Review: LowerPro Backpack
February 2nd, 2008 | Published in Photography, Reviews | 2 Comments
In July 2007, I bought a LowerPro Mini Trekker AW camera backpack for a trip to New York. So why am I just now getting around to writing a review of it? Truth be told, I have not really put it to the true test. It has been nothing more than a portable storage case for me to take from point a to point b. However, in a great test today in Atlanta, I was able to see if this backpack was worth using again.
During a shoot with the Atlanta Urban Exploration League, I toted this bag with some of my gear (Nikon D80, 3 lenses, Speedlight, and some accessories). I also had with me a new tripod (Sunpak 7500) that I purchased at the last minute as I would be shooting in low-light. I threw in a few flashlights, extra batteries, lens rag, pack of gum, oh, and I also had a Publix receipt. So with all the gear on board, it was not the lightest bag in the world. According to the LowerPro website, the small coiled accessory on the back of the backpack is meant for the tripod. My assumption is that you are to carry it there for better balance.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, I removed those “annoying cords” a while back and I did not even think about them until it was time to start packing up my stuff. So when it came time to actually find a place for the tripod, well, it got added to the side. Not the best but it had to do. The tripod was heavier than I wanted but with a very limited budget, I did what I had to do.
Back to the pack. It held like a champ through every condition and test today. I found despite my make-shift tripod holder (using the side strap) that I was still able to get items in and out of my pack rather quickly without fumbling or other problems.
For me, the absolute best feature would not be all the nifty compartments inside which are adjustable, but the chest strap. That thing saved my life. I walked around Asheville, North Carolina with this pack and just for a little while, it started to hurt my shoulders and back. With the chest strap in place, it distributed the weight more evenly and I was immediately more comfortable when walking around, even with an overloaded bag.
This thing was tossed all around today and did not falter once.
February 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm (#)
Your are exactly right about that chest strap Dub, it has saved my neck and back from alot of pain, especially since I have two bulging disc in my neck. This bag was my first camera bag and even though I haven’t used it much this year it is one of the best bags to tote your gear around in.
It also has the zipper on the bottom that stashes the covering if you are out on a rainy day or on a boat and the water is spalshing around.
I have three camera bags and they are all made by Lowepro!
February 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm (#)
I think my next rig might be the kind that is similar to the duty belt a police officer wears. It has the cases hanging off the belt for easy swapping. I dont have multiple camera bodies yet, so I have to changes lenses every so often.