backpack advice

gazoutdoors

gazoutdoors

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Name
Garry
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I,m looking for a new backpack to carry all my gear , I carry my camera and four lenses and filters batteries ect , and my tripod , I have currently got a one strap shoulder bag at the moment .. im looking fer something that doesn't brake the bank ..
 
Lowepro are an excellent range - very durable and secure.
 
Seconded for Lowepro. Their padding is very good. I once dropped my backpack down the stairs or a double decker bus, bumpety bump all the way down. Nothing harmed. I once had the bag stuffed in a milk crate strapped to the rear carrier of my bicycle (a perfect fit) when I was hit broadside by an impatient sports car driver who accelerated out of a side road while shouting over his shoulder at people in the back seat. My bicycle went under the front wheels and became unrideable. I was thrown onto the bonnet of the car and somehow managed to bounce off and land in a fighting crouch on my feet while whipping my monopod off my shoulder and brandishing it threateningly. An impressive Ninja instinctive reaction I didn't know I had! The backpack was also thrown onto the bonnet, bounced onto the road, and rolled and bounced along for several yards. Astonishingly no damage to camera or lenses.

I should point out that I usually put everything in the bag first in its own protective bag, and then in its own separate padded slot. Except for the camera which is in an inside slot. Some accidents are unbelievable but do happen. In a public park I put it down on the ground, with my foot through a shoulder strap for security, and turned round with my back to it. A kid on a scooter fell over it. And I once just managed to stop an exhausted fat person from sitting on it while it was just a yard in front of me.
 
I love my Lowepro bag. I got it from WEX I believe - it was on a deal a few years ago, and I used Quidco so I got a bit of cashback too. I've had it for 3+ years now and it still looks good as new. It's also really comfy to carry, which is a plus when you're trekking around all day.
 
Lowepro make good bags, I have a few of their shoulder bags and backpacks. Keeping with backpacks, I have had a Mini Trekker AW since 2006, and despite the 'Mini' it can carry quite a lot of gear. Now I mostly use a Pro Runner AW, small, light, carries my D7100 and 4 lenses, but although it has tripod fixings a larger tripod (055P) isn't stable on it. I now have a need to sometimes carry a small laptop. Looking around I found the Compu Trekker AW , basically a Mini Trekker with a laptop compartment. I doubt these are still a current product, so I bought an 'authentic' Compu Trekker AW from China for around £36. Comparing the material and stitching with my original Mini Trekker it is built just as well, probably isn't but looks authentic. Time will tell how long it will last. It's a great backpack, and although I use a tripod far less than I used to, it will hold the Manfrotto 055P very stable with the same modification I did to the Mini Trekker. I abandoned the elasticated fixings as with them the tripod would at times wobble from side to side, especially if a large head is fitted. I bought a short black nylon strap with click together fastenings and now if I carry a tripod it's held rigid. I would investigate the Compu Trekker AW, I'm very happy with mine.
 
Plus one on the Lowepro mini trekker All weather, I have used one for years and have always been surprised at how much stuff I can cram in it and it is comfortable to carry, I also put it through the washing machine fairly regularly and it has never suffered any ill effect.
 
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