Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

This is supposed to hold a 15-inch laptop computer. It does not. Not even close. It's several inches short of being able to hold a 15-inch laptop.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Pros: Very, very well made (hemp!), strong stitching everywhere, no plastic, lots of attachment options, comfortable padded and contoured shoulder straps, easy to flip around to your front and open up the camera compartment, lots of space for other hiking items (food, water, etc.), versatile camera compartment (fits Nikon D300s, 16-85, 70-300, and SB600 with room to spare), doesn't immediately look like a camera gear bag

Cons: If you need to lug around a huge laptop, get the bigger version of this same bag (this should be pretty clear by now from the other reviews!) Still plenty of space for a small laptop / netbook or normal paper notebooks though.

Overall: I would buy again, absolutely!

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

I wanted a convenient backpack that I could use not only for lugging my camera and lenses around, but also my class books as well. This does the job perfectly. Right now as a matter of fact, I have stored in it the following: T1i w/ kit lens mounted on it, 55-250 IS, a Canon AE-1 Program w/ 28-105, a 70-300mm, two binders, a notebook, 2 flashes and various camera accessories. I can actually fit both my monopod and tripod on the sides of it. There is still room to cram more into it. It holds all this at once and still manages to be comfortable!

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

I got this as a day trip pack (both walking around cities or out on the motorcycle) and for when i'm traveling through airports etc. and it is the perfect bag.

I have Nikon D80 w 18-70 lens attached, 10-24 wide, 70-300 zoom, misc. filters & cleaning kit in main compartment. (could prob just fit flash -SB600 if needed).

Have also Macbook 15" (with hard "incase") which fits perfectly through the side zipper so no need to go through the top compartment. (I can see how a normal PC laptop would be too tight - i would recommend upgrading to a mac if this was the case!)

Have only had snacks and small lightweight fleece in top compartment as yet, but for what i need it's more than enough.

Would definately recommend.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Doesn't really fit 15" laptop. Great for up to 14". Used on a recent trip to Hawaii. Gear stored in bag - canon 5d, Sigma 530 flash, Sigma 15-50 f2.8 & 70-200 f2.8 lens, Manfrotto monopod, 13" laptop, several filters, "pro" Gorrilapod, monocular, battery charger, card reader, lens cleaner. "Rain fly" worked great!

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

for a quick grab & go bag, this works well. I don't store or transport gear in this bag but use it for quick out the door stuff. I wish the padded inserts allowed for more creative pattern adjustments but I've done some sewing modifications to take care of that issue.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

I pack a lot each day for work and I didn't want to carry 2 bags. This is perfect - a protective area for my camera and a separate area for everything else - my lunch, my coffee cup, etc... Probably too small for my outdoor expeditions, but perfect if you're someone that wants to take your camera everywhere you go!

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Pros: inconspicuous looking, comfortable to wear, well made, durable, lots of storage compartments, price

Cons: limited storage in camera compartment, floppy water bottle holders, pull-string closure for day-pack compartment doesn’t seal, camera compartment divider configuration

This bag recently accompanied me on a 9 day trip to Hawaii and I was quite pleased overall with my purchase. There are a few shortcomings worth mentioning, but none of which make this a bad purchase.

The bag is constructed really well, looks quite handsome, and doesn’t scream “Camera bag!” The latter was my main criterion for buying the bag. Secondly, I wanted something that could hold a basic amount of equipment comfortably since I’d be hiking with it. It delivered though it was a tad snug.

On any one hike I had the following in my bag’s camera compartment:
- Canon 5D with extended grip and 24-105L attached
- Canon 70-200 f4L with lens shade unattached
- Canon 28-80 (backup lens)
- Filters, media cards, 4 spare batteries
- point ‘n shoot digital camera
The day-pack compartment held lunch, snacks, thin long-sleeve shirt, sunscreen , hat, book, misc essentials. I kept a windbreaker folded in the laptop compartment along with the rain cover that comes with the bag. I could also fit my Wolverine backup drive in there, but once backed up, I left it in our hotel room.

