Lowepro Vertex 200 Review

[calicokat]

The Vertex series is a fairly new design from Lowepro. I am always on a
quest for that perfect camera backpack. With the Vertex, we have (so far) a
winner. Compared to the Tamrac Expedition Series and the Lowepro Trekker
series, this is my favorite.

http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/198606532-M-1.jpg

First off, its very comfortable, the harness system is the best Lowepro
makes in my opinion. The shoulder and waist belts are very padded with high
quality material. The pack is easy to carry even when loaded down with 30
pounds of gear. The weight is divided between your shoulders and hips like
it is supposed to be, bravo Lowepro.

(sorry about the cluttered background)
http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/198610258-M.jpg

As for the camera gear capability, this bag holds a ton. I have a 1DMIIN
with a 400 F/5.6L attached (birding walk around bag). For fun, I put in
another 1 series, a 580EX, a 24-105L, 135L, extra 1D
batteries, AA batteries, Arca Swiss Monoball and lens cleaning supplies. I
do not carry that all, but it shows how much gear it will carry. There are
a lot of pockets and storage all over this bag. On the inside flap, there
are five places to put various things, memory cards, batteries etc. On the
outside of the bag, there are two openings for similar things.

http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/198612328-M.jpg

http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/198613125-M.jpg

Outer Bag Flaps
http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/198610722-M.jpg

The outer part of the bag is built very well. This bag is more squared off
than most camera bags its size, I feel it fits on your back and carries the
load a bit better too. The tri-pod mount can be placed in three spots, the
front or on either side. This bag uses something called a guide lock to
secure the tri-pod. It is a velcro piece that moves up and down the bag so
you can secure your tri-pod in just the right place. Its an ok design,
wouldn't make or break the bag in my opinion. There is a laptop compartment
as well, I do not carry a laptop while hiking (my main use for the bag), so
I place a two liter camelback there instead. It fits rather nicely. It is
an all weather bag which means it has a pull out rain cover.

(again, sorry about the background)
http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/198607128-M.jpg

With Gitzo 3540LS attached
http://calicokat.smugmug.com/photos/198611440-M.jpg

Overall this is a great bag. Not too heavy, holds lots of gear, very
comfortable and user friendly. Hikers, travelers (carry on compatible, even
with laptop) and anyone else looking for a great pack will be happy with
this one.

[manipula]

I've just bought the Vertex 300, mainly so I can fit the Manfrotto 303SPH head in as well as everything else. Totally agree with the compliments, it's a fantastic bag. Happy Dave.

[Ephemeral]

Great review calicokat.

I came close to buying this bag as I wanted a smaller lighter kit bag for days out. I currently have a Crumpler Brian's Hot Tub and that serves as my kit bag when I want to take it all out.

I had a good look at this at a studio I was at, the owner had one spare lying there. In the end I decided it was too big for my needs, but as a kit bag it would have been great. I actually liked the squared of design. My only concern was that the two front faps that open up for storage are too small and you are limited to what you can put in there.

[calicokat]

I've just bought the Vertex 300, mainly so I can fit the Manfrotto 303SPH head in as well as everything else. Totally agree with the compliments, it's a fantastic bag. Happy Dave.

Great review calicokat.

I came close to buying this bag as I wanted a smaller lighter kit bag for days out. I currently have a Crumpler Brian's Hot Tub and that serves as my kit bag when I want to take it all out.

I had a good look at this at a studio I was at, the owner had one spare lying there. In the end I decided it was too big for my needs, but as a kit bag it would have been great. I actually liked the squared of design. My only concern was that the two front faps that open up for storage are too small and you are limited to what you can put in there.

Thank you guys. I agree with the front flaps, only good for CF cards and small things. But its a great overall design, keep em coming Lowepro

[Ephemeral]

For future referece, there's a review of the Vertex 100 here by risto:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=4115793

[Lester Wareham]

Good review calicokat, I have a Lowepro Rover Plus AW that has the tripod carry at the back, but I find this makes the bad to rear heavy, how do you find the side mount for the tripod?

[calicokat]

Good review calicokat, I have a Lowepro Rover Plus AW that has the tripod carry at the back, but I find this makes the bad to rear heavy, how do you find the side mount for the tripod?

You can move the tri-pod foot holder thing to either side or the front of the bag. There are slip lock attachements and bungees on all sides.

