Tenba PBL 264 or Lowe Nature Trekker?

[Frank Petronio]

I know that many questions like this have been asked, and that I've already stated my preferrence for shoulder bags over backpacks. But now I find myself wanting a backpack for a growing collection of gear that is making the shoulder bag too heavy. I am carrying at least a 4x5 Technika, three or four lenses, and two packs of Readyloads. Of the packs I've seen, I like the Tenbas and Lowes, I think the moderate sized ones like the Lowe Nature Trekker or the Tenba 264 are the right size and are well withing airline guidelines - your opinions please?

[Ron Bose]

Frank,

I thought that the Nature trekker was too small and bought the Photo Trekker.

In it I carry a Gnass lenscase (4 lenses) along the bottom, a Wisner 4x5 Trad above the lens case, then beside the Wisner room for the spotmeter, and above it, the loupe. Dark cloth layed on top. The Polaroid 55, 54, and the 545i holder go in the outer pocket with the Gnass film holder.

The gear fits real nice, but wearing the thing is a little weird for my 5'8".

I also don't like the way the waist belt can't be folded out of the way too easily.

I wish that they made a bigger version of the mini-trekker which fits me just right ...

[tim atherton]

The smallish "original" Photo Trekker will take a Toyo 45A, four lenses, light meter, 2x grafmatics + two std holders, odd filters and brushes, loupe etc all in the main compartment. With a dark cloth and a bunch more holders in the outside main pocket. No problem with fitting them in. Not sure if the readyloads might be a problem with their length

[Ron Bose]

BTW, mine is the new Photo Trekker AW II ...

[Jeff Dyck]

I too opted for the Photo Trekker model for travel (over the Nature Trekker) and have carried it on the plane several times (most recently a month ago) without any problems. Inside I carry my camera (4x5 Toyo Field), 4 lenses, 10 holders (in two groups inside 2 padded lunch bags), a Pentax spotmeter, plus a loupe, a collection of filters housed in a small box, darkcloth, log/data book, etc. Given that you intend to use readyloads, you will have more "economy of space" than I can afford and might get by with the Nature Trekker, but since the Photo Trekker can still make it on the plane, and the weight difference is negligible I would personally opt for the extra capacity.

[Frank Filippone]

Whenever choosing a backpack of any purpose, the first consideration should be fit. How well does this pack fit my body? Does it fit the size of my back? Will the weight of what is inside bother my shoulders / hips/ wiast? No matter what the size, if it does not fit, you will not be happy with it. The second consideration should be size to fit what you want as a minimum. What I mean is that the pack should not be too small to fit its intended load, but then again, if it is too big, you just do not have to fill it up with "stuff". Leave it partially empty or fill it with some thing light, like foam, in order to keep its shape.

[Robert Eaves]

Try the Tamrac 787, you will have no regets. WWW.Tamrac.com

[Maury Cohen]

First off, if you don't know me, I'm the Product Specialist at Lowepro. I feel able to be objective enought to provide information without a shameless sales pitch. The Trekker AW II's were a redesign of the 2002 Trekker line with the primary goal being to increase carrying comfort. This end came at the cost of the easier "stowability" of the older Trekker AW design. I have discovered a way to tuck the harness of the AW II in a fairly sleek manner. I''d be happy to e-mail the images to anyone interested directly. Feedback I've received indicates that the carrying comfort level was improved over the older design.

[Michael Kadillak]

To follow up on Frank's question, I find that well padded and thick shoulder straps along with an adjustable padded waste strap are critical when on the trail and not just for to and from the airport. Which of these selections is designed with this criteria in mind to be sturdy in the support department?

[Maury Cohen]

Mike, I can tell you that comfort was goal 1 with the re-design of the Lowepro Trekker AW series as the AW II series. The original AW models were known for good comfort, especially the Pro and Super Trekker models. The AW II's take this to a higher level.

Maury Cohen, Lowepro USA-Product Specialist