Backpacks' current possibilities...

[raivo_vanags]

I have read several threads on photo.net but mostly the discussion

end with discussing photo bags not backpacks. My intention is to have

a room for two bodies, four lenses - 28-105; 50; 17-40 and 20-700 (or

100-400, haven�t decided yet), filters, probably camcorder, a place

for some maps and field guide some other small stuff and a

possibility to attach tripod (Bogen 055PRO) with ball head (Bogen

468RC). Of course it would be nice to have a bag which doesn�t scream

out �steel me� and it�s important that it�s waterproof (I have hiked

in mountains when it�s sunny when you start your trip and get pretty

rainy after couple of hours). Any thoughts?

<p>P.S. I�m planning to go to US after a month and want to buy the

bag there. Where's the best place to do it (I�ll be in NY)?

<p>P.S.S.I have seen some description of Tamrac 757 and Domke Spider

10 and 11 but haven�t seen any comments on them and can�t find Tamrac

prices on Adorama and Bhphoto� How do they compare to LowePro Mini

Trekker and Tamrac #5274 Expedition 4 Backpack?

<p>Best,

[maury_cohen]

Dear Raive,

That 20-700 is going to be a bear to pack!

I'll assume you really meant 70-200. In that case, I'd point out that the 2003 Mini Trekker AW has our added rain cover now. If you're carrying a formidable tripod you may appreciate the added support of our Nature Trekker AW.

Adorama and B&H are both great shops.

 

Maury Cohen, Product Specialist-Lowepro USA

[raivo_vanags]

hehehe, yes Maury, I meant 70-200!

[majid]

The Mini Trekker has an amazing capacity for such a compact bag. I once packed mine with 3 SLRs (Canon D30, Nikon FM3A, Nikon D100), 1 flash (Canon 550EX), 6 lenses (Canon 20mm, 24-85mm, 50mm, 135mm SF, Nikon 60mm AF macro, 45mm f/2.8P), a thin laptop and an iPod.

 

I just wish it had a pocket to stow away the straps when not in use so they don't drag on the floor (when carrying the bag by its handle) or catch against conveyor belts (when inserting it into a X-Ray scanner).

[art_karr]

Raivo:

 

I assume that you are talking 35 mm. I have packed larger

cameras on a regular basis. Those mentioned are good for

short trips. When I go further than a kilometer or so I use a real

backpack. I go to a store that sells quality camping equipment. I

fit them out for my equipment. It is easy to get the foam inserts

and the packs are actually weather resistant.

 

Questions: what mountains are you going to in NY. Those of us

in the west don't recognize the existance mountains in the

eastern US ;<)))

 

Art Karr

[aim rollphoto805]

Fazal,

 

I have a Mini Trekker right now....how did you cram all that in there??

 

haha

 

Nick

[raivo_vanags]

Art - actually I wanted to say that

<p>1)I want the bag to be waterproof as I have experienced some sudden rain while hicking in mountains, and

<p>2)<i>I�m planning to go to the US after a month and want to buy the bag there. Where's the best place to do it (I�ll be in NY)?</i>

<p>

Sorry for my English if I didn't spell my thoughts correctly:)

<p>

Best,

[angel_o.]

Well, the "Lowepro Mini-Trekker" is very good but it'll be too small for your equipment list. IMHO, the "Classic Trekker" will be more convenient for your application.

[majid]

Nick,

 

I have a very thin laptop :-) (Toshiba Portege 4000)

 

Most prime lenses will fit vertically in the cubbyholes on both sides of the main compartment (they are deep enough to fit a Nikkor 45mm f/2.8P and a Canon 50mm stacked together), and you can remove the divider for one of those to fit a FM3A without a lens. The flash fits in the big pouch in the flap (inside side). You can fit two SLRs in the middle cavity of the main compartment, or one SLR with a long telephoto zoom like a 70-200 or a 100-400.

 

That said, one of the larger LowePro Trekker bags would make for more comfortable packing conditions.

[art_karr]

Sorry Raivo:

 

Your English is fine. My comment about the mountains in the

eastern US is an american joke. Although, I haven't lived there in

40 years, I grew up in the eastern mountains.

 

When I was young and foolish, I backpacked equipment from

medium format to 8 x 10 into various mountains. I found that the

ones made specifically for photography were convenient to use

but were not designed for proper weight distribution for long

treks or well sealed against weather. I found that packs

designed for backpacking [either frame in or out] were much

better for the purpose. That is what I have used for years for trips

outside the confines of the parking lot. ;<))

 

I admit that some of the newer photography packs may be good

for this purpose; I just haven't found them. If you want a good test

try the Olympics for continuous rain or the Colorado Rockies for

the, almost daily, downpours from the 15 min thunderstorms

[although the worst I ever saw was in the Wind River Range; talk

about being soaked, but the camera stayed dry]. ;<)

 

Good hiking.

 

Art Karr

[leif_rudd]

for waterproofness, make sure that you choose the "AW" (all-weather) designation if you buy a lowepro pack. if you will be in NYC, b&h is an excellent place to buy, though please check their holiday schedule online before you leave, so you don't go there on the only day you can, and be saddened to find them closed. visit <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com">b&h here</a>. this second url may or may not work for you, but is worth a try, as it points directly to their holiday schedule: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh6.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=GetPage__Aindex_html___page=holidayschedule.html___SID=F4AC0321C50">holiday schedule</a>. best of luck to you in your travels in america.

[raivo_vanags]

Thanks a lot for all of your responses. I guess if I go with Lowepro then I should decide between Nature Trekker and Mini Trekker. Let�s see how it goes.

<p>As to the argument about using ordinary backpack instead of photo one � I guess it�s true for several day hikes but not sure about daily use. My ordinary backpack is definitely too large for a day trip. And how do you pack the camera and various lenses in he ordinary pack so as not to harm them and to get out of the bag before turning it all over?

<p>Maury � as I understand both bags have tripod mounts, right? And those �side bags� should be purchased additionally? Can you add them to Mini Trekker as well? Mini Trekker has an additional bag for rainy day but Nature Trekker is covered with protective material already? What is the difference between Photo Trekker Classic and Photo Trekker restyled version?

 

<p>Best,