Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

I use this bag for storage of a Pentax K7 with 3 zoom lenses plus a small point and shoot camera for video clips. I mainly photograph my daughter's volleyball tournaments and do some hiking/outdoor photography.

The Interior of this bag has plenty space for all my gear and accessories. The interior is easily re-configurable to suit all my needs. You could easily carry 2 SLR cameras with 3 or 4 medium zoom lens without difficulity.

But the key feature that sold me on this bag was the integrated carry slot for my Mac Book. No more carrying 2 bags to handle all my camera gear and computer. There is enough space to carry all my chargers and accessories for both cameras and my computer with even a little room to spare. Integrated weather protection and the tripod carry system were great additions.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

I got this bag to replace a 13 year old mini-trekker. After that long one of the straps was starting to pull out of the stitching. And I'd picked up a laptop habit along the way. An airline trip made me get the new bag. With everything in it, it sure is heavy, but the straps are nice, so I didn't hurt myself.

My thinkpad has a square edge which was a little uncomfortable at first. I stuck a rolled up jacket into the laptop slot & made that better. I think that's a pretty unavoidable problem -- you really want the weight of the laptop against your back & padding there is tricky.

The tripod mount is vastly improved. And I really like the diagonal straps for the main cover. I can loosen them, unzip, reach in & not have to set the bag down flat to safely get at camera stuff. I'm not sure that making the opening to the out side pouch smaller is better (more rain proof, harder to wedge stuff into), but it's no worse.

The construction is great. Lowepro bags seem expensive at first, but haul one around for a decade & you'll appreciate them as much as your favorite lens.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

I use this bag to carry a Nikon D80, Nikon 15-105, Nikon 70-300, Tamron 10-24, Tamron 18-200, Sigma 50-500, and SB-800. I also carry a MAC computer. It has been thru airport security without a problem and easily fits under airplane seats. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was it would be better if it had side pockets for storage.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

Many backpacks offer a lot of space, but not in a way that you can make it useful. This one is setup in such a way that you can fit a large number of items in the main compartment with the included dividers. They didn't skimp on the dividers!

Pros - Lots of dividers included, weather covering for hikes in the rain, several attach points for attaching other items

Cons - A little more rigid than I would prefer.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

I've had this backpack for almost two years now. I store my equipment in this bag and haul it wherever I go.
I have my Canon 5D, 24-70/f2.8, 70-200/f2.8, 17-40/f4, 180/3.5 macro, Gary Fong, 2X extender, battery charger, cleaning kit, and my AA battery cassette for my camera grip all in the main compartment of this bag. Then in the top compartment I have my 580 flash, external flash battery pack, with various cords and accessories. This still gives me room to put my laptop in the laptop compartment.
After loading this thing down like I have it, I'm frankly surprised the shoulder straps have held up as good as they have. I've owned about five bags from Lowepro over the past maybe fifteen years and have never had any failure of any kind. I still have all five bags. No problems with stitching or zippers in any of the bags.
Just last week I had to use the rain cover built into the bottom of the bag. Very simple but effective design. All my equipment stayed completely dry. Let me tell you I've used sealed types of zippers and the stiff action is a pain to deal with day in and day out. I like how you don't have to fight with opening and closing the zippers on Lowepro bags. Hey, if it rains just use the rain cover.
One complaint is that the shoulder padding does not stray in complete alignment with the shoulder strap. Not a huge issue and I'm sure it's partly because I have this thing weighted down so much.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

- Large enough to hold Canon 5D Mark 2, 70-200 f4, 24-105 f4, 17-40 f4, plus bunch of Singh-Ray filters, Cokin adapters.
- Large enough to hold a CameBak water container
- Hold MacBook pro (15")
- Comfortable to carry.
- Hold Gitzo 2531 tripod with Acratech ballhead, very comfortably.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

This backpack carries a lot of gear with generally convenient access. I have it packed with my dslr, two zoom lenses, a backup superzoom camera, and a substantial variety of filters, cables, manuals, cleaning supplies, batteries and charger, etc. There is still room for more gear including a laptop sleeve and an external tripod holder.

With all my camera gear (not counting laptop and tripod which have their own cases) it weighs 10 lbs. It slips on smoothly and when strapped down with the waist and chest belts it feels balanced and comfortable. I have taken this load on short hikes with ease. It has a quality feel to it with good padding, quality zippers, and durable material.

Side benefits for me are the ability to store almost all my gear in it, attach a good sized tripod when necessary, and the availability of a variety of accessories to attach such as a water bottle holder, filter wallet, etc.

One limitation is that there is one large entrance and you need to take the backpack off to gain entrance. A design that carries this much gear but still has side access to the camera for a quick shot might be better for some purposes. I have purchased a smaller bag with this facility, but, of course, that unit will not carry all the gear.

