Lowepro CompuRover AW Camera Bag (Black) by Lowepro
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Digital camera reviews of Lowepro CompuRover AW Camera Bag (Black)
Digital camera Review: Very Good, Except Two Major Design Flaws
Summary: 4 Stars
Finding a camera bag that fits my needs has been an ongoing challenge. I have a Canon 5D Mark II, 17-40mm, 24-105mm, and 70-200mm f/4 lens. I want to be able to use the bag for two primary purposes. First, I want a bag that I can use to take my camera gear and laptop as a carry-on when I fly. My second and more frequent use is long day hiking and field work for landscape photography.
Overall, I really like this bag for the following reasons:
1) This bag is really comfortable. I recently returned from a week-long photo trip in which I physically wore the bag for at least four hours a day on moderate to strenuous hikes. I have always had a hard time finding backpacks that fit, so I have been surprised at how comfortable this bag actually is. Even when filled to the brim and way overloaded as a carry-on, it was still comfortable. I looked high and low for a bag with a good waist strap and I have been very pleased with how this bag distributes weight.
2) There is ample room for day hiking with all my gear that I typically want to take along. The bag has room for my camera body and three lenses, my Canon G10, miscellaneous camera gear (cards, cleaning supplies, filters, etc), jacket/fleece, food, first aid kit and water with room to spare.
3) The insert for the camera gear compartment will be great for inserting in by backcountry backpack for some double-duty.
There are two MAJOR design flaws, both of which are very annoying in the field.
1) I do not think the designers every actually used the bag in the field. There are three elastic cords that are part of the tripod holder mechanism. These three cords are a pain to use and they get caught on everything - low hanging trees, grasses, things on the ground when I set the bag down. My tripod has the clip-style leg locks and they are constantly getting caught on the cords when I put the tripod in the holder and when I want to take it out. The cords are always getting tangled, too. I do not understand why they did not use a few more traditional straps with plastic clips. I am planning on cutting off all the elastic straps and sewing on straps with clips in their place. Other than these ridiculous cords, the tripod holder is one of the better solutions I have used.
2) The zipper on the bottom compartment does not close easily, even when completely empty. To get the zipper closed, you have to use both hands which is another annoyance when working in the field. The zipper always gets stuck going around corners. I know another person who ones this bag and he has the same issues, so I do not think this is just my model. Access should be quick and easy - not a pain!
I have a few other small complaints. The laptop compartment is pretty snug when the rest of the bag is loaded, which makes it hard to open and close the compartments when there is a laptop in the bag. Also, the bag is a little too big to fit under a typical airline seat when full with a laptop, camera gear, and miscellaneous stuff. I don't want to let my camera gear out of my sight when traveling, so this is a small annoyance (I just need to make sure that I do not stuff the bag). Finally, photo bags are never designed for women, so the straps are a little uncomfortable in the chest area because of their bulk.
Aside from the zipper issue (hopefully will get looser with use) and the cord issue (which I am fixing!), my other complaints are minor and this bag otherwise meets all of my needs and I am very happy. I expect to use it for many years, once the tripod holder is fixed to fit my needs.
Digital camera Review: nice all around back pack for camera and laptop
Summary: 5 Stars
After resently purchasing my first laptop I needed to find a way to carry it and my camera equipment. The CompuRover AW is an excellent solution to my needs. It does get heavy when everything is packed into it, but it offers great protection. With the laptop removed it also works well as a photo backpack. The camera protection is removeable so the bag is covertable and can be used a a day pack. It fits nicely, has a waist belt that is removable and the upper compartment has plenty of storage for snacks/lunch and a sweatshirt or jacket.