I need to buy a back pack to use with my M7, 3 lenses, SF20, films etc and thought about the lowepro micro trekker 100 or 200. Has anyone had any experience of using either of these two bags with the M system? Is there in fact, anthing better? I would welcome any constructive comments. Regards, G.Y.

-- giles young (youngg@middlesbrough.pds.gov.uk), April 25, 2002

Answers

After considerable shopping around, I bought a full-size LowePro Trekker for use with various formats, but mostly for a 4x5 field camera kit. Although Tamrac backpacks offered similar flexibility as far as divider configurations (both are Velcro-based), the LowePro had far better backpack features - a point that is probably more important for the extra weight of the 4x5 rig. For use strictly with a Leica M, you might be able to get by with a less-expensive Tamrac due to the lower weight factor.

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), April 25, 2002.

How about the orion trecker, I think thats the name, its got 2 sections, for your camera and top bit for other gubbins. If im shooting around town, I take a billingham Hadley holdall, slung across the shoulder, reason why is because you can swing the bag to your front when you need your gear (plus when theres some dodgy guys behind you) and then swing it to your back when walking. Whereas with a rucksack you have to take it off, put it on the floor, take out your stuff etc etc. If im shooting while trecking though, I use a normal rucksack with the Billingham insert inside, reason why? Its a lot more confortable having the weight distributed over 2 shoulders plus over your pelvic region. Also it doesnt look like a camera ruck sack either so you are less likely yo get mugged.

-- Karl Yik (karl.yik@dk.com), April 25, 2002.

I have a Lowepro Micro-Trekker 100. If you are looking for a backpack for an M system, or an older manual-focus SLR system, or a small-bodied AF SLR system (it isn't deep enough to take an SLR with a motor or battery-grip attached), I can't think of anything nicer. IMO Lowepro's photo backpacks stand head and shoulders above the rest in terms of overall quality and attention to detail.

That said, I personally found the Micro-Trekker less useful than I'd imagined. Backpacks are best suited to carrying extremely heavy loads, and only then if they have experdition-grade stiff padded waistbelts that transfer the weight to your hips. For the weight of the equipment it will hold, a shoulder bag with an Op-Tech SOS strap, or a waist pack are no more uncomfortable than the Micro-Trekker 100 but much easier to work out of as they don't require removing it to get at the equipment each time. Lowepro currently also has a single- strap sling bag/backpack that can be swung around in front for quick access. For backpacking, the problem with the Micro-Trekker is there isn't room for non-photo items and you can't wear it alog with your regular backpack. A small low-profile photo waistpack however can be kept inside your standard backpack while travelling, and worn along with it when photographing. That's how I do the backpack thing with an M outfit.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 25, 2002.

Giles,

I have had good luck using a Lowepro "Orion" waist pack to carry a small R kit or 3 lens M kit similar to yours. I like that I can carry it while wearing a standard rucksack and still have access to the camera. Like Jay, I place it inside the ruck when needed.

I also use the Lowepro Orion AW that has a detachable pack that converts the large waist pack into a backpack. While it holds more I find it no better than a backpack to work from.

If I know I am going to be working from a larger backpack I and do not want to use a waist bag, I often place my gear inside a Crumpler "Bunion" padded insert for a similar level of protection.

You might also look at the Kenisis backpack and bags at www.kenisisbags.com. I have not used any of their stuff but it looks pertty well thought out. They even have a system set up for a rangefinder system. Greenspun did a review of their modular system on the photo.net site. It might be worth a look.

If you open to the idea of a waist pack I would look at the Orion and the Photorunner. Then again there is nothing wrong with stuffing a Domke or similar soft bag into your backpack!

Best of luck!

-- Scott G (PFD261@hotmail.com), April 25, 2002.

Giles,

The correct link for the Kenesis site is "kensisgear.com". Sorry for the mistake.

Scott

-- Scott G (PFD261@hotmail.com), April 25, 2002.

Hi guys, thanks for the answers and the time/trouble you've taken. You've certainly given me some things to think about. I hadn't considered having to unsling the thing every time you need to get something or perhaps more importantly, undesirables coming up behind you. I'm off to Italy shortly and the beggars/gypsy type pickpockets are notorious there - I was a bit worried about using my leica combination holdall but at least, I could keep it more at hand (so to speak) and swing it round in front of me should the need arise.

I bought a lowepro minimag bag some time ago, used it once and found it to be a disaster - never used it since; so awkward to use (for an M system) and that's why I got the leica bag. They are a ridiculous price but I got a mint, second hand one at a price not much more than I paid for the minimag. The only problem I find with the leica bag is that it is leather, has good side protection but virtually no protection on top. Also, rain/dust etc is a problem but I keep a thin plastic bag with me to wrap round it should the need arise.

Thanks again. GY

-- giles young (youngg@middlesbrough.pds.gov.uk), April 26, 2002.

Ive heard that in India, guys will slash your rucksack with a knife and empty the contents without you knowing! ~ or is that when you store it on top of the buses? :)

Also check out Crumpler bags, these are courier style bags that are built like tanks. They also mould round your body as well, as opposed to the standard 'box' bags that stick out 1 meter from your side!

Cheers

-- Karl Yik (karl.yik@dk.com), April 26, 2002.