Photo Backpacks - DPChallenge Forums

07/08/2004 10:58:27 AM · #1

Hi all! My trip to NC made me realize that while my regular bag is GREAT for everyday use, it SUCKS for hiking about as it's really heavy and uncomfortable to haul for long periods of time. So, I need to pick up a backpack for those times when I'll be out and about without access to the trunk of my trusty VW.
I'm looking at the Lowepro Micro Trekker 100, 200, and the Tamrac Expedition 3. Any of you have experience with these bags? Which is your favorite and why. Please advise quickly as Hubby and I are off to Charleston weekend after next and I wanna get my order into B&H today.
Thanks - I appreciate your opinions!

sylandrix

Nikon D50

07/08/2004 11:16:12 AM · #2

I have the Micro Trekker 200, which fits all my camera accesories just perfectly:

Two film SLRs, one Olympus 3030Z digital camera, two additional Nikon Lenses, filters, light meter, batteries, etc.

I bought my pack just before a trip around Europe last month, so I really put it through its paces... I must say I'm very satisfied with it. It didn't feel that heavy when fully loaded. The straps were nice and padded, and you can secure it around your waist and in the front where the two straps meet, which I would suggest using if you're fully loaded...I can't imagine how my trip would have been without it.

(Have not tried attaching a tripod to it - don't know how it fares in that area)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/08/2004 11:23:20 AM · #3

Thanks David - your comments are extremely helpful!

Anyone else?

Marjo

Canon EOS-7D

07/08/2004 11:24:16 AM · #4

I've got a Delsey Pro. I like it alot for the same reasons. First one I looked at, though. It also has a section for my laptop.

tfaust

Canon EOS 80D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/08/2004 11:24:46 AM · #5

I have the Tamrac Expedition 5 and it just fits everything. Anymore gear and I'd need a larger bag. I love this backpack, wears very comfortably and versatile to my placement needs.

I got it on Ebay quite a bit cheaper than retail.

Good luck!

Nelzie

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/08/2004 11:30:23 AM · #6

Originally posted by sylandrix:

I have this same bag and I tell you what, it ROCKS!

I have also used the Tripod Attachment, located on the bottom of the backpack. Other then the feeling that when swinging around I might whack something with the tripod, it worked wonderfully. You might not have that feeling, I am just weird about things like that.

Anyway, I can't recomend this bag enough. It fits my Digital Rebel, my smaller 'crappy' digi-cam, both my lenses and a few other things that I might want to carry with me. Everything is kept relatively safe in its padded inside.

The bag itself is also composed of a 'weather resistent' material, although I won't ever truly trust those claims, which is why I use the ample sized bag to carry a nicely folded up rain poncho, regardless of where I am going and what the weatherman says.

It's never wrong to be prepared for 'anything'.

Message edited by author 2004-07-08 11:30:47.

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

07/08/2004 11:32:11 AM · #7

I have the Micro Trekker 100. It is an excellent quality backpack, light comfortable and you can wear it all day without any discomfort. I ran a 4 mile run with mine on my back (including tripod in on of the external holder/strap.

Excellent bag (trekker 100) but I have a PowerShot Pro1 prosumer (can't get a lot of extra lenses) and I have the bag full. I would go with a larger model for the dSLR's. I carry the camera, 420EX speedlight, Adapter Tube, 4 filters, Ultra Pod, and Strap in the bag. In the pockets Spare Battery, Extra CF cards, USB thumb drive and Cleaning gear. I don't know how many people here carry their battery charger but I got that in the bag as well. It is full, no room for the Teleconverter that goes on the expansion tube.

Backpacks are great but if you should ever need anything out of one in a pinch you better travel with an assistant. I was shooting some pets doing tricks at an Animal Planet Expo here, forgot to move my battery/Compact Flash from the Backpack to my pocket, totally filed my CF card and had to my wife unzip the pack then the pocket grab a card and hand it to me. Doesn't sound like much but when shooting short bits of animals you can miss tons.

ED: Omitted a couple words

Message edited by author 2004-07-08 11:34:13.

Kavey

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC for Canon

07/08/2004 11:38:13 AM · #8

I have the Mini Trekker Classic which I bought for a trip to Kenya in April and have also been using for the recent 8 week trip to Southern Africa. It's similar to the newer Mini Trekker AW (All Weather) which includes a waterproof cover that can be pulled over the bag and has slight changes to tripod straps etc.

My husband bought the Micro Trekker 200 for the 8 week trip and it's also a fantastic bag.

Given that on most trips we're carrying not only digital camera but also batteries, X Drive, recharging units, other lenses, a camcorder and tapes, tissues, sunglasses, hats, notepads, field guides, maps and a whole host of other stuff we needed bags that would allow us to carry everything in one bag.

We took both bags on the trip and then on any given day we would work out what we needed to take between us both and then swap stuff between the two bags and take out either the smaller or larger as needed. Or sometimes just both!