[Lester Wareham]

You can move the tri-pod foot holder thing to either side or the front of the bag. There are slip lock attachements and bungees on all sides.

OK thanks, I just wondered if you had tried the tripod holder in this position and how the bag feels, does it skew to the side or still sit well balanced.

[condyk]

Good review of what looks like another very boring Lowepro bag. While function seems excellent Lowepro could do with some decent visual design input. Get a few Crumpler guys on the case ;-)

[calicokat]

OK thanks, I just wondered if you had tried the tripod holder in this position and how the bag feels, does it skew to the side or still sit well balanced.

With a light weight tri-pod, its not an issue at all


Good review of what looks like another very boring Lowepro bag. While function seems excellent Lowepro could do with some decent visual design input. Get a few Crumpler guys on the case ;-)

Thank you. I do like Crumpler and a hybrid Lowepro/Crumpler bag would be interesting

[nutsnbolts]

This is definately a great bag, I have this as well. The 200 works well when travelling international for that the size is just right to allow carry-on, unlike the 300

[Ephemeral]

Thank you. I do like Crumpler and a hybrid Lowepro/Crumpler bag would be interesting

Out of curiosity, what good bits from both Brands do you like?

I'm guessing the aesthetics is one for Crumpler.

[Lester Wareham]

I'm guessing the aesthetics is one for Crumpler.

I actual put the "aesthetics" down as a negative, beaten only by their annoying web, but then I am probably a grumpy old git. :rolleyes:

The names can be fun but are uninformative and they seem to use different names and models in different territories.

[calicokat]

This is definately a great bag, I have this as well. The 200 works well when travelling international for that the size is just right to allow carry-on, unlike the 300

I believe the 300 will work on domestic trips, but the 200 for international

Out of curiosity, what good bits from both Brands do you like?

I'm guessing the aesthetics is one for Crumpler.

I like the Lowepro harness systems alot, add the Crumpler innards and we have a bag ;)

[Bill Boehme]

I bought the Vertex 200AW in early October to carry my equipment on a vacation to Yosemite and have been extremely well pleased. Things can be arranged very well in customizable padded Velcro compartments and it has plenty of smaller compartments including the laptop compartment mentioned by calicokat. I may even put a laptop in it some day, but it is useful for carrying a lot of other things. It went nicely into the airline overhead bin. The harness assembly can be tightly snugged against the bag when you don't want straps flapping all over the place. There are ample straps to adequately secure a tripod -- I carried my Velbon on the side. As extra insurance, I bought a 1.5" wide nylon strap and buckle at my local backpacking outfitter store and secured it around the middle of the bag while traveling. It only cost about $2 to do this and made me feel better about dragging it around airports. It is very well padded which made me more comfortable about sticking it into an overhead bin, but I was still on the alert for baggage gorillas who think that they can stuff a large suitcase into an already full compartment.

[ben_r_]

Good review! I had one of these and tried it for a short while but it was far too big for me. I felt like a space man with a life support tank on my back or something.

[calicokat]

I bought the Vertex 200AW in early October to carry my equipment on a vacation to Yosemite and have been extremely well pleased. Things can be arranged very well in customizable padded Velcro compartments and it has plenty of smaller compartments including the laptop compartment mentioned by calicokat. I may even put a laptop in it some day, but it is useful for carrying a lot of other things. It went nicely into the airline overhead bin. The harness assembly can be tightly snugged against the bag when you don't want straps flapping all over the place. There are ample straps to adequately secure a tripod -- I carried my Velbon on the side. As extra insurance, I bought a 1.5" wide nylon strap and buckle at my local backpacking outfitter store and secured it around the middle of the bag while traveling. It only cost about $2 to do this and made me feel better about dragging it around airports. It is very well padded which made me more comfortable about sticking it into an overhead bin, but I was still on the alert for baggage gorillas who think that they can stuff a large suitcase into an already full compartment.

Was it a locking device or just another strap for support

Good review! I had one of these and tried it for a short while but it was far too big for me. I felt like a space man with a life support tank on my back or something.

LOL, I like the Space Man with Support Tank style :lol:

[Bill Boehme]

Was it a locking device or just another strap for support .....

The buckles on the ends of the strap were the plastic latch-together type that are used on the waist strap on a backpack. The buckles only cost about a quarter apiece and the nylon strap material was around thirty cents per foot. I just threaded it around the mid-section of the bag so that it went over the outside of the one tripod leg that is not secured from swinging out and then passed it underneath some of the other straps. Doing it that way was more of a chore that just wrapping it around the outside, but the extra work prevented the strap from shifting around.

