In Need Of A New Bag

Hello,

I have been looking to purchase a new backpack for myself and once again am having a hard time deciding which backpack to get.
I have been looking at this one, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Backpack.html. I have read the reviews, from this site, and it looks like it would fine my needs.
Then I seen a tread, I believe by Rick, that has me looking at this one, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ack_Gray_.html. About the same size but with the waterproof compartment.
So this is my dilemma, which of the two do I get? I am also open to other suggestions but would like to keep it to a backpack.
I am sure that someone could point me in the right direction. I am looking to purchase this along with other items within the next month.

Thanks in Advance,
James

James-
I'm sorry you've had to wait so long for a reply. But when it comes to backpacks, I'm your man. I have used a ton and used them in all kinds of conditions - from pouring rain, to blowing desert dirt, to well below freezing. And I have a Dryzone backpack and cannot - I repeat - cannot recommend it. Although my Dryzone pack served me well and is responsible for some great photos, the waterproof zippers are a huge pain in the butt. Mine doesn't work at all anymore. I cannot zip the camera compartment closed.

I don't know what your budget is like or how much stuff you have to carry. But take a look at my review for the Lowepro Vertex backpack. I really like it. The harness system fits me really well and it carries a lot of equipment comfortably. I also like the high-end Tamrac backpack cases. I used one as my main bag for years.

Don't worry too much about water. For one, I've had all my gear completely soaked and I've yet to have anything really fail. The best thing is to have a pack with a rain cover. That will do the job. Waterproof is only for the very few who are actually rafting or swimming with their gear. I am out in the weather all the time and I don't worry about it.

Hope that helps. Let us know if you have more questions.

I also have to say that unless you really need to seal it from water, the Dryzone is not worth it- it needs maintenance and patience, and it's noticeably larger than the Mini-trekker.

I've used the mini-trekker AW for the past two years or thereabouts, maybe longer. I only recently stopped using it as my main bag since I'm having to take my laptop with me for a lot of assignments. It can hold a lot of gear for a bag its size, and the all weather cover is very helpful. I miss that feature with my new primary bag, a Lowepro Fastpack 350.

It's very comfortable and compact. I see no reason for you to choose anything else unless it's too big or small for your capacity needs. I routinely stored two DSLR bodies, spare batteries, CF cards, a 70-200 2.8, two other professional zooms, and usually had room for a TC and a small manual focus lens, plus a flash, more batteries, a remote, a charger or two, and more in the front.

I see Amazon has the Vortex 200 for $129.99 including shipping. Of course, when a person like me owns just 1 lens, it doesn't make much sense to get a backpack.

Thanks for all the information. But it might be too late as my gf might have ordered the Dryzone backpack for me already. I will have to see and if so I might have to look into the return policy.
I just ordered a few other things from BH and they should be here on Friday, I can't wait.

James

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Originally Posted by JamesV

Thanks for all the information. But it might be too late as my gf might have ordered the Dryzone backpack for me already. I will have to see and if so I might have to look into the return policy.
I just ordered a few other things from BH and they should be here on Friday, I can't wait.

James

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Ordinarily I'd say just keep it. But my Dryzone had me soooo frustrated that I think you should return it immediately. There's nothing worse than a backpack with a zipper that works at the start of a hike or ride and then quits in the middle.

Thanks John For the advise. I seen on ebay the Vertex 200 for under $200, they also have the 300 for $200. I might look into one of those today, also I will find out if the Dryzone was ordered and when it should be coming in.

Thanks again John,
James

If you're looking on ebay, check out the dealer sellandsend. I purchased a Lowepro bag from them a year ago. They had the best price I could find, and the transaction was great.

I have the Mini Trekker (non AW). This is fine except for two things:

1. If you use a DSLR with the battery pack attached then the height of the camera is greater than the height of the bag and the top of the prism feels vulnerable. I had a demonstration of an almost identical but deeper bag a few months ago which seemed a better bet. I've forgotten the name but it was Lowepro
2. If I put three pro lenses + body in the Mini Trekker it feels like it's going to burst. Just don't feel comfortable about it. If I want to carry all this about with me then I take a big Billingham 445 shoulder bag.

I also have the Computrekker (okay for D200+18-200 and SB800 plus portable PC). And the Rover light and Slingshot but these are not in the same class.

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Originally Posted by mjs1973

If you're looking on ebay, check out the dealer sellandsend. I purchased a Lowepro bag from them a year ago. They had the best price I could find, and the transaction was great.

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Mike,
Thanks for the heads up that was the seller that I was looking at for both bags.

James

Thanks Charles,
I am looking into those bag that you talked about.

James

I'm going to be doing some desert/hiking photography and wanted a backpack instead of lugging a sportbag, which is what I usually do. I won't be taking a huge amount of kit on these trips and have ordered the Lowepro Flipside 300.

What I really like about this bag is that the opening is on the "inside," against your back as you wear it, which means that when you put it back on the dust and dirt will be on the outside. Also, I'll also feel a lot more secure knowing my camera and lenses won't be able to fall out while I'm clambering around, dodging scorpions etc! :thumbsup: