Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent) Reviews

• Great bag that holds everything!

  
  By A2BDXF9Y27WHF0 on 2005-07-14
  I had so much stuff in my huge LowePro Nova 5AW shoulder bag that it hurt my my shoulder and back to carry it around. Saw the Canon 200EG Backpack and based on reviews ordered one. I am impressed. It was about 1/2 the price of my LowePro bag. Its very well designed with lots of compartments, padding, external straps and quality materials. It holds everything that was in my other bag and I still have more room. I've got a Canon 20D with BGE2 battery grip, 3 zoom lenses (one a telephoto), a Canon 580EX flash, a Slik mini tripod, lens hoods for all the lenses, and a large assortment of filters for all the lenses all inside the main compartment. External compartments hold everything else like spare battery packs, chargers, cables, etc. Its got straps on the bottom to carry my tripod which my old bag didn't have. Its got other straps for carrying all kinds of stuff. And I carry bag this much comfortably. The one thing that the LowePro bag had was an all weather cover that could be zipped out to cover the bag in bad weather. Never used it anyhow so whats the point? The LowePro goes to E-Bay!
  
  

• Good Bag, Could Be Better

  
  By A190EAFTGCQNED on 2006-04-16
  At first I loved this bag. As other reviewers have said, it fits a ton of camera equipment safely. It also fits comfortably and adjusts easily.
  
  My only complaint is that the lens holders (see photos) are all open, meaning that it is very easy for the lenses to slip out of position or, if you open the bag the wrong way, fall out or slip. This happened to me a number of times on a recent trip. It would be nice if Canon provided extra elastic/velcro strips, like the one used for the main compartment, to hold the lenses in place.
  
  Otherwise, it is a really good bag at a great price.
  
  

• Great Bag! Great Price!

  
  By A2ZE4KSGQOXW6H on 2004-09-23
  This bag is big enough to fit an SLR and practicaly all you will need. It has paded divisions for protection, it also feels really confortable in your back. Trust me you cant do wrong with this one.
  
  

• Bad Times

  
  By A23EY308MZQJ78 on 2005-11-26
  At first, this back pack seems amazing: made by canon, looks cool, and has a bunch of compartments and such. But when you start to use it, you realize you made a mistake when you bought it. First: trying to get your equipment out of this thing quickly is almost impossible. The zipper gets stuck if you close the backpack completely. After messing with it for a minute or two it'll open. Second: (which I guess is true for all backpacks, and is the reason why I wont buy another one) is that trying to get your gear out of the bag is a juggling act. To avoid dropping your lenses and such you have to put the bag on the ground and squat to get them. By the time you switch lenses you will either A: lose your shot, or B: get trampled on. After a few weeks of using this bag, the zipper would un-hook itself, letting my equipment fall out. This happened while I was shooting a concert and I almost lost 2,000$ worth of equipment. I cant wait to return this bag and get one that hangs off your shoulder to your hip.
  
  

• Don't buy this backpack!

  
  By A1HTB488P5GRCP on 2005-09-20
  Don't buy this backpack unless you only have less than $40 to spend on a bag and don't mind what I would say in this review!
  
  I know almost everyone who purchased this bag says it worth the money. But they probably NEVER compare it to a better one like those from Lowepro.
  
  I have a Lowepro Photo Trekker AWII to put all my equipement in, include a large camcorder. It is big and pretty heavy. It is good for vacation but not good to use in town. So I decide to buy a Mini Trekker also from Lowepro. Then I mentioned this one, which has nearly the same space at much lower price. I also want to use it as a backpack for everyday use.
  
  I received it and put in the 300D, 2 lenses, a flash. It is not even full. I found the padding foam is far from firm, if you drop the bag from sofa to hardwood surface, it probably won't protect the camera/lens inside. This is not what I expected. Material looks cheap, just like those cost under 15 dollar from a Walmarrrrt with designs for camera, but that's fine. It is not a Lowepro and price is not too.
  