I see that you have your bag packed in much the same way that mine is packed. I was wondering if the object shown in the upper left corner of the picture of the open bag is a Wimberly Sidekick mount.

[calicokat]

The buckles on the ends of the strap were the plastic latch-together type that are used on the waist strap on a backpack. The buckles only cost about a quarter apiece and the nylon strap material was around thirty cents per foot. I just threaded it around the mid-section of the bag so that it went over the outside of the one tripod leg that is not secured from swinging out and then passed it underneath some of the other straps. Doing it that way was more of a chore that just wrapping it around the outside, but the extra work prevented the strap from shifting around.

I see that you have your bag packed in much the same way that mine is packed. I was wondering if the object shown in the upper left corner of the picture of the open bag is a Wimberly Sidekick mount.

I think you are looking at the 580EX if we are looking at the same photo

[johnlo]

excellent backpack. I replaced my old Tamrac laptop/photo backpack & a should Tamrac 612 Pro for this lowepro. Best thing I ever did. Took it with me to Aruba for a wedding gig. loved it.

[calicokat]

excellent backpack. I replaced my old Tamrac laptop/photo backpack & a should Tamrac 612 Pro for this lowepro. Best thing I ever did. Took it with me to Aruba for a wedding gig. loved it.

Good to hear. I still have a Tamrac 613, but it might be for sale soon

[Bill Boehme]

I think you are looking at the 580EX if we are looking at the same photo

It can be confusing when describing the location of something in a picture when the "something" is lying on its side. I pondered this point when asking the question because "upper left" could be referring to the photo or it could refer to the object in the photo. I blurted out my question anyway, speculating that there was a 50-50 chance that you could read my mind. OK, now that I know that I should not have expected clairvoyance, here is a picture showing where I meant. I did recognize the 580EX since I also have one.

[johnlo]

Good to hear. I still have a Tamrac 613, but it might be for sale soon


unless you are still using it, i would sell it now. I used to think having a shoulder bag was so cool.. but once that weight started bring one side of the body down i didnt like it anymore. and you have the 613.. longer than the one i have.. extra two lens. heheh! now i think backpack look so much cooler.. ppl think I'm a climber or a hiker or something. lol

[calicokat]

It can be confusing when describing the location of something in a picture when the "something" is lying on its side. I pondered this point when asking the question because "upper left" could be referring to the photo or it could refer to the object in the photo. I blurted out my question anyway, speculating that there was a 50-50 chance that you could read my mind. OK, now that I know that I should not have expected clairvoyance, here is a picture showing where I meant. I did recognize the 580EX since I also have one.

Oh, that thing :) Its an Arca Swiss Monoball ;)

[Bill Boehme]

Oh, that thing :) Its an Arca Swiss Monoball ;)

OK, I was just doing a little conclusion jumping ...

The Wimberly Sidekick uses an Arca-Swiss style quick release on the end that the lens is attached to so that explains the sort-of look-alike. I suppose that I jumped to a conclusion when I saw the camo cover on the lens and thought, "ah, he is a nature or bird photographer", (which may be the case) and then another jumping of conclusion when I saw what could have been the business end of a Sidekick.

[calicokat]

OK, I was just doing a little conclusion jumping ...

The Wimberly Sidekick uses an Arca-Swiss style quick release on the end that the lens is attached to so that explains the sort-of look-alike. I suppose that I jumped to a conclusion when I saw the camo cover on the lens and thought, "ah, he is a nature or bird photographer", (which may be the case) and then another jumping of conclusion when I saw what could have been the business end of a Sidekick.

I have the Wimberley Gimbal head, I do not bring it along in this bag though. I hand-hold the 400 F/5.6L. The Lowepro Super Trekker is the bag for the serious birding ;)

[SilentL]

Looks like a great bag, can't wait to get it!

[calicokat]

Looks like a great bag, can't wait to get it!

It will handle all your gear sans the monster in white ;)

[snevs]

I got the bag yesterday, and I like it.
I would like to add, that it also protects the gear very well (I should update my signature as I just realize) when you drive with it in winter on the bike and then slip on the icy street and hit on the ground. As I just did today ;)

[calicokat]

I got the bag yesterday, and I like it.
I would like to add, that it also protects the gear very well (I should update my signature as I just realize) when you drive with it in winter on the bike and then slip on the icy street and hit on the ground. As I just did today ;)

Congrats on the bag, nice to hear your gear is ok after the fall :eek:

[A350XWB]

Thanks a lot for the review.

