Backpacks, my two choices. Opinion please.

MTT · May 25, 2005

I been searching for a backpack to hold my D70 + equipment and my F717. These are the two packs that I'm interested in [see below]. Have anyone use either one of these packs and what are your thoughts on them. comfort, padding, etc. Which is better brand?

Also, does all weather [Lowepro mini trekker AW] mean my equipment will survive a rain storm if I get caught out in one. And would the rain cover on the Tamrac 5375 provide the same protection as the AW lowepro pack?

I did my homework on these two packs the best that I could, but without having excess to them, trying them on and see how I like them, it's hard to tell which one is the best.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Mini_Trekker_AW.aspx

http://tamrac.com/5375.htm

Any thoughts,

Mark
--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

LanceMach · May 25, 2005

I don't have either of those, but I DO have two Lowepro backpacks: the Rover AW II and a CompuTrekker AW. I started with the Rover and really like it (although it would have been nicer if the top compartment was a little larger).

When I needed something that could carry a laptop, I went straight back to Lowepro (actually, I also have one of the Toploader models).

The Rover has a VERY nice harness system - really comfortable. I used it for my commute and the shoulder straps are so comfortable that I didn't need to use the belt - would have been nice if it could be disconnected.

The padding is good quality and the AW cover really does work (I've walked for about 10 minutes in pretty good rain and the pack did not get wet with the cover in place). The cover is connected to the bottom of the pack and you just stuff it into a compartment on the bottom - you pull it out and a drawstring keeps it wrapped tightly around the pack. One of my co-workers wondered why regular backpacks don't have something like this.

So, to sum this up, I can't tell you about that specific model, but I'm really happy with both of my Lowepros...

Hope this helps!

--
Lance

baltimorebiker · May 25, 2005

I have the a/w mini trekker and LOVE IT !
i would buy another one in a minute ...........

i have had no problems with it and i have had this one about a year , it goes with me everywhere i go , when i leave the house it leaves the house.

it has held up well no rips tears or scuffs and all in all it has served me very well
Thanks
BIKER
--
3 CAN KEEP A SECRET IF 2 ARE DEAD

RonHrl · May 25, 2005

...and like it very much. Even when filled with gear and a couple bottles of water, it's very comfortable with a very good suspension system. I think it's well designed with quality manufacturing.

I haven't used the Tamrac backback, but other Tamrac bags I've had have also been well made.
--
Ron
CP 5700, D70
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl

MTT · May 25, 2005

LanceMach said:
I don't have either of those, but I DO have two Lowepro backpacks:
the Rover AW II and a CompuTrekker AW. I started with the Rover
and really like it (although it would have been nicer if the top
compartment was a little larger).

When I needed something that could carry a laptop, I went straight
back to Lowepro (actually, I also have one of the Toploader models).

The Rover has a VERY nice harness system - really comfortable. I
used it for my commute and the shoulder straps are so comfortable
that I didn't need to use the belt - would have been nice if it
could be disconnected.

The padding is good quality and the AW cover really does work (I've
walked for about 10 minutes in pretty good rain and the pack did
not get wet with the cover in place). The cover is connected to
the bottom of the pack and you just stuff it into a compartment on
the bottom - you pull it out and a drawstring keeps it wrapped
tightly around the pack. One of my co-workers wondered why regular
backpacks don't have something like this.

So, to sum this up, I can't tell you about that specific model, but
I'm really happy with both of my Lowepros...

Hope this helps!

Yes, it does & thanks for your input. For some reason I thought the AW meant waterproof backpack, not a cover like the Tamrac. And, it's good to know it's rain proof. Everyone else seems to like Lowepro also.

I looked at the Rover AW II, but it looks like all the camera equipment goes at the bottom of the bag. Is that true? Is the top compartment divided up like the bags I been looking at. Does the rain cover covers the tripod?

Rover AW II
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Rover_AW_II.asp

Thanks,

Mark

x

LanceMach said:
--
Lance

--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

MTT · May 25, 2005

baltimorebiker said:
I have the a/w mini trekker and LOVE IT !
i would buy another one in a minute ...........
i have had no problems with it and i have had this one about a year
, it goes with me everywhere i go , when i leave the house it
leaves the house.
it has held up well no rips tears or scuffs and all in all it has
served me very well
Thanks
BIKER
--
3 CAN KEEP A SECRET IF 2 ARE DEAD

--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

MTT · May 25, 2005

RonHrl said:
...and like it very much. Even when filled with gear and a couple
bottles of water, it's very comfortable with a very good suspension
system. I think it's well designed with quality manufacturing.

