From: ehr@ecsvax.uncecs.edu (Ernest H. Robl)
Subject: Re: Backpacking gear for photofilos
Summary: PhotoTrekker?
Organization: UNC Educational Computing Service
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1992 00:07:39 GMT

In article <1992Dec22.195706.18102@netcom.com>, micki@netcom.com (Michelle Stone) writes:
> Why is it that no one makes a backpacking system (case and or
> backpack) worth a hoot for people who carry not only camera
> gear but camping gear?  I am getting tired of taking off 
> the old backpack, opening it up, tearing everything apart
> to find my stuff.  I know that Lowe makes a great backpack
> for camera gear but you can't put anything else in it.  And
> even though there is a neat little place for your tripod, 
> the thing costs over $600.  Oww!


Well, I assume you're talking about the newest super version of the
Photo Trekker by Lowe.  They also make smaller versions.

I'll try to respond to some of your points, though I admit up front
that I'm not a major backpacking enthusiast -- though I do sometimes
spend considerable distance hiking to photo locations.

I own an older version of the Photo Trekker, which, a couple of 
years ago, was in the $100 range.  The slightly altered current 
version is listed for around $140 by NYC mail order places, meaning
that if you bought it from a local photo store, the price would
probably be around $150-175.  It's not an unreasonably price.

Now, my photo Trekker will hold the following gear:  2 Nikon N8008
bodies, 4-5 lenses, including the 80-200 zoom, two flash units,
10 rolls of film, and a variety of odds and ends, including filters,
batteries, etc.  That's just the main compartment.

That still leaves an outer pocket in which you can pack food, a
light sweater, and various other personal items.  The bottom of the
pack has lashing traps, which you could use to tie on a variety of
items from a bedroll to a tripod.  I usually end up with a heavy
jacket and or poncho down there, since I just do day-hiking.

Both sides of the pack have webbing onto which you can also lash
or clip a variety of other gear, including add-on pockets for 
extra personal gear.

The notable thing about the Trekker is that it has a decent harness
which can handle the weight of a lot of photo gear.  (This in
contrast to Lowe's Trimtech Ultimate, which also has backpack 
straps permanently attached, though it's basically a shoulder bag.
The straps on the latter have no padding and can get quite 
uncomfortable with a full load of photo gear.)

Let me note that I own about a dozen (yes, really) different photo
bags and cases -- many of which I use for special purpose gear, 
such as lighting equipment, my seldom-used 2 1/4 gear, etc.  No
one bag works well in all situations.  My all-around bag is a 
Lowe Magnum35, which weighs in around 25 lbs. when fully loaded.

I just spent several hours walking around Colonial Williamsburg (Va.)
with that bag this past Sunday.  Next time I may end up taking the
Photo trekker.  Take a look at it.

-- Ernest
-- 
"My other computers are Nikon N8008s and an SB25." -- Ernest H. Robl
Ernest H. Robl (ehr@ecsvax)  Durham, NC, USA   +1  919   286-3845
                                         FAX:  +1  919   286-1696
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