Lowepro Mini Trekker Classic Backpacks
Lowepro Mini Trekker Classic Backpacks
[May 29, 2003]
Ken
Professional
Strength:
Great workmanship. Roomy. Good protection.
Weakness:
I am about 6 feet tall, and I feel the pack is made for someone about 5'6" I can only really use the sholder straps, the lumbar strap is more of a rib strap for me. Great pack, extremely well constructed. Lots of space, and it comes with plenty of dividers. I carry a Canon EoS 1D 3 lens, filters, two extra batterys, charger, and fire wire cable, and I still have room for 3 or more len's. Customer Service Hopefully I wont have to find out ;) Similar Products Used: Dikine Guide |
[May 29, 2003]
Bellthecat2003
Intermediate
Strength:
Build Quality Roomy Well-padded Comfortable to carry/wear Tripod holder
Weakness:
Tripod holder Probably not suitable for folks much over 6 feet tall Although I've only had the MiniTrekker for a few months, I've carried it around enough to post an objective review. First, let me say that this is a fine product, with the typical LowePro attention to detail and quality control. It's sturdy and well-made and I expect to be using this pack for a long time to come. The MiniTrekker is roomy enough that I can carry all of my current photo equipment, with room to spare. In the main compartment, which is customizable, I have managed to load my two Pentax bodies (ZX-5n and K2), three lenses, filters, hoods, remote, and a bunch of other stuff. The hidden outside pocket I've barely used, and provides room for things like manuals, photo books, a jacket, film, and the like. This pack also features a fold-out tripod holder, which is also a nice thing to have if you need to keep your hands free. I don't like the bungee cords designed to hold the tripod in place, and I plan to replace them with slip-lock web strapping for extra security. As others have noted, the tripod must be removed to get into the pack. The MiniTrekker is comfortable to carry, with well-padded straps. As some of the reviews have noted, this pack is better for folks 6 feet or less in height, otherwise the hip strap tends to ride across the stomach. I'm just 6 feet, if a bit short-waisted, and the MiniTrekker rides just comfortably on the top of my hips. All in all, this is another quality LowePro product. Customer Service Not needed yet Similar Products Used: This is my first backpack. I have used the LowePro Nova 2 |
[Jul 07, 2002]
James G
Professional
Strength:
Solid yet doesnt weight that much, Small and takes a lot. The amount of dividers they give you with it is also something I like....
Weakness:
The compression straps can be a problem if you are trying to get into the main compartment. And the tripod mount isnt rock solid (what can you expect?). The S & F holders arent in the best location either.... I have found this a very nice bag, it holds a 80-200 + 2x Eos 1v bodies and still asks for more. The Front compartment (with all the organising pockets) is not an obvious, and the velcro fold out tripod holder is another suprise. I found the mes pockets to be just enough.btw, I paid $100 US for it ($200 AUD) Customer Service Not needed. Similar Products Used: Commercial AW, other Lowepro bags. |
[Jun 26, 2002]
Anthony
Intermediate
Strength:
-Compact, sturdy -Works perfectly as an airplane carry on -Low profile--it looks more like a normal backpack than a bag loaded with a few grand of gear someone wants to steal
Weakness:
-Trying to carry my big Bogen metal tripod around on this thing was a little awkward, but this was probably a poor idea in the first place. This is a very nice, compact backpack with a good bit of storage space. Conveniently, you can configure the inside with moveable velcro dividers. I carry my Nikon FM10, N70, three lenses, lots of filters, and stupid amounts of film with lots of space to spare. This worked perfectly for me on my last vacation, including hiking in the desert and getting shots of girls in bikinis on the beach. Customer Service No ineraction with them yet. Similar Products Used: Only camera bags, no other backpacks. |
[Jun 17, 2002]
Lance
Casual
Strength:
. Infinitely customizable interior . Adequate padding for protection . Distributes weight perfectly . Just the right size for short people . Holds a lot of stuff, well designed . Padding on back makes it comfortable to wear . Fits under airline seat, no need to fight for bin space
Weakness:
. Shoulder strap gets in the way . Opening and closing bag to get stuff out is annoying . Even though bag holds a lot, could have been a tad bigger. . This is a wonderful backpack for short people (less than 6 ft). Some people complain that it's too small or that it does not hold enough stuff. But really, if you are taller than 6 ft, you should be looking at the photo trekker or other such backpacks. As for the amount of stuff it holds, here's what I've got stored comfortably in the bag: an Elan II with 300/4L mounted, 28-105, 50/1.8, 1.4 Ex I, a bunch of filters, Cokin filter holder, a set of 3 Kenko extension tubes, and some other misc items like tripod collars, remote shutter release, etc. On top of all this, I've got space in there for a 70-200/2.8 that I plan on getting sometime. As for the tripod holder, I've not figured out how the foldable flap in the front is supposed to work as a tripod holder. I've not tried using the cord to hold the tripod, but I suppose it might work. Customer Service Not had to use so far Similar Products Used: None, just dunked a lot of stuff into a Jansport backpack. Not a good idea |
[May 31, 2002]
dentondobbs
Intermediate
Strength:
capacity for lots of equipment and ability to configure layout. Also well designed as a backpack.
