Choice of Camera rucksack

[rokkstar]

Hey guys,

I now have a 3 lens kit and am probably going to get a fourth very soon. Hence my itsy bitsy teeny weeny Lowepro Nova 2 is far too small to cope. So I was thinking of getting a backpack.
I was thinking of the Lowepro Orion trekker backpack because it can be taken on a plane and has space for camera gear and room for hand luggage stuff in the top. But I think the Crumpler formal lounge can do the same. The beauty of this is that you dont need to carry a camera bag, hand luggage bag, and laptop bag.

So what I'm after is advice on which is the best bag to go for in this instance.

Cheers
Matt

[MHD]

has anyone got a price figure for the crumpler lounge?

[birddog114]

the Crumpler formal lounge today and the minitrekker AW tomorrow, I know what you guy wants, perhaps does not want the unemployment rate rises in China

[leek]

the Crumpler formal lounge today and the minitrekker AW tomorrow, I know what you guy wants, perhaps does not want the unemployment rate rises in China

 LOL Birddog... But haven't you heard... Crumplers are fashionable... Judging by the number of Lowepros Minitrekker AWs at the Saturday minimeets - I'm thinking of jumping ship...
My wife is threatening to attach identifying markers just like on my daughter's schoolbag... I'm not sure that'll remind me to put my camera back in my bag, but you never know...

[wile_E]

I'm thinking of getting a crumpler as well (as the mini trekker that I already own) - for those times when I just want to walk about with camera and lens. Am thinking of the Snauros, Stamp Claimer or 15 Love (what w@nky names!!!)

I'll let you guys know if I find something.

Rokkstar, have you thought of the Lowepro Compu Trekker? The mini trekker aw I have is also pretty good as a 'day pack', but you won't be able to fit a laptop in it. There is plenty of space for additional stuff as well as lenses (in the main compartment).

[Marvin]

I have the lowepro orion trekker and I don't like it at all!
I got it for those exact reasons and I rarely use it now. I have 3 lenses and the SB800 and they don't fit comfortably in the bottom. It's a pain to get into and if you have anything in the top it is worse. I tend to take my smaller bag with just what I need. I have seen the crumplers and I thought they looked very nice. I was also looking at getting the mini trekker (I think that is what it is).

[birddog114]

I'm thinking of getting a crumpler as well (as the micro trekker that I already own) - for those times when I just want to walk about with camera and lens. Am thinking of the Snauros, Stamp Claimer or 15 Love (what w@nky names!!!)

I'll let you guys know if I find something.

Rokkstar, have you thought of the Lowepro Compu Trekker? The micro trekker I have is also pretty good as a 'day pack', but you won't be able to fit a laptop in it. There is plenty of space for additional stuff as well as lenses (in the main compartment).

wile-e,
In a day pack, why should you bother to bring your notebook with you? try to finish work at the shooting or workshop?

[wile_E]

wile-e,
In a day pack, why should you bother to bring your notebook with you? try to finish work at the shooting or workshop?

Birddog, the reason why I thought Rokkstar was looking for a day pack that will be able to carry a notebook as well is if he was going overseas or on a holiday somewhere. You'd be able to save on one bag by being able to carry your laptop and camera in the same bag (and even onto the plane as carry on luggage).

However, you are correct - you'd otherwise leave your laptop in your hotel room whilst you're out shooting.

[rokkstar]

I have the lowepro orion trekker and I don't like it at all!
I got it for those exact reasons and I rarely use it now. I have 3 lenses and the SB800 and they don't fit comfortably in the bottom. It's a pain to get into and if you have anything in the top it is worse. I tend to take my smaller bag with just what I need. I have seen the crumplers and I thought they looked very nice. I was also looking at getting the mini trekker (I think that is what it is).

Thats what I was worried about too - the fact that you might not be able to fit that much in and it would be a pain to get to if there was anything in the top.
The main reason was that I have a lack of space in my Nova 2 but also that i would like to get as much into one bag as possible.
The crumplers do look very nice - anyone know the price of these babies?

