[LowePro] Mini Trekker vs. Mini Trekker AW

I've had my eye on the LowePro Mini Trekker AW and have been waiting for a sale

or a decent coupon before making the purchase. I recently received an offer to

pick up a non-AW Mini Trekker at a fairly decent price ($60). The all-weather

feature was really what turned me onto the MT, but at this price I'm considering

the older style of the bag anyway.

Can anyone here tell me if there were other changes made to the Mini Trekker

line when LowePro transitioned to only carrying the AW version? I assume

dimensions and overall build quality remain the same, but you never know...

Also, does anyone know of a good rain cover "accessory" that would fit this bag?

I live in the Pacific Northwest, so there's an obvious need for some extra

precautions... :)

Thanks!

Michael, there are a few differences in the bags. I like the pockets better on the AW bag and the fact that I can attach a tripod. I would think the size is similar but the shoulder straps may be different.

You can check out the specs here.........

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Mini-Trekker-Classic,1966,14.htm

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Mini-Trekker-AW,1965,14.htm

Actually, I've had the AW for a while but haven't had to use the cover yet. Of course, if I ever replaced it with a non-AW version, I would need it every time I went out.

I recently had the exact same decision to make. I had all intentions of buying the AW version, based on the advertised features. When checking both versions out at the camera store, I decided upon the "classic" original version.

There is no difference in the build quality of the two. The inside main compartment is identical. All the extra cost is in the carrying straps and harness; the rain cover and the fancier arrangment of the pockets and other external add-ons.

For me, the larger single pocket on the front was what I could make better use of. One can still attach a tripod by means of straps provided on the bottom of the bag. Not as fancy, but functional. The tripod would be lateral instead of up vertically.

I will admit that the pack is less comfortable to carry than the other version, at least for long periods ( I assume), but the price is pretty good for the Classic version and , I felt, a little over the top for the AW version.

There is a rain cover available at Mountain Equipment Co-op, (Vancouver, Calgary etc) called the MEC Daypack Raincover (small), $12 cad., that fits it perfectly ! I bought one, works fine and tucks away very nice.

DK.

Dear Bruce and Michael,

There was a model, manufactured between the "original" Mini Trekker and the AW. All of the design features (tripod holder, pockets, interior, etc.) were as on the AW version with the excception of the AW cover. The Mini Trekker Classic was added after the AW and modeled after the "original".

Maury Cohen-Product Specialist, Lowepro US.