Various outside pockets held two water bottles, pens, paper, sun glasses, phone, etc…
When loaded as described, the bag weighed about 12lbs. It was perfect for hiking through wet rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. The well-padded shoulder straps and back padding were comfortable even after hiking 6 hours. There is a sternum strap, but no waist or upper shoulder adjustment straps. I’m a medium build guy and even without these micro adjustments felt comfortable wearing the pack.

I was apprehensive fitting a full-sized DSLR with grip into the camera compartment; The problem was that the camera was too tall. The zipper flap does fit over and close easily though. Yes, you still can fit items in the front zipper compartments of the flap, and the compartment does not bulge at the seams.

Gripes:
1. The dividers in the camera compartment are held to the walls of the bag with one thin Velcro strip. When the camera wasn’t in the compartment, the 70-200 would dislodge and pull the dividers apart. I plan on sewing in thicker Velcro strips or some other means of fastening the dividers.

2. The water bottle holders smartly tuck into each side of the bag. When in use, the bottles flop around as they are only connected by a thin seam. If holding lenses, you’ll need to fasten the holders to the sides of the bag.

3. The day-pack compartment can hold additional camera gear, but be aware that it only closes using a pull-string and flap cover. This may not keep out dust and debris. A sealing zipper would be nice.

4. Laptop compartment. Many reviewers complained that the bag will not hold a 17” laptop. This is partially true. There is a zipper along the outer side of the bag – perfect for slipping a small laptop into the bag. You won’t be able to put a full-size laptop through that zipper. You’ll have to slip it in through the day-pack compartment. Definitely not a deal breaker. My 15” (diagonal measurement) Dell measures 14.25” X 10.5” X 1.5” and fits perfectly. Anything larger will not fit.

5. Weather proofing is a bit weak. I hiked through light rain / heavy mist without the rain cover and the water beaded slightly on the bags canvas exterior… for a short while. Spraying some Scotch Guard or other silicone spray may help. Putting the rain cover over the bag makes getting to your gear a pain. I would not subject the bag to driving rain as the day-pack compartment doesn’t seal closed.

All in all, this is a great bag despite a few minor flaws. I’d highly recommend it.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Best:
1-Doesn't yell "STEAL THIS FIRST"
2-Multitude of storage options (configure your gear as you please)
3-Will indeed hold a 15" laptop .. use the internal slide-in (the visual of someone trying to get a 15 or 17" via the zipper on the side is hilarious)
4-I actually got a Canon 10d, Tamron 28-200 zoom, canon 24mm 2.8, canon 1.4x, and just wedged a canon 300mm f4 into the camera portion. Very cramped, but all fit with pads (no laptop and 300mm not on camera) .. still had room for raingear, socks, etc., and misc in the compartment above
5-Build quality ... this thing will outlast me ... one of my boys will surely end up with it ... strong!!

USE: If I'm not shooting my gear is in it, PERIOD!! Keep all lenses in neoprene pouches for added padding!!

The BAD:
why on earth (no pun intended) they made this medium bag this size is confusing. It's 11.8L x 7W x 16.5H for a total 35.3 LINEAR inches. The LARGE version is: 15.7L x 11.8W x 23.6H (note: L-across, W-depth, H-height) for a total of 51.1 LINEAR inches. Airline travel will allow 45 LINEAR inches and they will notice the extra six (6"). Why wasn't the Medium bag designed to be around 40 - 42 linear inches I'll never know .. would have been a 10/10. (Hope I did the math right, but you get the idea) They just barely missed the boat with this bag for airline travel, daypack, storage, and a camera bag. DESIGNER ERROR!!

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Great backpack and easy to use it!

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

I use this pack both for venturing into the wilds and as a storage pouch for my point & shoot along with my camcorder.

I especially appreciate the strong construction and being waterproof.

