lenses in it would destroy my back and shoulders within the hour; however, I can go eight hours plus with my new Exp-8 fully loaded per above.
I chose the Exp-8 over the 7 for comfort. I am a slender 6’2”, 205 Lbs., and the Exp-7 just felt short on me. After filling up the Exp-8, I was definitely happy that I ordered the bigger of the two.
I still use hard cases for airlines and shooting from a boat; but in all other situations, this is the bag to have if you have the gear to fill it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good product, just not for me!
PROs:
-can simultaneously fit (vertically) a 70-200L IS II lens attached to body, and a 50L lens attached to body
-nicely protects laptop
-overall solid construction
PROs:
-can simultaneously fit (vertically) a 70-200L IS II lens attached to body, and a 50L lens attached to body
-nicely protects laptop
-overall solid construction
CONs:
-I'm 5'5" and the length of the 8x was just too big for me (e.g. the lumbar support would not align with my back regardless of how I adjusted the straps)
-definitely over the carry-on allowance for regional flights
I'm a big fan of Tamrac backpacks, but I ultimately had to return this one (and instead go for a Think Tank Airport International).
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 73 customers
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
Plenty of space for 2 cameras and several lenses, a little heavy when fully loaded but you can carry everything you need. The adjustable straps are great. I have been using two shoulder bags to carry my gear, and when walking on the trails you can become unbalanced, but with this backpack I remain stable. Wish I had had bought it sooner.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
When I first got this 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack I was worried it was too big for me. After adjust the inside pockets to fit my equipment (2 camera bodies, 4 lenses, plus more) Everything fit perfect and still room to grow. It is a little heavy as I am 5'2" but for the equipment that I carry that is to be expected. But once you have it on your back it adjust great and fits comfortable. I love it and love the fact you dont need an extra rain jacket for this product because of the pocket design. I love the extra cushioning on the straps and lumbard. Great all around backpack! I am very happy with my purchase and the B&H representative that helped me place my order was super helpful!
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
This backpack is huge, but it still fits in a typical overhead compartment on an airplane. It's tough, comfortable and versatile. Couldn't be more satisfied. This backpack is also comfortable enough to be used on longer trips and hikes.
Only con for some might be the net weight of the bag itself.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I'm a nature photographer and I use this backpack when hiking in the mountains and woods. I usually carry with me this equipment:
-Canon EOS 7D
-Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
-Canon 10-22mm f3.5-4 USM
-Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
-Canon 2x extender mk II
All this fits in the backpack and leaves room for a flash and some more equipment. The second pocket can room my smaller laptops (up to 15.4") but not my 18.4". The two smaller front pockets are really great for storing the smaller things like memorycards, camera batteries ect.
The tripod is easily attached to the straps with two legs fitted into the lower front pocket.
Overall a very high quality product that is comfortable to wear for longer hikes. The gear is well protected and easily accessed. It's also small enough to bring as hand-luggage on a plane.
Pros:
-Fits plenty of gear
-Small enough to bring as hand-luggage
-Comortable
-All the zippers are high quality YKK
Cons:
-The click straps are hopeless to open when wearing gloves
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
Pack is well made and comfortable.
Very easy to customize for each trip in the field I would recommend this product.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
large enough to carry your camera, extra lenses ect. comfortable.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I am doing day hikes from various campsites up to eight miles a day. I am quite familiar with backpack gear though this is my first large camera pack. This pack works great. It is designed very well with plenty of ability to adjust areas to various size lenses and cameras etc. The pack has many adjustments to meet my size 5'3" or my husband 5'11". The pack is extremely well made. My camera and lenses are very protected.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
If you are looking for quality, style and durable this is the backpack to get. It's a big backpack but I love it. Do not bother get it!!
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
PROs:
-can simultaneously fit (vertically) a 70-200L IS II lens attached to body, and a 50L lens attached to body
-nicely protects laptop
-overall solid construction
CONs:
-I'm 5'5" and the length of the 8x was just too big for me (e.g. the lumbar support would not align with my back regardless of how I adjusted the straps)
-definitely over the carry-on allowance for regional flights
I'm a big fan of Tamrac backpacks, but I ultimately had to return this one (and instead go for a Think Tank Airport International).
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I owned several Lowepro packs. Got this one from Tamrac and I like it better. It is well made and has more room. Also it stands on its own where the Lowepro would fall down. Love outside pockets - very conveniet! It is also lighter!
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
Great build quality and comfort. Having a small crew on some shoots makes it hard to transport all the nessary gear to get the job done. This doesn't add a crew member but will help distribute the load.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I needed a bag that would carry two cameras, lenses, a large (17" MacBook Pro) laptop and do it in one bag. The one bag part was important to me because I don't like leaving the computer in the hotel room or the car when I travel. I don't need it for photography, but I am able to keep an eye on it. And since I do event photography, I really have no base of operations to secure gear.
The Tamrac 5588 Expedition Backpack looked like it would fit the bill and it does. Everything fits in it nicely and it is a comfortable pack. I carried it around for days and it didn't chafe or strain my back like you would expect with the weight I was carrying.
My biggest concern was getting it into the overhead bins on the airlines. I carried it onto four connections and it fit just fine, although it is technically too big and it certainly won't fit under the seat in front of you. Others had bigger bags, so I don't think the bag was that far out of bounds.
It is definitely a product I would by again.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
She has two canon digital rebels and 4 lenses and out grew her old bag. I think this bag will last her for a long time. I purposely went bigger in the hopes that this bag will hold all of her equipment to include new purchases in the future. I like the different comparents and the ability to reconfigure as needed.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I use this for all my shoots, mostly for travel. Everything packs nicely and securely. I currently have 3 camera bodies, four lenses, large to small and much more and still have tons of space! Fits comfortably on back and feels ergonomic.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I was somewhat skeptical to buy this because I am a small person and only weigh 100 lbs. I thought it would be too bulky for me. I spent months reviewing backpacks and went with this one. I do NOT regret it at all. It has an abundant amount of space in it. The straps and back of the bag are amazingly comfortable.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
absolutely 5+ star. This is the one I am looking
for years. It's strong, comfortable, roomy and
safety! It's easy to carry 2 camera + 5 lenses
(include 2 zoom lens) + 2 flash + battery charger + remote shutter + ... perfect product, you won't disappoint.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
Replaced an old LowePro with this one. Loving it so far. The integrated laptop pocket is perfect for a laptop ... or a folding reflector. The inside pockets are useful and well arranged. Inside is easily customizable.
Not a lot of bells & whistles on this, but it's a WORK bag, and I don't want/ need that. I love that it sits straight up when on the floor. My LowePro used to always roll over like an egg.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I shoot video on DSLR and wanted a big bag that I could put my camera, lenses, and audio gear in. I also wanted to be able to put my camera in with the Zacuto z-finder on the back. I was able to fit all that and have a bit of room left to grow.
Solid construction, comfortable to wear, even with heavy gear. I considered getting the 9x but thought it was too big.
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
it is great backpack
it is heavy a little bit but useful
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Comments about Tamrac 5588 Expedition 8x Backpack (Black):
I'm using this back pack for my AF100 and all my lenses and it works great. Had a hard time finding a bag that would fit the unusual shape of the AF100 and this one is perfect. Plenty of depth and compartments for all my needs.