National Geographic Backpack Review

[sito]

Anyway, I finally ordered mine and is arriving on Thursday. I will let you know... I used to have the Shoulder Medium Bag and ended up selling it because it didn't protect my camera+grip. My wife got angry with me because she loved the look of the NG bag. Now she is happy again with the prospect of I having a NG backpack.

[ChristopherPGrant]

Though I've only used the bag for one day, I thought I'd throw
a few more pictures up of some close-ups.

After one day and roughly 10km of use, I can say I'm quite
pleased with the bag. Fit's comfortably on my small frame. I'll
post again once I've purchase the larger bag and have taken
both on a flight (overseas) next month.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS: Beware there's a good amount of
Velcro on the pockets which may be loud enough to spook some
animals.

PHOTOJOURNALISTS: It's a small bag meant really for a one
camera setup. You could fit 2 full-sized SLR bodies (each with
a lens attached, wide and tele) in the CAMERA COMPARTMENT
but it's a tight fit. I found it better to put the wide-body in the
CAMERA COMPARTMENT and the tele-body in the MAIN
COMPARTMENT.

Sorry for low res pics, first time uploading to site and in a rush.

[Dinoman]

I've had the medium version of this pack for several months now, in fact back when I was researching and trying to decide on a pack this thread was one of them that convinced me to get it. I think its safe to say now that I've gotten my moneys worth out of it, haven't gone on any really long hikes with it yet but there is hardly a time I leave without it (and the times I do I'm wishing I did have it! :x). Really handy for me as my kit is still fairly small at just a few smaller lenses, tripod, and other odds and ends. So I don't need a pack yet that you can cram 60lbs of photo gear in plus your mothers kitchen sink. I need something that is fairly light, comfortable, well padded for the abuse I put it through, and is capable of carrying extras besides camera equipment. One of my favorite things to do is take hikes with my dogs so the extra pockets are very nice for stuffing things like harnesses, leashes, collapsible water bowl, water, snack for both me and the dogs, etc.

As an additional benefit I often put my pack on over the top of my camel back (water bladder, gotta have drinking water if you're working up a sweat! ;)) and its still very comfortable. I have thought about taking the velcro off the pockets and trying to find some good brass snaps like is on the rest of the pack to replace it with as the velcro IS noisy but I haven't found it enough of a problem yet to bother with.

[austincabot]

I just read this whole tread. I really want this bag now!

Does anyone know if a Macbook will fit in the laptop compartment?
Also, does this bag fit a griped 30d?
And are there any pics with a domke insert in the top?

Any help would be awesome. Thanks.

[Az2Africa]

I have a gripped 5D, gripped 40D and 580EXII in the top. In the the lower section I keep a 100-400, 70-200f2.8IS, 24-105, 50 1.4 and a 1.4 converter. Lots of batteries, filters and so on in the other pockets

[kuba]

Man I'm sold, just have to figure out if I want the medium or large one.
I'm 6'3 and 175 soaking wet, hmmm...
Awesome thread and thank you so much.
I love the color of it, black bags (IMO) scream "something potentially expensive" inside.

[roetevs]

Excellent thread. Thinking of buying it next week. Thank you all for all the great reviews especially to the OP.

[kuba]

Ordered the large, will have it next week Monday. I'll post some pics and let you guys know how it is.

[austincabot]

anyone seen this?

http://www.adorama.com/GBSLSBP.html?searchinfo=slinger&item_no=19

[lmitch6]

Wow, looks like almost a direct copy!

[chaosbunny]

I had the large version of this and I liked it , but I used it for video equipment that I no longer own.

[phunge]

It looks like they may have fixed the laptop issue. See the following quote from the BH Review:


However, it seems NG has redesigned the laptop compartment.
They have made it so that the laptop can not only be
inserted through the side zippered flap but also through the
top. There's now a flap with a velcro closure in the top
compartment which accesses the internal laptop sleeve. It
should be possible to fit a much larger notebook in now.
I'm not sure about a 17" widescreen but definitely a 15.4"
widescreen.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=428388&is=REG&si=rev#goto_itemInfo

Can anyone verify this?

