Poor customer service for returns
January 6, 2009
Received the item promptly without problem but had difficulties trying to return the item when the person who received the gift didn't like it. It was nearly impossible to reach the company by phone which was required before sending the item back to the company. Finally got a response from the company by email after a few days. I doubt if we will order anything through this supplier again from Amazon.
Put to the test at altitude in the Himalayas
(1 of 1 Found this Helpful)
December 13, 2008
I bought this backpack specifically for an 11-day photography trek at altitude through the Himalayas. In short the bag performed excellently and I have no issue recommending it to anyone travelling with a reasonably compact amount of gear over large distances.
The bag is split into 3 sections:
- The base compartment. In this section I was able to fit my Canon 40D, a Canon Rebel XT, a Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS, a Canon 10-22mm, and a Canon 24-70mm 2.8. If all of the kit was in the bag at the same time, the 24-70 lens has to be on the 40D body for it all to fit. I has had the 1.4x extender in there which could either fit separately or stay on the 70-200 lens. Having the extender in there too was a bit of a tight fit but could be done. There would have also been room for a battery extender on the 40D body too if you have one. Within the base compartment there was also room in the fold-down flap to store batteries (I carried five because the extreme cold tended to sap the life very quickly), a flat Tiffen filter pack, business cards, two lens cloths and 8 Compact flash memory cards in the four pockets designed specifically for cards.
- The top compartment. In this part of the bag there was space for a fleece, a wind-breaker, several energy bars, a writing pad, and an Epson P8000.
- The laptop compartment. It can easily fit even the larger styles of laptop. However, for my trek, I used it to store a 3 liter camelbak water platypus. The zip on the opening goes from bottom to top so it was perfect for keeping the drinking pipe high over the shoulder.
There is also space to carry a tripod under the bag. This was a definite improvement over previous bags I have. The straps to secure a tripod must be purchased separately. Buy good straps as this will ensure they stay tight and that the tripod doesn't slowly sink and then start banging the back of your legs while walking.
The shoulder straps were surprising comfortable and made carrying the full bag very comfortable, even while trekking for 8 hours at any one time. There are also two side pockets that can each fit one of the narrower types of water bottles. I have added a picture of myself carrying the bag.
great bag
October 17, 2008
The bag is a great bag that meets all the needs of a traveling hobbyist photographer. The camera area is big enough to hold lenses and other items that may be fragile while hiking or traveling. The protection is top of the line and the comfort of a full bag is amazing. I do have problems witht he zippers of camera area because the fabric covering the zipper gets caught. Not that big of a deal since you can leave the zippers somewhat open and use the clips to keep the area securely closed.
Great Camera Pack
September 8, 2008
This camera pack perfectly and tightly holds a Nikon 70-200 2.8, a D300 with Grip and 24-70 2.8 attached and there is extra space for either an extra shorter lens, flash, or other equipment.
It would be nice if it came with either tie down straps that connected to the bottom tie downs or if there were loops on the side to hold a monopod.
There is ample room for a 15" MBP and I would assume that a 17" fits tightly. The padding on the back and shoulders is great as is the weight distribution system.
SPACIOUS & COMFORTABLE!!!
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August 26, 2008
Tamrac Adventure 9 Photo/Computer Backpack (Grey/Black)
After having read many reviews in search of a backpack for both my Canon Rebel & 17-inch MacBook Pro I choose to go with this Tamrac and so far I've not been disappointed. Carrying my camera, 3 lenses and laptop with an external back-up drive there is still much room! Many pockets for various accessories. To my surprise, it is so well padded it even kept a couple of water bottles cold enough to drink hours after being on the beach on a hot day.
I really enjoy the comfortable straps. Whether on my back or just thrown over one shoulder, it is easy to carry for this 50+ year old with bad legs & low back pain. I've not used a backpack for many decades but this is definitely more comfortable than I expected. The top carrying handle comes in very handy also.