I would like to know if the Vertex 200 fit a 300/2.8 with hood attached?
I have no possibility to try it out for myself. Thanks.

[Lowner]

I've recently bought a Vertex 200. Immediately I had a problem with one of the Glide-Lock "thingies" - It fell off - completely. Loweprow did not come out of the ensueing discussion smelling of roses to put it mildly. My supplier did the honourable thing and replaced the bag.

I also would prefer a proper tripod stowage, not the afterthought solution they came up with and velcro across the bottom of the main compartment would have been an improvement.

Richard

Apart I

[manipula]

Interesting. I'd be curious as to know who you spoke to at Lowepro because if it's the UK importers I know of a few people there and they're really friendly and helpful!

[austincabot]

I'm thinking of picking up one of these in the next few weeks.

[calicokat]

I have had great luck with my bags, they hold up well with the stuff I put them through :eek:

[Lowner]

Dave,

You asked if I was dealing with the importer or Lowepro - It was Lowepro themselves. They eventually got the importer to email me, but even they failed to identify themselves the first time and I dumped the email thinking it was spam. Then they demanded I send it (at my expense) "to be repaired".

Brand new? No way that was ever going to happen!

So people, be very careful when adjusting the position of the glide-lock fasteners. You have been warned, they are not secure.

I've got spare light grey velcro and will have a go at sewing some into the bottom, but it IS irritating, why should I need to?

Richard

[manipula]

Dave,

You asked if I was dealing with the importer or Lowepro - It was Lowepro themselves. They eventually got the importer to email me, but even they failed to identify themselves the first time and I dumped the email thinking it was spam. Then they demanded I send it (at my expense) "to be repaired".

Brand new? No way that was ever going to happen!

So people, be very careful when adjusting the position of the glide-lock fasteners. You have been warned, they are not secure.

I've got spare light grey velcro and will have a go at sewing some into the bottom, but it IS irritating, why should I need to?

Richard

Right. Very suprised at the treatment from the importer, as I said I have met a few of their folk several times and they couldn't be more helpful.

Where did you buy it from? If it's broken and not used either ask them for a replacement or refund and buy another elsewhere. If it's brand new they have obligations too, but as a word of warning if you end up having to quote the sales of goods act or whatever is applicable to you, make sure you've read it so you know your argument.

[Pinto]

Good review of what looks like another very boring Lowepro bag. While function seems excellent Lowepro could do with some decent visual design input. Get a few Crumpler guys on the case ;-)

I, on the other hand, think if Crumpler offered each of their bags in a "boring" color scheme they would attract all the potential buyers, who, (like me and many others) might appreciate the design and construction, but wouldn't dream of carrying something with such garish colors and a woman's purse-like appearance.

[A350XWB]

I like any camera bag that doesn't look like a camera bag, as it makes it less prone to theft.

[MannP]

Reviews like this, with detailed description and photos, are very helpful. Thanks for posting this. If it's not too much to ask can you post a photo of the bag actually strapped on someone's back just so I could tell the proportion of the bag?

[manipula]

Reviews like this, with detailed description and photos, are very helpful. Thanks for posting this. If it's not too much to ask can you post a photo of the bag actually strapped on someone's back just so I could tell the proportion of the bag?

Depends on the size of the person no? ;)

[MannP]

Depends on the size of the person no? ;)

Then it wouldn't hurt if he also mentioned his height yes? ;) Seriously I just want to see how the bag would actually look strapped to a person's back.

[manipula]

:p Can't help you with my 300 for about four weeks as it's still in transit from my emigration unfrotunately. :)

[nutsnbolts]

Just a note:

200AW doesn't have the waist belt strap where you can tie the waist belt together if you are not using it.

300AW has it but the 200AW doesn't which is the difference between the two.

You can read more about it here. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=351222&page=2)

[manipula]

Aren't those bags Slingshots not Vertex's? ^^^^^

[Lester Wareham]

Aren't those bags Slingshots not Vertex's? ^^^^^

Heh, yes my mistake doing quick lunchtime replies, I'll get it out the way.