I love this bag, but if my Dell 15.4" D830 won't fit, it's a no go. I don't have a store locally to try it out at.

[ChristopherPGrant]

Follow up Review

I purchased both the Medium and Large versions of these packs last month
and have been travelling with them on Trains, Planes and yes automobiles.

Medium:
*** No problem whatsoever as a carry-on with flights, took a total of 4
including 2 international flights. SAS, AA, United.
*** Generally a good pack for money, but wanted a more 'snug' fit to the
body. 3 out of 5 stars in 'fit' on my 5'7" 135lbs frame.
*** Not suited for the larger tripods (ie Gitzo Mountaineering models).
*** Biggest Gripe: Fit not great.

Large:
*** It's very true that the 'non-camera equipment' compartment is small,
about as big as the Medium pack.
*** Heavy, 4.5kg/9.9lbs.
*** Built in China, it shows. I worry this pack won't hold up for more than
100 camping trips. I'm sewing leather strips to the bottom outside of
the pack to help longevity despite added weight.
*** Padding is VERY adequate.
*** Fit is good, 4 out of 5 stars for my 5'7" 135lbs frame.
*** Despite it's shortcomings, it's still in my opinion the best 'hybrid' pack
out there.
*** Biggest gripe: Weight.

Hope this helps! Though it may seem a little negative I'm still very happy with
these two packs.

[kuba]

I got the large myself, haven't had time to take pics. But for the camera gear, my God can you fit a whole whack of stuff in there. The bag itself is SLIGHTLY larger than I'd like, so I'm torn as to maybe exchanging it for the medium one. Christopher, what's your complaint for the lack of snug fit with the medium? You're 5'7 135, are you saying if you were taller/bigger it would have fit better? Or did you mean it's too small?

[GlennSter]

It looks like they may have fixed the laptop issue. See the following quote from the BH Review:



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=428388&is=REG&si=rev#goto_itemInfo

Can anyone verify this?

I love this bag, but if my Dell 15.4" D830 won't fit, it's a no go. I don't have a store locally to try it out at.

my 15.4 won't fit :(

still lovin this bag though. have the medium shoulder and this.

[muridayo]

Hi,

I just went through this entire thread! A year's worth of reviews! I am also considering buying the medium bag, but was wondering if anybody has the small version?

http://www.adorama.com/NGBPS.html?searchinfo=national%20geographic&item_no=3

I wonder if the small version would fit a MacBook? For that matter, does the medium fit a MacBook?

Many thanks!

[jjasc]

Hi. I have the small version and used it on a three week tour of china. I took it on 7 planes, several trains, countless taxies and minbuses. I pretty much wore it on my back every time I went out. During the trip I used it in storm, lighting, rain and 100% humidity in sweltering 100 degree temperatures.

On my trip I carried a 3lbs CF tripod & Ballhead setup (Feisol 3441 tripod + Acratech Ultimate Ballhead), a Sigma 17-70mm, Canon 10-22mm, Canon 50 mm 1.8, a Lee Wideangle Filter Hood + 3 filters in a filter pouch, a rocket blower and full cleaning kit. I also had a filter wallter for my polarizer, uv filters and step up adapters. Also had other accesseries (memory, cable release, batteries, etc).

It worked quite well. I squeezed in the three lenses (one lens was on the body, which left enough room two store the other two lenses) in the main compartment. If you want to bring a telephoto like the 70-200mm though, you may have some space issues. No way will that fit on the camera in the pouch. You probably could store it, but then you would only be able to store the camera + lens and one other lens.

The tripod strappings can be placed either vertically below the tripod or horizontally along the side.

The top compartment is sealed off from the bottom, which gives you enough room to store a light jacket and a few other small things. I used it to store my massive Lee Wide Angle filter hood and Lee filter wallet. I also crammed a few other accessories in there.

The backpack also features more pockets than you can shake a stick at. I found these very useful. In some pockets I kept my cleaning supplies, in other pockets, my filter wallets, and still others, my battery and memory.

You also get a little rain hood (which comes in a pouch). You can pull the rain hood over the backpack in a pinch.

