Lowepro CompuRover AW

Owner contribution

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Owner contribution

After reviewing a lot of backpacks, I finally bought a Lowepro CompuRover AW. The main reason for this choice is that with this backpack I can bring with me all I need: my camera equipment, my notebook and other things that may be necessary (in the "generic" compartment). The laptop compartment is very large, and it should fit bigger laptops, with up to 17" display. My laptop is light and tiny (12.1" display) so I could fit two of them in the compartment. :-) Jokes apart, this compartment is well padded and seems like it will protect the laptop efficiently. I still have not brought it with me, so I can't judge, but the impression is good. The general compartment is big enough to contain a few extra things you might need, such as a meal, or a raincoat, or a jacket. It's equipped with a removable transparent mesh pocket, which can be used to store cables and accessories for the camera and/or the laptop. It also features, stitched in the front "flap", a memory card storage pouch You can place up to 8 memory cards in there. The base of this compartment is padded, and represents the "roof" of the camera space below. The camera space is not too easily accessible. First you need to unlock a quick-release, then pull the two zippers that keep the section closed. These are not very comfortable, since they are curved downwards, and they often get stuck (both while opening and closing the compartment). While this may be considered a good deterrent that make thefts more difficult, it's a little frustrating when you need to access your equipment. The camera compartment can not be accessed with the rucksack on your back. You have to take it off, place it on the ground and only then you can open it and access your camera equipment. That's because the camera compartment is accessed from above, therefore you have to move the upper part of the backpack backwards to expose the camera equipment. This can't be done with the backpack on. The camera compartment is very big for this kind of backpacks. I could fit in it: - my Nikon D50 with Sigma 18-200mm lens attached - Sigma 10-20mm Ultra Wide Angle lens - Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens - 2x Teleconverter - Cosina 100mm f/3.5 Macro lens - Nikon SB600 Speedlight and I still have one space left to use for cables, batteries, chargers, filters or any other accessory that might be useful. Or, another lens which I might buy in the future (the space should be big enough to fit also a long lens like a 80-200 f/2.8m zoom). The padded box that contains the camera equipment can be removed, with it's roof (as explained above) transforming the backpack in a general use backpack with just one big compartment. The outside of the backpack features two small pockets at the sides of the foldable tripod mount. They are not too big, but you can put your cellphone or batteries, or snack bars in there. Another small and flat pocket can be found behind the tripod mount: open the velcro flap and access it. You can store a map or airplane tickets in there. Speaking of airplanes, this backpack's size is airplane compatible with most airlines rules, therefore you should not have too many problems bringing it on board with you. The harness system is very well done. Even with a lot of equipment inside, the backpack distributes its weight very well, and it does not stress your shoulders too much. The waist belt would help in this, but for me it's placed too high (I'm 6'4" and its more of a chest belt than a waist belt!). The back is well padded which helps preventing back aches, but it's also very hot during summer, so prepare to sweat a lot. Being an "AW" backpack, an All-Weather cover is stored in its base, which also helps protecting the equipment inside when posing the backpack on the ground.

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Owner contribution

Up until now I've just had a Lowepro Orion Trekker which is a great starter bag - I packed in all my kit (20D + 24-105, 85mm f/1.8 and 30mm f/1.4 - all lenses with hoods reversed, Metz 54 MZ-3 flash [about the same size as a 580EX], charger, body cap, CF reader, and USB cable) in the bottom section, which left a small daypack section at the top. It's served me well, but on occasions when I need to take my laptop with me, I need to use a different bag, and I resorted to putting the laptop in a big jiffy bag, and the camera in another jiffy bag(!), oh, and I had to carry my tripod :-).br> When I was looking for a new bag, I knew I needed one which could take all my current gear, space for a bit more (getting the 70-200 f/4 this summer), laptop, but also very important, I need to have a daypack section with 2 kids, and a third on the way. In the end it came down to 2 bags - this one, and the Tamrac Adventure 9. In the end I chose this bag for two reasons. The daypack section in the Tamrac is smaller than in the Orion Trekker (whereas it's quite a bit bigger in the Compurover). In the Lowepro bags, you can't really take the gear out with the bag on your back, as the whole top of the bag moves to allow you access. With the Tamrac, it's less secure as a flap folds down. Sure you should feel someone trying to get in there, but if you've ever travelled on the London Underground in rush hour, you'd know that you wouldn't necessarily feel someone sneakily making their way in. I have the Lowepro S&F light belt, and a couple of cases for it - it makes sense to stick with one manufacturer as the accessories' fittings are all compatible Finally, the Compurover has the built in AW cover - ok, the Lowepro is much more expensive, but this helps make up for it. So, how's the bag? Well, it's a good 4 inches taller than the Orion Trekker, weighs quite a bit more (on Amazon, shipping weight for the Orion Trekker is 2 pounds, for the Compurover it's 6!), but generally feels much more sturdy. This is helped by the padding in the back for the laptop, and the much broader shoulder straps - necessary as it's designed to support so much more weight (more camera gear + up to a 17" laptop). In terms of comfort, I'm really happy with it. I haven't carried it all day yet, but worn it for a couple of hours, and it was very comfy. Not being the biggest guy, when I first saw how big it is, I was wary that it would be too big for me, but in fact, it's fine. Admittedly I haven't tried it with laptop and tripod - which will probably double the weight on my back, but it's fairly infrequent that I want everything. I'm very happy with this bag, and I can't see me growing out of it (at least not for a good few years). It's roomy, comfortable, and build quality (as with all Lowepro kit) is superb.

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