Looking for feedback on smaller camera backpacks

TristanP

I'm interested in smallish camera backpacks like the Tamrac Expedtion 3, Adventure 7, Adventure 6, Lowepro Micro Trekker 200, or Orion Trekker II. I'll be carrying various combinations of a 20D (no grip), 18-55 (or similar wide zoom when I upgrade), 50/1.4, 70-300 IS, 100 or 150 macro, maybe a flash or two depending on the destination. I like the option of storing stuff other than camera equipment (Adventure 6/7, Orion) for things like vacations and day trips with the kids. I'd like to stay under $75. Anyone have any feedback on these models as far as ease of use, quality, and comfort?

Andy

Can't comment on those but I do have a Joe Farace Reporter Backpack that I'll be reviewing soon. It's in my hands, I just haven't had time to give it a thorough run-through.

USAIR

Tristan I have the Micro Trekker 200
Very nice bag not very well padded but for day hikes or exploring the city great bag.
I carry 20D 70-200 f/2.8 L,24-70 f/2.8 L,50mm 1.8,LensBaby,10-22mm, and filters cleaning stuff and extra battery pulse memory.
I have the bottle bag its nice for a cool drink And I have another bag that hooks on the outside when I need to carry the flash...but I rarely do carry the flash with this bag.

I use it on day hikes and it straps nicely to my Suzuki bike( makes a nice back rest on long rides)

So for the money its a great bag it's amazing how much stuff will fit in and around this little bag.
I need to do a review on this bag I guess

Hope this helped
Fred

macaddict

TristanP wrote:

I'm interested in smallish camera backpacks like the Tamrac Expedtion 3, Adventure 7, Adventure 6, Lowepro Micro Trekker 200, or Orion Trekker II.

Those are all nice bags you're looking at. I've used a Tamrac Cyberpack 6 for two years. But, I was looking for something smaller and found this Lowepro Slingshot 200. I read a great review for it in the British mag, "Digital Photography Made Easy."

The only downside: it's too small to pack my laptop. But on the other hand, it will be perfect for daytrips and quick shoots! Good luck and let us know your final decision!

TristanP

macaddict wrote:

But, I was looking for something smaller and found this Lowepro Slingshot 200.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've been meaning to get to a local camera store to 1) actually see if they have any and 2) see how it works with my gear - maybe tomorrow. I was considering the Slingshot, but I think the two-strap backpacks would work better for me. However, if the stores carry one, I'll certainly try it while I'm there. Bag shopping is nearly as hard as lens shopping.

gus

TristanP wrote:

I'm interested in smallish camera backpacks like the Tamrac Expedtion 3, Adventure 7, Adventure 6, Lowepro Micro Trekker 200, or Orion Trekker II. I'll be carrying various combinations of a 20D (no grip), 18-55 (or similar wide zoom when I upgrade), 50/1.4, 70-300 IS, 100 or 150 macro, maybe a flash or two depending on the destination. I like the option of storing stuff other than camera equipment (Adventure 6/7, Orion) for things like vacations and day trips with the kids. I'd like to stay under $75. Anyone have any feedback on these models as far as ease of use, quality, and comfort?

What ???? No crumpler !

photocat

I have a small LowePro that has become too small for my camera and lenses and SB800. I was perfectly happy with it except that it had become too small.
Make me an offer and it could be yours... (Or is this a shameless plug?)
The bag is in good condition... (I think it is a reporter 100 or something in that area)

40 dollar and it is yours

Cat

TristanP

Humungus wrote:

What ???? No crumpler !

From what I've seen and read, I'd probably love one, but they're too expensive for me.

TristanP

photocat wrote:

I have a small LowePro that has become too small for my camera and lenses and SB800.

Is it this one? Thanks for the offer, but I'm really looking for a backpack. I already have something like the Reporter for my camcorder/F717 that I've been using with the new equipment.

photocat

TristanP wrote:

Is it this one? Thanks for the offer, but I'm really looking for a backpack. I already have something like the Reporter for my camcorder/F717 that I've been using with the new equipment.

That is the one... I swapped for a backpack too, with wheels!
No biggie... grin

USAIR

macaddict wrote:

Those are all nice bags you're looking at. I've used a Tamrac Cyberpack 6 for two years. But, I was looking for something smaller and found this Lowepro Slingshot 200. I read a great review for it in the British mag, "Digital Photography Made Easy."

The only downside: it's too small to pack my laptop. But on the other hand, it will be perfect for daytrips and quick shoots! Good luck and let us know your final decision!

I have also put a small laptop in the Micro Trekker too (it's not made to do this)
Just put some rags on top the camera equiptment then add laptop.
It's tight but it did work

Fred

TristanP

Well, I made it to Ritz Camera today - no, it's definately not like I imagine B&H to be, but I only had limited time on the way home and Wilmington isn't a budding photographer's paradise. I checked out the Expedition 3 and almost laughed. It's tiny! The store had mostly little bags for P&S cameras with a couple Velocity and slightly larger shoulder bags thrown in, so I was about to leave, pretty disappointed.

However, I had come across the Lowepro Rover II online last night, and it looked intriguing. Well, dontcha know, there was one sitting on the floor, almost hiding out of the way. I unpacked all my gear from the Expedition and loaded it into the Rover. Everything I had with me fit fine (everything in my sig plus a Sunpak 383 and IR trigger) with a couple compartments to spare, plus the whole upper section. I tried it on and the straps seemed very padded and adjustable, along with a substantial waist belt and chest strap.

I'm 6'1", so the larger size of this bag worked well for me. It has a fold down tripod-holder-thingy on the back and even the AW cover stuffed underneath (read it in a review somewhere or I wouldn't have seen it). I think this is the one, so I'll need to save a tiny bit longer for it ($115 at B&H). There's nothing like actually getting your hands on the gear before you buy. Whatever I get, I'll be sure to write a review for you guys.

wxwax

TristanP wrote:

There's nothing like actually getting your hands on the gear before you buy.

I second that emotion, big time.