The backpack is pretty comfortable. You can adjust various straps the keep it more tight around your body. This model doesn't come with a belt feature though. I found mine a bit tiring after carrying it around ALL day, especially since it was fully loaded and had a tripod strapped on the side. I got used to it after a while though. When I did take out some of my gear (and remove the tripod), the pack got noticibly comfortable. So I have to say it's quite comfortable if you don't stuff it to the brim with stuff. If you are only bringing your camera and a couple lenses, a few accessories, and maybe a light coat, it should hold up good. Add a tripod and it's still ok. But stuff it full and you may find it uncomforable.

It is a bit of a pain accessing the camera once you have it stowed inside (camera + lens + 2 other lenses = tight fit), but this is a problem all backpacks share. I have been thinking about getting a ThinkTank 360, as it might get around this problem. I

The hemp material is very strong and keeps your stuff dry. I used mine in very humid temperatures and I found the backpack would feel a bit moist on the surface. Didn't effect the inside though.

If you don't plane on carrying TONS of stuff (though you can fit quite a bit of gear into the small backpack) and want something much more portable than the medium explorer, then get the small backpack.

Would I get this over the Medium backpack? Yes, because this backpack is much small and far more "travel" hiking worthy. The cost you pay is in storage, however.

I think I will modify this post, add more info and actual pictures, then post this to a new thread as a NG Small Backpack review.

Hope this helps.

[muridayo]

Hi jjasc,

what a great review! I certainly look forward to some pictures of the smaller bag. Could you confirm whether or not a laptop would fit? Some of the pictures seem to show a laptop sticking out of it, but am wondering if it would fit a 13" MacBook. If not I will opt for the medium size.

Many thanks

[jjasc]

Hmm. There is a space for a magazine. If it's a really thin laptop and it's 13, yea it might fit. It's a pretty thin space though. I don't think it would be too comfortable wearing it with a laptop shoved in the top section though (and this goes for the medium too).

[Banana Tiger]

I could see in a soaking rain the material possibly becoming musty as some have said in this thread and if I purchase it I will waterproof it some sort of spray as well as a plastic bag as some have suggested.

Is it true that this bag isn't waterproof at all? I've just bought the medium-sized backpack but I will return it and exchange it for a different bag if it's not rainproof. From the sounds of it, looks like the small and the large bags have a rain pouch, but the medium one doesn't, which is odd.

If some spray will work, any recommendations I can buy here in the UK.

[GlennSter]

Is it true that this bag isn't waterproof at all? I've just bought the medium-sized backpack but I will return it and exchange it for a different bag if it's not rainproof. From the sounds of it, looks like the small and the large bags have a rain pouch, but the medium one doesn't, which is odd.

If some spray will work, any recommendations I can buy here in the UK.

i have a medium sized back pack..and it has a rain pouch that came with it.

hemp is NOT water proof...but will resist some water splash and light rain really good,.

[Banana Tiger]

I'll have a proper look through my bag tonight to see if I can find the rain pouch. It's still in it's original packaging ready for exchange.

[Paparazzo]

I purchased the Adorama clone which is exactly the same as the National Geographic bag in everyway except it is a bit lighter in colour.

http://www.adorama.com/GBSLSBP.html?searchinfo=slinger&item_no=19

Apart from being nearly half price I can see no difference at all. The Adorama bag is a great bag, I am very happy with it.

[Hivoltage]

I just got a Meduim Nat. Geo. and that does look like the same bag. Wonder if it is made from the same tough material.

That being said, I love my NG bag, plenty of room for all my other stuff as well as camera stuff. Well worth the money, wish I had bought this bag first:lol:





I purchased the Adorama clone which is exactly the same as the National Geographic bag in everyway except it is a bit lighter in colour.

http://www.adorama.com/GBSLSBP.html?searchinfo=slinger&item_no=19

Apart from being nearly half price I can see no difference at all. The Adorama bag is a great bag, I am very happy with it.

[ace3]

I have the Adorama Safari medium backpack as well, and love it.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=394054

fits my XTi (with 10-22 & battery grip connected), 70-200 f4L IS, 50mm 1.8, sigma 17-70, as well as batteries, battery chargers, laptop, magazines, etc etc etc. it's a great bag.

