National Geographic Backpack Review

I've looked at the larger backpack. It is fairly big and appears to be well made when it comes to seams, stitching, etc.

The main appeal for me was a pack which could combine camera gear and "other stuff" - unfortunately, the space for the "other stuff" was not large enough for me. And while I do like the look'n'feel of the bag, I need something a little bit more water-resistant. And so the bag stayed on the shelf.

Vandit

I'll agree with vkalia on the larger backpack. I too wanted something that could both camera and day-hiking gear. The larger one has less capacity for non-camera related gear, and it's huge in comparison to the medium bag. But, if you have a large kit, or hefty sized lenses, it may work better for you than the medium one.

Ok, thanks for the input. I guess I really need to see it in person before I make up my mind. What do you all think about spraying the outer layer with some type of water repellent or silicone spray to help keep the water out? Just a thought.

Mike

Crash, what type of environments do you plan on using the bag in? I'd say it's plenty fine for the majority of uses. You can always keep a garbage bag stuffed somewhere if you're expecting a heavy downpour. But I guess a spray on protectant wouldn't hurt, either.

I hike in all kinds of weather... Mostly in Maine and PA. I only use a Mini-Trekker right now, but I carry a 5d with a 15mm fish, 17-40, 24-70, 70-200 and 400 5.6 along with a flash, filters, rocket blower, batteries, etc. I usually just carry my tripod in my arms. I am not sure the smaller bag will fit all that in (although, like I said I fit it all in the Mini). I am not too concerned about the water repellent, but it was just an idea if that became a concern.

I'm from Ohio originally, so I know how the weather can turn on ya! .

Since I got the 70-200 2.8 IS i am looking for a new bag because my present bag has to stretch to fit.

Would this bag fit a 70-200 2.8 IS without hood with a 5D attached ??

Do you have access to the lower compartment via the top or is the only access through the front ?

Thanks in advance

wanderer488 wrote in post #2267342
Since I got the 70-200 2.8 IS i am looking for a new bag because my present bag has to stretch to fit.

Would this bag fit a 70-200 2.8 IS without hood with a 5D attached ??

Do you have access to the lower compartment via the top or is the only access through the front ?

Thanks in advance

Access to the bottom is only from the front. Now there is a zip in divider between the top and bottom that can be removed, but it wouldn't be convenient to access the camera gear, only if you want to use it more as a backpack for clothes and things I think.

my 70-200 2.8 is with 20d attached just fits.

i'm vary sad. (((

i've just received this backpack.

i like it very much, it looks very cute, but....

i can't fit my 17'' powerbook, and !!! i can't fit also my friends 15'' powerbook....

so, i think, this backpack can be used only with NOT WIDESCREEN laptops... ((((((

strizh,

Sorry about your situation, that compartment is small. I'd say it could only fit smaller laptops (12"-13" screen).

I don't carry a laptop in the field, but I do use it to carry maps/papers and my EZ-balance.

lmitch6,

agree with you about "I don't carry a laptop in the field"...
but i want to have universal backpack for different situation...

now im lookin for TAMRAC Adventure 9...
but im still crying about this cute, "old school" looking NG backpack...

yup, my 15.4" sony doesn't fit.

I too have a tamrac adventure 9. It's my carry everything bag, and weighs a flippin ton when everything is in it, but it does all fit.

When I'm going hiking I grab the NG as I'm just carrying camera gear, first aid kit and some snacks / water.

For just camera gear, I might grab the canon back back though as its a little smaller.

I'm new here and this is my first post. I actually came across this forum in my search for a camera daypack, and I'm considering the NG medium pack. I'd appreciate any advice ya'll could provide.

I need something for vacation touring that will carry my dSLR, a few accessories and a little JVC video camera. The interenation airline regs are usually one checked bag and one carryon, plus a purse. (I like being a girl!)

When I went to Australia last year, I used a luggage-type carryon, and a large sling-type tote. In the carryon, I put my cameras and DVD burner, and other miscellaneous electronics that I'd need for the trip, as well as a change of clothes, etc., for the duration of the flight. While I was in-country, I used the sling-bag as my everyday tote to carry my vid-cam, maps, snacks, water, passport, money, etc.

I'm really wanting something like a backpack, though, that would be more comfortable to carry. I would also like to be able to access my equipment more easily.

Do you think I could get away with calling this a "purse" at the airline check-in? I've looked at the Lowepro Orion II and it would be an approriate size, but it doesn't have the front access to the equipment area. This NG pack's specs indicate it's about the same size.

Would you say it's more like a daypack or a backpack?

Thanks for your help.

Not sure what the diffrence is between a backpack and a day pack....my guess it would fall under the daypack rule. I find this a very comfortble backpack to use and I will be using it as a carryone next month but my regular bag will be checked (cloths and stuff).
I doubt by its size it would be considered a purse but you would have to check with the airline about that.

It really is a great bag, good for travel since it doesn't scream "camera equipment please steal me..."

tjrenegade wrote in post #2561632
Not sure what the diffrence is between a backpack and a day pack....

I think of a daypack as something like a book-bag. Whereas a backpack is the thing I took to Europe when I was younger and I lived out of it for 3 months. Maybe there's not clear distinction.

Thanks.