I haven't used the Tamrac backback, but other Tamrac bags I've had
have also been well made.

Why didn't you buy another Tamrac? Thanks for your input, this really helps.

Mark

RonHrl said:
--
Ron
CP 5700, D70
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl

--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

RonHrl · May 25, 2005

I tried them both in a camera store, and the Lowepro felt more comfortable to me.

MTT said:
Why didn't you buy another Tamrac? Thanks for your input, this
really helps.

Mark

--
Ron
CP 5700, D70
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl

Shane Blake · May 25, 2005

i don't have that particular bag, but i have a tamrac expedition 3 which i'm quickly out growing... before my next trip, i'm going to buy another tamrac. (expedition 5 or one w/ space for a laptop...)

the reason i like and i'm staying with the tamrac is mainly for the quick release strap system. two d-rings at the shoulders are used to connect two short straps that have quick connect latches. when i connect them to the camera, i can use the shoulder harness of the backpack instead of the regular neck strap (which uses the same quick connect system) this takes the weight of the camera off my neck and puts it on my shoulders, which is much more comfortable over the course of a few hours.

as for the bag itself, i've had no trouble with it. i take it with me everywhere i go and throw it around pretty good. no tears, no damaged lenses, no problems...

shane
--
~~photos~~ http://shaneblake.com/autochrome
~~journal~~ http://shaneblake.com/kudzu

kdbruin · May 26, 2005

MTT said:
Yes, it does & thanks for your input. For some reason I thought the
AW meant waterproof backpack, not a cover like the Tamrac. And,
it's good to know it's rain proof. Everyone else seems to like
Lowepro also.

The AW is just saying that the fabrics are somewhat water resistant and a raincover is available for when it really rains.

I myself also have the Rover AW II and really like it and I'm also searching for a new backpack with a top compartment and a laptop compartment. The new Crumpler backpacks seem to have this.

Kees.

chilipalmer · May 26, 2005

Neither go for one of these:
http://tamrac.com/750.htm

MUCH nicer to use as the bag opens standing up. Think about laying a backpack down to get stuff out. Making sure that the side that rests against you doesn't get dirty. I think they daypack option is much better. I have the Lowepro Trekker 200, I want the http://tamrac.com/750.htm or the http://tamrac.com/752.htm

HTH

MTT said:
I been searching for a backpack to hold my D70 + equipment and my
F717. These are the two packs that I'm interested in [see below].
Have anyone use either one of these packs and what are your
thoughts on them. comfort, padding, etc. Which is better brand?

Also, does all weather [Lowepro mini trekker AW] mean my equipment
will survive a rain storm if I get caught out in one. And would
the rain cover on the Tamrac 5375 provide the same protection as
the AW lowepro pack?

I did my homework on these two packs the best that I could, but
without having excess to them, trying them on and see how I like
them, it's hard to tell which one is the best.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Mini_Trekker_AW.aspx

http://tamrac.com/5375.htm

Any thoughts,

Mark
--
I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished
it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

--
Lewis
http://chilipalmer.deviantart.com/gallery/

ChefZiggy · May 26, 2005

Here's my gear as of a few months ago. There is more stuff in there now, but I'm not taking another picture. It changes periodically.

I find this to be a very capable bag. Only you know how much stuff you have and/or want to put in it. Keep in mind that this will get heavy pretty quick. I keep another, smaller bag handy for walk about. When I carry the whole thing I have to wear it AS a backpack. Slinging it over one shoulder was starting cause damage.

Also, I just recently bought a Lowepro Slip-Lok lens case that attaches to the Mini Trekker with no problem, so it's expandable.
--
Chefziggy
http://www.pbase.com/chefziggy

Greencog · May 26, 2005

Mark have you looked at the Kata bags.

