anyone using the Billingham Rucksack? any opinions? thought I might change as I'm getting rather bad back pains at the moment...

B

http://www.35mmf8.org

-- briandavidstevens (briandavidstevens@talk21.com), February 19, 2002

Answers

I saw and handled one at a store, decided to pass on it. Like all Billinghams it is beautifully constructed with little regard for practicality or ergonomics. It is basically the same size as a Lowpero Mini-Trekker but weighs one pound more, has thinner and less- padded straps, and no waistbelt. Billingham says that a small backpack doesn't need a waistbelt but this is poppycock. True, a stiff waistbelt would be useless because the bag is too short to rest on your hips (except perhaps a small woman) but even on the Mini- Trekker cinching the belt around one's middle keeps a loaded pack from bouncing and hitting against one's back and at the same time pulling down uncomfortably on the shoulder straps. I've worn my Mini- Trekker both ways, I know from experience.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 19, 2002.

Hi Brian, my wife has had terrible back problems from years of carrying nikon gear around. She now uses a Lowe Mini-Trekker and is happy with that. But she recently used just my M6+35/1.4 and was even happier with that. Seems weight more than distribution is the problem, although shoulder bags are bad news really.

The Billingham is almost certain to be less value for money than the Lowe, I'd try the latter.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), February 19, 2002.

I don't know about the rucksack, but if you're interested in other backpack makes, check out www.tamrac.com who make high quality made in US packs. I guess some extoll how lowepro are more like backpacks and that tamrac has less experience with backpacks and more uncomfy products. Check'em out I guess.

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

Another thing to consider is the difficulty working out of a backpack because you have to remove it each time you need access. Solutions are waispacks which have combined shoulder straps. These can be swung around side or front for use, back to the lumbar region for walking. The shoulder strap is essential to prevent the pack from bouncing as you walk. Wear the strap crosswise, cinch it up so the pack doesn't bounce. Some waistpacks are half-moon shaped which limits what they can hold, and many have thin waist straps that don't distribute weight to your hips (many photo backpacks likewise, unfortunately). IMO the absolute best waist bag can be bought from www.ecamerabags.com. These are formerly known as Photoflex Galen Rowell Modular Shoulder bag (large) and Modular Waist Pack (medium). They come with velcro dividers, but I suggest removing them and replacing with the Domke "short" inserts made for the F6 "little bit smaller" bag.

Finally, for about $25 you should IMO not be without an Op-TECH "SOS" (Saves On Shoulders) bag strap. This comes in regular and mini, has a nice, strong elastic neoprene center portion which stretches as you walk so the bag doesn't cut into your shoulder and the weight shock is absorbed and disspated by the strap rather than your spine. Wear the strap crosswise when walking and swing the bag around back so it rests against your lower back.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 19, 2002.