Weakness:
Zippered main flap does not lay flat. Pack is not good concept if you have to access quite regularly as you have to take it off each time. Comfortable for long trips, large capacity for most equipment, well built. Customer Service Rugged construction means no problems with the product so haven't needed service. Similar Products Used: Shoulder bags only. |
[Apr 28, 2002]
georged
Expert
Strength:
Well made, will last longer than me.
Weakness:
None Use this bag along with a PhotoTrekker. Its just the right size for those 1 day outings such as Motor racing. Mountain bike races, Zoo etc. the bag holds a D1x, 28-105, 18-35, 85 1.4, 400 5.6, SB28dx, SD7a,spare batteries, lotsa CF cards. Plus, if you add a S&F drink bottle holder plus a large pouch it also holds lunch and drinks. All at a light, easy to carry weight. Customer Service none Similar Products Used: Phototrekker backpack |
[Apr 25, 2002]
ak512
Casual
Strength:
Great design, quality and details. Even fully loaded, it''s comfortable to carry all day.
Weakness:
Backpacks are not as convenient as regular shoulder bags. I love this backpack. It''s big enough to carry my Olympus E-10, 2 lens, flash, filters, batteries/charger and lunch. It does get quite heavy with fully loaded, but it does a great job at distributing the weight so that I can carry it comfortably. The construction and material quality is excellent and looks like Lowepro has put a lot of thought into the details, like a clever tripod carrier, flaps to cover the zippers inside the bag and the list goes on. The only negative I can think of is that with any backpack, you have to take the bag off to take the camera/lens out. I highly recommend this bag. Customer Service No need. Similar Products Used: Tenba, Tamrac |
[Apr 12, 2002]
BJ Nicholls
Expert
Strength:
Well made, compact, versatile.
Weakness:
Too short to be a very good backpack. The waist strap is a waste and the load is directed to your shoulders. Tripod sling gets in the way of main panel access. A nice pack if you need something carry-on size, but not very good as a backpack. Similar Products Used: Older model of same pack with no tripod sling. This design has a number of nice improvements. |
[Feb 25, 2002]
crgmagee
Professional
Strength:
loads of space, good protection, good price. Can actually fit my 1n and booster in it. which i couldnt do with the orion treker. Can carry a spade quite easily with the tripod straps!!!!!
Weakness:
not much space for owt else. I dont like the straps. The edging digs in. I go riding for like 12 hours a day in the summer and it hurts like hell the next day were the edges of the straps were. the shape of the straps isnt to good. It''s not in the slighest designed for cycling, when its fully loaded it wont bend much in the back. so it feels a little uncomfy. the collar strap is to high when you lossen the straps to lower it for better ballance, it digs in. The waist strap is a bit pointless. It''s not really comfy and its hard to get it tight with out cutting off circulation. the plethora of straps means that theres so much to fly around and hit you in the face when you go street bombing. webbing on straps refuses makes it slip off my snowboard jacket unless i use collar strap I like this bag but its not quite perfect. I can store everyting camera wise in it but thats about it. Theres not much space in the front pouch when you have the camera part full of stuff. Its ok for extra roles of film, maps and stuff, but drinks bottles dont tend to fit, and i have to use some creative packing to get a hoody in there. |