[birddog114]

I have the lowepro orion trekker and I don't like it at all!
I got it for those exact reasons and I rarely use it now. I have 3 lenses and the SB800 and they don't fit comfortably in the bottom. It's a pain to get into and if you have anything in the top it is worse. I tend to take my smaller bag with just what I need. I have seen the crumplers and I thought they looked very nice. I was also looking at getting the mini trekker (I think that is what it is).

Marvin,
You're too old for those fashionable bag! those guys are young and would like to show it off little bit in both sides: photography and IT guru
Rokkstar,
If you're keen in doing photography and keeping your gears neat and safe, the minitrekker is an answer, the crumpler or orion trekker are just fashionable and you could not load more stuff at its bottom, and as Marvin mentioned, you'll be cried when you tried to open or closed it with load on the top section, and please remember with those crumpler style bag, people might think it's a vacant seat and comfy to sit on it

[rokkstar]

and please remember with those crumpler style bag, people might think it's a vacant seat and comfy to sit on it

 LOL

I'd be over the moon if someone thought I was fashionable and trendy

[digitor]

Marvin,
You're too old for those fashionable bag! those guys are young and would like to show it off little bit in bothe side: photograpy and IT guru
If you're keen in doing photography and keeping your gears neat and safe, the minitrekker is an answer, the crumpler or orion trekker are just fashionable and you could not load more stuff at its bottom, and as Marvin mentioned, you'll be cried when you tried to open or closed it with load on the top section, and please remember with those crumpler style bag, people might think it's a vacant seat and comfy to sit on it

Marvin is a style guru, just refer to her comments on the D70 shirts!!

Plus, as far as age goes, she is young enough to be my.. well..., younger sister (boy am I going to get a belting at Monarto)

But I would have to agree, the mini-trekker is a good bag for travel and holding all sorts of gear (except a laptop).

Cheers

[Greg B]

rokkstar, I got the Lowepro Minitrekker AW about a month ago (having had the Nova 2 and the Nova 3)

I looked at the Crumplers, they are trés chic, but very expensive.

I'm very happy with the Minitrekker, all my crap fits in (d70, kit lens, 70-300 tamron, 50mm f1.8, SB800) and there is room for the Nikkor 105 (hopefully, very soon). Well worth consideration. (There is a reason why so many members have them)

[birddog114]

Soon will be a designed nametag to attached to it as per request.

[Marvin]

Well, thanks Digitor (I think), fists standing by!!

You make one little comment about the shirts...........

[fozzie]

Marvin,

Well, thanks Digitor (I think), fists standing by!!

You make one little comment about the shirts...........

If digitor hasn't, I have, please refer to Adelaide Meet #2... .

ta ta for now,

[kipper]

Sigh. I should really talk to my friend, I think it's her sons wife's brother or something is the owner of Crumpler. Didn't find out until the other week. Should try and find out if they'll do us D70 users a special deal

[digitor]

Well, thanks Digitor (I think), fists standing by!!

Hee hee, I will rely on Fozzie to protect me, one swipe from that Gitzo and you'll be cactus!

(Plus, I can run a lot faster than you might think....)

Cheers

[Marvin]

Fozzie's legs don't scare me!!!

I can guarantee you that my Manfrotto would chop his Gitzo up into little pieces!!
I've been practising my tripod sparring lately too.

[rokkstar]

Sigh. I should really talk to my friend, I think it's her sons wife's brother or something is the owner of Crumpler. Didn't find out until the other week. Should try and find out if they'll do us D70 users a special deal

Sons, wife's, brothers, dog-groomers, 2nd cousin - if you can negotiate a D70 deal you have your first customer waiting.

[xorl]

Rokkstar,

I've been using the Nova 2 for a while (awesome bag!) and have just moved up to a Minitrekker AW. I considered several options before jumping.

I checked out the Crumpler store in Adelaide to see what they had to offer. I felt their backpacks were kinda designed with photography as an afterthought. The compartments just didn't seem to make efficient use of the space. They are also very expensive. This is based on the photo backpacks I saw, they may have better ones available.