  Then noticed the worst thing. Without too many stuffs inside, this bag feels extremely uncomfortable. Yes, the shoulder belts are SO POORLY designed. I let my wife to try it as she said the bag is light and she did not understand why I complain. Immediately she knew the reason. The should belts are stiff. The inner sides press my shoulder and outer sides are almost not touching my shoulder. The pading material feels like cheap bathing foam BUT the belt material feels like a piece of solid plastic.
  
  A lot of guys said to buy stuff with best price/performance ration is wasting money, they are right again. This bag is NO better than those generic backpacks in Walmart, it should cost 20 dollar at most!
  
  So don't waste your money!
  
  
• good bag can be made better for a few bucks...
  By A3ATORX9LJWRUM on 2005-07-21
  This is a good bag for the money. it's not a great bag, but very useable. with a few bucks and a trip to REI, it can be made much better however.
  
  first, get yourself a 40 inch long, 1 inch wide webbing lashing strap, with a quick release buckle on the end. should be about 2 bucks. use that to wrap the bag through the lashing anchors on the sides of the bag. this acts as a very good compression strap, and gives you an added measure of security. close the bag with the zippers below the strap, and it's harder for would be thieves to open your bag while you are carrying it. it also allows you to open the top half of the bag, and grab your camera without letting the other contents of the bag fall out. since the top of the backpack is cut inwards, the camera is fairly easy to grab for those quick shots. not as fast as a messenger bag, but better than having to put your bag on the ground to get your camera out.
  
  next, get a pack of 1 inch tri glide buckles. use those to tidy up the 40 inch lashing strap, and the long adjustable shoulder straps. stuff the waist strap into the small storage area in the bottom back of the bag, and poof! you now have a neat, and much more useable bag for a few bucks more.
  
  a velbon luxi SF tripod fits great into the front pocket with the 1/4 inch compression cords.
  
  great bag, could use some more padding though.
  
  
• Inexpensive, CHEAP non-pro style backpack
  By A1QJ8RKPWKXI7O on 2005-11-24
  I was swayed by all the good reviews and bought one, even though the older style Canon backpack I had bought and then promptly got rid of some years back had left a bad taste in my mouth. Well, let's just say things aren't much better. There are a number of improvements and the styling is nice. But a Rebel with battery grip doesn't fit. Therefore, I don't think a 10D or a 20D will either. Not sure about an XT since it is smaller. Assuming of course you have the add on battery grip like I do. The zippers absolutely stink. They are light duty and don't zip smoothly. I feel like the weight of the camera up high will force the zippers to slowly unzip and there goes the camera. I am so unimpressed. It's not even worth the cheap price Amazon is asking in my opinion. Spend some more money for a good bag like a Tamrac.
  
  
• Poor zippers
  By A3OPRLWZMZMSB7 on 2006-03-18
  This bag is dangerous! It zips from both sides. When new, I had the two zippers meeting at the top. They opened spntaneously and dumped out my new Canon Digital Rebel and a lens. Luckily I was on a carpet and nothing broke.
  
  I fixed that problem by using a safety pin to keep one zipper at its bottom location to force me to zip the other all the way over the top. So far, so good. Then, when the bag was about 2 months old, the zipper gave out totally. The bag is worthless.
  
  
• Great Features and Value.
  By AP6PV8L8PVI64 on 2006-05-25
  The bag is just shy of a standard sized backpack/bookbag, just slightly shorter. It's black nylon/cordura or whatever that fabric is called now, with an olive accented panel on the front. Two Canon logos are visible from the front, nothing gaudy or obnoxious. It doesn't really scream "camera bag" either - just your run of the mill black backpack I guess.
  
  What I like about the most is that it opens a clam shell fashion. This is a big step up from my previous bag, where you had to undo a flap cover, and then undo a zipper that basically cut the bag in half - not a very speedy or convenient process. The Canon bag is easy access; the camera sits right at the top, and you can remove it without having to totally open the bag up. Another thing I find nice is the amount of useable space. A couple more dividers would be nice, but I can use the leftovers from my previous bag if needed. In the main compartment, I can fit my Drebel body, with 28-105 attached, 28-300, 128mm prime, 16mm zenitar, 8mm Peleng, 50mm Takumar prime, 18-55 kit lens, flash, cheapo slave flash, and two coversion lenses (.24 wide angle, and 1.5 tele - both are junk, but are keen for that lensbaby effect). After all that, I still have a little space leftover for another lens - or battery and charger, or pack of smokes. I could probably even free up some more space if I rearranged the dividers, or leave a couple lenses behind and pack another body. That's just the main compartment.
  
