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Timberland

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I'm looking for a new bag. I now have a Lowepro Minitrekker Classic.

It's a nice bag, but there are 2 major draws (for me): it's not water/weather proof (no pouch) and it's not overly comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Some advice and user experiences would be a great help!

This stuff has to fit: 40D, Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105, Canon 70-200F4IS and some other stuff (like PD70X, filters, rocketblower, etc). I want the biggest lens to fit attached to the body. I'm also going to buy a larger prime in future, probably the 300F4IS (this also has to fit in the bag attached to the body if possible).

I'm very satisfied with the space that I have now (in the Lowepro bag). When I travel I carry my bag with me all the time, it's like glued to my back. :)
It would be nice if I had a more comfortable (on the shoulders) bag.

Any advice would be welcome. but I have to say that my budget is around €200,-.
Thanks.

Tim

--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Hi
just came home from a one week trip to the archipelago.

Kata backpack was very comfortable even with my Velbon Sherpa Pro CF attached (+ all my stuff inside ) . I had a laptop with me - very well protected pocket for that too. Should fit your budget...

--
Kari
SLR photography for 40 years
60°15´N 24°03´ E
 
i have a Kata R102 with similar lenses as yours (tripod too)

is incredibly comfy, very tough anddurable, organized

could not recommend it any stronger
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Have you got experience with other bags than the Kata?

I would like to know how comfortable it is compared to the Lowepro Minitrekker Classic.
direwolf0701 said:
i have a Kata R102 with similar lenses as yours (tripod too)

is incredibly comfy, very tough anddurable, organized

could not recommend it any stronger
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Got this pack b/c it's the smallest available Lowepro with a full technical harness. Love it, miles better than the Minitrekker AW it replaced.
 
I have the Mini Trekker AW which is similar to your Classic but it has the AW cover and a sternum (waist) strap. I haven’t been using the sternum strap for outings of three or so hours and light loads but I can see where it might make things more comfortable if properly adjusted i.e. extend shoulder straps so that sternum/waist strap (if snug) would take a good portion of the weight. This model is also designed so that a tripod can be attached. You may be looking to change brands but if not, here is a link:
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Mini-Trekker-AW,1965,14.htm

Mini Trekker AW easily holds my 40D with battery grip and 100-400 with about 2” to spare so it should easily hold a 300 f.4 IS which I believe is about 1.3” longer. I think the inside measurement on the Classic are the same as the Mini AW.
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Mini-Trekker%20Classic,1966.htm

Interesting comments from severoon about the Vertex 200 AW.
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Vertex-200-AW,2073,16.htm

Sounds like a good bag. Was not aware that it replaced the Mini Trekker AW which is still listed.

I wonder if you could somehow attach a sternum strap to your Classic to transfer the weight? Just a thought to save a few dollars.

Hope this helps.

Bill

--
http://www.pbase.com/willvan
 
Think Tank Rotation 360. Has all of the pockets , D-Rings, wide shoulder straps and sternum strap, very adjustable, waterproof pouches, well made. It handles my 2 40D's, 100-400, 70-200, 180 Macro and 18-55. All 28 pounds. Let the criticism flow as to why I carry so much on 6-10 mile hikes. Well, you'll never know when you wish you had.....
 
I'm using a Crumpler pack (Karachi Outpost) which is very comfortable. I have very similar collection of gear, including the 300 f4. It is also very well built. It has the added advantange of not looking like a photo pack which is added security. I like the way that it opens which is backwards from most packs. Normally you have to flip your pack over onto the straps once you have it on the ground. This one opens on the strap side. It is faster, more convenient and it keeps your straps and backpad clean. I really think you should check it out. Gerry
 
Thanks for the suggestion.

It looks the same (only bigger) than the Minitrekker, in what way is it miles better?

Tim
severoon said:
Got this pack b/c it's the smallest available Lowepro with a full
technical harness. Love it, miles better than the Minitrekker AW it
replaced.
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at the website, boy that thing looks complicated, inspector Gadget. LOL.
LostValley said:
Think Tank Rotation 360. Has all of the pockets , D-Rings, wide
shoulder straps and sternum strap, very adjustable, waterproof
pouches, well made. It handles my 2 40D's, 100-400, 70-200, 180 Macro
and 18-55. All 28 pounds. Let the criticism flow as to why I carry so
much on 6-10 mile hikes. Well, you'll never know when you wish you
had.....
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
I'll have a look at that one, thanks for the suggestion.
geraldprost said:
I'm using a Crumpler pack (Karachi Outpost) which is very
comfortable. I have very similar collection of gear, including the
300 f4. It is also very well built. It has the added advantange of
not looking like a photo pack which is added security. I like the way
that it opens which is backwards from most packs. Normally you have
to flip your pack over onto the straps once you have it on the
ground. This one opens on the strap side. It is faster, more
convenient and it keeps your straps and backpad clean. I really think
you should check it out. Gerry
Click to expand...
--
New gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/tvw/corfu
 
