Alternitive to Lowepro Stealth AW II?

[ap78]

I tried to do a search on my situation but there isn't much talk

about the particular bag in question.

 

I've been looking for a camera backpack with not much luck. I

ordered a Lowepro Compu Trekker but it's just too thick (deep), and

has too many cords and straps hanging from it. I would have checked

that before ordering but no one had one around my area.

 

I really like the Lowepro Stealth AW II. The only problem I have

with it, is the fact you can't carry a camera body with lens

attached in it. Other than that I would buy it. Are there any other

comparable backpacks that would carry a D100, three lenses (none

longer than 200mm), a flash and still have room for some extra stuff

like memory cards, cell phone, etc? My main concern is it should not

have straps or cords all over the place; just a nice clean looking

backpack that's not bulky and is ok as a carry-on.

 

Maybe I'm making too much out of not having a lens mounted while in

the bag. It really doesn't take long to put one on. My main use

for a back pack would be for trips through the city and vacations.

Any thoughts?

 

Thanks,

Angelo

[andrew robertson]

For me, the only thinkable upgrade is the Lowepro Dryzone. I live in Oregon and

often hike in the rain, an so far I have been lucky (or skillful? HAHAHA) with respect

to water entering my camera bag. I don't intend to continue with this crap shoot,

however.

 

I can't figure out why they offer it in yellow, though. Ugh!

[alex_medeiros]

The reason it's available in yellow (and also black I believe) is that it is designed to float. A primary target market for this bag is for use on boats, canoes, kayaks etc. A yellow bag is much easier to spot in the water. Blue, Green, Grey, Black - well... you get the idea.

[john raasch]

The responces seem to have gotten off topic from what you want, but, you do not want the Lowepro Dryzone bag! I frequently am shooting in adverse weather conditions and thought that it would be the perfect bag for me. I was very mistaken no water was going to get into the bag, but neither was I. The bag is very difficult to get into and not very practicale. Take a look at the Stealth Reporter 500 AW, maybe that is what you are already looking at, but I've always been happy with it.

[ap78]

Thanks John, I actually had a look at a Tamrac Velocity 9 (5749) and it looks very similar to what I was hoping to find. The Reporter 500 AW looks to be a very nice bag, but not exactly what I was looking for this time around. BTW, you're right; the Dry Zone is not for me either. It's even larger than the compu trekker I returned. I'm sure some find it to be just right, but I'm not faced with that much rain.

 

Thanks again,

Angelo

[scott_g2]

Angelo,

 

I have had pretty good luck using a Crumpler photo insert from their line of messenger bags inside various mountaineering and hiking backpacks. They are well padded and are supposed to be very water resistant. (I also use a rain cover over the backpack) The insert closes with a zipper and Velcro.

 

You can see some of the inserts available on the Crumpler USA website as well as on ebags.com.

 

This system works well for protection and transport but is not very easy to work from.

 

Best of luck in your search.