  There are two zipper pockets on the front of the bag, one sort of shallow,
  you could fit maybe an envelope in it. The other pocket utilizes the entire
  length of the flap - you could fit a few magazines, maps, socks or a t shirt
  in there with no problem. There's even a small hook inside the pocket - for keys maybe? If not, there's enough room to hang a Camelback bladder - at least the smaller sized ones. Covering the front pocket is another sort of open laced pocket, with a drawcord that tightens it all up. A windbreaker/pants would fit in there easily, or maybe even a folded up reflector. The front pockets expand outward from the bag, so you can stuff them pretty full and still close it with no issues.
  
  Either side of the bag is flanked by smaller pockets, with a hook/loop closure.
  They are not really the `right size' for anything - and I'm not sure I trust the
  closure method on them either. Still, at least they are there if you need them,
  or if you need to lose something. I have yet to discover any hidden or non
  advertised pockets or zippers...
  
  The bag also has plenty of straps all over the place: the main shoulder straps are quite wide - I'm not sure they are actually a bonus - in fact they are admittadly awkward at first, but you get used to them. There's a small breast strap that connect them together on the front, and also a strap for you waist. Two extra straps on the side, not sure what their uses are. Also two straps on the bottom, for a tripod I presume.
  
  Now, for the critical stuff.
  
  Now, $35.00 is pretty cheap for a backpack/camera bag, right? So what's the catch? The first nit I would note is that the build quality - not sub par, but also not on the level of a $150.00 bag. That said, I would note all the seams are sewn completely, no frayed threads, and the zippers align and and work as they should. The material, while being labled as "water repellent" (urethane coated!), is also a lessor grade of nylon than you find on pricier bags. If you own a Camelback, you wold notice a difference in material quality, for instance. The webbed pockets on the inside, seem solidly sewn in place, but I'm not sure I'd want to test just how far you can stretch them, you can sort of feel a "give point" just beyond where everything seems tight. Hmmm, actually the build quality is okay, it's more the materials I have issue with.
  
  I wish there were some tie downs or buckles to keep the loose ends of the straps
  under control. Not really a performance issue, just keen attention to details. The main zipper has a small rain flap running its entire length, but some reason is just seems backwards - like maybe it should face the other way. I am concerned about being caught in the rain with it, seems like the water would rush right in. Good thing I'm in the desert.
  
  Last thing, is the shoulder straps. They are about two inches wide. I can see the
  logic behind this, potentially heavy weight one's back adds up after a while, but it seems that their width may add to fatique rather than relieve it. I have yet to test this theory though... I may report back in a while with my findings, just because I find them so odd.
  
  But any criticism has to be taken with a grain of salt as well; it is, after all, a $35.00
  camera backpack. For the price, it offers convenience and features that far outweigh
  nitpicky negatives I've commented on. I only raise them to make people aware - it's not like getting a $200.00 bag for 40 bucks. But it is like getting a really keen bag for 35.
  
  
• Student-Type backpack, decent for the price
  By A1E6RUUY6TGXIE on 2005-12-14
  I admit it-- I bought this backpack for two main reasons. The first was that it looked like I could shove a water bottle into one of those side pouches. The second is because I could shove a normal sized notebook into that large front pocket.
  
  Neither is *exactly* true. I can fit a waterbottle in this thing, but that's because I put it on in the webbing on the front. But my wallet fits perfectly in that side pocket, as well as my cell phone.
  
  The large front pocket won't hold a notebook computer unless it's a *small* notebook computer -- smaller then my fairly normal sized toshiba. But it will fit a comp book, two paperbacks, or a 1 inch binder. It could probably even fit a small text book and a comp book, which makes it great for a photography class.
  