I resisted buying a proper camera backpack for years, I truly don't know why, I guess it just seemed an extravagance (and yet it's not like I'm a reluctant self-spoiler) and when we finally bought the bags we realised how incredibly inexpensive they are for the convenience and comfort and protection they provide.

Message edited by author 2004-07-08 11:39:04.

07/08/2004 11:51:19 AM · #9

Awesome info, folks, thank you!

Kavey, I have a question regarding the Trekker Classic vs. the Trekker 200. Given that I will be carrying my DSLR, possibly 3 lenses, flash, and misc. stuff (cell, shades, lip balm, etc.) plus my husband's film SLR should he decide to take it, which would you go for?

Jacko

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/08/2004 11:54:27 AM · #10

I got the same bag. It fits:

10D
Canon 28-135mm
Canon 70-200mm F4
1.4x extender
Sigma 15-30mm
Canon 50mm F1.4
X Drive
Canon 550EX
ST-E2 wireless transmitter
remote shutter release
filters

Originally posted by tfaust:

mirdonamy

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/08/2004 12:17:07 PM · #11

Sounds like both Lowepro & Tamrac are great bags. I have the microtrekker 100. I love it. It's cushioned!!! I can wear it forever and not even notice it. It holds my camera, a few lenses, lots of cards, filters, shutter cable, lens cleaning stuff, batteries, & more (money, id, cell phone, make up, haha).

It's really strong and has great weather resistance!!!

Go to your local photo store and try them all on. See which one fits you best! :)

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

07/08/2004 12:24:25 PM · #12

Thank you all again for your help!

I think the Trekker 200 is THE ONE that will best fit my intentions (and my gear). Now all I gotta do is pick a color - HA HA.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

07/08/2004 01:27:48 PM · #13

I bought a LowePro CompuTrekker for a long trip in May and loved it. I had a laptop, DSLR, 4 lenses, a DV camcorder and lots of accessories, yet I was able to wear it comfortably for lond periods of time without a problem.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/08/2004 02:01:38 PM · #14

Thankfully, lugging a laptop isn't necessary for me so I was able to go with a smaller bag. Just got off the phone with B&H (LOVE those people - don't you) and my Trekker 200 is on the way. Yippee! And with my NAPP discount, I got overnight shipping for just a few bucks.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

07/08/2004 02:21:38 PM · #15

I just got the Kata backpack a new entry in the market made by an Israeli group that makes body armour. The bag is comperable in size to the mid range trecker packs, but is much better protected. The guy in the camera store put in his camera body and a 70-200 2.8 L raised it to chest height and dropped it , thwack. I was impressed enough to spend full price though later I found it for $60 less at B&H. Worth a look, and the most comfortable pack I have ever worn.

wyoduckhunter

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

07/08/2004 05:04:28 PM · #16

It's not here yet, but I ordered a Tamrac Velocity 7. It is a single strap pack that is top loading for a DSLR. I wanted to be able to wear it on my chest as well, for on my motorcycle. Will let you know how it works.

debitipton

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

07/08/2004 05:40:27 PM · #17

I just hauled the Trekker 200 through Japan -- worked perfectly. You'll love it. Easy to get into qiuckly, everything stores nicely,

Have fun on your trip!

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

07/08/2004 05:54:46 PM · #18

I have a Roadwired Podzilla, which I love!! I am able to backpack with this one. have a "4 point harness" that allows it to sit right at waist/bellybutton level
This thing holds my D70 with 18-70 lens, the 50mm, 70-300mm, 3 filters in their boxes, the exta battery pack and batteries x6, lens pen and cloth, the USB wire and TV connector. Have room to shove in the battery charger and I imagine the power cord if I had one. WIth more room for other small things. Cell phone, GPS, etc connect/fit in pockets on the outside outside.
Works great!!

Message edited by author 2004-07-08 17:55:24.

jmlelii

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

07/08/2004 08:20:06 PM · #19

I suggest getting a bag with a Hip Strap also! It takes a lot of weight off the shoulders and distrubutes it evenly amongst your back, making hours of effortless carrying =)

dcano

Nikon D100

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D

07/08/2004 08:47:06 PM · #20

Depending on the amount of equipment you want to carry, I would suggest the tamrac velocity 7 or 9. My velocity 7 carries my d 100 and two lenses, not including the one on the camera. It is modeled after a messenger bag. It quickly shifts to your back and swings around the front of your body for easy access. I love it. Check it out.
dc

GoldBerry

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

07/08/2004 09:33:53 PM · #21

I was just thinking that if you're carrying a regular shoulder bag and slip/fall then you'd just drop it, but if you're using a backpack you'd probably fall back on to it. That ever happen to anyone and did the equipment survive unscathed?

Spork99

OM System OM-1

07/08/2004 10:46:27 PM · #22

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

You just twist around and take the impact with your face, it's much less painful that way.