Backpacks for Camera Equipment

I've decide to get a backpack for my Rollei camera, lenses, equipment and

accessories. I am trying to decide between LOWEPRO and KATA brands. I could

really use everyone's opinion regarding the two brands and specific backpacks

from each brand that you think would really work for carrying my Medium format

gear. Thanks.

You will not find most people who have both kinds, I have the lowepro and like it very much.They are well made and well thought out.

I use an old Tamrac 787 for MF, but it really is best, if at all possible, to actually physically place your gear into the packs you are considering.

<p>I was about to pull out all my backpacks and try shoving my medium format kit into them, but then I read DN's post, and completely agree. Most photography stores have them out on display. Bring your gear, and shove it in there. It's the best way to tell.

 

<p>I use a variety of LowePro and Tamrac cases (I bought the bulk of my film equipment used off ebay and got a bag with practically every body). I've never heard of KATA before.

 

<p>Just to add some fuel to your debate, have you checked out <a href="http://www.zuca.com/">Zuca</a>? I saw them at a convention and am drooling over them. It's a roll-cart, not a backpack, and they don't have camera inserts (yet) but those bodies have withstood getting hit by a truck (the Zuca was trashed but the camera equipment inside was okay). The Zuca can also work as a step stool to help get you above head-height (I think they're about three feet tall). They don't recommend it, but if you extend the carry-grip, you can use it as a makeshift brace so you don't fall forward. I desperately want one.

Carlos,

 

I have a Lowepro Mini-Trekker and a larger F64 Large Format pack. They are both fine.

Beware that a pack that is too small and doesn't have a Belt will WEAR YOU OUT if you pack

a lot of weight.

 

jmp

Oh yeah...where will you use the Pack? Makes a big difference.

 

I think that the KATA bags are too conspicuous. I travel with my packs a lot. You don't

want to be on a train and have people knowing that you have $10k worth of gear in your

bag.

 

jmp

I used a LOWEPRO for my Mamiya for years (even sold it to a friend after being used - talk about a great product).

All-Weather Super Trekker I believe.

I really liked the nice back support area where air could circulate (sweating happens when carrying equipment), and a great upper and lower belt for more support - it had an external tripod holder, and the very impressive water protector cover. (and plenty of extra inserts for inside and outside the bag.

So, hiking, desert, rain, trains, planes - this bag went many places.

You can hide the backpack arms - using a zip covering - and use the side handle - to look like a 'regular' travel bag too. The removable insert/separator pads are great in helping keep odd shaped items protected, plus the flap/lip has extra handy little zip pockets. I do suggest trying on any pack for comfort, sizing and styling.

I have the Lowepro Minnie Trekker that I purchased a few weeks ago. It holds my Mamiya pro and other gear very well and I find it a comfortable bag for hiking. It has padded shoulder straps, waist strap and a strap higher up that holds the shoulder straps in place. Very well thought out bag. It holds my gear well while hiking. You do have to remove it to access your gear. The tripod holder on the camera bag does not seem to work well with my Bogen (metal) tripod. It is to much weight in the wrong place. I instead carry the tripod using a shoulder sling that I rigged up to the tripod.....Nolan

Find a bag big enough to hold your gear and comfortable to wear.

 

If this is a Rollei TLR, any backpack is probably big enough. There are no lenses or big viewfinders to worry about. If this is an SLR, then watch out. The Rollei SLR is a big camera, and may not fit well in a Minitrekker (sp) , especially if you have a prism attached. Tne Minitrekker is only 4 inches deep, and a prism boosts the height of the camera to nearly 6 inches. I use a Computrekker Plus for an Hasselblad camera with prism, 4 lenses and 3 backs (flash, etc). This bag is nearly as large as a Lowepro Photo Trekker, but still fits on an airplane.

 

I like the tripod holder on the Computrekker (the same capacity as a Minitrekker) and Computrekker Plus. It holds my Gitzo 1227, a tall tripod even collapsed, just fine, though I prefer to use a shoulder strap for convenience.

The MiniTrekker must has changed some. The one I purchased is deep enough for my Mamiya Pro with Prism and Speed grip. I would say the depth is exactly perfect, with the camera sitting in there firmly with little room to move around. I place it on it's side with the speed grip up. That makes it very nice for putting it in or removing it since I have a secure hold on the camera. I rearranged the compartments so the camera sits low in the bag. But there are many other bags to choose from. The thing to do is just go into the store with your camera as I did and just put your camera in some bags until you find one that is appealing..nolan

Nolan,

 

You're right. The Minitrekker and Computrekker are 5 inches deep. They will hold a 6 inch camera even though it sticks up a bit, because the cover is flexible. Because they stick up, they are not protected as well in a fall, since the cover is thinly padded. I use one for my working kit bag, with two D2 bodies (which are 6x6 inches). With partitions six inches deep, the Phototrekker offers better protection, but is really big otherwise. The extra room can handle 5-6 lenses, 2 or 3 extra backs and other gear.

 

I use a LowePro Pro Mag II as a day bag for an Hasselblad, 3 lenses, an extra back, light meter and film. It weighs about 16 pounds loaded up, but is OK to carry for a few hours. A backpack is a lot safer and easier to carry for hiking.

I use the LowePro Nature Trekker AW for my Hasselblad equipment. It fits a complete camera (with prism) plus two extra lenses, another magazine or two, meter, film, filters, etc. quite easily and with good protection. I have larger models for 35mm, but this fits perfectly.

One thing that might influence the answers you get is the models change every 3 years or so, and just get better. My Nature Trekker is about 3 years old now but it is so good for this kit that I would have no reason to change.

Edward I measured mine and it is 5 inches like you said. The cover is flexible but reasonably thick. It has good and bad to it. I don't feel that the camera moves around and is secure in there but like you said in a fall there may be a shortage of protection. But overall I like it. I have been considering losing the power grip and going with a mechanical crank. That would also make the camera fit better as well as quieter operation and taking one battery out of my life. I have been looking at the slingshot 200 with the one strap. I have not tried my camera in it but for more casual use I kind of like the ability to access the camera easier. I might pick one up if my camera and 1 extra lens fit well...nolan