I am pleased with the purchase. I expect it will serve me well for most uses for a long time.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

This is a great bag. Fits all my gear and room to spare.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

Nice size bag but with lots of room. Camera, lenses, flash, hd recorder, etc, etc including Powermac fit in bag with no problem. Very durable I would suggest to anyone

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

I am an amature using the following gear: Nikon D300, Nikon lenses - 18-200, 50mm 1.8, Tokina 11-16, and wanting to get the Sigma 150-500. This bag fits all the above plus: Nikon SB-600 flash, chargers for camera and flash, Gorilla Pod SLR, and still has room in it for the above mentioned 150-500 (verified using a loaner), and a whole lot of other stuff. It is very comfortable, great stability and weight distribution, and great protection for the gear. I don't carry a laptop, but that compartment is perfect for some stuff like windbreaker, grey card, flash bounce cards and more. After everything is in, there is still the extra space in the front pocket for lunch and other misc. I highly recommend this bag - I also bought a Kata R-106 for the same purpose, but the 106 is simply too cumbersome for everyday use. Only thing is - I didn't try to attach my Manfrotto 055Prob with 808RC4 - I cannot say if the provided attachment kit will hold this heavy combination or not - but I consider the 106 to be the one I will use when carrying EVERYTHING including the tripod. The 4 star rating is because the AW lacks camera strap attachment hooks on the shoulder pads - which the 106 has, and I find to be a must have. The AW does have two nylon loops around the shoulder straps which I improvised attaching my camera straps to by wrapping the straps around the loops. This is OK, but hardly as convenient (no quick release like with the 106) and I am not sure these loops are strong enough to hold the weight.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

I use my backpack daily. I holds my laptop, DSLR, 5 lenses (tele, tele-zoom, zoom, macro, and 50mm prime), flash, filters and other accessories. I like the idea of the tripod holder - haven't used it yet. The quality of the bag is great. Would highly recommend.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

The fabrics and workmanship are Lowepro's standard, which means there is nothing to complain about, good job!
The second impression is that it doesn't look that bulky on your back as it may seem from looking at some photos over the net. It seems to be just the right size. There's nothing to worry about if you're afraid of those extra centimeters compared to the MiniTrekker (and the "extra" laptop compartment may come in handy).
The laptop compartment... A few millimeters more in depth would be nice but I can still fit in my widescreen Acer Aspire 3690. It generally seems a very, very close fit in all dimensions, but I suppose that the compartment will stretch a bit if used more often (for me it's just a "backup" feature, so it's not a big issue).
The shoulder straps are very well padded and quite stiff, which not only makes a very solid impression but is also comfortable when the bacpack is loadded.
I bought a backpack mostly because I've had enough of carrying both my shoulder bag and my tripod on longer hikes (which mostly resulted in the tripod staying home). Fixing the tripod was therefore very importatnt to me. At first I thought that the Lowepro's elastic strings would be unable to do the job (MF 190PRO + MF RC141 ~ 3kg) and I prepared two classic straps with buckles to replace them, but when I got the backpack I realised that Lowepro did think it over right - the tripod is well fixed and doesn't wobble even when shaking the backack front down. The elastic strings and the small buckles are much easier to fasten tightly and minimize the risk of scratching the tripod. We'll see how it stands the time test, I'm staying with the Lowepro's solution.
A small complain and two remarks for Lowepro - the inner dividers (the small ones) are a bit too narrow which is easily seen when you try to put them in the central shaft. They work fine, but it just doesn't feel right. Also, if Lowepro had made the AW cover a bit larger it could be easily used with the tripod attached which is unfrotunately not the case :/
I'm very pleased with the CompuTrekker AW's performance. If the small issues mentioned above don't bother you (just as they don't bother me) I would definitely recommend this backpack.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

It's a good backpack, lightweight, and able to carry quite a few of your gear. Resistant and the rain cover is quite handy. It is not an easy access bag, but my philosophy says if you want to reach your camera fast, have it hanging around your neck.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

Lowepro backpacks are extremely well made, and this one is no exception. The only thing I find is that it is too bulky because of the laptop compartment. Plus, when the laptop is in it and you lay it down, all the weight of your equipment is against the laptop, which could be a problem with pushing the screen into the keys. Not the best idea.
So, I returned it. I have decided that I'm not going to put the laptop in the same case, so will be picking up another bag without the laptop compartment.
I have the mini trekker classic already, but need something to hold a tripod. Perhaps I will upgrade to the AW version and sell my classic.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

The bag has a lot of room. I can place all my equipment in it (a body, 24-70, 10-20, 70-200, 18-55, flash, timer, and many other things). But it is heavy by itself. When I filled the bag up, it becomes very heavy. It's all right for me to store my equipments and leave it in the car.

Comments about Lowepro CompuTrekker AW Backpack - for Photo Gear and 15" Notebook Computer:

I'm a photographer. I realize that I need to carry less equipment for my good health and certainly the bag make this job.