I have learned, that when it comes to photography backpacks, there is not a single pack, that will do it all. Not well, at least.
I travel a lot and, therefore, I lug my camera and computer around quite a bit. I'd always relied on a combination of a Lowepro Stealth Reporter D300 (which is a great camera bag for walking around) and a normal North Face backpack, to carry my computer and My Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 when going on airplanes. This was, however, a bit laboursome and I decided to get a more suitable piece of luggage.
I was looking for a backpack that would accomodate 1) my big telephoto zoom lens, 2) my Macbook Pro, and 3) a couple of extras, like for example a book, some clothing items, or whatever one might need in the course of a travel.
I made a lot of comparisons between different types of bags and finally narrowed it down to two: the Fastpack 350 and this one. In the end, I chose the Compuprimus because it has the Lowepro All Weather cover (which have rescued the day for me before) and a tripod support.
And now: the bag. It is HUGE. I stand at 6'2", and the bag still seems quite enourmous on me (well, perhaps not enourmous, but quite large anyway), which makes it less than ideal for walking around in cities with. I live in Beijing, which, granted, is a very busy and overpopulated city, but it is nigh on impossible to take this bag with me on a 'photowalk' in the city. But then again, that's not what I bought it for, and, I suspect, not what most people would buy it for (why would one, for example, want to lug ones computer around with one on such walks?).
Inside, the camera compartment is big enough to hold my camera with beforementioned large zoom lens attached plus a couple of other lenses, memory cards, cables and cleaning kit. With a bit of will, pushing and swearing, one could also fit in ones flash unit (I usually keep it in its pouch, which makes it a bit bigger, so I keep it in the 'luggage compartment' of the bag). The access to the camera compartment is from the rear, facing towards your back, which not only increases security, but actually also makes it more convenient for you to access your gear without having to put the bag on the ground. There is a small 'hatch' on the right (when carrying the backpack), that allows for easy access to your camera. This little hatch is, however, not as practical as one could've hoped for. The opening is not really big enough for me to pull out the camera quickly or smoothly enough for me to use it. I prefer to get it out the cumbersome way. But that may be me, who is clumsy, and not the bag.
The compartment for storing other things, looks quite small, but will actually hold quite a lot. There's ample room for a book or two (depending on sizes obviously), phone, MP3 gear, a delicious fizzy beverage, and a thin piece of clothing (raincoat or some such thing). It is, however, not large enough to fit your jacket AND something else. There's ample room for stuff needed on a flight or a daytrip. There's also a outside side pocket, that'll take some things if necessary.
The detachable computer sleeve sits in front of the bag, and is, as a piece of kit, very impressive. It can be taken out and used as a seperate bag (will only hold a laptop, though) as it has both a handle and a detachable shoulderstrap. It also has a sunscreen, which makes it possible to use the computer in the field when the sun is shining. However, this feature I haven't used yet. I usually just leave the sleeve at the hotel and use the pack without it when 'on location'.
The backpack is very sturdy, as Lowepro's products tend to be, and you can really feel the quality. Despite being so big and heavy (it's some 6 pounds or so when empty) it sits really comfortably on your back. I wouldn't hesitate for a moment bringing this on a daylong hike. The weight is really nicely distributed on your back and hips, it doesn't seem nearly as heavy once you've got it on. The waistsupport and cheststrap only adds to this feeling, and sits perfectly (on me at least).
It's not a cheap backpack, not at all. But you pay for quality and you get a lot for your money. You can also find comfort in the fact, that some of the proceedings from the sale of this bag goes to help polarbears (a fact that calmed mu initial outrage at the asking price). It's also partially made from recycled plastic, and I, being a large consumer of soda, found that very nice indeed.
In short (well, that's a bit too late now, isn't it): it does what it is supposed to do very well. It takes a lot of gear and keeps it safely protected from the elements and the environment. I suspect that if you are a person of a rather petite build, this bag would be too large, but otherwise it is just large. I will most likely purchase a Slingshot as well, or perhaps a Minitrekker or some such backpack for day to day trekking/walking purposes, but this one keeps my travel needs satisfied, which is no small thing in itself.
I rate it 4.5 stars, the .5 subtraction coming from the slightly clumsy nature of the backpack and the less than ideal 'easy access' flap. I would definitely recommend this to others.
i purchased this bag in the winter of 2010 for a trip to tokyo and singapore.
first off, the other reviewers are correct when they say this is a large bag. to offer some additional context, when you bring this bag onto a plane, it won't fit under the seat in front of you unless you remove your laptop from it.
i was traveling with one nikon camera body, 2 lenses, some accessories, a laptop and general travel items (books, sunglasses, passport, food, etc.). the bag held everything i needed.
the product lacks in 2 areas:
-1there aren't enough pockets for anyone who travels.
the pockets within the two main chambers are sufficient, but require you to take off your bag, open a zipper and then open another zipper. there is no "quick pocket" designed for someone who is passing through airport security and needs access to documentation or anything other than their camera.
-2-the bag is designed to lay upside down
in the video, they show how the bag rests nicely on the front part of the bag so you can quickly access your camera. when you do this, you are actually putting all the weight of the bag on your laptop which doesn't make a lot of sense. the laptop sleeve area is kind of exposed and this function of putting all the weight on a laptop really doesn't make much sense.
bottom line:
this is a big bag for travel that will accommodate all kinds of media and stuff.
if you are willing to look past some of the design flaws (lack of pockets, too many straps, and putting weight on your laptop)this is a great weekend bag or on-flight bag that will hold just about anything you need.
Buy Lowepro CompuPrimus All Weather Backpack (Black) Now
Serriously, I didn't know what I was getting myself into.
I'll try to organize my thoughts in this. So here we go:
Cons:
*I feel like a turtle when I wear this thing! Really is a bit too big.
*Not a big fan of how open the laptop compartment is. A zipper would have been preferred. Also don't really like the velcro at the bottom of the compartment. It makes the laptop sleeve awkward to pull out.
*The straps to hold in the laptop in the sleeve when you are using the sunshade are thin plastic, and I'm assuming will not hold up very well. After squeezing my laptop in there they are already stretched. Elastic straps would have been wiser to put in.
*Almost impossible to access camera body from the opening in the back. If you don't want to mess up your LCD screen, you'll have have to pull it out through the side compartment, then open the back opening to access lenses, ect.
* All weather cover is hard to get out and awkward to put away. Never purchased a Lowepro backpack before this one, so I don't know if they are all like this, but it seems like the pocket is slightly too small for the AW cover.
*The part of the backpack that separates the top space for misc. stuff and the laptop compartment is curved in a way that it flows into the top compartment. So basically, unless you have it stuffed, there is a bunch of extra space behind the laptop. This really isn't a huge deal, just seems like there was too much extra material used in this area.
*Zippers seem sturdy, but it is a pain in the butt to close them. You have to stuff the section that you are zipping back into the back in order for it to close effectively. Does not make for fast closure.
*Side access for camera is not very camera strap-friendly. Not as bad pulling it out, but slows down putting the camera back, if you have the strap still attached.
Pros:
*This bag is extremely comfortable. The top of the shoulder straps have kind of an awkward part that I can feel in my shoulders, although doesn't seem like it makes that big of a difference in the overall comfort. Just something to get used to.
*The side access is actually pretty awesome. I wanted a bag that had this, and while there are unfortunate things about the design, this was definitely a deal maker.
*Plenty of space for misc. things in top compartment. A couple of books, maybe a lunch, makes it a good day pack (although the size disagrees with this statement).
*I don't think the sleeve was made for 15" laptops. I can fit my 17" in, although it is a smidge awkward, the sunshade makes it worth it. (Ever if I don't use my laptop outside a lot.)
Okay, so overall, there are more cons than pros, for me, but after spending about 24hrs online looking at backpacks over the course of a couple of days, this monstrosity is the closest thing to perfect...unfortunately.
I'm probably just too picky, and that may make me cringe every time I put on this bag. I was looking for something that I'd be able to throw on and cruise around with when I go to festivals and something smaller would have *definitely* been preferred, but like I said, closest thing to perfect. Wouldn't go as far as recommending this pack to someone, but if you can go for the smaller size, do it. (this is the larger of the two, they have one with slightly smaller dimensions.)
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This is my favorite camera bag. None of the others I have come close to filling this same role. It's elegantly designed. The amount of space in the top and bottom are just right for many situations. I even went around Europe with this as my only bag for weeks. Clothes and toothbrush in the top, gear in the bottom (I travel light, except for camera equipment!) The back-opening design is really nice in that one doesn't have to take the bag all the way off to get at the pockets. You can sling it around or reverse it, and open it towards your chest. The camera access point on the side is MAYBE a little small, but really well positioned. It's easy to access and stow your things quickly, and the rigid extension tab on the zipper makes it easy to close-it's a tiny detail, but it makes a big difference. It also shows that the designers were wide awake on this one.
It's not big enough for all your gear, but if you have a rough idea of what you'll be shooting, you should be fine.
Now, another important point:
I have a number of Lowepro bags. They all serve different functions. They're all really solidly built, and very well designed. They have the occasional SMALL design quirk, but easily they're the best I've used. I really want to mention their customer service. I had a zipper on a bag die a slow death a while ago, and I wrote in about it. They offered to quickly send me a replacement without having to ship in the original. In addition to being a really classy move, it tells me that they take product quality and customer retention very seriously; which is worth a LOT to me in today's market of caveat-ridden warranties. Any company that makes products which they're willing to back so strongly wins my admiration.
Use these bags with confidence. If something goes wrong, they stand behind their products.
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I bought this bag for a weekend vacation where I was planning on walking miles and miles with all of my camera gear and some. The portion that holds my camera and lenses is the perfect size for me. In it, I put my 5D w/ grip, 70-200L, 17-40L, 50 f/1.4, 24mm TS-E, and all my hoods/interval meter/accessories. I even have room for another lens if I get one.
The tripod holder is perfect for my Mannfroto 055XPro. Keeps it very securely fastened so I don't have to worry about it falling off or knocking into other people/things.
The straps are extremely comfortable. They have tons of padding and the fabric that is used breathes very well. I used it during a heavy thunderstorm, and the all weather cover kept all of my gear dry, even though I was soaked to the bone.
Some people might say it is too heavy, but it is because of the massive amounts of padding in the camera portion.
I love this bag!
PSThe laptop sleeve fits my Lenovo T61p (with extended battery) perfectly.
Highly visible. For me, it negates the need to buy a bright colorful jacket or helmet, which isn't really my style.