The Orion/Rover style backpacks were tempting due to the daypack room but they are quite bulky and don't really fit much more gear than the Nova 2 (unless you leave gear loose in the main compartment ). I figured I wouldn't really use the top compartments very much anyway. More gear space was most important.. .

The Minitrekker AW is fine for the majority of my use. Room for 2 bodies+ lenses + flash + extras.. If I hang a couple of pouches off the side it will do fine for a daytrip. I'm very impressed by this bag.

(Fozzie: I found one in a store so I didn't have to wait til Monarto to make my decision )

[fozzie]

xorl/Mark,

The Minitrekker AW is fine for the majority of my use. Room for 2 bodies+ lenses + flash + extras.. If I hang a couple of pouches off the side it will do fine for a daytrip. I'm very impressed by this bag.

(Fozzie: I found one in a store so I didn't have to wait til Monarto to make my decision )

OK.

I have just received from Birddog114, two (2) 'Lowepro' Case # 4 to store lenses via the loops on the outside for day trips myself.

See you on Sunday.

Goodbye for now,

[huynhie]

I'm thinking of getting a crumpler as well (as the mini trekker that I already own) - for those times when I just want to walk about with camera and lens. Am thinking of the Snauros, Stamp Claimer or 15 Love (what w@nky names!!!)

I'll let you guys know if I find something.

Rokkstar, have you thought of the Lowepro Compu Trekker? The mini trekker aw I have is also pretty good as a 'day pack', but you won't be able to fit a laptop in it. There is plenty of space for additional stuff as well as lenses (in the main compartment).

wile_E

I'll bring my Crumpler "Company Embarrasment" to the next meet for you to peruse.

It's not too bad if you are looking for a shoulder bag.

[Onyx]

I feel I have to say something: Crumplers are not expensive if you look at the retail prices that the Lowepro's sell for!

[birddog114]

I feel I have to say something: Crumplers are not expensive if you look at the retail prices that the Lowepro's sell for!

What's the price in the market of the Crumpler?
And the mini trekker AW is $155.00

[stubbsy]

Matt
To be clear. Do you want camera gear and laptop in the one bag? If yes then forget the Lowepro Mini that's been mentioned. If No (laptop in separate bag) then the Lowepro mini is the go. As you no doubt noticed at last Saturday's meet it's the D70 users bag of choice. I have a 70-200 VR + TC 1.7, 12-24, 24-120 and body in mine. There's still room for another two lenses. Then there are a number of outside compartments to tuck things in. Where there are unused lens spaces inside you can put any non volatile carry on gear). In the outside compartments is room for much of your other carry on gear (depending on what you want to carry on of course - there's no room for a suit )

Plus you can also attach extra LowePro thingies to the loops at the side.

[Onyx]

...The beauty of this is that you dont need to carry a camera bag, hand luggage bag, and laptop bag.

So what I'm after is advice on which is the best bag to go for in this instance.

For this purpose, multi-compartment bags are ideal. However with your 4 lens camera kit, it could be a tight squeeze - and you may end up sacrificing space in the top compartment (ie. restricts your sucked in last minuted duty free purchases).

I find my Formal Lounge ideal for airport hopping. I was looking to fit a laptop and SLR system in one bag, as a two bag option is more stressful to me. The "other items" compartment in the Crumpler was a bonus. Now that I'm used to the bag, I can't live without it. I've customise the compartment dividers in the camera gear section to make optimum use of the space for my needs (still small IMHO); and the laptop part holds my camelbak hydration bladder when I go on hikes or daytrips.

I do feel that fitting a 4 lens kit is asking a bit much from these multi-compartment bags (I've looked at the Orion and there's not much difference in size). These are mainly for carrying photo gear as a secondary purpose - when you need to fit other "essential" items, say a drink and some snacks, a first aid kit and a change of clothes plus laptop and associated power accessories & sw/manuals, all in the one bag - they do so better than single purpose camera bags, eg. micro/mini trekkers.

