Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus AW Camera Backpack (Black)

Company : Lowepro List Price : $189.95 Amazon Price : $174.99 Used Price : $139.95 Average customer review :

Features

• CompuTrekker Plus AW Capacity: Notebook computer (up to 17" screen); Pro digital SLR; 35 mm or compact medium format system, 4-5 lenses (up to 400mm f/2.8); flash and accessories
• Camera compartment is fully customizable for your SLR or Camcorder system, with adjustable and removable padded dividers.
• Hidden built-in tripod holder and plenty of laminated pockets to organize and protect all your cables, wires and accessories.
• Lowepro's patented All Weather cover to protect bag and contents from extreme weather, sand, dirt, etc.
• SlipLock attachment slots allow you to attach additional Lowepro accessories and pouches to the CompuTrekker Plus AW.

Product Description

The perfect combo for photo gear and notebook computers just got better. Perfect for location photographers or photojournalist, it has extra room for large professional SLR camera and still meets airline carry-on requirements. Carefully designed to withstand all the use and abuse you can give it, this pack's reinforced construction, shock-absorbing, closed-cell foam and water resistant materials provide the highest level of protection. The comfortable padded shoulder harness and removable waistbelt provide a comfortable fit for hours on end. The interior is fully customizable and includes removable padded dividers, removable accessory pouches and see-through laminated mesh pockets so you can quickly see what's stored inside. A padded rear compartment with water-resistant zipper protects your notebook and provides access even while wearing the pack. Additional features include a built-in memory card pocket, patented All Weather Cover, SlipLock attachment loops made from Hypalon, built-in tripod holder, and Batwing compression straps for maximum stability.

Customer reviews

Bigger isn't always best
With all the restrictions on airlines I purchased this bag to be able to transport both my 17" Macbook Pro and Nikon D80 with lenses and accessories in one bag while flying. As described, the Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW Camera Backpack held everything with plenty of additional space but did not, as described, fit easily under the airplane seat or even into the overhead compartment on a smaller jet. This is just a word of warning to fellow photo-vacation travelers.
I appreciate that the boring-looking bag doesn't exclaim "I'm holding expensive gear!" but it is pretty heavy when full. Assuming you won't go out from your hotel carrying everything, you will need a smaller bag to tote just camera equipment on excursions.
After this past trip I will rarely choose to use this bag: too much hassle.

A great bag that could be even better
This is my first larger capacity camera bag I have purchased rather than making one out of a typical backpack and some DIY adjustments. I really like the internal options of this bag and can get quite a bit of gear in a variety of layouts. My only beef is a lack of external pockets along the sides. I can understand the front being a bit bare due to the ability to mount your tripod/monopod, but the sides would be nice for storing additional batteries & such. Also, the computer compartment is definitely large enough for my MacBook Pro 17", though it is pretty snug on it front to back. I worry a bit of how much pressure it is squeezing it with.

Best Bag I've Used So Far
I've been searching for a reasonable way to carry all of my photography equipment, a laptop, and a tripod all in one package. I had another lowepro computer/AW bag, but half the space was devoted to other storage, so as my equipment collection grew, it became unwieldy to use.

The computrekker is all photography storage, with enough room left over for the necessary computer items one would need on location. In my computrekker i have:

2 camera bodies (digital and medium format film)
70-200 f/2.8
24-70 f/2.8
19-35 f/3.5-5.6
50 f/1.8
1.4 extender
extra battery magazine
8 AA holder case
AA charger
2 battery chargers
MOO cards
MS-1 flash
430ex
2 pocketwizards
shoemount multi clamp
430ex diffuser
two walkie talkies
and assorted accessories, film, cleaners, pens, and other necessities, with PLENTY of room to spare. i havent even used the secondary compartment yet.

the bag makes all of this equipment that was destroying my neck in my shoulder bag effortless to carry. the bag is comfortable, adjustable, and even the tripod holder which i hated on my old bag is useful and carries the tripid WITHOUT LATERAL MOVEMENT as long as i use both of the straps on hold it in the middle and top.

in fact, my only complaint about the bag is that the tripod holder is below the bottom, meaning its more difficult to sit with the backpack on while carrying a tripod. i would have preferred that the strap raises the tripod so the bottom would be level with the bottom of the bag.

since my style of photography takes me traveling frequently, the computrekker is not something i would use while walking around a downtown area. instead, i would use it to carry all the equipment that i would need to my first destination, then use a smaller bag to carry just what i needed for the day. if necessary, i could carry both without a problem since all the weight is now comfortably situated on my hips instead of my shoulders and neck.

i highly recommend the computrekker AW plus, though i advise going to your local camera store first to try out what size bag and style is right for you. plan not only for the gear you have now, but what you may acquire in the future when deciding what size bag you need. also consider airline restrictions and how you will be using the bag.

Nice
I had the Computrekker AW and decided to upgrade to the Plus AW model since I got my new 17" Dell. This is the only Backpack I've found for camera equipment that can pack my baby, so now I can carry all my important electronics in jut one bag. The reasons I gave it 4 stars are the next:

A) When I called Lowepro costumer support to ask if my laptop would fit, they told me to go mesure my lap and figure it out. ( according to the specifications on the page it was likely it would not fit ).

B) The frontal space I woul've moved it to a side... or dunno, maybe to the top making the bag larger. I just flew with this bag fully loaded ( 1DSLR 1FILMSLR 4Lenses 1Digital8Camcorder 17"Laptop Cords Cargers PSP NDS, etc... ), and I had to take out everything on the frontal bag to make it fit in the upperhead bin of the airplane... and just barely...

So, if you are really into traveling with a BIG HEAVY backpack fully loaded and you have a 17" Laptop... look no more. It will stand the test of time, sand, water, etc...

One of my best purchases.

I could say a lot more... but then who would ask me questions ?

Great bag
This is a very nice bag -- spacious and well built. Equipments are well protected. Really give you peace of minds when you travel with your expensive equipment. I put my DSLR, 3 lens, flash, a camcord, and a 17" laptop in it when going to Disney last year. I am really happy with it. Though it might be too big for day trip since it is quite big and heavy. Also it doesn't have spot for water bottle. That kind of bothers me.

Anyhow if you want a big bag for many things, this one is definitely right for you. Otherwise, conside other small ones instead.

Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus AW Camera Backpack (Black)