Backpack and Monopod (Two Questions, One post).

[Amnesia180]

Hi All...

Agh, the trip is getting so much closer!

In the past 2 months, I've moved out of my home and money is extremley tight. However, I think I can make it stretch.

I'm looking for a rucksack to take my camera equipment in.
The sort of Rucksack I am looking for is one such as the Lowerpro Orion Trekker II. (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/classic/Orion_Trekker_II.aspx)
It can be had for around £25 - £30. I don't really want to be spending any more than this amount on a backpack.
I want to keep my camera equipment in the bottom pouch, but also carry water, personal documents, a couple of extras or whatever in the top compartment (So I can take my camera equipment with me, as well as use it as a standard backpack for the plane).
Can you guys think of any better backpacks that may have more space for the same price? Or would you say this is a pretty good bet?

Secondly.
Monopods... Would you recomend one of these instead of a tripod? Are they easier to take around/use?

Thirdly.
I need extra camera storage. What do you think of this (http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_6&products_id=100516)CF card? My EOS 20D will be compatible for a 2GB card right? I was thinking of getting 2 2GB CF cards and I already have 1 1GB CF card... 5GB should be enough for my three weeks in S.A right?

Thanks,
Amnesia

[simwells]

For the third question, those cards are ideal and would indeed be compatible. Amount of storage we can't exactly answer cause it depends on how much you shoot really.

[Amnesia180]

Hmmm... okay, Sorry for all the questions - but roughly how many photos could I get out of 5GB? I would just get my camera and times the amount by 5... but I don't have it with me :)

[simwells]

Well what format do you shoot in? and what ISO generally?

[Amnesia180]

I usually shoot in Jpg. And ISO is never really anymore than 400. Usually 100-200 in normal light. I shouldn't need to go any higher than that in South Africa anyway I wouldn't have thought?!

[simwells]

Then checking with a 2 and 1GB card in my 30D you're looking at around 1300 shots

[Amnesia180]

So, is that 3GB will get me 1300 shots? Or 5GB will get me 1300 shots?

Thanks for doing that. :)

[simwells]

that's 5GB

[Jon]

The 20D will have no problems with 2 GB cards; I only drop below that size in mine when I've been shooting a lot (I have somewhere around 12 GB in 2 GB cards). I'd suggest you figure on about 100 photos per day, and see about taking more than the 5 GB you've identified. If push comes to shove, get slower (and therefore cheaper) cards from reputable makers to eke out your capacity.