Carrys quite a load... Available in black and not LowePro''s ugly green..

Too much external stuff..Stiff and sometimes difficult zippers..

Excellent small backpack with the typical LowePro construction quality. While my new Nikon setup is still small, this bag will always be a great choice for small trips (where I will not need anything over 300-400mm f/2.8).. A few minor complaints that I see are also listed here: somewhat heavy even when empty, and the zippers are sometimes a bit difficult to work smooothly. Also, there is indeed quite a bit of "stuff" on the outside of the bag, and I removed the external tripod carrier, envisioning a potentially scary encounter with tyrannical airline flight attendants wanting me to check my bag.. Still, overall it is a great bag, and I will stay with LowePro...

Customer Service

None so far

Similar Products Used:

None, other than an old un-named camera bag

- freely and comfortably work your camera with both hands while the rest of your gear is safe and protected on your back - high-tech materials, every detail thought out, solid, lots of padding - rides comfortably even with 25lbs inside. - it fits the airline standard for carry on baggage - it carries LOADS of equipment including 6x7 - you can attach standard Lowepro S&F pocket for water bottle on the side - touch of genius: mash polyester back on the outside helps your skin breathe on desert hot August day in Sicily - you can attach reasonably sized tripod to it.

- I cannot think of one, except for the fact that you have to take it off your back to switch lenses - this is a backpack after all. After couple of days I became so much use to it that it took me 30 seconds to unstrap and take off the backpack, switch the lens and put then backpack on again.

I took Nature Trekker AW with me for a serious photo trip to Europe this summer. I am glad to report back that this product has lived up to all my expectations. It allowed me to comfortably carry Mamiya RZ67 with 50, 110 and 180 lenses, 1 extra back, light-meter, filters plus a Nikon FM2 with 35mm lens. And a light 5lb tripod mounted externally. The backpack is so solid that sometimes you fell that it is over engineered. This is a rare product that I feel delivers more value then the price I paid for it.

Customer Service

Not used, great web site

Similar Products Used:

None

Nice organization, lots of internal dividers for reconfiguring equipment. Strong. Reasonable harness system. Rain cover built in. Fits airline carry-on regulations.

Very heavy whn empty, over 5 lbs. Too many do-dads hanging off the pack. Zipper a bit hard to work.

I went with LowePro because I'm familiar and happy with the backpacking part of the company (LoweAlpine). There are lots of extraneous straps, cords, hooks, etc. that I removed. The empty weight of this thing is massive. Padding is the cause of some of this but it looks like the construction is over-built. The built-in rain cover is a great idea, no more "oops, I left it at home."

The pack rides OK although I wish it had something closer to a real backpacking design. It is extremely useful for hauling equipment over rough terrain for short distances and is super useful when I switch from 35mm to 6x7. I wish it had mesh pockets for a water bottle.

All in all, a heavy but useful pack. I plan to use it as my airline carry-on bag in addition to outdoor hauling.

Customer Service

N/A.

Similar Products Used:

Lots!

It is an incredibly well built backpack. It is well padded to protect the camera as well as being comfortable to camera.

I have an all black one and it does not look like a camera bag and thus does not attract too much attention when travelling abroad.

The inside is extremely configurable - I have set it up so that I can use either my medium format or 35mm gear in the same configuration.

It did seem to have more than it's fair share of straps. Most of which I removed.

The all weather cover in the base is a brilliant idea.

The main weakness is the weight of the backpack - it weighs about 6lbs even when empty, but I think it is worth it. This is the price you have to pay for a solidly constructed unit.

The other things to bear in mind with a backpack is that equipment is not as accessible as with other bags (such as a Billingham). Although there are a couple of pockets on the outside, there is limited space for non-camera equipment in the pack.

I needed a backpack for carrying a fairly large amount of camera gear. I also needed a pack that could cope with either my 35mm or medium format gear (although not at the same time).

I was happy with the weight and it's limited capacity for non-camera kit.

It makes carrying my kit such much easier. So much so, that I actually take alot of it with me, rather than leaving it behind.

It is a well made backpack and I have been very pleased with it.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Billingham 335, various hard cases.

Well padded, very adjustable interior. The straps and buckles are serious backpacker gear. Well thought out tripod carrier. The AW weather cover is great for dust as well as rain. Made to a high quality standard.

Expensive and Heavy! The strap adjustments are a little confusing if you aren't familiar with them, but only need to be set up once.

This is serious (costly) outdoor camera protection for all weather situations - but it comes at the expense of weight and capacity. With all of the backstraps, buckles, etc. it is heavier than a same capacity over-the-shoulder bag.
For serious backpacking with a moderate amount of gear, this is the ticket.
For casual or short distance hiking, or use with a lot of gear, another bag might work better.
When I get 2 camera bodies in there with my 300mm telephoto, there is not a lot of room left over for other lenses, filters, reflectors, etc.
Before you even pack this bag, it seems as heavy as my smaller over the shoulder bag filled up - which I find myself reverting back to often, even if it won't contain my 300mm.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

NA - only smaller over the shoulder bags.

