Daypack/Backpack for m-4/3 +++ ?

[JBurnett]

I used to have a LowePro Rover II for my Canon DSLR equipment on full-day hikes. While the upper part was big enough for what I needed (rain jacket & pants or sweater, extra socks, lunch, snacks, water), the lower part was too big for my micro-4/3 gear (at most, the G1, 20, 45, 14-45 and 45-200). Is there something that is better suited? I still need a reasonable upper bag, but not so much camera gear.

Anyone try the Lowepro Primus Minimus? Others?

[Terry]

This comes in various colors/sizes

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._70_Photo.html

[PeterB666]

You might have a look at the Kata DR series. I have the Kata DR 465, the smallest of the lot. The bottom part is certainly big enough for your needs, but I would suggest you look at the other two which don't cost much more as the top would be too small for your needs.

[Rich M]

I'll second for the Kata. I have the DR-467......bottom compartment holds my GF1/GH1 plus three lenses. Top will hold my rain shell plus rain pants and a snack. I clip on my water bottle.

Comfortable straps. Built like a company that used to make body armor should be.

It's also my airplane carry on with a nicely padded laptop sleeve.

If I'm not using this, I am using the Slingshot 100.

[PeterB666]

With the two larger Kata DR bags that have the laptop compartment, you can use that bit to store a couple of shirts or a pair of jeans when not carrying a laptop.

[Rich M]

Originally Posted by PeterB666

With the two larger Kata DR bags that have the laptop compartment, you can use that bit to store a couple of shirts or a pair of jeans when not carrying a laptop.

Peter.....genius........never thought of that!!

[popum]

I have a Lowepro Primus Minimus for sale on this site...

http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showth...hlight=Minimus

I used it with my E410 day treking in Patagonia and it worked like a charm

Mike

[JBurnett]

Hmmm. Lots of options. I like the look of the Kata bags. I wish they stated the dimensions of the upper part for storage. I hadn't been thinking about a laptop, but I suppose that rain pants or a jacket would fit there (nicely folded).

Mike, I'm glad the Minimus worked out for you in Patagonia. One of the reasons I'm thinking about that bag is that I can get one brand new for about $125 Cdn. right now.

I think I'll have to track some of these down locally. For the bags I can see dimensions for the upper storage part:

Rover II: 665 cu. in. (worked for me before)
Pimus AW: 877 cu. in. (larger upper. overall bag about the same)
Primus Minimus: 580 cu. in. (close, smaller bag overall)
Orion AW: 914 cu. in. (larger upper, slightly larger bag)
Tamrac Aero 70: 380 cu. in. (too small, AW?)
Tamrac Aero 75: 507 cu. in. (might be too small, AW?)
Tamrac Adventure 7: 486 cu. in. (probably too small, AW?)

[Rich M]

Originally Posted by JBurnett

Hmmm. Lots of options. I like the look of the Kata bags. I wish they stated the dimensions of the upper part for storage.

John -

I just measured the ID of the upper compartment of the Kata DR-467:

12"W x 5"D x 11"H =~ 600 cu. in..........trying to take into account the curve of the top of the backpack. This does not count the laptop sleeve.

Hope this assists.....

R

[JBurnett]

Originally Posted by Rich M

John -

I just measured the ID of the upper compartment of the Kata DR-467:

12"W x 5"D x 11"H =~ 600 cu. in..........trying to take into account the curve of the top of the backpack. This does not count the laptop sleeve.

Hope this assists.....

R

It DOES, Rich. Thanks very much. I can probably find the LowePro bags locally to look at them in person, but it seems that only certain Kata bags get brought in by the shops. A lot of models aren't available for a look-see.

[bensonga]

Originally Posted by TEBnewyork

This comes in various colors/sizes

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._70_Photo.html

The Tamrac Aero an excellent combo backpack....I have one of the mid-size Aero 80s for my Canon 5D with grip and lenses. Decided this smaller Aero 70 would be perfect for my Panny G1, 14-45 kit lens, 20/1.7 and the few Nikkor or Leica lenses with adapters that I want to carry with me too. I ordered one from Amazon this afternoon.

Gary

[bensonga]

The Aero 70 I ordered arrived today. Anticipating it's arrival, I brought my Panny G1 kit into the office with me today. I was able to comfortably fit the G1 with a Nikkor 35mm f2 (and Voigtlander adapter) attached, a Nikkor 28mm f2.8, the Panny 14-45mm kit lens (with hood), the Panny 20mm f1.7 lens and a couple of Nikon lens hoods into the lower camera comparment (with a little room to spare). I could have a longer lens mounted on the G1 (I have my Nikkor 135mm and 200mm lenses in mind) if I wanted as well. This little backpack is noticeably smaller than the Aero 80 (which will also hold a 17in laptop computer)....and I think, perfectly sized for a complete G1 kit with room in the top compartment for misc stuff (including extra lenses in lens pouches/cases, flash etc if so desired).

As usual with other Tamrac cases I own....it's very well made.

Gary

[slau]

Originally Posted by JBurnett

I used to have a LowePro Rover II for my Canon DSLR equipment on full-day hikes. While the upper part was big enough for what I needed (rain jacket & pants or sweater, extra socks, lunch, snacks, water), the lower part was too big for my micro-4/3 gear (at most, the G1, 20, 45, 14-45 and 45-200). Is there something that is better suited? I still need a reasonable upper bag, but not so much camera gear.

Anyone try the Lowepro Primus Minimus? Others?

I am still using a 15+ year old Lowepro Orion Trekker and I found it is just about perfect for my M4/3 system (2 bodies + 4 lenses) and still have enough room in the upper compartment for a vest, accessories and carry my water bottle on the outside.

I think I have posted these images before but here they are again:
http://www.pbase.com/stephenl/image/119542034

http://www.pbase.com/stephenl/image/119542035

[JBurnett]

Originally Posted by slau

I am still using a 15+ year old Lowepro Orion Trekker and I found it is just about perfect for my M4/3 system (2 bodies + 4 lenses) and still have enough room in the upper compartment for a vest, accessories and carry my water bottle on the outside.

Thanks, Stephen. The Orion Trekker seems to have become the Orion AW, and it's actually a bit bigger than the Rover AWII that I used to have. Nice to know yours has lasted so long.