Lowepro mini trekker AW vs Tamrac expedition 5

[siejones]

I am looking to get me a camera sack and have boiled my selection down to these two.

At the moment I need it to carry my 30D, 17-40, canon 70-200F4, 50mm, ext tubes,1.4 extender, hoods and bits and bobs. I know this is only a small amount but these may grow to another couple of lenses. One of these maybe a 300 F4 or maybe even a 400 F5.6. I may even got for an extra body in future I don't know yet but I want that expandability.

Also I need it to be able to carry a decent tripod. I am looking at maybe a Manfrotto 190PROX and one of the ball heads. Again I am the jury is still out on this one but it will be around this size and weight.

I am thinking these packs are around the right size. I don't want to go any bigger really. If my lens collection grew that much. I think I would rather leave a few behind than carry the extra weight.

Anyone experinace with either of these packs? Any recommendations or warnings?

 

[minimeeze]

I have the Tamrac Expedition 5....
It's a great bag, which when I first got it thought that I would never, ever fill it. How wrong I was, as it's now overflowing The only downside I can think of is that it doesn't have a waterproof cover like the Lowepro.
It quite comfortably holds the following equipment:
D70 body
F80 body
70-300 lens
28-80 lens
50mm lens
105mm macro lens
10-20 lens
135mm lens
Flash
plus stuff like filters, memory cards, spare battery, manuals etc.

Tamrac also do an 'add on' range that you can get to attach extras to their bags but I haven't found the need for it. I have a little Velbon Maxi tripod which folds up quite small and fits easily into the pocket on the front of the bag. It's quite heavy when it's fully packed (but then I am a girl ) so I tend to keep all my equipment stored in the Expedition 5 and take out only what I need in a smaller bag :cukoo:

 

[P-E]

I have the Tamrac Exp 5 & the larger Lowepro Nature Trekker II.

I use the Tamrac Ex most of the time.

To keep the weight down on an hike I usually just go with the one lens. tripod & head plus acces.

One thing I have noticed is that after less than a year the stitching has started to come away on the shoulder straps .

 

[HIMUPNORTH]

I have a mini-trekker and despite having other bags this is my fave as it wears like a good rucksack. It's weakness is carrying a heavy tripod though. The straps are elastic and you need to add or replace with tape to get a good grip on it.

Size wise it is OK for what you currently have but add a300mm and a flash and I would say you are just about there.

HTH!

 

[siejones]

Thanks for the info so far pips. Helpful as always

It looks like it's still neck and neck.

So the lowepro struggles with a descent size tripod. How does the Tamrac cope with one?

I thought the Tamrac came with a Waterproof cover. Quote "LockDown™ rain flap" or is this just a fancy name for a cheap flimsey version of the lowepro version?

I have resided to using my full rucksack and small camera and lens pouches for proper treks into the moutains as there are no camera sacks out there that will cater for all the stuff I take especially when I wild camp with a tent and sleeping bag. So this is to cater for the less strenous days out and smaller treks on easy paths, forest walks and beaches e.t.c. Which leads me too another question on the bags.

What kind of extra storage do they have for say a drinks bottle and a snack or two?

 

[P-E]

The 'lock down rain flap' is just a 2" approx piece of material that overhangs the main zip compartment and is pulled together via a draw string.

Attached to my Tamrac Exp 5 down one side is a Lowepro tripod holder which accommodates a tripod and at the other side I have attached a Lowepro bottle carrier.......sandwiches (just wrapped in foil not a sandwich box) & chocolate easily fit in the front zipped compartment away from camera & lens etc.

HTH

 

[siejones]

The 'lock down rain flap' is just a 2" approx piece of material that overhangs the main zip compartment and is pulled together via a draw string.

Attached to my Tamrac Exp 5 down one side is a Lowepro tripod holder which accommodates a tripod and at the other side I have attached a Lowepro bottle carrier.......sandwiches (just wrapped in foil not a sandwich box) & chocolate easily fit in the front zipped compartment away from camera & lens etc.

HTH

Thanks mate sure does help

I am swaying just about to fall with the tamrac and I think I will do the same as you with the bottle holder.

I don't seem to be able to find the lowepro tripod holder though?

 

[HIMUPNORTH]

The holder is a drop down piece of fabric that is held up with velcro. Lightweight and neat.

No extra storage unless you modify but this is also made for cabin luggage on airlines and fits the max size.

 

[P-E]

Sorry Sie.....the Lowepro tripod holder was borrowed off my Nature Trekker AW.

The Tamrac does have a small zip compartment (bottom centre) provided for your tripod but I just prefer to have mine down the side.

 

[siejones]

The holder is a drop down piece of fabric that is held up with velcro. Lightweight and neat.

No extra storage unless you modify but this is also made for cabin luggage on airlines and fits the max size.

Thanks HIMUPNORTH but PE mentioned a lowepro tripod holder that was attached to his tamrac as a seperate item as is the bottle holder. It's this I can't seem to find :shrug:

 

[siejones]

Sorry Sie.....the Lowepro troipod holder was borrowed off my Nature Trekker AW.

The Tamrac does have a small zip compartment (bottom centre) provided for your tripod but I just prefer to have mine down the side.

Ahhhhh right ok

Cheers everyone