I'm looking for a backpack

rpearce12 wrote in post #5647715
The only problem with the r-103 that I am seeing is that it is really shallow.

Someone just pmed me and said that they would sell me this "rebranded (Quantaray) Naneu U120" for 60+shipping an pp fees. I'm still kind of leaning towards the mini trekker.

Any comments on the Canon 200 EG?

It is a bit "shallow" but what else are you planning on taking with you? It is not a carry-everything bag, if it was, it would not be comfortable.

umm... you mentioned getting a laptop - are you planning on putting that in the same bag? that Naneu U120 may work (what size laptop??) but the Canon 200 EG will not... i forget which Katas have notebook slots... where on your priority list is taking the laptop with your camera gear? i take my camera gear and laptop together in my backpack only when im on the go travelling (planes, trains, busses) and need to limit my baggage, but never when i am just out and about shooting...

from my experience i would suggest looking into an all-in-one/everything fits bag for travel and then seperately a bag that will fit what you usually take out to shoot, not ever accessory you own, but just a camera, flash and 2 lenses maybe... stays a lot lighter and easier to manage that way!

I am going to get a laptop since I'm heading off to college in the fall and it would make things a lot easier if I could take it with me, but it's not a necessity. I guess it's a good idea to get 2 backpacks, but for now, I would rather be able to take all of my gear, which isn't a whole lot compared to some of the guys on here, with me everywhere. I'm going to try and sell the 28-80mm and the 18-55mm kit lens when I can and buy something like the 17-40 f/4L. I don't need a massive bag, but at the same time I don't want anything too small.

What does rebranded mean?

Mini Trekker AW. Check my gear list for what I can get into it (all my bodies and lenses!) and that leaves space for a water bottle and food. And there's no probs carrying it onto planes.

I'm going to go with the Naneu U120. Looks like a pretty good backpack with enough space for me and plenty of protection. Anyone own one?

rpearce12 wrote in post #5655375
I'm going to go with the Naneu U120. Looks like a pretty good backpack with enough space for me and plenty of protection. Anyone own one?

I have one, although it's the "QuantarayPro" re-branded one from Ritz. It's an awesome bag, sturdy, feels durable, and it has an additional case inside that stores the actual equipment, so if you wanted to take the camera equipment out and use it as a backpack you could by simply removing the padded compartment. It fits my gripped RebelXT plus several lenses, and would fit something the size of a 70-200L easily. Plus there's plenty of room for accessories and cleaning supplies in the front pouches.

The one thing I don't like about mine is the Ritz rebrand, which still makes me cringe, but I saved quite a bit going that route. Plus, who the hell cares what the brand is on your bag as long as it's well made and carries all your stuff. Just because you have a Tamrac or LowePro doesn't make you a professional.

I've been pleased with the Lowepro 200 MiniTrkr for short hikes and excursions but there's one (albeit mental) thing about it that's annoyed me since I bought it 2 yrs ago.

I am 6ft tall and weigh over 220 lbs - not huge obviously, but a decent sized guy. Anyway, the Lowepro 200 is IMO rather short (length-wise, that is top to bottom when worn). At first I considered its compact size a good thing, but then one day I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror.

Bottom line, I looked like freaking Tony Soprano with Yoda riding high on his back shoulders. Since then I've felt a little silly when I wear it.

But besides that, I was pleased with it until I started taking longer excursions and carrying my tripod. Now I'm looking for something with more comfortable straps/harness and equipped to handle more gear. Good luck.

I have the Canon 200EG and Lowepro Micro Trekker 100 and 200.

The Canon holds a lot of camera equipment. In mine I have a 300D with 50mm attached, 30D with 25-78 attached, four unattached lenses, a flash, and lots of odds and ends in the pockets. This is my "carry all equipment owned" bag.

I use the Micro Trekkers as my "carry what I am going to use" bags. I find the Micro Trekker 100 is used more than the 200 for this purpose.

So when I go on vacation in the car, I take the Canon bag loaded plus one or both of the Micro Trekkers for daily use.

When I go via plane, I usually take the Micro Trekker 200 with my best guess of what I will use. This bag fits under aisle seats snuggly.

Hope this helps.

Patriotic1 wrote in post #5820204
I am 6ft tall and weigh over 220 lbs - not huge obviously, but a decent sized guy. Anyway, the Lowepro 200 is IMO rather short (length-wise, that is top to bottom when worn). At first I considered its compact size a good thing, but then one day I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror.

Bottom line, I looked like freaking Tony Soprano with Yoda riding high on his back shoulders. Since then I've felt a little silly when I wear it.

I looked at some of the smaller LowePro bags as well, but decided I needed a full size one. Being 6ft myself the things were so damn small when I was wearing them they might as well of had a Hello Kitty logo on the back. I looked like I was wearing a kindergartner's bookbag.

So yeah, if you're a small person, they're fine. But larger people have no choice but to go with the full sized bags IMO, regardless of how much equipment they have

The Lowepro Mini-Trekker AW is very comfortable to carry and the added protection of the All Weather cover make this backpack top of the list.

what's the best way to clean the inside of your backpack? It seems like the felt-feeling inside clings onto every piece of dust.

I have a Lowepro Mini-Trekker AW, Lowepro Rover AW, and a Kata R-103. IMHO, Kata is by far the most sturdy and comfortable of the three but I do miss having the mesh side pockets of the Rover.

rpearce12 wrote in post #5839219
what's the best way to clean the inside of your backpack? It seems like the felt-feeling inside clings onto every piece of dust.

Haven't tried it myself, but how about a lint roller that you would use on clothes?

One bag: Crumpler The Whickey & Cox

Pat H wrote in post #5839313
Haven't tried it myself, but how about a lint roller that you would use on clothes?

I'll give it a try. Any other ideas anyone?