[tjrenegade]

I have the NG medium bag and it doesn't have a rain cover.....however it resisted salt spray really well..probably would have opted for the Adorama bag had it been availble at the time

[Hivoltage]

Wonder why you didnt get a rainbag with yours. Mine had a seperate rainbag in it's own bag that came with it.


I have the NG medium bag and it doesn't have a rain cover.....however it resisted salt spray really well..probably would have opted for the Adorama bag had it been availble at the time

[alexjkt]

hello everyone,
after reading the entire thread a few times i finally ordered and received mine. so i though i would share my experience.
first of all i love the esthetics of the bag, and it fits on my back really well,weight distribution is really good.
as for the pockets, i managed to fit my EOS 350D with battery grip and 18-55, my sigma 70-200,my 2x teleconverter, charger,cables,etc..and i still have room for a sigma 10-20 or similar lens. once everything is in place and the pocket closed it really feels like nothing can happen to your gear. the top pocket leaves room for plenty of stuff, plus you can acess the laptop pocket and according to my messurement you could probably fit a 15' macbook pro through there but i dont have one to try.
extra pockets leaves room for all the little things a gadget freak like me would want to carry around.
mine came with a rain cover but not attached to the bag
overall im very happy with this bag, im leaving to australia to study photography for 3 years at the end of the month, this bag will allow me to carry all my gear, laptop, small books on campus and in the outback!oh, and with Style!hehe

pictures are worth a 1000 words:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/alexjkt/earthexplorer-2.jpghttp://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/alexjkt/earthexplorer-1.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/alexjkt/earthexplorer-15.jpghttp://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/alexjkt/earthexplorer-5.jpghttp://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/alexjkt/earthexplorer-11.jpg

here are pictures with mesurements of the laptop pocket

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/alexjkt/earthexplorer-8.jpghttp://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd48/alexjkt/earthexplorer-7.jpg
i hope this helps someone like previous post helped me!
take care,

Alex.

[timothy888]

Does anyone know if a Eos400 with the Bigma 50-500 attached will fit in the Medium size bag?

[alexjkt]

probably not, i know my EOS 350D + Sigma 70 200 atached doesnt fit in the bottom camera pocket.if you unzip the separator between the top and bottom pocket i supose it could fit.

[tjrenegade]

Alex I see yours came with a rain cover....either I got screwed or they upgraded them in the last year to include one...
I love the bag over all however the XTi with a grip and a 24-70 with the hood reversed is getting tight....

[alexjkt]

yes mine came with a rain cover with the national geographics logo on it,it was in the camera part of the bag.i got mine about a week ago.

[nwa2]

Good price for the medium bag here (£105), free PP.

http://www.gadget-bag.co.uk/product_details.php?id=2239

[wetlexan]

Ok...I am almost sold on the Med. pack here....only question is,do these come w/ the raincover? I have heard mixed responses on this. The online stores do not mention it,but the actual NG website does....any help w/ this? Oh,where is the best online store to purchase this....WITH the raincover,Thanks in advance!

[3Honu]

I did not get a rain cover with mine.

[maxxjr]

Great thread...exactly what I was looking for. I am looking at the NG or Adorama versions of this backpack.

I have a few questions...

1. Does the Adorama pack come with the rain cover?
2. Is the lower section wide enough to hold a telephoto such as the Canon 400 f5.6? This lens is about 10" long. I imagine laying this length-wise across the bottom of the camera section. The top of the camera section could then hold a Rebel XT(smaller body), and a couple of smaller lenses--maybe not enough room to hold the body with a lens attached. Does this seem reasonable?
3. Are the internal dividers of the lower section flexible enough for the kind of layout above?

Thanks!

[implayaz9]

cheapest place to get this bag?. i really need one badly

[paulnyc]

Only noticed one post regarding the redesign to fit a 15" laptop. I'm seriously considering this bag for a Montana/Wyoming trip but really need to know if a 15" Macbook Pro will fit. If anyone can confirm this, next beer is on me.

[Flapshots]

Only noticed one post regarding the redesign to fit a 15" laptop. I'm seriously considering this bag for a Montana/Wyoming trip but really need to know if a 15" Macbook Pro will fit. If anyone can confirm this, next beer is on me.I bought the medium sized bag last week and there's a Velcro opening from the top compartment and I managed to fit a Samsung 17" in there. Was pretty tight but still, if that one fit, your 15" Macbook should fit too.

