This is camera case # 6 for me and by far the best. It's easy to configure, tough, well though out, comfortable. The two outer compartments on the back are easy to access with plenty of nooks for various items, velcro close pouches for memory cards, and inside one of the compartments is another zipper compartment that's pretty cool. The compartment for the laptop is well padded with dense foam. The main compartment is well padded and has more than enough inserts for tons of configurations.
I had some difficulty finding bags that would fit my D200 with the battery pack attached and this bag has no problem.
Size wise is a small backpack (but a good sized camera bag). With ease and room for more I fit...
My D200 with battery pack.
2 SB800 flashes
105 mm macro
85 mm f/1.4
50 mm f/1.4
18-70 mm kit lens
70-300 zoom
extension tubes
lens hoods
2 additional batteries
memory cards, cables, polarizers
and still had room for more.
I physically laid my hands on and played with several backpacks from Tamarac, National Geographic, Lowepro and some others. The big thing that sold me on this pack was how dense the foam was. I'd be more confident about my equipment surviving a fall in this bag than any other bag. I expected more from Tamarac; their padding felt flimsy. I own a Tamarac, two smaller Lowepros, a Kata and a Sony bag. This is by far my favorite bag.
Oh and it has a saftey whistle built in to one of the buckles. It's an awesome bag. I'm not one to write reviews but I just couldn't keep quiet about this bag.
1. This is my 3rd or 4th lowepro backpack (prior ones have includes the phototrekker etc...).
2. All lowepro products are excellent--> great construction and excellent fit. The problem I had / have with the photo / nature trekker is the limited amount of small type pockets etc... I was so dissatisfied that I eventually sold my trekker series backpack (bad decision) and then bought a tamrac expedition series backpack (really bad decision).
3. Anyway, since I wasn't happy with my Tamrac--> I bought the Lowepro Vertex---> this is a near perfect photo backpack--> excellent ergonomics / great fit (as is the case with all lowepro products), excellent construction (as with all lowepro products), good tripod holder, and unlike the trekker series--> the vertex series has more... pragmatic pockets,, which is really handy. I just got back from a series of hikes to Mt Rainier, Mt Baker etc...--> excellent photo backpack.
Buy Lowepro Vertex 100 AW Camera/Laptop Backpack Now
The bag is easily configurable to match your camera, lenses, flash units, etc... But what makes this bag so ideal for me is the comfort while hiking the mountains/volcanoes of Hawaii. When the straps are clipped and fastened as designed, this bag is incredibly comfortable even if you have a lot of weight by carrying a fast telephoto lens. However, if you are the type of person to sling a bag over one-shoulder, this is not the bag for you. Over one shoulder is awkward to say the least. This is meant to be fastened in place and to provide extreme comfort when used as designed.
Read Best Reviews of Lowepro Vertex 100 AW Camera/Laptop Backpack Here
From the title, you'll get a general understanding of how versatile this backpack is. I'll go in more details to explain the different aspects of why this backpack is unique.
-Construction:
This backpack is made from rigid pads that are dressed by really strong and durable fabric, that will protect the equipment in every situation (falling, banging into objects, weather conditions, etc.). It has strong water resistance zippers for the main and laptop compartments.
-Space:
Really spacious with many storage areas. The main compartment (camera space) is heavily protected by pads and is divided into smaller areas by some other adjustable protective pads. This means that design the compartment yourself for an optimum space use. There's also a designated pocket to fit small books or some papers. The laptop compartment fits a 14" laptop, and I also use it for books and filters if I'm taking my laptop. The two side storage areas are used for filters, memory card, keys, cable, cleaning kit, etc.
-Tripod Attachment:
One of the best feature of this backpack is that you can attach your tripod to the backpack.
-Shoulder, Chest, and Waist Straps:
Rigid build, yet really comfy for those long journeys. The chest and waist straps are there for those who like to go on an adventure and take ther camera with them. After fastening all the straps, the backpack will be as if part of your own body.
-Weight:
Even when full, it's not that heavy, I mean anyone can manage to carry it.
-Rain Cover:
As for most (or all) Lowepro bags, this backpack is equipped with a rain cover, that when neseccary protect the whole gear for the pouring rain.
-Price:
Really reasonable for such backpack with these specs and features.
-Overall:
Two words A MUST!
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This product is a quality backpack, typical from Lowepro. However, if you have more than 3 extra lenses to carry, and a flash, you may want to consider the 200 AW, since the 100 is a bit small inside.
I got this for my girlfriend as a "going back to school" gift.
