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<html lang='en'><head><meta charset='utf-8' /><meta name='pinterest' content='nopin' /><link href='../../../../static/css/style.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><link href='../../../../static/css/print.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' media='print' /><title>Bag Review: National Geographic MC5350 / Steve Losh</title></head><body><header><a id='logo' href='https://stevelosh.com/'>Steve Losh</a><nav><a href='../../../index.html'>Blog</a> - <a href='https://stevelosh.com/projects/'>Projects</a> - <a href='https://stevelosh.com/photography/'>Photography</a> - <a href='https://stevelosh.com/links/'>Links</a> - <a href='https://stevelosh.com/rss.xml'>Feed</a></nav></header><hr class='main-separator' /><main id='page-blog-entry'><article><h1><a href='index.html'>Bag Review: National Geographic MC5350</a></h1><p class='date'>Posted on July 26th, 2015.</p><p>Since I've got a bit of downtime before I move, the bag reviews will continue.
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Next up is the National Geographic "Medium Backpack" from the Mediterranean line
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(model MG5350).</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-01.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-01.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>I got this backpack a few months ago from <a href="http://www.geographicbags.us/product/85657.1115885.0.0.0/NG%2BMC%2B5350/_/Medium_Backpack_fo_Personal_gear%2C_Laptop%2C_DSLR%2C_acc.%2C">the Geographic Bags site</a> and
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have been using it a lot. If it's out of stock there you can find it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQT8FYM/?tag=stelos-20">on
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Amazon</a> (affiliate link).</p>
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<p>I mostly use it for two things:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Day hikes where I want to bring a DSLR for landscape photos.</li>
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<li>A weekend bag to fly with as a one-bag carry on.</li>
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</ul>
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<p>It's been almost perfect for these two things, with just a couple of tiny
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hitches. Let's dig in!</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-02.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-02.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>This line (the Mediterranean series) has a much different look than their
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others. The branding is straightforward but not over the top. Once again, I'm
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pretty sure Nat Geo is licensing the name to Manfrotto to actually make the
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bags.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-03.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-03.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The stripes are a nice touch that give it some visual interest without being
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obnoxious. They remind me of piano keys a bit.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-04.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-04.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The front flap has a pocket for small stuff.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-05.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-05.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The metal zipper pulls are hefty, and have the logo nicely embossed.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-06.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-06.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Some of the zipper pulls are chunky leather. I'm not sure why some are metal
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and some are leather, but it works.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-07.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-07.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The straps are medium-width, very padded, and not detachable. There's plenty of
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room for length adjustments if you're a tall person. Unfortunately there are no
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load lifter straps.</p>
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<p>There's no internal frame, but the back of the bag has a lot of padding sewn
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into it. The inset compass design gives you a bit of ventilation. It feels
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nice when wearing, but also means you can't fold or roll this bag up to stuff it
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in a bigger bag to use as a day pack.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-08.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-08.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>There's a top handle for yanking it of overhead bins. Also the thin strip on
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the back can be pulled out a bit to slip over the handle of some roller luggage,
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if you like.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-09.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-09.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Handle stitching is nice and sturdy.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-10.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-10.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>There are a couple of rings on the front of the straps for you to clip things
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to. I like using a small carabiner to clip my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GORMJTI/?tag=stelos-20">Panasonic LX100</a> to the
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right one so I can easily take photos when hiking.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-11.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-11.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>There's a loop on one of the sides with a small lashing strap. We'll see it in
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action later (though I don't tend to use it much).</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-12.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-12.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The sternum strap is a simple strap with two D-rings as a buckle.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-13.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-13.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>It's simple and will never break, but it's a little bit annoying to have to
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thread the strap through instead of just using a plastic clip like many other
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bags do.</p>
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<p>There's no waist strap on this backpack. It's too short for a waist belt that
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would bear load, but it would have been nice to have an optional one to just
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secure things a bit better.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-14.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-14.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The buckles on the straps bite nicely into the fabric and don't slip.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-15.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-15.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Once you open it up, you can see the opening cinches closed with a simple cord.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-16.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-16.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Leather bit to keep it closed(ish).</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-17.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-17.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Metal to reinforce where the strap holds the fabric.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-18.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-18.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The underside of the flap has the same striped pattern.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-19.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-19.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The bag is divided into two sections of roughly equal size. The top section has
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a few flaps and pockets for minor organization.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-20.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-20.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Zipper pouch.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-21.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-21.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The flaps don't open very much.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-22.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-22.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Anything you put in the would need to be pretty flat (e.g.: a Kindle).</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-23.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-23.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The side pockets stick out from the body of the bag.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-24.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-24.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>A few example objects for scale.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-25.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-25.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>They're about a big as a standard-sized coffee mug.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-26.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-26.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>They'll just barely hold a folding set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3ITOHG/?tag=stelos-20">Marshall Monitor