[paulnyc]

I bought the medium sized bag last week and there's a Velcro opening from the top compartment and I managed to fit a Samsung 17" in there. Was pretty tight but still, if that one fit, your 15" Macbook should fit too.

Thank you sir.

[Flapshots]

Have to make a modification to my statement.
Turns out the laptop was not a 17" but a 15" widescreen Samsung.

Still, your MacBook Pro should still fit in there.

[paulnyc]

Have to make a modification to my statement.
Turns out the laptop was not a 17" but a 15" widescreen Samsung.

Still, your MacBook Pro should still fit in there.


Purchased it a few days ago at B&H. Filled the bag with the following:

15 Macbook pro
40D w/grip
10-22m
50mm
28mm
couple of knick knacks (pens, filters, etc)

Walked around all day in NYC. Love the bag. Well worth the investment. Very comfy, soft and look forward to using it "in the field"

Thanks again for all the input on this bag.

Best,
Paul

[dan_1337]

thanks to the reviews here i've ordered one of these bags. also considered a crumpler but have gone for the more rugged and less 'look at me! i'm carrying something expensive' look while saving $80 in the process.

[dahl]

Great thread!

I have been looking at the NG medium shoulder bag for a some time, but now I think it's better to have a backpack especially for a larger collection of stuff.
My first choice would be the medium NG bag, but I still think the camera compartment looks a little small. I would rather have less backpack space and more room for lenses etc.

[wetlexan]

For what it is worth,I noticed a backpack VERY similar to the NG Med backpack on Ebay coming from China (total cost $78.00,s/h included) for those who do not want to pay over $100 bucks for it,also,it comes in black as well I think...hope this helps! oh,keyword search ,driftwood photo back pack

[jaybird]

Does the 100-400mm fit in the medium bag? Not on the camera body, but on the left or right side of the camera equipment compartment?

[Flapshots]

Does the 100-400mm fit in the medium bag? Not on the camera body, but on the left or right side of the camera equipment compartment?Would most probably be an extremely tight fit.

The 100-400mm is said to measure 7.4" while the bottom compartment is 7.5".
You'd be better to find a store which has the bag and go try it out to see if it's satisfying for you.

[maxxjr]

Would most probably be an extremely tight fit.

The 100-400mm is said to measure 7.4" while the bottom compartment is 7.5".
You'd be better to find a store which has the bag and go try it out to see if it's satisfying for you.

Check out the photos from Alexjkt on page 12 of this thread. He has a picture of the med NG with the Sigma 70-200/2.8. The Sigma is 0.1" shorter than the 100-400L.

I also have both the Sigma 70-200/2.8 and the NG medium pack, and there is at least 0.1" to spare, but not much more.

[Looney_Loey]

Hi. I have the small version and used it on a three week tour of china....

I'm little bit skeptical on getting the medium one due to my small body frame: 5'5" 135lbs. I think the small one will do a better justice as I don't own a lot of stuff just yet, a 40D, 28-135mm, 580EX II, Sigma 70-300mm, and soon a 50mm.

would appreciate if you could post pictures of it carrying on your back for sizing. :)

thanks.

[Jamassey]

Hi - does anyone have any real-life pictures of the 'large' version of this bag?

I need something for camera gear & clothes for a week of Safari.

Thanks - James.

[ModernPics]

Does your 5d fit in your pack well?

I have a 5d with Battery Pack - wondering if that will fit snuggly into that pack.

I am going to Italy in 4 months so I need something that can carry my 5d as well as my G9 but also act as my "Carry All" bag for the plane and walk around trips and tours ...

Do you all think this bag may do it for me?

I need to limit my luggage as much as possible, thinking of 1 backpack and 1 large suit case.

I "pondered" on only taking my G9 but man I cant do that going to Italy , I need my 5d !! ( Dont you all think? )

Take care all !

