kitbag recommendations

[galanthus]

I've got to the point where my fab little Lowepro Orion Trekker has become too small to carry all my kit and need some ideas for a fairly good quality, waterproof rucksack. Having already used Lowepro I'd like to stick to the same make, although open to suggestions I've read 2 reviews on the Lowepro vertex 100 one says fab, other says may as well buy the computrekker. Kit as follows :-

canon 400d; 10-22mm lens; 24-70mm; 70-300mm and a canon 100mm macro. I also have the usual 2 spare batteries, remote lead thing, reflector, tripod and a hood for the 24-70. May need a sarnie compartment

any ideas pls ?

[Pete W]

Lowepro Vertex 100AW or 200AW

I have the Vertex 200AW and an Orion Trekker...
The Vertex holds all my kit
30D, 1D MarkIII, 24-105, 100-400, 70-200, 100 macro, 50-500 plus Monopod & tripod plus all my bits and pieces.

I use the orion trekker for odd days out just packing what I need for the day. 1 body and 2 or 3 lenses plus batteries and filters. I also attach my monopod.

[galanthus]

Was looking at the Lowepro Vertex 100AW, don't have a laptop to put in it but thought I could use the space for something else. Wow, you have some fab kit

[ChasCreek]

I have grown very attached to my Lowepro Slingshot 300AW - comfortable to wear even when heavy - lots of nice compartment spaces - I pack a Nikon Body - 18-55mm - 70-300mm - 50-500 plus two field sound recorders and field mic as well as all those other bits like headtorch, spare batteries, maps, compass etc etc, oh and a sarnie or two!

I also like the way you can without taking it off swing it around your body to the front while it stays on the shoulder strap (uncliping the waist support first) to access equipment inside. It is bulky but as I say comfortable to wear when on long hikes and it feels well padded enough to take a drop as well without opening it up to cry at the condition of the contents.

[HowlinWolf]

Lowepro currently have a 20% cash back offer on all products over £50.
I've used their bags for years, and have recently moved up to the Nature Trekker AW II. It will take pro-size SLR bodies, and various lenses up to a 300mm f/2.8 with body attached. It has water resistant zips as well as the All Weather cover, plus it comes with the Trekker Day Pack. This can be used separately, or attached to the back of the pack.

HW

[ianmandy]

I've been looking at the lowepro bags. I only have a Canon 400D with 18-55 lens that came with the camera and a 75-300 USM . Filters, spare battery will have to be carried as well. Which Lowepro bag would you recommend for a small amount of kit.

[Interpreter]

Consider a top loader with the spare lens in a case attached to your belt. A cheap mesh, photographers waistcoat would have pockets aplenty for your other kit. I think this would be the least expensive route to take.

[ianmandy]

I was thinking of using my fly fishing waistcoat for bits and bobs. But I would have to keep swapping between camera and fishing. Good ones are expensive. I didn't know there was a photographers waistcoat. Maybe there isn't such a thing, they just change the name of the fly fishing waistcoat

[Pete W]

You can get a good vest here
Pro Camera Gear
Deliver to UK no problem.... I have one

[Interpreter]

Originally Posted by ianmandy

I was thinking of using my fly fishing waistcoat for bits and bobs. But I would have to keep swapping between camera and fishing. Good ones are expensive. I didn't know there was a photographers waistcoat. Maybe there isn't such a thing, they just change the name of the fly fishing waistcoat

Search the net and look for 'Military Vests'. There are some useful items listed.

Security Mesh Vest in poly/cotton fabric with draw-string bottom and 10 pockets.

2 large zipped pockets
8 additional pouches
Sizes: M - XXL
Colour: Black, Olive green, Sand & Woodland Camo Just 0ver £16