Tamrac Adventure 9 vs Lowepro Rover AW II vs Rover Plus AW

[Rafael]

This topic may not be new but I just couldn’t find the right thread.

I am in a dilemma choosing among these 3 camera bags for a day or 2 hiking photo trip.

Tamrac has good reputation for their built quality, but has a smaller upper utility compartment as compared to both Rovers. It doesn’t have a tripod mount except at the bottom (which require optional strap) or a built-in rain cover though it has water resistant materials.

Notebook compartment is not an issue here.

My heart goes to Tamrac for workmanship and look, feature wise I’ll go for Lowepro. I’ve got 3 older generations of Lowepro camera bags which I love, but I’m pretty disappointed with the newer generation as they look awfully boxy and cheap feeling workmanship (eg. their logo now is a plastic thing sewn onto the fabric instead of embroidery type.

I’ve seen the latest designs like the Fastpack 100, 200, 250 and 350. Equipment accessibility is good but they look like carton box and the camera compartment has not much to adjust.

I’ve read a lot of reviews on the pro side but not much of the con side practically.

I would love to hear from any one of you who has practical experience on these 3 products especially the bad side in terms of quality and functionality.

Thanks.

[drewdam]

cant comment much ..but i used tamrac A9 once n is too heavy for me even w/o notebk n only carry 1 entry body with 3 small lens, one 600ml SiGG bottle, sold it off due to weight issue.. i have used a few of tamrac range n i prefer their padding system (with ABS plateform inserted inside the base n 2 main divider as well (for A9)) ..if u need raincover, u can buy from sport connection at $10 from brand like bodypac (30-50L)

seem the fastpack 250/350 before (need a notebk compartment just in case) but was turn away due to the boxy side view n poor zipper "movement"...went for kata at the end..

the lowepro Rover AwII is lighter n have a more comfortable waiststrap and diff storge system (top open vs front open)

[calebk]

I would go for a Rover instead. The waist belt is very well designed to provide good hip support, and the straps have great flexibility in adjustment, that allows you to get the most ergonomic positioning from your bag.

The best thing about the Rover is the waist belt with sliplock attachment loops at either side of the hip, which allows you to "shoot from the hip". In other words, you can attach lens cases, pouches or whatever else, and you don't have to reach into the bag when hiking.

[Rafael]

Originally Posted by calebk .......The best thing about the Rover is the waist belt with sliplock attachment loops at either side of the hip, which allows you to "shoot from the hip". In other words, you can attach lens cases, pouches or whatever else, and you don't have to reach into the bag when hiking.

Emm, good idea for me, thanks calebk.

[TMC]

Rover plus AW. good for carrying a number of items in the upper compartment and still able to hold a body and 2-3 lenses. then of course you have the sliplock cases.

[xtemujin]

I would also suggest that you also look at the Kata DR-467.

[drewdam]

Originally Posted by xtemujin I would also suggest that you also look at the Kata DR-467.

i change to this DR-467 after seeing it at PIX...something diff from the usual pack...

[Rafael]

I bought the Rover AW II yesterday at $150 from MSC.

I compared this with Tamrac Adventure 9 and found A9 to be very good in workmanship, can easily last twice as long as Rover AW II and is only $20-$30 more.

For A9, there is inner lining for the main fabric construction while Rover expose its inner fabric and the fabric coating will somehow 'melt' and become 'sticky' along with time and weather.

A9 is more rigid and solid in construction while Rover is more flexible but comfortable.
A9 has better adjustment in the camera compartment because there are bigger area of velcro than the Rover.

I chose Rover because of its features-rich design and practicality in usage and of cause comfort.

However, I found the Lowepro's quality and design has not been anywhere better than or equal to the past.

For those who wants tough backpack for extreme trip should get the Tamrac A9 (with 17inch Laptop compartment). Its water resistant without rain cover is better than Rover anytime.

Hope my simple review can help those looking for the same camera backpack, and I thank all here who gives their invaluable advices.