Dave




Just thought I'd share this with everyone. The back story is that I needed a backpack for day hiking with camera equipment. Most everything I looked at had some issue which broke the deal for me. The National Geographic line was mentioned here a few weeks ago, so I decided to revisit the idea. I looked them up and ended up ordering the 5162 model, the smaller one from Samy's Camera. I stopped in and picked it up this morning, so here go my impressions thus far....

1. I really like the design. I hate camera bags/electronics bags that give away what's inside, these have a nice 'rucksack' appeal. the material is really soft, it's just the right size for my height (5'8").

2. The bottom section holds camera gear, and the top will hold all the extras (first aid, sweater, etc....) The nice thing about the design is that the bag doesn't "fold in half" to open the camera compartment, like similar models.

3. There are a ton of small pockets for storage, Pens, paper, whatever, you can find a spot to put it.

4. 2 storage compartments are on each side of the pack. Sized perfectly for a water bottle, you could put a 70-200 in one for quick access in the field. When not in use, they stuff inside the pack.

5. Tripod straps are included also. You could put the tripod on the side or on the bottom, whichever is most comfortable for you.

All in all, it's a keeper. I'm taking it on this weekends shooting, so if there are any additional obeservations, I'll come back and post them here....

[ModernPics]

I cant believe how many great reviews I have seen on this bag. Thanks very much for the pics of the bag , wearing and all - I am 5' 8" so it is perfect. Also wanted somthing for my trip to Italy in 4 months and to my surprise , I found so many photogs that travel international that use this very same bag. Well for 150 bucks plus a 20 buck rebate I am sold....! Funny I have like 6 bags but they are all different and I use them all for different shoots and reasons ... plus I use them for storage of my goodies as I dont ever carry all my gear - no need. Different stuff for Different needs - tools of the trade I say ;)

Take care all !

Dave

[Paolo.Leviste]

Ordered one yesterday, after reading this topic! :)

Can't wait to have it, just so I can finally get rid of my Canon shoulder bag. This way, I can bring it to school too! I know it won't fit my books, but it can certainly hold my 13" Dell as well as all my current photo gear. Now I have to find a patch to put over the NG logo. :) I was also looking at the Katas DR-457 and a Lowepro Fastpack 250, but decided on this bag because it can fit more stuff as well as be more discrete.

[Jon Foster]

I need to see these in person to know if it will work for me. I have a Lowepro backpack right now and besides the fact that it's getting too full, it works fine. But, I only carry it on one shoulder. I never use it like a regular backpack. So, it's time to get a larger bag but I'm wondering if the large National Geographic shoulder bag would be a better choice. Again, I need to find a store where I can check them out in person...

Jon.

[Jon Foster]

Not too good of a shot. Me on the left. Tripod is a Dynatran CF 994

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/2168/pict5779vj4.jpg

That's the medium backpack?

Jon.

[Paolo.Leviste]

So, I just got the bag. I love it for the most part, but ran into the same problem I'm having with most bags but the biggest. The lens hood (and the lens itself, actually) of my 24-70 takes up more room than I'm happy with. However, I just threw my two lens hoods (Tokina's as well) in the main compartment.

But, if I bring only what's necessary for hiking or walking there's quite a bit of room for everything I need.

"Medium" backpack is also a bit of a oddball way of trying to see how big it is. I'm about 5'7", and it's just a little thicker than my normal schoolbag.

[Marc.Bowen]

I just ordered the Large from prodigital2000 which seems to be the e-bay store for Carmen's photo, and they sold it for $169.99 US. This shocked me, as the closest price to that I could find was 260, with most going for $310

I'm a pretty big guy at 6'3" 200lbs, I think that this bag will fit me well.

I've been using the Kata 103 for over a year now, and I've been super pleased with it, except that I couldn't fit any non-camera items in it. I'm leaving first of june for three weeks in Nigeria where I'll want to carry food, water, and a change of clothing in addition to my camera gear, and the large NG pack looked ideal. I had been toying with the idea of buying this pack for ages, and with that price I couldn't pass it up.

The Kata bag will be hard to beat in terms of protection, it is amazingly tough, and I can carry it in any configuration with little effort, its a 2 second velcro change to carry my 70-200 in the bottle versus mounted. I'm a little worried that the NG won't be as tough, but even so I feel that it will be tough enough.