Am considering two new lens' for my D300 and may have to give the larger edition a hard look.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

I travel around the globe and have tried dozens of bags, finally found the right one. Easily stores my 15" laptop and a D 300 with several lenses. Stores all the necesities in a relatively comfortable, light wieght and rugged pack. Surprisingly the "raincoat" worked well in both rainy areas of Africa and Central America. Easy access to each compartment once you get used to it. A great buy for the money. Also a very easy way to get all that equipment on a plane, even the small regional ones.

I have often time avoided the internet camera shops, always a bit rude and pushy, but I must say Adorama and it's staff , especially Fred, were terrific and patient. What they didn't know was I have visited the store at times and find that staff to be equally professional and very helpful. Thanks

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

I am a volunteer at Everglades National Park and this back pack is very comfortable for a long day in the very hot South Florida sun. It is well built and carefully planned.I am very happy with it.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

This pack is great for day trips. I spend a lot of time both in the North Carolina foothills and at the beaches, particularly the outer banks .There is plenty of room for cameras,lenses, and accessories, including clothes and food. The pack is light, but durable, and provides good padding. There are no negatives. I have no need for a laptop outside of work, so that space is used for other papers and books.This is probably the best pack that I have.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

NG5162 seems to be a pretty quality bag and has a lot of little touches that are nice.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Wanted a bag that would allow for keeping 70-200 lens in case, and fit in a back pack. The National Geographic bag has two compartments, upper open compartment and lower for camera. The upper fits perfect for large lens, in the case, and camera with multiple options including 17-55 or 135 fits on camera in bottom with several other lenses. The outside pockets allow for quick access to strobe, memory cards, paper and pen, and batteries. Entire bag has good padding for protecting equipment.

Two negatives. First, it will NOT hold a 17” lap top. It also won’t hold a 15.4” Dell lap top. Computer measures 14", zipper on side opens 13". I can’t get my new pc to fit into the bag. I did not realize this until this past week as I’ve had no need to put the computer into the bag until now. May return bag for this reason. Second is that the bottom section has very limited Velcro locations so as to separate out and hold equipment. There is two places at top and bottom, but with camera, you need more locaitons to make it adjustable.

I would recommend as a good basic small bag that allows for quick access and good padding. But if you're expecting to travel and take computer along, get a smaller computer, or a bigger bag.

Finally, as with any backpack, make sure you get use to zipping up the bag each time you take out your camera, or you’ll find yourself dumping everything out. Have seen several people loose everything when bag falls over or is picked up.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Looked high and low for a camera bag-backpack combo that would do both jobs well. The NG Earth Explorer was the answer! This guy is very well made, has plenty of room for my D80 and lenses, Speedlight, tripod PLUS lunch and a change of clothes!

The Backpack fits very well, very comfortable, easy access to all my stuff. Has plenty of attachment points...very verstatile.

Highly recommended!

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

The description says the bag will hold a 17" laptop. It will not!! My laptop is smaller that 17" and will not fit through the zipper. Description says that laptop will fit through side zipper or main compartment. The only access to the laptop area is through the size zipper (which a laptop will not fit through.) There is no access though a main compartment. I purchased this backpack so as to be able to consolidate camera and laptop bag when flying. I am no better off than when I had my separate camera bag and laptop bag.

Comments about National Geographic National Geographic Earth Explorer Medium Backpack, Holds a Medium Digital SLR or Video Camera & a 15" Notebook with Accessories & Personal Items.:

Very good basic bag, with two compartments. Top compartment can be used to store items or other equipment. I use it to store 70-200vr in the case. Fits perfect. Bottom compartment is for camera and other lenses. It easily fits camera with several lens options up to 135mm and several other larger lens such as 17-55. Only thing I wish they would change is limited locations for attaching dividers inside bottom compartment of bag. Would allow for more secure fit for these camera and lens and make it easier to get in and out. Not that much different though than other bags I looked at and they did not hold the big lens in the case as this one does. Outside of bag has good places for easy access to memory cards and flash unit, batteries, and note pads/pens. Monopod is strapped to side as well for easy access.