Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
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Lowepro CompuPrimus All Weather Backpack (Black)
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