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headphones</a>.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-27.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-27.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>They'll hold a water bottle, though if it's tall it can be a bit precarious.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-28.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-28.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>They do work well for holding a monopod, in conjunction with the lashing strap.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-29.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-29.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Unfortunately this backpack really can't handle a decent tripod. It's too tall
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for the side, and there's no attachment rings you could use to lash it to the
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bottom or back.</p>
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<p>This is one thing that does bother me about the bag. A couple of extra D rings
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on the side and bottom would solve the tripod carrying problem.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-30.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-30.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>On to the bottom compartment. This is designed as a DSLR bag, so the bottom is
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padded and has dividers like any typical camera backpack.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-31.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-31.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>It comes with two big, fluffy, padded inserts that are velcroed in.</p>
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<p>It may have come with a third divider that I removed, but if so it's mixed in
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with all my other spare dividers and I can't remember. Sorry.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-32.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-32.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The camera dividers are actually Manfrotto-braded.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-33.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-33.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>If you're not a photographer (or just aren't bringing a DSLR), the entire camera
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padding bit can come out of the bag.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-34.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-34.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>It's just held in by a few strips of velcro at the bottom (and a lot of
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squishing). So you can have two separate sections for all your stuff.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-35.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-35.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>But wait: once you take out the camera divider there seems to be a zipper...</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-36.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-36.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>You can unzip the middle divider and turn the bag into one big space, like
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a normal backpack, if you need to carry something big and bulky. I don't do
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this much, but it's great to have the option!</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-37.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-37.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>That's about it for the bag itself. Let's pack it!</p>
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<p>I'm going to pack <strong>a lot</strong> of stuff into it here to give you an idea of the
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maximum the bag will hold. I wouldn't normally take all this on a weekend trip,
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but if you're a packrat this bag will let you cram a surprising amount into it.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-38.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-38.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>We'll start with a laptop. There's a separate section for a laptop right
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against your back.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-39.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-39.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>15" Retina Macbook Pro.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-40.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-40.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Fits in the laptop pocket with plenty of room to spare. Nat Geo says this bag
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will hold a 17" laptop and I believe it.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-41.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-41.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The laptop pocket is nicely padded, but if you want even more protection you
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could use a laptop sleeve as well.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-42.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-42.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Sleeved Macbook will fit. I generally don't bother — the pocket has enough
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padding for me.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-43.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-43.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Let's load the DSLR. My full kit is usually a gripped, L-plated Pentax K5 II
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and three lenses: 16-50mm, 50-135mm, and 200mm, all f/2.8 and weather-sealed.</p>
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<p>I often leave the 200mm at home to save weight and space.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-44.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-44.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>It all fits snugly, with one lens attached to the camera. I'm really happy with
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this bag because most camera backpacks are either:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Designed for Football Dad with a Canon Rebel and kit lens, and don't even come
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close to accommodating a DSLR with a battery grip.</li>
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<li>Designed for <a href="http://i.imgur.com/aKeu50l.jpg">Chase Jarvis</a> with two bodies,
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six lenses, and no room for anything else like clothing.</li>
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</ul>
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<p>I really like that this bag lets me carry enough camera for my amateur self, and
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then lets me carry other stuff (clothes, rain gear, etc) in the rest of the bag.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-45.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-45.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Zips closed nicely. The top prism of the camera produces a bit of a bump (can't
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really see it in the photos) but it's not a big deal. If I'm not going to be
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using a tripod or monopod I'll remove the L-plate and the bump goes away.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-46.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-46.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Time for the rest of the bag! I'll show an example of stuff I'd take on
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a weekend trip (though again: I'll lean towards packing too much to show you the
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limits of the bag).</p>
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<p>First off: two shirts, two pairs of socks, two pairs of underwear, and hiking
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pants. Together with the stuff I wear, that's enough for a weekend.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-47.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-47.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>I've drank the packing cube Kool-Aid. I use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9S85CS/?tag=stelos-20">Eagle Creek packing
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cubes</a> and they work pretty well. The smaller two of the set fit well
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into this bag — the large one is too big for it.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-48.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-48.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Small cube packed with socks and underwear.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-49.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-49.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Large cube packed with shirts and pants, with a bit of room left over.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-50.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-50.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Add a towel if you're staying in a hostel. This is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0075JJ29E/?tag=stelos-20">Extra Large Packtowl
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Original</a> which has served me well. I may replace it with their
