I just ordered the Computrekker last night. The ebay store Patrick mentioned for 99+20. I can't wait to get it, and hopefully this will do all I need over the summer.
Thanks alot,
Scott
Aha, you were the one that changed it from 5 available to 4, then - it's 3 or less now, I've gone for it as well ;-)
I just wish Lowepro had brought it out earlier - then I wouldn't have a Stealth AW which is great for carrying the gear and laptop but not for shooting, and a Nature Trekker, which won't take the laptop :-(
I guess the Stealth will be heading for sale at some point once the Computrekker arrives.
Sweet, Yup I was #5 baby!!! Now if only I could find someone that made a big trail type pack that would accomodate sleeping bag, Clothes, food stores, camera gear and a laptop all nice and snug in their place.
I guess I can dream!!!
Mine's target date is Thursday - hope it's before 12 noon as I've got to go away for a week then, and I'd rather it sat at home than in a depot somewhere ;-)
Hmmm...received my Computrekker today! Was so excited. But am dissapointed, not because of the bag, but because I look like a tortoise wearing the bag. It's too big! Perhaps I'll send it back for an exchange. Does anyone else know another backpack that is smaller? I mean there's no need for the laptop to fit in there now. I've just realized that I can put it somewhere else.
Just a thought here but if you have a bad back then a small backpack full of gear will not likely alieve the problem / pain. Maybe for the short term but carrying a pack of almost any weight on just the shoulders will over time probably aggravate the same problem. Been there done that.
IME, the only way to use a backpack with weight in it to prevent injury or pain, is to make sure that the pack is long enough to fit your back and to make correct use of the padded hip belt, which will put the weight of the pack onto your hips and not your shoulders / spine. Yes the pack will look big (turtle), but it will carry more easily with more weight for a longer period of time with less chance of injury or pain.
IME, there is no way around this. A small or short pack = weight on your shoulders / spine which likely will be uncomfortable to carry for long or will eventually aggravate a problem that is already there in your back.
A larger or long pack = weight on your hips with little to no weight on your shoulders or spine especially if it is long enough or fit properly.
Of course all individuals are different as is their physical make up and condition but in the long run, I would not recommend a weighted short backpack for a problem back.
IME, pack makers are not being very imaginative or even helpful in designing the majority of photo packs, which do carry allot of heavy gear, to be so short, fat and wide and thus inviting heavy loads. Instead, the packs should be long and narrow and in a variety of lengths to fit one's back properly.
I found the bag I wanted from some info in this thread and want to thank you all even though this particular bag wasn't mentioned. It's a new design from Lowepro, the Rolling Mini Trekker AW. The price from pc-cameras.com was $170 with shipping, bhphoto was $191.55 with shipping. However I found near the top of
I agree with what Alec said. That's one of the reasons why I bought the Pro trekker AW II. It's a full length bag that puts the weight on my hips. Every other backpack I've used put the weight on my shoulders, and left me sore. I don't use this pack when shooting in the city, but it's great for hikes, and when I have to haul a lot of gear somewhere.
I also use a Pro Trekker but it is my secondary pack mostly for skiing and climbing photography but it is still an inch or so short for me and my 24" long back. My main photo backpack is the Super Trekker precisely because it is long enough and actually carries most everything that I need for a job or out in the field. With all the weight on my hips with either pack, the load is very manageable and comfortable and safe for my back. I've not had problems since going with these longer packs about 5 years ago.
Many folks shy away from a longer pack due to the slightly higher empty weight in the store. But they may not realize that when fit properly for length, they'll never feel that slightly extra weight, as it is benign on the hips instead of hanging by straps on the shoulders and spine. They'll then be able to easily carry the weight of a longer pack and more, compared to a lighter but shorter pack. Shorter packs hanging only on the shoulders cannot absorb the compounding and subtle impacts of every single step onto the spine vs. the hips and legs which are much stronger and solid in comparison and that carry the load of a longer pack.
I'll never go back to shorter packs as the weight on the shoulders and thus the spine shortens the shooting day, the fun factor and increases the risk of back pain and damage. Even for days using very little equipment, the longer packs on the hips are heaven in comparison to a too short pack on the shoulders. Besides, most folks tend to overpack their backpacks and greatly increase the weight carried over what they might think is reasonable.
Edited by Pytlowany on Mar 23, 2004 at 04:37 PM GMT
Pytlowany wrote:
Besides, most folks tend to overpack their backpacks and greatly increase the weight carried over what they might think is reasonable.
Exactly. I only take what I need when I'm going to go out for a short hike with my gear. I usually just pack my 1D, 16-35mm, 70-200mm, and some food and water in my pro trekker if I'm going to be walking a long distance. I just carry the tripod in my hand. The tripod gives me something to do while walking, and it also makes a nice club. :-)
Back when I had my Dryzone 200, I loaded my 300mm 2.8 and 1D in it, then went for a short hike up a local (mini) mountain. I learned my lesson about short bags.... all that weight was going right to my spine, and I sure paid for it the next day.
Hey guys, looks like I've decided to keep the Computrekker as I realized that I'll only use it for long distance trips and on my trips. For my daypack I'm considering the lowepro linx 320. Have anyone of you had any experience with it?
I have the Lowepro Photo Trekker Classic. My favorite thing about the bag is that it has a LARGE zippered front pocket. So big, in fact, that my 15" Titanium PowerBook will fit into it. Now, the pocket is not padded so I also purchased an inexpensive padded Notebook Sleeve for my TiBook. That bundle slides into the pocket as snug as a bug in a rug.
Inside the Photo Trekker Classic I have: 10D with Big Ed, 17-40, 24-70, 70-200 IS, 100mm macro, 50mm, 1.4x extender, 550EX, 420EX, 14EX, ST-E2, Off Shoe Cord 2, and assorted filters, manuals (in the inside lid pockets), extra batteries, compact flash card case, cleaning supplies, etc.
I have a 2.0x extender coming... it's going to be a tight fit but I'll find a spot for it.
Anway, check out the Photo Trekker Classic. A GREAT source for bags is Photococan on eBay:
