backpack

[jim_feuer]

I'm looking for suggestions on a backpack that will hold my Bronica

SQ body and two or three lenses. I'd also like to have a little

more room left over for a small digital and some other supplies.

This backpack needs to be able to carry a tripod as well. I know it

would be best to try these on, but our local camera stores have few

options.

[mark liddell]

I have the lowe pro mini trekker AW. It is excellent. At first I was a bit suspicous of whether the high price of lowe pro were worth it, but this bag is well thought out, light and well made.

 

I can fit my RB67, 2 lenses, pentax spot meter, lee filter system, 5 filters and still have loads of room left in it. I could easily get another back and 2 lenses in it. The tripod attachment works well too.

 

Carrying the huge weight of the RB plus tripod for landscape work should tell you something about it's comfort!

[jim_rhoades]

I use a Lowe mini-trekker for a Linhof 6x12 with 65mm lens attached, 135mm lens, 9 filters, 40 rolls of film, Plaubel Makina 67, Pentax spotmeter, cable release etc. Tripod in hand but sometimes lashed on.There's still room in the outside pocket for some granola bars and a water bottle. Mine's old, I'd rather have Mark's AW model.

 

The Mini-Trekker's are small and light. As soon as you go bigger they get very heavy, very fast.

[roland_vink]

I also use a Lowepro backpack for my Pentax 645, I think the Micro Trekker 200 which is one of the smaller packs. It's a tight fit but the pack holds the camera with 45/2.8, 75/2.8, 120/4 macro and 300/5.6, pluse an extension tube, filters and notebook. I like the way everything is in one layer - no need to dig underneath for the lens you need, it's all available. The pack is also comfortable to wear and carry.

 

I think it has straps for carrying a tripod but the larger models are better for this. Check the http://www.lowepro.com for more details. I carry my tripod in my hands as it is quicker to set up that way.

 

A couple of concerns. With this type of camera bag, it's all to easy to pick up the bag without properly zipping it up with the result that the contents fall out ... It has not happened to me (yet)!

While the bag is well laid out and easy to carry, to get anything out means stopping and taking it off, which can be slow and inconvenient. When working in the field it needs to be laid on level ground and if the ground is wet or dirty it gets on the straps ... It would be better if the camera were accessable without needing to put it down.

Shoulder bags are better in this regard as you can get to the contents without putting them down and the bottom is free of straps or pockets so it's ok to put them down on a dirty surface. However they usually store things in layers and what you want is usually at the bottom ...

Backpacks seem popular with outdoor photographers, I wonder how they get around these problems?

[Spearhead]

I have a Mini-Trekker and use it with a Mamiya 7, three lenses, a meter and a pinhole camera. Works fine.

 

However...I don't agree on the tripod attachment. I've never found one that worked. And I don't work out of a backpack except for on-location shooting. For the reasons mentioned above, I find it really difficult to take things in and out regularly. Usually I use it for travel to a location and then switch to a camera bag for the equipment I will use at that time.

[Ed_Ingold]

I have a LowePro Computrekker, which is essentially a Minitrekker with a slot for a laptop. The tripod pocket is ingenious and useful (I don't know if it is the same as the Minitrekker). I've used it effectively with a G-1227, which is too long for comfort with my larger backpack - a Photo Trekker. The Computrekker easily holds an Hasselblad, 3 or 4 lenses, extension tubes, spare backs and flash.

 

I usually carry a laptop only for air or bus travel. Otherwise, the pocket just adds extra padding, and can hold a Color Checker chart without damage.

 

Yes, I have to set it down to get stuff out. I try to find a relatively clean, dry spot, and wear old clothes. The straps get dirty, but mostly on the outside. Like Jeff, I transfer stuff to a smaller shoulder bag for day use (or in the city). Sans tripod, the gross weight is between 25 and 30 pounds, which is a killer in a shoulder bag, but a piece of cake in a backpack.

[maury_cohen]

For clarification... The original Mini Trekker, (prior to 2000) and the current Mini Trekker Classic feature tripod straps that carry the tripod across the base of the pack in horizontal position.

The post 2000 Mini Trekker, Mini Trekker AW and CompuTrekker AW feature a vertical pouch and strap system that holds the tripod upright on the back of the pack.

 

Maury Cohen, Product Specialist - Lowepro US

[jim_feuer]

Thanks for all the feedback. I was actually thinking of the mini trekker but wasn't sure my Bronica would fit. Now I know. Thanks again.

[hugh_sakols]

I use the mini trecker for my SQa and three lenses and it works great.

[bruce_appel]

I recently bought a Mountainsmith- the biggest they have, don't know the model number. It will carry my 4X5 outfit, mf would be no problem. Well made, carries well, really good tripod mount, cost less than Lowepro products. Might be worth a look.

[edward_vargas1]

Jim,

 

I hope you didn't buy your backpack yet. Check out Kinesis Gear: http://www.kinesisgear.com I purchased a Journeyman backpack, harness, belt and many accessories to carry my Bronica SQAi, lenses, magazines, 100 rolls of film to my trip to Europe September 2004. Contact me and I will give you more information.

 

Good luck. I