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Ultralight version sometime in the future.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-51.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-51.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Large cube all packed.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-52.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-52.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Large cube in the top section of the bag.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-53.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-53.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Small cube fits to the side nicely.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-54.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-54.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>I can't fly without headphones, so they get their own side pocket.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-55.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-55.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Easy access once on the plane.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-56.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-56.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>One thing to watch out for: the side pocket zippers have large, sharp metal
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teeth. I could see them ripping fabric if you're not careful.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-57.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-57.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>On a whim I grabbed this <a href="http://www.geographicbags.us/utility-kit-for-media-accessories-or-travel-items">Utility Kit</a> when I got the bag and it's proved
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to be a handy little organizer.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-58.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-58.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The fabric is thin, but water-resistant.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-59.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-59.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>It will accommodate quite a bit. For this demo:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Rain cover for the backpack</li>
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<li>Cell phone charger</li>
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<li>Toothbrush</li>
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<li>Sleeping mask</li>
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<li>Camera charger</li>
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<li>77mm polarizer</li>
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<li>Lens cleaning supplies</li>
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</ul>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-60.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-60.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>All packed in.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-61.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-61.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The center section holds a lot. My friend has fit a travel hair dryer in it.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-62.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-62.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The mesh bags are good for small stuff.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-63.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-63.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Bottom mesh bit.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-64.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-64.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>It has a hanger to hang once you're in a hotel room, and also helps hold it
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shut.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-65.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-65.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Fits snugly on top of the large packing cube.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-66.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-66.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Since we've got a rain cover for the backpack, let's add one for ourselves.
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I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2ZCXQO/?tag=stelos-20">Marmot PreCip</a> for hiking (it will also add some warmth in
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a pinch).</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-67.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-67.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Rolls up nice and small. Apparently I'm out of rubber bands in my house, so
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I used the end of an old guitar strap here.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-68.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-68.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>It will fit (barely) in the other side pocket. Again, mind the zipper teeth as
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they feel like they would tear through the thin fabric if you're not careful.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-69.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-69.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Just about fully loaded!</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-70.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-70.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The cord cinches the top of the bag loosely. It can't close completely though,
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so if you're worried about pickpockets...</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-71.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-71.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>You can loop the strap up...</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-72.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-72.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>And around, to provide a bit of extra protection.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-73.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-73.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Front view.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-74.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-74.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>The snap on the front is also one of the things I don't like about the bag.
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It's magnetic so it snaps itself into place (which is nice), but it's very small
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and shallow so it doesn't have a lot of strength. If you pack the bag really
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full like this you'll find it coming unsnapped from the strain as you walk.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-75.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-75.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>A couple of odds and ends for the front pocket.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-76.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-76.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Easy access. Don't keep anything important in here.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-77.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-77.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Time for the final measurements! This is definitely too big to quality as
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a "personal item" but will easy make it as a carry on. United's website says
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a carry on should be 22" by 14" by 9".</p>
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<p>We're at 17" wide, which is a bit over 14". You probably won't get called on
|
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it, but if you remove the stuff from the side pockets it collapses down to 13".</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-78.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-78.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>Thickness-wise we're at 9.5". You can save an inch by taking the laptop out.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-79.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-79.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>And we're well under the long dimension.</p>
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<p><a href="https://stevelosh.com/static/images/blog/2015/07/full/nat-geo-mc5350-80.jpg"><img src="../../../../static/images/blog/2015/07/nat-geo-mc5350-80.jpg" alt="Photo"></a></p>
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<p>That's it!</p>
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<p>All this stuff clocks in at a hefty 24 pounds. Like I said, this was an example
|
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of stuffing the bag to bursting. On a real trip I'd probably leave behind the
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computer and charger, camera charger, 200mm lens, and the rain gear.</p>
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<p>After using this on a couple of day hikes and weekend trips I'm really happy
|
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with it. I really like the hybrid "reasonable DSLR kit plus weekend supplies"
|
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style they've taken here. My only nitpicks are:</p>
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<ul>
|
|
<li>Weak front clasp</li>
|
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<li>Sharp teeth on the side pouch zippers</li>
|
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<li>No load lifter straps</li>
|
|
<li>No waist strap</li>
|
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<li>No D rings to lash things to the bottom or back</li>
|
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</ul>
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<p>Those are all pretty minor though. I'd definitely recommend this bag if you're
|
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looking for a small, versatile camera backpack.</p>
|
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</article></main><hr class='main-separator' /><footer><nav><a href='https://github.com/sjl/'>GitHub</a> ・ <a href='https://twitter.com/stevelosh/'>Twitter</a> ・ <a href='https://instagram.com/thirtytwobirds/'>Instagram</a> ・ <a href='https://hg.stevelosh.com/.plan/'>.plan</a></nav></footer></body></html> |