Lots of space for a medium sized bag, built in A/W cover, lot's of nooks and crannies

Inconvenient for getting to your equipment in a hurry.

The one "real" photo store here in town doesn't have any backpack bags, so I mail-ordered mine. When I first got it I thought to myself "What am I going to fill all of this space with!". I currently have a Canon EOS-5 with VG-10 grip, Sigma 70-200/2.8, Canon 28-135 IS USM, Tokina 19-35, Canon 50/1.8, Sigma 1.4x APO teleconverter, Canon 550EX flash, Nikon FM-2 with 50/1.8, and a Canon A-1 with 50/1.8. On top of that I have some different 77mm filters, a Magic Lantern guide for the EOS 5, extra batteries, a remote control, and several rolls of film. I've finally run out of room for equipment, but I STILL have room for small accessories! This bag is seemingly endless! You can adjust the interior according to your needs very quickly and securely. I have a Bogen 3221W tripod that to me seems too big for the built-in tripod carrier, but it works perfect for my monopod. I threw the pack on my scale and it weighed in at 29 pounds...the straps on the pack distribute the weight so well that it feels like about 8-10 pounds while I'm carrying it. The only regret I have about buying the Nature Trekker is that I have so much equipment now, I wish I would have got the Pro Trekker. Overall, an excellent camera bag.

Customer Service

Haven't needed it.

Similar Products Used:

None.

Quality construction, wonderfully adjustable, comfortable, and includes a built-in rain coat for itself

High-price (but worth it!), sticky zippers, heavy (the pack weighs ~6 pounds empty!)

Unfortunately, I couldn't inspect this bag first-hand before a purchase; I had to mail order it. In addition, I couldn't justify the price to myself, but was able to convince my Mom to get it for me as a Christmas gift.

I am impressed. If I knew what a great bag this was, I would have shelled out the money for it without a second thought. I was impressed with the adjustable padding inside the bag, as well as being able to remove all the padding for a much ligher-weight rucksack for a hike. I was also impressed with the adjustability of the straps. I have a few large backpacking-style internal and external frame packs, and found the Nature Trekker had just as many adjustments available. In other words, it can fit anybody comfortably.

There are a lot of lashing points outside the bag, perfect for tying something on, strapping the tripod on to the side of the bag (rather than the back), and using the additional LowePro bags available to increase space.

Of course, for this kind of product at this price point, you need to be somebody who will make extensive use of the bag.

Customer Service

Haven't had to deal with CS yet.

Similar Products Used:

LowePro Nova 4

Great design, absolutely full of features, waterproof, very comfortable to carry for extended periods

zipper can be difficult to open, gets a little better with time (the overlap of material creates this problem, but loosens up some)

A great camera backpack, holds a lot of equipment safely. In response to the tripod holder getting in the way, you can relocate it to the side of the pack if you want (problem solved). Also, there IS a large pocket on the back of the pack, although it doesn't open very wide. Lowepro has several types of accessory pockets that will attack to this pack, and also a lightweight daypack that attaches to the back, might want to check this. Question, anyone know of a good way to transport a lot of photography equipment on an extended backpacking trip? (in addition to the outdoor gear you need of course)

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

none

Very nice for portability. Can take it anywhere really and not have to worry about it being too cumbersome. Great for travelling and maneuvering. Solid construction with the rip-stop material. Good straps and adjustability. And compartments are very versatile. And if you want you can remove all dividers and use it for other things.

The ONLY thing I don't like is not being able to access it quickly when walking about. If your camera is packed and you see a shot by the time it takes to take off the pack, undo it, and get your camera, you may have missed the shot. Side harness packs allow a more immediate grab. And even though it has a single side strap, which is nice, it still doesnt have a way to get at it from the side. That would make it almost too good.

Love it. But if you're walking around in travel/tourist mode, go with a smaller side bag so you don't have to wear your camera in visibility and vunerability, and you can get a quick grab at it. But amazing as a base pack for ALL your gear, and for those trips into the wilderness or on a bike.

Customer Service

not needed

Similar Products Used:

None

The construction of this pack is superb! Lots of adjustments inside. Airline carry on
compatable. AW cover. Will hold all the basic gear you need for that trip to the Sierra's. S&F addon components.

Zippers are tough when packed to the max. Accessibility difficult when backpacking, but hey, its a backpack! I carry the OffRoad with me somtimes for the quick grab of the camera. Basically, no weaknesses.

Excellent choice by me. Durable, versitile and convenient. Unsurpassed customer service. My second LowePro product and I will continue to pruchase their products as my needs increase. I hope to see a rolling pack available in the future from LowePro. You can't go wrong with this pack or the LowePro Company, period!!

Customer Service

Excellent! I called one time when I lost the tripod straps on my Off Road (my fault). The guy told me no charge and free shipping! WOW! Totally satisfied, Give that guy a raise!

Similar Products Used:

LowePro Off Road