Description: Model 787 is an expedition level photo backpack designed to carry a maximum amount of photo equipment. The entire pack is fully padded with thick closed cell foam. A strong plastic platform beneath the foam padded bottom provides extra shock protection. Inside this expedition sized pack, Velcro® adjustable foam-padded dividers assure a custom fit for the widest range of equipment including multiple 35mm cameras, medium format cameras and many large format 4x5 field camera.
Summary: i found a brand new 1992 model for sale on ebay. paid 95 plus shipping. i came from the lowepro nature trekker AW. i like the taller dimensions, 300 more cu in. all of my gear fits, ALL OF IT. although i was very scepical when i first saw it. i will have to buy a seperate rain cover, and the straps are not as comfy. the bag is overall much lighter than lowepro's. i think with stronger shoulders, this is the one for me, until i get one more lens...
go for the nature trekker first, you'll love it! dont even try to carry a tripod on either bag...if it fits, your tripod is WAY TOO SMALL. :)
Strengths: light weight, taller, narrow construction
Rating Reviewed by: Paul Miller(Unregistered User)
(Expert)
Review Date May 16, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
2 votes
Review 2 of 7
Price Paid:
$318.00
from B&H Photo New York C
Summary: I needed a large bag to protect my 4x5 gear on long hikes. Originally I was somewhat skeptical about the 787 because it is always shown with 35mm equipment. Opening the thing up, you will immediately notice that the "default settings" for the inside compartments are completely impossible for large format.
Despite the 787''s obvious utility for large format equipment (there is even a funny little icon that they put on their web site), Tamrac apparently makes no effort to make this bag work "off the shelf" for lf photographers. It''s strange because I don''t know WHY you would need to carry seven lenses, two bodies, and all that 35mm equipment around with you on a hike...
So, this bag WILL require some simple customization (foam cutting, oh yea!!) for it to function properly. But after that''s done, the bag works like a dream. It''s extremely well padded and in all other respects it is extremely well designed. I have used other Tamrac bags for many years and have always been impressed with their construction and durability. The zippers are excellent, especially the one for the main compartment.
I carry one 35mm camera with two lenses, a Toyo 4x5AII, four large format lenses, meter, air can, holders, tripod, and various filters and accessories. Fully loaded, the pack is quite heavy -- about 18-20 kilos -- but well-balanced. Hiking with thing over terrain is completely doable -- but it is obviously not possible or safe over very difficult terrain.
I attached my tripod (bogen 3021 legs, 410 head) to the back of the pack easily and quickly. The tripod stays snugly on the pack and doesn''t wobble around at all. It is smartly designed so that there is a pocket at the bottom to keep the tripod from falling through.
I bought two of the extra-large side pockets for the bag. They attach very easily and amazingly securely. Each one can hold four to five 4x5 film holders in ziplock bags with lots of room to spare. You may consider buying slightly smaller side pockets, just because I get nervous when there''s anything around my film holders...
Overall, a great bag, even for large format. I would like to see Tamrac use brighter colors because they would be safer and keep the heat out better. I recommend the grey color because it''s the brightest.
Strengths: Extremely strong construction. Comfortable. Holds a ton of stuff. Excellent tripod straps. Modular side pocket system -- neato!!
Weaknesses: Expensive. Needs foam inserts to work with large format. Colors too dark.
Similar Products Used: Tamrac Pro System 12, smaller bags, tripod carrying bag
Rating Reviewed by: Guy Edwardes(Unregistered User)
(Professional)
Review Date July 18, 2001
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 3 of 7
Summary: I often carry up to 50 pounds of gear in this pack and find it reasonably comfortable. I am sure that the latest version is considerably better. Mine lasted eight years before the outer fabric wore out. It protected my equipment well during that time and proved very resistant to water. The only difficulty with a bag like this is that it is often difficult to put it down in wet/sandy/dusty conditions.
Strengths: High quality construction. Fits in airplane overhead compartements. Good size for comprehensive 35mm kit. All straps can be easily stowed away.
Weaknesses: Main compartement zip needs regular replacement. I've had to replace mine four times in the last eight years. The high quality of construction unfortunately means than the zips are stitched from the inside wall of the bag. Although this hides the stitches it also means that the bag has to be completely unstitched in order to replace the zip - very costly. I would recommend that when the zip goes and the bag is out of warranty, just take it to your local menders and get them to stitch a new zip onto the fabric of the old zip - it works just as well. Older models need the thicker harness straps found on the latest version.
Similar Products Used: Lowepro photo trekker looks better value.
Customer Service: Very helpfull with no quibble over warranty claims. Speedy service.
Rating Reviewed by: Richard Green(Unregistered User)
(Expert)
Review Date September 28, 2000
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Visitors rate this review 3.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 4 of 7
Summary: For the same price, get the Lowepro Pro Trekker AW. If you find it for less, this is an excellent alternative that works for us less than "proffessionals". I can't prove it, but I think the Lowepro might hold up a little better for everyday proffessional use especially when taken to "extreme" climates. I bought the Tamrac when it was being "closed out" at Camera World at a fraction of the Lowepro cost.
Strengths: Excellent, well made Backpack. Large enough to hold a Nikon F5, F100 (w/ battery pack MB-15). 80-200 f/2.8 monted on F5, 28-105mm mounted to F100. 20-35mm f/2.8, 28mm f2.8,85mm f/1.8, old 28-200mm, pair (2) of SB-28 flashes, and other asst'd items like extra batteries, filters, Lumiquests etc. It all fits! You can actually get it on your back and carry it. You could never carry it all (or fit it) in a conventional bag, nore carry it without serious damage to your shoulder. Has also a hnadstrap at top and side for casual "moving". Oh yah, it also carries a Bogen Monoped on the front (back). I don't try to get the tripod on for fear of "listing" over backwards with the weight, but it will hold it. I run one of the large side mount zipper bags on the one side to hold 5 packs of film. Take a plastic bag with you to lay the bag down on wet, dirty soil or get their covers (Lowepro AW comes with it)
Weaknesses: The Lowepro Pro Trekker is a little better but usually more expensive. This comes the closest to that "Moose Peterson" designed bag.
Similar Products Used: Tamrac 608, 610 and several other small bag combinations when everything does not have to go.
Customer Service: They took care of another bag (610)that I tore a strap on without question. It came back looking like it was new. I thnk they cleaned it while it was there.
Rating Reviewed by: Bill Mitchell(Unregistered User)
(Expert)
Review Date July 31, 2000
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Review 5 of 7
Summary: Excellent if you need to have a lot of gear on hand.
Strengths: Very well made. Provides excellent protection for lens. I pack two Contax bodies and five lens, including a 180mm and 300mm lens. The case is extremely well padded. I find accessing my gear with much easier than with a shoulder bag as everything is one one level. I've had no problem on airlines stowing it in overhead compartment.
Weaknesses: Heavy but can safely carry all my weighty gear. In some ways it is overengineered if one doesn't actually backpack in the wilderness.
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