This is a review. It's been upgraded to the Kata R-103 which includes a pocket for a laptop. I bought one a month ago really well made.

http://www.shuttertalk.com/articles/katar102/index.php

Bob

LanceMach · May 26, 2005

The equipment does go at the bottom and you can put whatever you want on the top (including more equipment, but without the dividers). I can fit my D70 with kit lens attached, a Sigma 70-300, 50 mm prime, a couple filters, a mini tripod (I know, but it's better than hand-held), a Gmini120 (20GB hard drive for portable storage), a USB card reader and would probably have room left over for my SB800. That leaves the top for whatever non-photography items I want (I wish it was just a little bigger on top).

The rain cover will not cover the tripod - at least not a full sized tripod (I can remember which Bogen I have, but it would not fit under the cover.

--
Lance

morepix · May 26, 2005

Once I bought a camera backpack. But I discovered that my camera and other gear were behind my back, and I couldn't reach them to take any pictures. So I bought a bag that I can wear on the side or front, and now I can take all the pictures I want.

MTT · May 26, 2005

Is there room for my 717. Besides my D70 & 717, I also have the Nikon 75-300, Sigma 70-200 and Sunpak 383 flash and future lens I may buy.

Thanks,

Mark
--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

MTT · May 26, 2005

kdbruin said:
MTT said:

Yes, it does & thanks for your input. For some reason I thought the
AW meant waterproof backpack, not a cover like the Tamrac. And,
it's good to know it's rain proof. Everyone else seems to like
Lowepro also.

Click to expand...

The AW is just saying that the fabrics are somewhat water resistant
and a raincover is available for when it really rains.

I thought AW meant water resistant, but I didn't realized it had a pull over cover [until yesterday] like the Tamrac did. Since the Tamrac dose not mention it has AW fabrics, I'm assuming it doesn't have it. This is a plus for the Lowepro.

kdbruin said:
I myself also have the Rover AW II and really like it and I'm also
searching for a new backpack with a top compartment and a laptop
compartment. The new Crumpler backpacks seem to have this.

Thanks for your reply,

Mark

kdbruin said:
Kees.

--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

MTT · May 26, 2005

RonHrl said:
I tried them both in a camera store, and the Lowepro felt more
comfortable to me.

I wish I could do that. Comfort is very important, especially after a 5 mile hike.

Thanks for your reply,

Mark

RonHrl said:
MTT said:

Why didn't you buy another Tamrac? Thanks for your input, this
really helps.

Mark

Click to expand...

--
Ron
CP 5700, D70
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl

--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

scheptech · May 26, 2005

I have the lowepro microtrekker 200, works great.

Just a general comment about backpacks, consider how much weight you'll be happy to carry and size the pack accordingly. If you pick one able to carry more weight than you'll be comfortable with you won't want to fill it up anyway even if you have more gear available, too small and you'll be upsizing at some point to reach your optimal carrying weight. Personally my happy limit is around 10 - 12 pounds and that's about what fits the 200.
--
petert.smugmug.com

MTT · May 26, 2005

Shane Blake said:
i don't have that particular bag, but i have a tamrac expedition 3
which i'm quickly out growing... before my next trip, i'm going to
buy another tamrac. (expedition 5 or one w/ space for a laptop...)

the reason i like and i'm staying with the tamrac is mainly for the
quick release strap system. two d-rings at the shoulders are used
to connect two short straps that have quick connect latches. when
i connect them to the camera, i can use the shoulder harness of the
backpack instead of the regular neck strap (which uses the same
quick connect system) this takes the weight of the camera off my
neck and puts it on my shoulders, which is much more comfortable
over the course of a few hours.

as for the bag itself, i've had no trouble with it. i take it with
me everywhere i go and throw it around pretty good. no tears, no
damaged lenses, no problems...

Thanks for your reply Shane. I will take another look at them before I decide which to buy. Your right about the camera around your neck. A couple of hours with the D70 hanging on your neck and you feel like you have wip lash.

Mark

Shane Blake said:
shane
--
~~photos~~ http://shaneblake.com/autochrome
~~journal~~ http://shaneblake.com/kudzu

--

I'm a mechanic to survive, but a photographer for fun. Just wished it were the other way around. Mark Thompson/MTT
Louisville, KY. USA

http://mtt.smugmug.com/

Backpacks, my two choices. Opinion please.

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