Lowpro backpacks

[syburn]

Hi,

Has any Lowpro backpack owner had any problems with the lower part of the bag opening by its self. I see that only a zip seem to hold that part together with the top part and as the bottom part houses the camera stuff I wonder if the weight might make it a problem.

Imagine if it accidentely come loose and your camera falls out.

Am I just being too worried. What have other users experienced?

Simon

[Angel_LCD]

Are there any special model you are thinking about ? Most Lowepro backpacks I've seen have quick-release buckles also :)

[syburn]

I was looking at the AW 2 and the Orion. Both have a top compartment for you hiking stuff and the bottom is for camara stuff.

Simon

[Angel_LCD]

Well the orion has a quick-release buckle in front. I'm not sure which aw 2 you are looking at but you can find alot of info on www.lowepro.com (http://www.lowepro.com)

[BearLeeAlive]

Simon,
I assume you are talking about the Rover AW II. I have this pack and it works great for my gear with room for at least 2 more lenses. I have not had it long enough to give it a longevity rating but it has a zipper combined with a buckle to give the bottom support so I can't see it failing at all. All in all, a well built pack.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Rover_AW_II.aspx (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Rover_AW_II.aspx)

[Vegas Poboy]

I own the rover II and never had a problem with it,

[Fooboy]

I have a Rover AW2. Used it every day for a 5 week trip around Europe and didn't have a problem at all with the bottom opening up.

Just make sure you do the zips up properly and use the quick release strap as back up. It fits quite a lot of camera equipment. I had no problem fitting in a 1D, 24-70mm, 580EX and 70-200mm f4 plus other bits and pieces including a manfrotto digital tripod.

Side pockets are good for water bottles and lens filters. The top part isn't that big though as the shape is quite tapered. A jumper, some maps and food and it would be full. I found the bag to be comfortable for me to wear all day which was impressive as it would weigh around 9-10kg with water bottle.

Also I found the tripod carrier was good for large tripods, but if you have a smaller tripod I found it easier just to hook that into the elastic straps instead of folding out the tripod holder. (But then you need to be careful to put the zips for the top compartment on the sides otherwise the weight of the tripod can open the top compartment)

On the negative side, it is a pain to get your camera out from behind so I ended up walking around with my camera around my neck for most of the time so I wouldn't miss anything. And although I was not particularly careful with my bag, I was a bit disappointed with the level of wear on the bottom of the bag when I got home. It is not like a hole will form soon, but the scuff marks stand out quite a bit.
Hope this helps.
Aaron

[wilflee]

I have the Rover Plus AW and have not had the problem with zipper popping open. But then, I use a small lock on the zipper to hold it together.

Inside the bottom bag I have a 20D + grip + 300mm + 70-200mm + 380 flash + batteries + charger. In the top I have a laptop, 1V body, chargers, filters, food & clothing. And on the belt I have a couple of lens cases holding a 24-70 & 17-40 & some film. On the outside I tie a monopod.

I didn't know the buckle is used to secure the zippered compartment so I use it as a hanger for sandles. The whole rig is about 50 lbs but very solid and fits in the overhead compartment on a plane.

[Chris G]

I have the Orion Trekker II. Mine opened up this weekend on me but I think it was due O.E.....Operator Error. I don't think I zipped up the bottom and I didn't use the clip to secure it. Other than that it has been great