[calicokat]

Reviews like this, with detailed description and photos, are very helpful. Thanks for posting this. If it's not too much to ask can you post a photo of the bag actually strapped on someone's back just so I could tell the proportion of the bag?

thank you for the comment, I will work on getting a photo for you

[nutsnbolts]

Aren't those bags Slingshots not Vertex's? ^^^^^

No I'm speaking of Vertex.

AW stands for all weather which is available for the Slingshots as well as Vertex.

So yes, one should be more clear and say Vertex 200AW versus Slingshot 200AW as opposed to 200AW or 300AW. However, the topic should clear any confusion.

[manipula]

No I'm speaking of Vertex.

AW stands for all weather which is available for the Slingshots as well as Vertex.

So yes, one should be more clear and say Vertex 200AW versus Slingshot 200AW as opposed to 200AW or 300AW. However, the topic should clear any confusion.


Looking at the top of this page, Lester had made a post with a picture of some Slingshot bags (since removed by the looks of it), which is what I was referring to. Wasn't commenting on your post at all. :roll:

[nutsnbolts]

Looking at the top of this page, Lester had made a post with a picture of some Slingshot bags (since removed by the looks of it), which is what I was referring to. Wasn't commenting on your post at all. :roll:

Gotcha!

[calicokat]

Here is a good review from the digital picture.com

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Lowepro-Vertex-200-AW-Camera-Backpack-Review.aspx

[benbo]

This is a super bag, bought one today, the only disappiontment is, nowhere to store a flask of coffee,( quite handy when waiting for the shot on a cold winters day ), anyone found a place for one?

[Bill Boehme]

200AW doesn't have the waist belt strap where you can tie the waist belt together if you are not using it.

That's funny because my Vertex 200AW does have the waist belt strap. I normally keep the waist belt tied together around the shoulder straps which I keep tightened against the bag. For most purposes, I use the carrying handle at the top of the bag.

[nutsnbolts]

That's funny because my Vertex 200AW does have the waist belt strap. I normally keep the waist belt tied together around the shoulder straps which I keep tightened against the bag. For most purposes, I use the carrying handle at the top of the bag.

Picture please, I want to see this.

[DEMO]

Sorry for bringing back an old thread, but can some of you post what your current thoughts are on this bag? Anyone go a different route after some time with the bag? I'm currently looking at this pack and the Tamrac Expedition 7X.

Thanks

[nutsnbolts]

Sorry for bringing back an old thread, but can some of you post what your current thoughts are on this bag? Anyone go a different route after some time with the bag? I'm currently looking at this pack and the Tamrac Expedition 7X.

Thanks

I have mine over a year. I still love it and I can't say more to this because it's just an amazing bag all around.

Granted don't think that this will be your only bag. I have used this for travel, used it for hiking but not for daily use.

[DEMO]

OK, I broke down and just ordered the Vertex 200..

[nutsnbolts]

OK, I broke down and just ordered the Vertex 200..

Actually the bag is terrible! I wouldn't touch it with a 10000 foot pole! It's like what were they thinking making something like this? :evil: :rolleyes:

[DEMO]

I finally received my Vertex 200 AW in the mail.. I usually don't carry my PW's and the Nikon Speed-lights, so I have room for some more lenses.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2612392664_5171e68044.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2612398488_c336ec5819.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2611577647_c34323b66d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2612418320_6629578dfd.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2611590201_d532371e59.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2612405626_c71dc1fd18.jpg

[calicokat]

Congrats on the bag, it will treat you well ;)

[Poindexter]

I'm so up in the air about various bags for a trip to Antarctica this fall. The Vertex 200 is one of those bags.

I'm trying to fit:
1DMKII
1Ds
300mm f2.8L IS
70-200mm f2.8L IS
24-105MM f4L IS
24mm f3.5L TS/E
1.4x TC
2x TC
4 Extra 1D batteries
430ex
Wimberly Sidekick
Epson P2000
Other small things (cards, batteries, filters)

I'm pretty sure I can make it all fit, but was hoping someone here might confirm things a little more for me?

[pjfrad]

Demo,

Can you post a photo of a side view of the bag, i.e. how deep it is. Also how big is the laptop section, would it take a 15.4" sony vaio?

Thanks
Peter

[DEMO]

This is the only side profile shot I have of the bag.. I don't carry a laptop, so I can't say if your laptop will work or not.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11/typeralph/printer-4.jpg

[pjfrad]

Thanks Demo.

Other reports seem to say that a Laptop the size of mine should fit, so I think I'm sold on this bag. Just need to look for a good price.

Peter

[tommykjensen]

Thanks for the review. I just ordered one today and hopefully get it tomorrow. Fits just between the Minitrekker AW and Computrekker Plus AW in size but with laptop pocket on front which I prefer. I do not like that all the weight of lenses and bodies is on top of the laptop .

[tommykjensen]

I got my bag thursday and have been using it all weekend. 6 hours on my back saturday and 6 hours sunday.

Maybe I am using it wrong but I thought the waist band was supposed to help balance the weigth so it would not be as hard for the shoulders as without. Well I used the waist belt and my shoulders hurt and I did not feel any kind of support from the waist belt. So since I have always felt the waist belts are in the way I will most likely cut it off before taking the bag on my next trip to Africa.

[Bill Boehme]

I got my bag thursday and have been using it all weekend. 6 hours on my back saturday and 6 hours sunday.

Maybe I am using it wrong but I thought the waist band was supposed to help balance the weigth so it would not be as hard for the shoulders as without. Well I used the waist belt and my shoulders hurt and I did not feel any kind of support from the waist belt. So since I have always felt the waist belts are in the way I will most likely cut it off before taking the bag on my next trip to Africa.

I think that it depends somewhat on how much "waist" one has. In the last couple years, I seem to have gotten a bit rounder and things like this slip off my waist easier than they used to, even including a classic D2 backpack that I have had for about 30 years and love the way that it performs. Anyway, I think that the secret (other than getting a thinner waist) is to cinch the waist belt very firmly, but do NOT draw the shoulder straps up too snugly, just barely snug enough to bring the pack up to a vertical position. If the shoulder straps start off too tight, then you will always be using your shoulder to support the load and, of course, you want your waist to carry all of the weight. I have thought about mounting the camera pack onto my backpacking frame, but then I wouldn't be able to use my backpack.

So, here are the two main "rules":

Carry all of the weight on the waist
use the shoulder straps only for balance and stability

[Bill Boehme]

Just remembered, one more:
3. If you don't have a waist, get one. ;) :rolleyes:

[Lester Wareham]

I got my bag thursday and have been using it all weekend. 6 hours on my back saturday and 6 hours sunday.

Maybe I am using it wrong but I thought the waist band was supposed to help balance the weigth so it would not be as hard for the shoulders as without. Well I used the waist belt and my shoulders hurt and I did not feel any kind of support from the waist belt. So since I have always felt the waist belts are in the way I will most likely cut it off before taking the bag on my next trip to Africa.

Hi Tommy.

I was always taught most of the weight should go on the hips via a belt with any decent backpack. The idea being to transmit the weight below rather than through the back, plus this tends to keep one's centre of gravity lower improving stability and reducing effort. I know it can take a lot of fiddling to get the adjustment just right, and often needs to be tweaked as you take layers off and on.

Although this view was scoffed at by some here recently, who thought you should have all the weight on the shoulders!

Please don't be offended, but I found the load belt on my SS300 a lot more effective after I lost a couple of stone over the last few months (partly initial illness followed by eating better to ovoid further illness!).

I was not very over weight but I definitely have more waste now (could still do with more). I always had the belt set to take most of the weight on the hips and not the shoulder (only about 10-20%), but before it was always slipping. It says much better now.

[tommykjensen]

Thanks that proves I was using it wrong. But it might not change the fate of the waist belt anyway :lol: I still think its too bulky for flights.

[05Xrunner]

if anyone is looking to get one of these I am selling mine
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=547927
its basically new

[Bill Boehme]

Thanks that proves I was using it wrong. But it might not change the fate of the waist belt anyway :lol: I still think its too bulky for flights.

I have taken mine on several plane trips (plus buses, trains, boats, and automobiles) and have never encountered a problem in putting it in the overhead bin except on a bus once. If you have not committed the unthinkable yet, I will post a few pictures showing my method of securing the straps to reduce bulkiness. I think that there may be better ways, but mine allows me to easily fit the bag in an overhead bin.

[RPCrowe]

This is a VERY BIG BAG that holds a lot of equipment. The image is not what I usually carry but, would give you an idea of the capacity of the bag. It is also capable of holding my 17" Toshiba notebook computer.

IMO, there are two downsides to this bag:

1. It is very heavy even empty and with its large capacity gets extremely heavy when loaded. Of course, I could carry less but, I like to have my equipment at my disposal.

