National Geographic NG 5162 Earth Explorer Medium Backpack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The manufacturers description of this bag is pretty accurate EXCEPT for the comment about being suitable for a 17" laptop. Maybe their LARGE version of this bag would be, but this MEDIUM version is only suitable for 12-13" laptops.
For those curious about dimensions:
- The exterior dimensions of the bag are about 19"h x 14"w x 8"d. This is a soft bag so depending on how full you pack it, it can be a bit (several inches) smaller or bigger in all dimensions. The dimensions I gave are with the bag packed reasonably full but not stuffed. So for you frequent fliers, this can usually fit under the seat in front of you if packed correctly and will fit in the overheads of even small aircraft.
- The laptop compartment is accessed through a 13" zipper opening so if your laptop is very thick or over 13"w, beware. My 13" MacBook barely fits through the opening. Inside the compartment itself is about 15"h x 10"w x 1.5"d and it seems reasonably padded.
- The camera compartment is about 8"h x 11"w x 3.5"d and has enough room for a small DSLR with lens, a couple extra lenses, a flash, and a few small accessories. Again this is a soft bag so depending on how you pack this section and other sections this section can be a bit bigger or smaller. It is well padded and reasonably versatile with velcro on padded strips that can form up to 6 compartments of various shapes and sizes. I have a large section for Oly D-510 w 18-180, two med compartments for 14-42 and 45-150 lenses, one long compartment for FL36 flash and all cables and stuff, and one small compartment for charger and batteries and memory cards.
- The Main compartment is about 9"h x 12"w x 5"d with a drawstring and flap closure that allows it to be considerably shorter or taller.
- There are also seven external pockets. Two are hidden pouches on the sides that when folded out serve as bottle or tripod holders then there are five others in various sizes that hold a lot of little odds and ends. The bag also feature various tie down points and a pretty good harness system. It even includes a couple straps for the under-bag tie-downs that could be used for a larger tripod, small sleeping bag etc.
All in all I am very happy with this bag. Seems compact, good quality, fits all my stuff, and looks good.

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The Earth Explorer Medium Backpack (5162) will hold hiking equipment, personal items, and photographic/video gear. Its intricate design provides an optimal solution for photographic equipment storage without compromising space for hiking gear. 1. Lower photo padded compartment holds a camera/camcorder and accessories such as lens, flash unit, batteries, cables, charger, etc. This compartment features a set of modular dividers that will allow you to customize the bag to your gear. 2. Upper personal storage compartment opens with a large pull-tight flap and will hold all of your personal necessities such as food, clothes, books, etc. If necessary, the division between upper and lower compartments can be removed to create one large storage space. 3. Rear padded compartment will hold a laptop and accessories. These items are accessible through the main compartment or via a side zipper. 4. Multiple external pockets and pouches will accommodate many items such as stationery, wallet, binoculars, cell phone, etc. 5. Special connecting points and included straps allow you to tie on more gear such as a walking stick or tripod. 6. Advanced harness system is designed to allow ultimate adjustment of its padded, ergonomic shoulder straps, ensuring the perfect fit for each individual carrier. 7. Two designated pull out side pouches for water bottles can also be used as anchored supports for a tripod or a monopod. 8. Quick-snap buckle for easy access to your equipment. 9. Rain cover to protect the entire bag and its contents.

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Lowepro Flipside 200 Backpack (Red) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Lowepro has taken an industry by storm with their bags. This bag is the 3rd Lowepro bag I've owned over the last 4 years (All upgrades).
I'll just get my details out of the way. In this bag I carry a Canon XTi body with the Battery grip, an attached Canon 28-135mm IS USM, the "nifty 50" 50mm f/1.8 II Speedlight 580EX II Flash and there is room in there for 1 more lens (I've got a Tamron 75-300mm in the mail) and an small omnibounce, cleaning solution and a CF card reader.. I ordered this to have something small and easy to carry on my trips out of state that I could carry on to the plane with me and still have a good compliment of equipment without lugging everything along..
Pros:
Very well built bag, like I had mentioned earlier, this is my 3rd Lowepro bag.. I've never been let down by the quality and this bag does not disappoint.
Security is top of the line as well on this bag with the opening back panel.
The bag holds a variety of equipment while maintaining the "this ain't a camera bag" look..
Cons:
There were a few things that I didn't like about this bag... they are listed below.
The sliplock system mounting straps are very poorly located on the shoulder straps. If one were to use these sliplocks, with lens cases like the 1N and 1W, they would find that the cases sit right on the tops of your shoulders if ya carry the bag cinched down, or over the shoulder if ya wear the bag lower on your back with the shoulder straps extended. These would have been put to better use on the side of the bag where they won't impede view or full range of motion for your head.
The side pocket is very small and very tight.. I fit in a lens pen, a 4 pack of batteries and 2 cf cards and I have a difficult time zipping the pocket closed. Forget about sticking anything else in there.
I wish the main compartment zipper was able to be zipped lower than it is.. As the bag sits right now, the zipper leaves a 2-3 inch well at the bottom of the bag that could be used for a little more room.
Being that I am carrying a XTi with the attached battery grip, the ergonomics with the camera makes it an uncomfortable carry for long periods. I'm not a fan of feeling the onboard flash on the camera pushing into my back.
Pockets could have been a little bigger or the bag could have been designed with a filter wallet sleeve built into the bag. I currently have to carry all my filters on my lenses because the bag will not accomodate the Lowepro filter wallet that I already own.
I hope my review has been helpful in choosing your next camera bag.
-Damien

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The compact, lightweight design of the Flipside 200 backpack lets you carry your digital SLR without worry. The unique back compartment entry gives you safe, easy access to camera gear when you¿re setting up plus extra security when you¿re on the move. Outer storage panels keep digital accessories and personal items close at hand.

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Lowepro Adventura 170 Camera Case (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)So far so good. This bag is spacious but not too bulky. It is great for a XLR Camera and two lenses. The 140 is barely big enough for the camera and a few accessories so if you are looking between the 170 and 140 and are planning on getting an extra lens I would recommend getting the larger bag. If you want just the camera the 140 is a lot smaller and better if you want less bulk. I think more space is better but that is just me! The 170 seems very study, is nice and padded well. It is a good quality bag.

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The Adventura 170 by Lowepro is perfect for the DSLR user who's looking for a protective, lightweight, streamlined shoulder bag that's packed with practical features at a great value. The zippered main compartment features a quick-release buckle and rainflap lid, offering quick access to contents when bag is unzipped, and extra protection when it is fully closed. A removable/adjustable shoulder strap features a non-slip patch and sturdy snaphooks make connections secure. Insde the fully padded interior, a soft tricot lining provides protection, plus a high-visibility burnt orange color - making it easy to see gear while you work out of the bag. Additional organization features include: zippered front pocket with memory card storage, and two pleated side pockets. For additional carrying options there are two belt loops on the back, as well as a padded grab handle on top.

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