Hi,
Recently I have been cramming a Sigma 500mm f/4.5 lens, plus camera body with standard zoom, plus several other lenses, accessories, food, drink, etc., plus sometimes a beanbag in the outer pocket, plus often a tripod strapped to the outside, into a Lowepro Mini Trecker.
Well, the inevitable has happened, and the zips have finally broken! So, I need to replace it with something slightly bigger. (I have a Photo Trecker, but find that too bulky for general use.) Am thinking of a Nature Trecker, which I think is the next size up from the Mini Trecker.
Does anyone use this bag? How do you find it? How comfortable on long walks? Are there any alternatives of similar size? Any experience of a Tamrac of similar size?
Any help or experiences in helping me choose a new bag would be very much appreciated. I have a bad back and knees, and walk (increasingly, hobble) quite a bit, so nothing too heavy!
Thanks.
Have a look at the CCS Heritage Pro Long Lens Pounchs ( they are also rucksacs) at warehouse express (under photographic/camerabagsand case/heritage/Pro-lense pouches
The 5000mm and 600mm are rucksacs. the side pockets are big (one is padded)
This is what I use (the 600mm vesrion) for a 500mm F4/Body/, Coat/fleece in main compartment,
Drink and lunch in one sidee pocket, 24-105 + teleconverters and release in the other..
If I put the 300mm in it, it has masses of room in the main body..
Has rucksack strap system and hip belt
Not as many compartments seperate as a nature trekker but a lot better suited for me.
Posted by Chris Lloyd on August 14, 2006 at 4:05 AM
Hi Jeremy,
I have been using a Tamrac Expedition 7 to hold Nikon D2X, 300mm F2.8 VR, Sigma 150mm Macro, 1.4x, 1.7x and 2.0x converters, 28-100mm, Epson P2000 and some other bits and bobs. Due to the strapping system, it all feels very comfortable and secure when I am out and about for 3-4 hours at a time. There are alot of pockets on the outside for mobile phone etc. If this is abit small try the Expedition 8.
Regards Chris.
Posted by Rob Howard on August 14, 2006 at 4:39 AM
Hi Jeremy,
I would also look at the Tamrac range I own the expedition 7 and find it a great bag although my 600 goes in a lowepro lens trekker.
I would also recommend phoning the guy at Aspen of Hereford on 01432 853020 he does great prices on both Lowepro and Tamrac and will happily talk through all your needs and what each bag has to offer.
Hi Jeremy,
I have a Lowepro Nature trekker AWII. I carry my D2x attached to a sigma 500 f4.5 (sometimes with a 1.4x attached), a swarovski scope, wide angle lens, tc's & odds & sods. It weighs a ton but you really dont realise when its on your back. The harness is fully adjustable & comfortable.
I believe the Tamracs are also very good as already mentioned.
Regards Rob.
Don't write off your old rucksack.
My 5 year old Photo Trekker developed a broken zip.
I phoned Lowepro who advised me to send it in.
I posted it on the Monday not expecting it to even arrive with them untill the Wednesday.
On that very same Wednesday morning I had a brand spanking new upgraded and latest model (with free daypack) on my doorstep.
What truly outstanding (and incredibly speedy) service from Lowepro.
Just a thought in case you're thinking of chucking it.
Posted by Colin Jakes on August 14, 2006 at 9:40 AM
I recently upgraded from a Mini Trekker to Tamrac Expedition 7, as I was fed up of cramming a Sigma 500 into the smaller bag! I did consider the similar sized Nature trekker.
Certainly the Tamrac is a great bag and as Chris mentions the weight is well distributed when the shoulder straps & harness is fastened correctly.
Likes - being able to retrieve cards & batteries without having to open the main bag
Dislike - The padded waist harness makes it more difficult to fit in an overhead locker when flying ............... but as flying with camera gear at present is virtually impossible, that's not a consideration, is it?
Colin
Posted by Elliott Neep on August 14, 2006 at 9:45 AM
As above... just call Lowepro and explain the broken zip situation and they will replace it as a matter of course. It costs too much for them to assess and repair bags so they just replace... marvelous!!!
I had a minitrekker, but when I got a 300 f2.8 I upgraded it to the AWIIPhotoTrekker. Its a lot easier to handle than you would think with a great harness. It is also the exact same dimensions as the maximum hand baggage allowance for most airlines (PRE TERROR PLOT and hopefully after, otherise I've got to get a bloody Pelicase!)
Posted by Paul Gibbs on August 14, 2006 at 9:47 AM
I Just picked up a Tamrac 787, which should fit the 500 f4.5 fine. You should be able to pick them up on blow out, as many places are selling them off cheap. It is/was also carry on size for aircraft... but the new regs may prevent that...
