National Geographic Explorer Medium Backpack Review

// July 20th, 2009 // Canon 5D Mark II, Photography

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If you are like me, one of the most important questions you have when selecting a bag is, “How does it work on a plane?”

I have travelled with this bag stuffed to the limit a few times now and can happily report that it fits well both in overhead storage, as well as under the seat ahead of you.  Security has never even batted an eye when I run this bag through. The last time I travelled I had the following in my bag:

  • Dell 15.4” laptop with extended battery (Inspiron 1525)

  • Canon 5D Mark II

  • Canon 70-200mm 2.8L

  • Canon 14-70mm 3.5L

  • Canon 50mm 1.8

  • Canon 28mm 2.8

  • Speedlite 430 EX II

  • Various filters

  • Kata rain jacket

  • Various other small accessories

  • A Terrible Towel

  • A Bogen carbon fiber tripod attached to the side with the loops *

  • A Bogen pan head in the big knapsack compartment


I can’t tell you how much I love the all of the pockets and rings. I have a Crumpler Karachi Outpost, but hardly ever use it because this bag makes getting to your gear so easy.  The folds out pockets on the side are awesome for your water bottles as you spend the day hiking or site-seeing. I  have hiked around NYC, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh with this bag and wouldn’t have changed a thing about the bag.

I will also add that the included rain cover is slick and easy to throw over the bag, buying you some time to get out of the rain. I would depend on it for an all day deluge, but most of us don’t spend all day outdoors in the rain with this type of equipment.

Many people have commented about not having enough room for a 15” laptop. I usually put my laptop in the bag form inside the bag through the knapsack pocket versus the outside zipper pocket. Even with the extended battery, it fits nicely.

I am running out of space in this bag and have been considering the larger bag, but the reviews aren’t so great about it. I might get it and modify the Velcro in the photo compartment.

* I usually detach the tripod once I get on the plane for ease of storage under the seat. I think you could easily leave it attached in overhead storage.

I purchased mine through Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-NG-5162-Explorer/dp/B000FJ2OSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248106412&sr=8-1

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