Review 3 of 5
Summary: I purchased this bag to take on a hiking trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion, UT (June 2000). Don't know how I ever lived without it. Used my LowePro AW Commercial Bag last year on an Arizona trip (Grand Canyon/North and South Rim) and decided I never wanted to do that again...I listed 20 degrees to port for two weeks after I got home! If you must put this beast into an aircraft overhead compartment, leave the harness straps out. If you zip up the harness cover the pack will not fit into most compartments. I did extensive hiking in Bryce Canyon (elevation 8000-9000 ft. and STEEP trials, carrying this pack (with a Gitzo G1228 Mk2 carbon fiber in the tripod carrier)and it was GREAT! If you don't need to carry a lot of gear, consider the Nature Trekker or one of the other smaller packs in the line. Bottom line: on a scale of 5, I would give this one a 6!
Strengths: 1. H-U-G-E capacity for gear!
2. Outstanding quality construction!
3. Makes my 31 lbs. of equipment feel more like 15 lbs.!
4. Fits into most aircraft overhead compartments (very tight in some).
5. The foul weather cover and the zip-up harness cover are excellent features.
6. The tripod carrier is very well designed.
7. Extensive optional accessories (the optional silver and gold roll-up reflectors that fit on a detachable panel included with the pack are very useful. Also, the optional film carrier bag) Weaknesses: 1. A bit heavy, but that's the price you pay for such a heavy-duty item.
2. I would have liked to have small "feet" or a "rubberized" bottom, to keep it cleaner when you set it down in dirt or mud.
3. Equipment access is a bit slower than a regular bag (small price to pay for the ease of carry!) Similar Products Used: LowePro AW Commercial Bag Customer Service: I own a large number of other LowePro Cases (point & shoot to Pro-AW size). They are indestructible!
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