In search of perfect bag (Lowepro off trail 2?)

[MDJAK]

I currently have three or four bags, running the gamut from the lowepro nature trekker awII, to the photo runner which is too small for my 1dsmkII, (but was perfect for the 20d). I most recently got the tamrac velocity9 which is a sling bag. While it holds what I need, the strap is not comfortable.

I prefer waist bags. Apropos to the topic title, anyone have experience with the lowepro off trail 2?

[Hersh]

To sort of answer your question - I've had the Lowepro Off Trail 1 one bag for the past 5 years and loved it. It's been incredibly durable and comfortable to use.

The only shortcoming I had with it was I was limited in what I could carry, but since solved that problem with Tamrac's SAS modules.

[eosster]

No bag is perfect for me and I am still looking.

[Todd Jacobsen]

I currently have three or four bags, running the gamut from the lowepro nature trekker awII, to the photo runner which is too small for my 1dsmkII, (but was perfect for the 20d). I most recently got the tamrac velocity9 which is a sling bag. While it holds what I need, the strap is not comfortable.

I prefer waist bags. Apropos to the topic title, anyone have experience with the lowepro off trail 2?

I use the Trail 2 bag with 10D or 20D. Easily fits 24-70 2.8L. Not sure if it came with the bag but I do have to lens pouches connected to it as well. I use one for my 75-300 and the other one usually carries water.

Due to the weight on the hip, I just purchased a chest strap (Lowepro) for it. This makes the Trail 2 usable with a separate backpack (alleviates the dual wait belt).

[Citizensmith]

I have an Off-Trail 2 as well. It's my light hiking bag for when I don't want to lug a phototrekker full of junk around. The main pocket will fit my 300D with a 70-200 4 (hood reversed). The side pockets will take a 17-40 in one and an 85 and 24 in the other. Or a water bottle. Basically, sure you don't get to take everything but it is plenty roomy, very versatile, and very comfortable to wear onve you've tightened the straps up.

[ggibbs1971]

I purchased a used Off Trail 2 from e bay. Though it did not have the waist belt, it did have a shoulder strap. It will take my Rebel & 70-200. I also havetwo pouches, for my prime and flash. Just bought the bag for the drink bottle. What I need now is a harness to convert it into a backpack. Does anyone know what is available from any supplier?

Thanks

[Citizensmith]

I think Lowe Pro would sell more bags if they did what crumpler did and have a cute nekid girl modelling them.

[nwoods]

I've been giving this bag issue way too much thought myself. I've concluded that I will need at least two bags, maybe three.

1. One for everything. Bring this to events where I can set it down and rumage through it.
2. One for hiking, day trips, etc.. : two lenses, maybe a flash, maybe a compact monopod
3. Possibly one for things like trips to Disneyland: one walkabout lens, padded.
4. ? Maybe a nice case for travel long distances (via airline)

The the day hike thing, I have small children, so I need to keep one hand loose to drag along a kid, and my back free to hold a backpack full of non-camera items, and my chest free so that I can carry my kids when needed.

These leaves me with a sholder bag or lumbar pack. Sholder bags seem to always want to fall off, so I've narrowed it further to the lumbar bag (fanny pack). I really like the Mountainsmith lineup: http://************/6lj7x, so I just yesterday ordered the "Mountainsmith - Aurora Standard Lumbar Pack" from www.eBags.com.

We'll see how it goes.

NW

[dougsturgess]

I just ordered the LowePro Specialist 85 and it comes Thursday. I'll let you know how I like it. It fits the 20d with the grip and acommodates several lenses including the 70-200 & accessories.

[Citizensmith]

I've been giving this bag issue way too much thought myself. I've concluded that I will need at least two bags, maybe three.

1. One for everything. Bring this to events where I can set it down and rumage through it.
LowePro MiniTrekker (My choice) or larger if you have more stuff.
2. One for hiking, day trips, etc.. : two lenses, maybe a flash, maybe a compact monopod
LowePro OffTrail 2
3. Possibly one for things like trips to Disneyland: one walkabout lens, padded.
Crumpler Budgie Smuggler. Plenty of great shoulder bags in their range
The the day hike thing, I have small children, so I need to keep one hand loose to drag along a kid, and my back free to hold a backpack full of non-camera items, and my chest free so that I can carry my kids when needed.
Boy is that familiar. And probably the reason why my kit has been shrinking rather than growing. I'm down to just 4 lenses now, but they are good.

Let us know how the new bag works out.

[nwoods]

Update 4/7/05: Today my 20D finally came in stock, so I picked it up along with a nifty and svelte yet cavernous gear bag called the Lowepro Omni Pro.

This bag is for my "Bag #1" purpose as described earlier in this thread. It's a bit like a business briefcase, yet slim, with tons of room and fantastic compartment organization, and it's slender, AND it has a top loading access that fits my 20D + 70-200/L lens ATTACHED for quick access. It's clean external design means nothing snags when stuffing it into that back of your car/truck whatever on that family camping trip, and it's carry-on bag sized, so perfect for airlines. This is the same back that fits perfectly into the rigid plastic travel case.

In this bag I currently have:
- Canon EOS 20D (no grip)
- Canon 580EX flash
- Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8/L
- Canon EF-S 18-85mm
- Canon EF-S 10-22mm
- Tamron 28-75 F2.8
- Medium/light duty tripod
- Lens hoods, lots of batteries, CF card case, etc…

I still have room for about 3 more decent lenses and another flash... so some day I'll get that nice Macro and a nice 50mm F1.8 to add to the kit…However, if I had another big lens like the 100-400, I'd be out of luck.

One thing I really like about this bag is that it does not look conspicuously like a camera bag with tons of $$ gear in it. Call it piece of mind :-)

Link: http://************/4lxmw

Regards,

NW

[dougsturgess]

I just ordered the LowePro Specialist 85 and it comes Thursday. I'll let you know how I like it. It fits the 20d with the grip and acommodates several lenses including the 70-200 & accessories.

Well, I made an error in judgement. The Specialist 85, although deeper, won't fit everything including power cords, filters, etc. I really don't want to upgrade to a back pack. That gets so hot & sweaty lugging it around on vacation. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Todd Jacobsen]

Well, I made an error in judgement. The Specialist 85, although deeper, won't fit everything including power cords, filters, etc. I really don't want to upgrade to a back pack. That gets so hot & sweaty lugging it around on vacation. Anyone have any suggestions?

I'll take the 85 off your hands for $25...

The 85 seems to be one step up from the Off Trail 2...Good for quick access. Bad for any true accessories outside of a filter and a couple of CF's.

I have the Off Trail 2 but was lookin for the Trim Trekker....where it go?!

[DionM]

I also have a bag fetish, but I think I have it sorted.

Lowepro Nova 5 to hold everything. This is the bag I take when I am shooting from the car or the like. Mind you, when I get my next lens it will be too small ... not sure about what to do then.

Computrekker backpack that takes almost everything, but is far more portable. Serious walks where my shoulder won't take the Nova 5 but when I want lots of stuff.

Toploader AW for 20D with 70-200 2.8 attached. For when that is all I am taking. But I can add a Lens Case to carry my 17-40 as well.

Topload Zoom 2 for 20D with 17-40 or 100 2.8 Macro attached. For when that is all I am taking and travelling light.

[pehabe]

hi Todd,
does the Off Trail 2 enough place for 20D + Grip?
thanks

Peter