Timberland said:
Thanks for the suggestion.
It looks the same (only bigger) than the Minitrekker, in what way is
it miles better?
Click to expand...
The Vertex 200 has a far superior harness with large hip pads on the waist belt, which makes all the difference. With this thing cinched down, I've walked moderately difficult trails for 10+ miles without too much of a burden, as compared to the Minitrekker which would take it's toll after just a couple of miles.
 
I have Lowepro AW 300, very satisfied with the comfortable. AW 300 can accommodate bigger lenses than AW 200. You can watch the demo video at lowepro site.
 
severoon said:
Timberland wrote:

The Vertex 200 has a far superior harness with large hip pads on the
waist belt, which makes all the difference. With this thing cinched
down, I've walked moderately difficult trails for 10+ miles without
too much of a burden, as compared to the Minitrekker which would take
it's toll after just a couple of miles.
Click to expand...
When hiking with this pack, is it possible to fit water, food, waterproofs inside etc?
 
Check the Kata bags, as others have mentioned. I have two - the R-103 and DR-465.

The DR-465 is the smaller bag and very handy, especially on a plane since it has the upper storage compartment for "stuff." It is also handy for hikes with snacks and other misc items to carry along. If you are not carrying a laptop, the extra compartment on the back is good for books, maps, etc. We have also stuffed a light jacket in there with no problems.

The R-103, to me, is rather large and bulky. I got it for when I want to bring everything and the kitchen sink. (Not really, as bring another bag along with extra gear - like three flashes - for Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) One draw back for us is that there is no water bottle holder on the outside, and no seperate compartment inside.

My wife and I have work both during trips and they are comfortable and very durable. With a little practice, accessing the gear on either one, even while bring worn by the other person, is not difficult. Both have weather covers as well.

Best wishes,
David
 
digitalrock said:
severoon said:
Timberland wrote:

The Vertex 200 has a far superior harness with large hip pads on the
waist belt, which makes all the difference. With this thing cinched
down, I've walked moderately difficult trails for 10+ miles without
too much of a burden, as compared to the Minitrekker which would take
it's toll after just a couple of miles.
Click to expand...
When hiking with this pack, is it possible to fit water, food,
waterproofs inside etc?
Click to expand...
It's not an adventure pack...it's a photo pack. There isn't any section dedicated to non-photo gear.
 
severoon said:
Got this pack b/c it's the smallest available Lowepro with a full
technical harness. Love it, miles better than the Minitrekker AW it
replaced.
Click to expand...
I just bought this too along with an addon pack that can hold my peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches!
 
Just came back from 3 weeks in Peru. Used the Tamrac 752 and it worked great! But I'm short.
 
severoon said:
digitalrock said:
severoon said:
Timberland wrote:

The Vertex 200 has a far superior harness with large hip pads on the
waist belt, which makes all the difference. With this thing cinched
down, I've walked moderately difficult trails for 10+ miles without
too much of a burden, as compared to the Minitrekker which would take
it's toll after just a couple of miles.
Click to expand...
When hiking with this pack, is it possible to fit water, food,
waterproofs inside etc?
Click to expand...
It's not an adventure pack...it's a photo pack. There isn't any
section dedicated to non-photo gear.
Click to expand...
Not even a pocket or external water bottle holder?
 
digitalrock said:
severoon said:
digitalrock said:
severoon said:
Timberland wrote:

The Vertex 200 has a far superior harness with large hip pads on the
waist belt, which makes all the difference. With this thing cinched
down, I've walked moderately difficult trails for 10+ miles without
too much of a burden, as compared to the Minitrekker which would take
it's toll after just a couple of miles.
Click to expand...
When hiking with this pack, is it possible to fit water, food,
waterproofs inside etc?
Click to expand...
It's not an adventure pack...it's a photo pack. There isn't any
section dedicated to non-photo gear.
Click to expand...
Not even a pocket or external water bottle holder?
Click to expand...
You can see the interior and exterior simply by visiting the lowepro site. A picture's worth a thousand words. (Never thought I'd invoke that saying in a photography forum. :-) )
 
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