( 9 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 31 2009
1. First of all, it must be clearly stated that photo backpack reviews are going to be highly subjective... similar to whether or not one brand of shoes fit for one person etc... 2. With the above being said, I've tried many photo backpacks (Tamrac Expedition, ALL of the other Lowepro backpacks); the Vertex series is the best overall compromise of them all. And it is a compromise. There is no perfect photo backpack. Ultimately, it comes down to for what purpose one is going to need the backpack for, the amount of gear they need to carry etc... With that being said, most serious photographer will have several camera bags etc... 3. What I like about this backpack is: a. It is well made, just like all of the Lowepro product (they are the overall best camera bag company) b. The harness is the best of the bunch; absolutely no question about it. Furthermore, the harness system has all of the various straps to fine tune the fit, which is important, the more you carry. c. The bag has enough of the little various pockets that a photographer will require. d. The cpu slot; not essential to me but ok. I would agree with the other reviewers in that if a good quality cpu slot is important, having it out front may be a modest problem. But if you're going to use it to mainly carry your cpu during basic travel; it should be good enough. I'm assuming that most photographers who are going to be hiking through the woods aren't going to be lugging along a laptop... e. The inside has enough dividers to do whatever you want to do with it. I use about 60% of it for my camera gear and 40% for my hiking gear (jacket, food etc...). 4. Cons? As most others have mentioned--> size--> ie bulk, yea--> it looks like a photo backpack because it is. ie it looks like you're walking around with a box on your back, but thankfully it doesn't feel like it. And since it's well made--> yea, there is some heft to it. 5. Tangent: my fantasy photo backpack would be to have a hybrid backpack, that actually works and fits like this pack. Tamrac and Lowepro do make such hybrid packs, but do not be fooled; it's not the best of both worlds, but rather failed attempt... Until that day happens when the perfect photo backpack comes along--> get the Vertex Series without hesitation.
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Posted: Oct 6 2008
Pretty good product. Its a bit heavy, but sturdily constructed. Main compartment zippers sealed for water resistance. Would like more pockets/storage spaces however. Holds my Nikon D300, flash, set of filters, 70-200mm 2.8, 17-70mm 2.8 along with a GPS device.
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Posted: Jul 21 2008
Pros: The backpack is very good to use when you're out on a hike. It's adjustable in lots of ways, and the straps that go around your lower back help to balance the weight. It has lots of space for all your equipment (including 15" laptop and sturdy tripod). Cons: The bag is somewhat heavy, even without equipment in it. The top lock for the tripod needs to be unlocked to get to the main compartment, and the tripod can slide somewhat back and forth when you're opening the bag. I couldn't see any space for food/drink, the compartments outside the bag are to tight to be used for a drinking bottle. Of course, if you don't have a full bag of equipment you could put your lunch in a plastic container inside the equipment compartment, but I wouldn't feel safe about that. All in all a good product, but most useful for longer trips, not for casual walkabouts. For that it is a bit too clunky.