My main concern is carrying such a large pack on the airplane, but I figure that I can wrap a strap around the outside to "crush" the top down to a reasonable looking size. Does anyone have experience with traveling with this bag?

I'll post after the bag comes in and review it, and again after the trip.

Cheers!
-Marc

[kevinf]

I've just purchased the medium bag for myself. My Sigma 50-500mm fits in fine (not mounted!) and my 40D w/ 24-105L w/ hood fits with about 1" - 1.5" of space to spare. I've got the 50mm 1.8 in its box as well as the battery charger, card reader, and a thin CPL in its case.

I had purchased the backpack hoping it would be enough to store camera gear and enough clothes for a 3 day period. It does, but just barely (and if you don't mind wrinkled clothes!). I have a separate shoulder carry laptop bag that holds my overflow gear (and laptop) which is what makes this bag work for my purpose. I wanted a bag that would hold a camera with a few necessary accessories and still have room for a 3 day outing and still work for carry-on. This bag isn't quite big enough but it's close, they could have made it slightly taller.

For me this bag has TOO much room for camera equipment and not enough room for storage. It would work great for one complete change of clothing, and ok for two changes. There is more than enough room for other odds and ends spread throughout the smaller pockets (deodorant, razor, toothbrush/paste and various small gadgets cellphones, batteries, binoculars, sunglasses, etc) even when the storage pack is full. Someone compared the top compartment to a car battery size... this is a pretty good but not perfectly accurate description. It is thinner and taller, but the overall volume is greater than a car battery if you pack it full. The top storage exactly fits two square boxes (http://www.homedecorativeitems.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21) of tissues and one rectangular (http://www.germes-online.com/catalog/54/56/871/84600/sell_facial_tissue_box.html) one.

As for the build, the bag seems incredibly durable and I have no fear of it being punctured or ripping. I wouldn't mind seeing a removable storage pack that attaches to the loops at the bottom for extra storage of clothing.

Short of it is: If you don't have much camera gear, stick with a separate shoulder bag for the camera gear and use a regular backpack for your personal provisions. But I'd recommend this bag heartily if you've got a good deal of gear and not many personal effects to worry about, or just as a weekender.

[Jon Foster]

I wish I could find a store that carried these bags so I could check them out.

Jon.

[implayaz9]

I am selling mine..same exact one

[Davd901]

How much?

[implayaz9]

85 shipped

[adamthejohnson]

Michael,

The large version is huge, can hold more camera gear, but less 'other' gear, i.e. the stuff you'd want with you on a day-hike.

Ok wait.

Youre saying theres LESS "other stuff" room up top on the large bag than on the medium bag?

Me, I'm hoping to use this bag as a kind of end-all vagabonder bag, ultimately. If theres less "other" storage then thats a major negative. But the waist harness is a big, BIG advantage.

Heres some great shots i found on the interwebs,

http://www.carmans.com/ebay/images/5162MAIN.jpg
http://www.carmans.com/ebay/images/5737MAIN.jpg

It seems like, on the large pack, theres some extra storage even in the photo compartment.

Is the large pack REALLY almost 10 pounds. That seems ludicrous.

[implayaz9]

still have it

[Kevinbythebeach]

I bought the smaller version of it off of craigslist for 45 bucks used from a girl..came with a few lipstick stains inside and some un used condoms...hehe

I use it sometimes,,,but i find the straps are too padded and dont give enough in my armpit area,,,,other than that i love all the pockets...

but sometimes the large nat geo logo attracts alot of attention and I get asked alot if i shoot for them...

[pxchoi]

The only thing that's keeping me from picking up this bag right away is the fact that it says Nat Geo on it. I just don't want to come off as being a poser. haha

Other than that, based on what I've seen and read, it seems like the perfect bag to get.

[Davd901]

The only thing that's keeping me from picking up this bag right away is the fact that it says Nat Geo on it. I just don't want to come off as being a poser. haha

Other than that, based on what I've seen and read, it seems like the perfect bag to get.

Have a piece of khaki colored loop velcro stiched over the Nat Geo. You can then put what you want on or just leave the velcro.