Thanks for your suggestions. Will definitely see if I can get a free replacement for my Mini Trekker (great idea!), although would like something a bit bigger in the long run. Am veering towards a Lowepro, as I have a few Sliplock cases that fix to the outside of the Trekkers. I don`t suppose the Lowepro lens cases will attach to the Tamracs?
Thanks again!
Just to confirm Justin`s experience of excellent service from Lowepro. I send my broken Mini Trekker off on Monday, and on Wednesday a brand new replacement arrived on my doorstep. Marvellous!
Think I might hold off on buying a new bag, and just wait until the zips break again under the strain in another couple of years, and then send off for another free replacement! And keep going, ad infinitum!
BTW, if you have a Lowepro bag with broken zips, the address to send it to is:
DayMen International Ltd
Unit 5
Merryhills Enterprise Park
Park Lane
Wolverhampton
WV10 9TJ.
Discussion
12 repliesRecently I have been cramming a Sigma 500mm f/4.5 lens, plus camera body with standard zoom, plus several other lenses, accessories, food, drink, etc., plus sometimes a beanbag in the outer pocket, plus often a tripod strapped to the outside, into a Lowepro Mini Trecker.
Well, the inevitable has happened, and the zips have finally broken! So, I need to replace it with something slightly bigger. (I have a Photo Trecker, but find that too bulky for general use.) Am thinking of a Nature Trecker, which I think is the next size up from the Mini Trecker.
Does anyone use this bag? How do you find it? How comfortable on long walks? Are there any alternatives of similar size? Any experience of a Tamrac of similar size?
Any help or experiences in helping me choose a new bag would be very much appreciated. I have a bad back and knees, and walk (increasingly, hobble) quite a bit, so nothing too heavy!
Thanks.
Have a look at the CCS Heritage Pro Long Lens Pounchs ( they are also rucksacs) at warehouse express (under photographic/camerabagsand case/heritage/Pro-lense pouches
The 5000mm and 600mm are rucksacs. the side pockets are big (one is padded)
This is what I use (the 600mm vesrion) for a 500mm F4/Body/, Coat/fleece in main compartment,
Drink and lunch in one sidee pocket, 24-105 + teleconverters and release in the other..
If I put the 300mm in it, it has masses of room in the main body..
Has rucksack strap system and hip belt
Not as many compartments seperate as a nature trekker but a lot better suited for me.
Phillip.
I have been using a Tamrac Expedition 7 to hold Nikon D2X, 300mm F2.8 VR, Sigma 150mm Macro, 1.4x, 1.7x and 2.0x converters, 28-100mm, Epson P2000 and some other bits and bobs. Due to the strapping system, it all feels very comfortable and secure when I am out and about for 3-4 hours at a time. There are alot of pockets on the outside for mobile phone etc. If this is abit small try the Expedition 8.
Regards Chris.
I would also look at the Tamrac range I own the expedition 7 and find it a great bag although my 600 goes in a lowepro lens trekker.
I would also recommend phoning the guy at Aspen of Hereford on 01432 853020 he does great prices on both Lowepro and Tamrac and will happily talk through all your needs and what each bag has to offer.
Regards
Rob
I have a Lowepro Nature trekker AWII. I carry my D2x attached to a sigma 500 f4.5 (sometimes with a 1.4x attached), a swarovski scope, wide angle lens, tc's & odds & sods. It weighs a ton but you really dont realise when its on your back. The harness is fully adjustable & comfortable.
I believe the Tamracs are also very good as already mentioned.
Regards Rob.
Don't write off your old rucksack.
My 5 year old Photo Trekker developed a broken zip.
I phoned Lowepro who advised me to send it in.
I posted it on the Monday not expecting it to even arrive with them untill the Wednesday.
On that very same Wednesday morning I had a brand spanking new upgraded and latest model (with free daypack) on my doorstep.
What truly outstanding (and incredibly speedy) service from Lowepro.
Just a thought in case you're thinking of chucking it.
Certainly the Tamrac is a great bag and as Chris mentions the weight is well distributed when the shoulder straps & harness is fastened correctly.
Likes - being able to retrieve cards & batteries without having to open the main bag
Dislike - The padded waist harness makes it more difficult to fit in an overhead locker when flying ............... but as flying with camera gear at present is virtually impossible, that's not a consideration, is it?
Colin
I had a minitrekker, but when I got a 300 f2.8 I upgraded it to the AWIIPhotoTrekker. Its a lot easier to handle than you would think with a great harness. It is also the exact same dimensions as the maximum hand baggage allowance for most airlines (PRE TERROR PLOT and hopefully after, otherise I've got to get a bloody Pelicase!)
Thanks again!
Think I might hold off on buying a new bag, and just wait until the zips break again under the strain in another couple of years, and then send off for another free replacement! And keep going, ad infinitum!
BTW, if you have a Lowepro bag with broken zips, the address to send it to is:
DayMen International Ltd
Unit 5
Merryhills Enterprise Park
Park Lane
Wolverhampton
WV10 9TJ.