[rokkstar]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think Onyx has summed it up nicely:
"Airport hopping"

Basically I hate having to fight my way through airports and onto the plane with:
1. A camera bag
2. A hand luggage bag with bits and bobs for the flight in
3. A laptop bag.
Invariably I end up hitting people because its so clumsy and cumbersome.

I mean, the purpose of the bag would be purely for airports, day hikes, etc where I would normally be taking loads of bags.

If just walking around the city taking snaps I'll still use the nova 2 and squeeze every last inch of space out of it.

I have to go back to the UK for a month soon and will be taking all of the above - so I was wondering what the best option would be.
I think by the sounds of it the Formal Lounge is coming out on top at the moment.

[birddog114]

rokkstar,
I'm with you, go for the Formal lounge, in case there's any delayed at the airport, you can have it as your private lounge to relax and sleep over

[Glen]

Rokkstar, I will make this easy for you - just swap 1st prize for 2nd prize, no thinking, very simple and I will do the deal even knowing you have used the lens

ps great to meet you, I now realise your avatar was a self portrait

[rokkstar]

You'd do that for me Glen? Even though I've used it already?

It was good to meet you too the other day.
I might change the avatar to penfold from Dangermouse as I think its a more accurate representation.

BA I aint!!

[Glen]

No mate keep the Mr T avatar, was reading the other day that he is dead broke, your royalty payments probably help. Can't imagine a 60 year old Mr T on TV

[rokkstar]

I heard that the A-Team movie is coming out and is staring George Cloony as Hannibal.
But the cool part is that he said the film had to have Mr-T in it otherwise he was out.

[MCWB]

Can't imagine a 60 year old Mr T on TV

I pity the fool!

[rokkstar]

Sorry to bring this thread up again.
Onyx, how much was your formal lounge?
ANyone know where I can buy these things?

[Glen]

Rokkstar they have a stockists in Newtown, Bondi and Paddington. Info on their website, hit the telephone button, very unusual website and difficult to get around. http://www.crumpler.com.au/home.php

[wile_E]

Rokkstar, Gowings in the city stock them as well (the one opposite the QVB). A friend also sells them, and I got a reasonable deal from her. If you're interested, I can give her phone number to you - PM me.

[gstark]

Rokkstar they have a stockists in Newtown, Bondi and Paddington. Info on their website, hit the telephone button, very unusual website and difficult to get around.

Glen,

That's being very kind. It's one of the worst, least informative sites on the web. For a commercial website where the goal (I would have thought) is to impart product information in a clear and concise manner, they focus on trying to be trendy and upmarket, with a result that fails miserably on every count.

[Hlop]

Sorry to bring this thread up again.
Onyx, how much was your formal lounge?
ANyone know where I can buy these things?

I saw some crumplers in Gowings - next to Town Hall

Myself, I'm using Lowepro Rover AWII - it has two compartments, one for photo stuff (big enough for D70 with lens, + 3 lenses, including 80-400, +SB800) and one for some goods. Very comfortable for traveling

[Marvin]

Someone mentioned in a previous post that it was cheaper for them to get their crumpler bags in from NZ. I actually visited the shop when I was there and they were indeed a fair bit cheaper than the Aussie website. I'll try to find the post.
Here 'tis:
http://forum.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=434&start=0

[birddog114]

Marvin,
To do this, its cost perhaps will be more with GST + freight charges and the bags are bulky, not compact like the CF cards.

[Onyx]

Yeah, freight will even out any/all potential savings. These bags don't fold down in any way, I got mine when I was in the US, shipped in a massive box -> http://dr-cbtan.fotopic.net/c304066.html

The Crumpler US site is much less cartoonish and easier to wrap your head around.

Also Rokkstar - if you are able to, bring your laptop along shopping and investigate the Formal Lounge to Farmer's Double upgrade. See if the price diff warrants the upgrade in size (+ 1 or 2 inches for each dimension). For me it wasn't, but YMMV.