National Geographic NG 5160 Earth Explorer Medium Backpack

When these first came on the market I really liked them. I love the look and feel of the canvas. It has a multitude of pockets for small accessories but the storage for camera equipment is lacking. I like to carry two camera bodies and there just isn't enough room in this version.

I really like most of the features of this backpack. It's just the right size to hold all my essential photo gear any larger and I wouldn't be able to carry it with all the extra weight I would pack with non-essentials. It's very comfortable on my back when fully loaded.

My only gripe is that it falls flat on its face (the pocket side) when my laptop is removed from the rear pocket while it's on a flat surface. It makes it difficult to access the contents if I have to tilt it back up everytime I need to open a pocket. I have to prop it up against a wall or post to keep it upright. It could use a firmer and/or larger base to help keep it upright. It's not that I'm packing it excessively full. I tried reducing the contents significantly and it still seems very unbalanced front to rear without the compensating weight in the front.

Otherwise, the construction is impeccably crafted. All the seams are perfectly sewn and there is thoughtful attention to detail, such as the lip around the laptop pocket opening for weather resistance. The zippers are all heavy duty plastic (the best for outdoor use, no rust and self lubricating). There are heavy duty D-rings in convenient places, too.

I am quite satisfied and the cost was reasonable compared to other dedicated photo packs.

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The only flaw is that it doesn't have much room for extra stuff other than your photography equipment... you can carry your laptop but I wish it had a little more extra room for a 1-2 day trip needs.

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This backpack is perfet for light travel. The reasons why:

1) it is much like an internal hiking backpack, the two chambers can turn into one big chamber if necessary by a zipper. I use both. The big chamber format for grocery shoppibg while on extended vacation, and when doing day or overnight trips I use the two chamber mode. The two chamber mode fits on slr apc frame body, my 72 mm lens wide angle, my 58 mm wide angle and room for a third lense if needed

2) pickpocketing this backpack is slightly challenging. All but 4 pockets are a challenge to pick because of the velcro flap design over the zippers. It would be better if the zippers had holes where you have the option to place lock to deter pickpocketing even further. You can feel a bit more comfortable with your belongings inthis pack while traveling.

3 ) its a little funny wearing when traveling light. But when you load the pack completely, it becomes one of the most comfortable backpacks you will ever wear.

Worth every damn penny if you travel. It seems like the designers have had experience traveling and know what a backpack should do when traveling.

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I purchased this backpack in anticipation of a sailing trip the West Indies, where I knew I'd have very limited storage space and tons of photo opportunities I didn't want to leave any lens behind. It's hard to believe that so much storage space in available in the backpack, but it is! Lots of nooks and crannies for photo equipment, well padded with moveable liners. Tons of pockets for everything you could imagine and then some. Also a padded pocket for a laptop or iPad. The straps are comfortable and the pack sits well on your back. It also looks great,and fits under an airplane seat or in the overhead compartment. Highly recommend.

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