Does anyone use a ....

[rover]

Photo Backpack?

I looked at the new Mountainsmith packs this weekend and wasn't that impressed.

Has anyone used a Lowepro Mini Trekker or Orion Trekker? I am thinking of something not big, but not a belt or sling pack.

[kbg32]

I use a Lowe Pro Mini Trekker mostly when I need to carry a lot of equipment for a job.

[JoeFriday]

I bought a Mountainsmith backpack a year ago when I envisioned myself going on endless photo safaris.. I've never once used it, even tho it's very well made

if anyone is interested, make me an offer.. it's the Paragon model

[dexdog]

I have a Lowe Pro Mini-trekker, and really like it. Use it for hauling around heavy old rangefinders and lenses. While it is good for this use, it would probably be overkill for lighter camera gear. Nice pack, very well-made and strong, with good straps and OK distrubution of weight on the back

[rover]

I may have to seek these out to see just how big they are.

[f/stopblues]

If size is a concern, then THESE might be worth checking out (Tamrac Velocity sling pack series). I haven't used one, but I've thought about getting one a few times! I like that they sit on the back and they'll swing around to your front without taking it off. I use a shoulder bag with a long strap for a similar function. They have a few different sizes of them.

Chris

[rover]

I have a sling pack and it is nice for one body, maybe 2 lenses and stuff, but does not carry will with more weight. I am thinking a compact backpack for a couple bodies and stuff as it will carry "lighter" than a sling or shoulder bag.

[dexdog]

f/stopblues, just in case you needed an excuse for GAS

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-TAMRAC-Shoul...QQcmdZViewItem

[ZeissFan]

I've been using a Tamrac Adventure 8 for about seven or eight years. I love this backpack, because I like top-loaders. Holds just the right amount of gear, and it's very comfortable. It's not too large -- I usually will carry a 35mm rangefinder, a meter, film and either two other lenses or a medium format folder.

There's also room for other stuff: pens, keys, etc.

[rover]

I have to look at the Tamrac backpacks too.

I threw my back out this weekend lifting my Domke over my head to put it down. It had 2 bodies w/lenses and maybe 2 extra lenses in it, so it wasn't that heavy. But the lifting and twisting action just did me in.

[QuillianSW]

Lowepro mini-trekker; for all the reasons listed above. I also have a "Stealth Reporter" (another L-Pro design) as well as a few Novas, in addition to the giant 4 SLR pack. With the Lowe-Pros...always get a "A/W" model if offered - that is essentially a ponch that pulls out of a hidden compartment and covers the bag. Very useful it you get caught out in the rain. Camera bags are not waterproof (unless you get the no kidding waterproof bag with multiple seals/zippers, etc...and you'd know it if you'd paid for it)..the A/W cover is a good feature.

[Fred]

If you want a backpack, I can give the Mini Trecker a big thumbs up. The AW cover is a real bonus. I use mine for heavy SLR kit. For a light weight RF I'd brefer one of the smaller Nova AW bags. Probably the Nova 1 that has room for an RF with three lenses + film etc.

[rover]

This one is pretty handsome.

http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm

(the Expedition 5 if it isn't a direct link)

[Silva Lining]

I have used an Orion Trekker for about 6 years. I have found it to be a very useful and versitile backpack, whether I am travelling with my Digital SLR for work, or 4 old rangfinders for pleasure! My Orion Trekker has been on plenty of adventures from protecting my kit (just) from a cloudburst on new years eve in Paris, to two weeks trekking safari in dusty South Africa. It has absolutely everywhere with me as a day pack most weekends over the time I have had it. Protection-wise it has protected my gear from damage well, the every day knocks and scuff it wears well and in particular one fall of about 12 ft, with me landing on top of it (don't ask!). The only damage was my pride!

The most useful thing is that the top part of the bag is free for you to put in a jumper of waterproof (or even a changing bag or filmholders?) Plus it has two internal pockets which are great for filters, spare film and other bits an bobs.

Highly recommended

[back alley]

i don't understand backpacks.

maybe great for a long haul but how do you use one for a shoot?

i had a buddy who bought one,a big one. after that, for a walk down whyte avenue he would take EVERY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT he owned because HE COULD.
took him forever to get a shot off and he was way tired too soon.

just don't 'get' them myself.

joe

[rover]

I don't see that I will be taking any more than I did this weekend, just a different way to carry it all. I scared my brother when I hurt my back, he thought he was going to have to carry me back to my room.

[back alley]

but with a pack pack wouldn't it be more stop and go, needing to stop, take the pack off and get what you want?
instead of just swinging the bag around to the front of you.

get an m classic rover.
i like mine better each time out.

joe

[rover]

Truth is, if I just had one camera and one lens I could make due. Like many though, I just like to have options.

[back alley]

with the m classic, you could easily take anywhere from one to 3 cameras plus lots of other stuff if you want.

joe

[rover]

Yeah, but I got the Domke F3x which I think is like the M Classic. Too much weight, not for the bag, but for me to carry that way, over the shoulder.

[back alley]

i can't speak to the domke, but the m classic has it straps coming out the back of the back and i wear it over the neck and have it sitting just above my butt in the small of my back.
hardly know it's there.

joe

[Tarzak]

On a recent trip to the US I used my old laptop (STM brand) backpack, that has a padded section where I kept my second lens and a flash. On one of the daypack straps I had a little carabiner (d-clip) where I would hang my camera from its (shortened) neck strap. I did this only when in "take pictures" mode and it worked quite well. Makes taking the back pack off to change lenses more tricky but not much.
The weight distribution was very even.

[ray_g]

Rover, I have a Lowepro Micro Trekker, and I like it. I use it only for SLR's, and takes all the stuff I need. I suppose it would vary from person-to-person, but the small size falls right on the small of my back so much so that it gives some lumbar support.

I have used it to bring my RF gear, plus a whole lot of film, on plane trips. The size is perfect for stowing under the seat. I agree with Joe, and stuff a satchel/messenger type bag in the suitcase for use later.

For $59, it is a pretty good choice.

[Stanton]

I have a Mini-Trekker and use it with a Nikon F2 and a Nikkormat FT2 and about 8 lenses, plus various "necessities." It is extremely easy for me to carry a relatively large load, and I am neither young nor athletic. The problem is that you have to take it off to get at the contents. I also use a Domke F2 and a smaller Domke which, although I cannot put the same weight in them, allows me immediate access.