2. The carrying straps are extremely bulky. When I have the bag filled with photo equipment and a 17" notebook; it will not fit into the airpost box that carry on (domestic flights) must fit in. I get around this by removing the notebook from the pack and hand carrying it during the boarding process. I have to remove the computer from the pack for security purposes anyway. After returning the notebook to the Vertex 300 - there is no problem in fitting it into the overhead compartments of a 737 airliner.

I wish that the heavy duty carrying straps (especially the waist strap which I never use) were removable.

NOTE: I use the Vertex 300 to carry my gear on flights and to act as a storage for my gear when on trips. I usually rent a sedan (although I much prefer driving a small SUV) because of being able to lock my gear in the trunk out-of-site. Since I don't use the pack for hiking, I really dont need the super heavy duty straps.

[pjfrad]

I received my Vertex 200 yesterday. From the pics on there I had no idea just how much stuff it holds. I barly half fill it with my equipment. It seems like a great bag, I'm going to have a bit more of a play tonight to work out a good configuration then give it a good test traveling from London to Boston this weekend.

[Perry Ge]

I just got this bag. VERY nice.

[Collin85]

I'm jealous of all you owners. Damn you!

[Lowner]

Bill,

"I will post a few pictures showing my method of securing the straps to reduce bulkiness. I think that there may be better ways, but mine allows me to easily fit the bag in an overhead bin".

If you can find the time, I for one would find that very useful. I've never had a problem getting mine aboard, but it's always a slight worry.

[Bill Boehme]

Bill,

"I will post a few pictures showing my method of securing the straps to reduce bulkiness. I think that there may be better ways, but mine allows me to easily fit the bag in an overhead bin".

If you can find the time, I for one would find that very useful. I've never had a problem getting mine aboard, but it's always a slight worry.

Richard,

I finally found the pictures that I took a few months ago and I don't know if they do a very good job of showing how the straps are arranged, but maybe this will help to show how I keep everything tucked together and not have loose straps flailing around. The waistband straps are buckled together underneath the shoulder straps.


319728


The small strap on the Glide-Lock is used to keep the shoulder straps pulled down snugly against the pack.

319729

I really like all of the extra padding that the Vertex 200AW has. I recently dropped the fully loaded bag from a height of about four feet and it landed on the bottom end where the 580EX flash is stowed. Fortunately, the padding saved it from being damaged.

[goldcanon]

I have the Wimberley Gimbal head.

[Lowner]

Bill,

That's very useful, thanks a lot.

[ejicon]

Great review. The price is steep but looks like it's well worth it.

Anyone know where the best price/place to get one of these? Ebay?

[Sfordphoto]

ebay is usually a good bet

[Sfordphoto]

thanks for the awesome review. i'm going to spring for a 300 soon

[GMCPhotographics]

It's a real shame that this bag can't take 17" laptops. Like "hello...it's 2009!"
I wish i'd gone with the Tamrac Cyber Pack instead. It's also quite heavy for it's capacity.
Even when it's empty it seems to weigh a lot.
I'm fitting a 40d, 5dII+grip. 400 f4.5L, 180 macro, 135L, 85L, 200IIL, 24-70L and a 16-35IIL.
It all seems to go in there fine. It's very heavy and a little unbalanced when fully loaded.
But the laptop issue is quite baffling. A lot of modern laptops are 16-17" in size. I use a HP DV9000 which has a 17" wide screen and it doesn't fit. Many of the "it fits a 15" camera bags can take a 17" no problems, except this bag.
Here's the bit that's bugging me, my Thinktank UD60 can carry as much gear. It has a waterproof cover, weighs less and fits my 17" lappi with no problems. the only problem is that the additional backpack straps look a little dorky.

[tommykjensen]

It's a real shame that this bag can't take 17" laptops. Like "hello...it's 2009!"

Obviously we have different needs but I am glad it is not so big that it can fit a 17". When travelling I only want a small laptop with me and not a huge 17". So for me the size if perfect.

Maybe the 300 model is better for you.

[GMCPhotographics]

Yes i think you are right. I think I need a 300 instead, it's a pit it's just so big for the amount that can be put inside it.

[Bill Boehme]

......... it's just so big for the amount that can be put inside it.

That is not all bad. All that extra padding serves a really useful purpose. I dropped mine once from about five feet and was almost afraid to open it to see the damage. It landed on the bottom end where I have the 580EX stowed and there was no damage to anything inside.