National Geographic NG 5160 Earth Explorer Medium Backpack

I bought this backpack for my boyfriend as a Christmas present. He'd been looking for a good medium sized backpack that he could use for day hikes for months, and he is fastidious when it comes to his gear. This turned out to be perfect.For a smaller backpack, it's very spacious. There's a multitude of various sized pockets to choose from, the lower section that would normally hold camera lenses and the like can be adjusted per equipment size or even removed entirely for more space, the material is durable, it's comfortable to carry even when filled, and the entire thing is very attractive. From the price standpoint, I'd also say it's a strong rival to the other hiking backpacks I looked into while shopping around. I saw several bags at a higher price that didn't have anywhere near the storage capabilities that this bag has.I'm happy with how this purchase turned out, and I'm glad to say that my picky boyfriend is thrilled with his new backpack. I may just have to get myself a matching one in the future!

I just completed a three-week trip to India, Malaysia, and Singapore with this pack. There wasn't a day where it wasn't on my back so I got to know its strengths and weaknesses pretty well.Pros:-I love the look -no one guessed it was a camera bag.-I like the number of pockets and compartments.-I like the two side pockets which can hold either a tripod or 1L water bottles. I became the pack mule on more than one occasion.-Top outer pocket is perfectly sized for travel documents and boarding passes.-I like the number of loops -plenty of space to toss on carabiners or other items with clips (hand sanitizer, insect repellent, etc...).Cons:-The thing that was most bothersome is the weight distribution. Fully loaded with a 15" MBP, MBP power supply, iPad, iPod, 5D mk3, 70-300mm L-series lens, 35mm L-series prime, and 28-105mm lens, charger, etc... this bag got heavy quickly. Not sure if it's because the chest strap is too high or that there's no belt strap or frame or what but after hiking with it for a few minutes, you really feel it. Even when I had the luxury to leave the non-essentials in a hotel room and just go with camera+lenses, the bag still felt heavy on my back.-This is NOT a fast bag. What I mean is that to do anything with this bag takes longer than it should. The chest strap engages with friction loops rather than a clip which means taking the bag off takes five-to-ten seconds. That doesn't sound like much until you have to deal with multiple trips through airport and transit security or are hopping from rickshaw to rickshaw. The main (non-camera) storage compartment is zippered (which is fine) but has an extra top that is connected with snap buttons. If you want anything out of there (say the iPad or your chewing gum) you have to zip AND button...-Rigidity of the pack relies on main compartments being fastened.The snap buttons and zippers are essential to the rigidity of the pack so you can't leave them open if you want to reliably use the top handle. That's really annoying when you just want to move the bag a few feet.-Does not truly fit cameras with portrait grips. I mean, my 5D+grip DID fit but it was really tight. I wouldn't expect the zippers to last long term with the amount of stretch that is required of them to fit a camera with a portrait grip. So, I wouldn't actually recommend this bag for anyone who has a camera outfitted that way.-Bottom padding. This is mentioned in another review but I'll repeat it: It should have more than what's there.And just FYI - the A2560RC rain cover (purchased separately) doesn't really fit this backpack well.All-in-all, it's a GREAT looking bag that is functional for someone who is working with regular-sized DSLRs and isn't really going to be hiking for long stretches. I will keep it around for my day or weekend trips but for my next long excursion, I will probably look at alternatives like the Thule Perspektiv or something from the Manfrotto Professional line.-UPDATE- March 2015As I expected, the stitching of the camera compartment zippers is beginning to tear and this is only after sending it on one more safari to Guatemala. It is definitely not suitable for larger-bodied cameras with portrait grips.-UPDATE- November 2016After nearly two years of having this pack, I have to say it's grown on me. I'm upgrading the stars to four (from three) and this is the result of switching to non-portrait grip bodies. Aside from the minuscule tearing I mentioned above, the pack has remained in nearly the same condition as when I started using it in 2014. The sheer number of loops has lent it a versatility I didn't think I needed when I first purchased it -and yet, I have attached all manner of lenses, bounces, camping bags, water bottles, etc... Through it all, the bag's construction remains solid and wear is much, much slower than I've experienced with any other bag I've owned. All my above complaints remain but I'm already ruing the day I have to buy a new bag. Finding as versatile & durable a bag that also addresses the weaknesses is going to be difficult, to say the least.

I bought the older version of this bagpack few years ago and ordered this new model as replacement due to broken zippers. Such a great bag (and still is for durability and its additional pockets and spaces). But very disappointed to see the shoulder straps are much narrower now by a full inch (see picture). It makes a huge difference on long hikes when carrying heavy camera gears, tripod and other items. With these new straps It is guaranteed that it is going to hurt!

This is the mid sized bag of this type, truly the middle of the road bag. I have small(daily) through large(huge)packs. I so enjoy the feel and texture of this bag. The metal buckles and straps everywhere are just right! This is not my daily carry, (small bag) but does have room for the extra bodies and lenses I want when heading out on purpose to trek for a few days maybe even longer. The top pouch can be used for mixed use, while the side and back pouches are used for the accessories like hard drives and cords etc it also has room for my laptop without a struggle. A Really Nice bag overall, the look, feel and construction is slightly steampunk-ish which I like and its not your average speed bag, so if that's what your looking for try another bag. Buy a rain cover, its worth it.