[kuba]

The only thing that's keeping me from picking up this bag right away is the fact that it says Nat Geo on it. I just don't want to come off as being a poser. haha

Other than that, based on what I've seen and read, it seems like the perfect bag to get.

I don't look at it as being a poser, it's a great bag, durable and it's inconspicuous.
Normally I hate being a free walking advertisement for any company and avoid labels, but in this case, N.G. does great things for environment and the preservation of it and animals, so I don't mind in this case. :)

[Scopemaster]

just want to let You know , after actually seeing the pictures & seeing what You had to say , Im buying one !!!
Thanks for all the input !!!
Ray Watts
Canada

[Scopemaster]

Sold Me Im buying one
Ray
Canada

[Mashed]

Great Info everyone. I have the National Geographic medium shoulder bag and love it. But i'am also thinking about buying this backpack, for days/trips when i want to carry my tripod along with me.

That brings me to my question. Would it be possible for me to carry my tripod (a Benro Travel Angel) inside the bag?. By default it shouldn't be possible (the minimum height of the tripod is 36cm) But i'am interested in knowing if i can somehow push the divider between the upper and photo compartments aside and insert the tripod into the gap. Can anyone give me some info on this ??

Thanks.

[JEmerson]

Can anyone comment on using this bag (large backpack) for hiking and camping.

Can I get a camera, two lenses including hoods (70-200 2.8 , 24-70 f2.8 ), tripod, one ND, one CPL, first aid, food for two days, sleeping bag and possibly two man tent in there plus a place to store/hold water for the one day untill we reach camp sites where water is usually available?

I assume it's waterproof or has waterproof cover.

Thnaks to anyone who's able to advise it will be greatly appreciated.

Josh

[purelithium]

Josh, Probably not. The upper compartment of the Large backpack is too small to be effectively used for any major storage. If you unzip the separator, and reorganize the camera compartment, maybe you could get some of the stuff in there. Definitely not the Sleeping bag and the tent. You may be able to strap that to the sides though. I would recommend buying a hiking rucksack and then modifying it to be able to hold your camera gear. it will be more comfortable and you'll be able to carry the proper gear.

Good Luck!

[JEmerson]

Yeah, that's what I had expected. Last time I couldn't find any dedicated camera/hiking bags large enough. I'm might try to find one in ashop to try out with the strapping stuff to the sides.

[pickupman92]

looks like http://www.powermax.com/parts/show/nat-ng-5737?utm_source=Google%2BProduct%2BSearch&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=Google%2BProduct%2BSearch&src=g is the cheapest for the large bag. I have a 17" widescreen laptop so I guess I'll have to use the bigger bag. Should have the money in a few months.... hopefully ti'll be cheaper by then.

[vbb.photos]

Hi, just been reviewing this backpack for my 7D. Particularly interested in its capacity to strap on a tripod??? Sorry but this is obviously very out of date... these posts are 2005?????
Anything new to add?

[two40]

You can strap on a tripod on the left, right, or bottom of the bag.

[dianrizalni]

I wonder, if inside the camera compartment, will it fits my 1000D + battery grip?
Because I just purchase the BG and it would be a waste if I can't put it inside, since I haven't read any review regarding about this issue.

Thanks.

[purelithium]

I wonder, if inside the camera compartment, will it fits my 1000D + battery grip?
Because I just purchase the BG and it would be a waste if I can't put it inside, since I haven't read any review regarding about this issue.

Thanks.

It'll be fine. My old 300D fit with a grip, and now my 5D fits no problem too.

[dianrizalni]

It'll be fine. My old 300D fit with a grip, and now my 5D fits no problem too.

Sorry, forgot to mention that I also had 14,1" laptop.
I mean, would it fit if I snuck the laptop, also put the 1000D+ BG inside?

Because, from what I've seen, 1000D+BG alone is 14 cm, and camera compartment on this bag is 10-12 cm. Although the exterior size is 18 cm, but we also need to count the padding.

I don't know, maybe I'll go with Fastpack instead. Until I see some convincing pictures
inside the bag with 4 cm thick laptop and DSLR with BG.

[Dan5Canon]

Anyone notice that these are controlled by Manfrotto bags... Im sold!
Great reviews guys ... thanks