  One thing I miss is that my Lowepro Minitrekker had pockets within pockets-- inside the large fromt pocket, there are two little "bag" pockets that look like they were meant to hold water bottles. They're aaaaaallll the way down at the bottem, so there's not really any place to put things like lens caps while you're shooting ( I'm a girl, so I've gotten into the habit of sticking lens caps in my bra. Don't laugh! It works! ).
  
  It's padded and all, but it just doens't feel padded enough to me. There's not really much padding on the sides, and there's none whatsoever on the top (where you put your camera!). The reason for this is that the bag is supposed to be sort of quick-draw -- if the zipper is at the very top and middle of the main pocket, and you open it half an inch, you can see the LCD of your camera. Another few inches, and you can draw your camera right out without having to open the entire bag.
  
  Speaking of "the entire bag", that's something to be aware of. There's plenty of room in this thing to shove random doo-dads to the point where I've started putting things in there that I don't really need ( for example : a pair of gloves. I should mention I live in the tropics--I haven't used them yet ), just to fill in the empty spaces.
  
  My two favorite things about this bag is that it A) doesn't look like a camera bag ( it looks like a semi-bulky school backpack, especially if you use a seam ripper and get rid of the canon logo )and B) If you empty it out, it folds down pretty flat for a camera bag --useful if you transfer your stuff from bag to bag like I do.
  
  
• I liked this bag at first...
  By A2ZDPN3KMGW0Q4 on 2007-08-15
  It was inexpensive, lightweight, and held all the gear I needed for travel: an EOS 5D, four lenses, flash, portable hard drive, chargers, spare batteries and flash cards, manuals, etc., with room left over for odds and ends plus my passport wallet.
  
  BUT! One day, arriving at the airport with the bag over one shoulder, the plastic adjustment fitting on the shoulder strap broke, dropping the bag to the sidewalk. Through some miracle the only casualty was a smashed lens cap, but the incident points up glaring flaws in this bag's construction: inadequate hardware design margins and/or cheaply made fittings, and internal padding that's not up to the task. I knotted the ends of the shoulder strap together to make do until I got home from the trip and then immediately went out and bought a proper camera backpack, the Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack, which also holds my laptop and is built like a tank. It has some shortcomings and costs five times as much as the Canon bag but, honestly, can you afford to put your investment in camera gear at risk just to save a few bucks on a camera bag?
  
  
• Pure and simple, this is the best camera bag I've ever owned!
  By AD0ABII1KCE6Q on 2005-11-01
  Pure and simple, this is the best camera bag I've ever owned!
  
  It's an extremely well-thought-out bag, and does exactly what I wanted it to. By moving and re-bending some of the dividers, I have been able to carry my EOS 10D edgewise, with the lens on...AND with a Stroboframe Press-T installed with a 420EX speedlight on top with coil-cord connected...ready to use in one grab, with "no assembly required," with the base of the camera at the bottom of the bag and the flash at the top for perfect weight distribution. And there's still room for charger, other lenses, accessories in the main body, to say nothing of the outer compartments and pouches for your other "junk" like cell phone, iPod, GPS and pocket digicam (doesn't every paparazzo need a backup in case somthing happens to his main camera?)
  
  The main zippered compartment on the front of the case has room for two 16.9 oz. bottles of Aquafina plus assorted snackage plus the outer web will hold a rolled-up jacket. It has external straps on each side and a pair on the bottom to attach tripods and other tools of engagement.
  
  The thick padded shoulder straps are great, and the sternum strap and waist strap will keep this securely on your body no matter how strenuous your physical activity. You'll feel ready to roll like a Marine in full battle rattle with this kit.
  
  Since this bag is brand-new, I have no idea how it will hold up over the years, but the fit and finish and level of detail hint that some attention was paid to quality of build. And the price? A giveaway! People, buy this bag, now!
  
  
• great camera bag at a great price
  By A2FMLDMT9AWTKU on 2005-04-28
  i got this item a few months ago and what a deal. i
  looked around for other camera backpacks, and was
  shocked to find some of them costing 100s of dollars.
  come on its a back pack with some velcro straps. so
  when i found the canon i was very pleased. i was able
  to fit my 20D with Bg-e2 grip still attached, 4 lens
  and lots of other parts in this pack with no problems.
  it looks nice and the build quality is very good. lots
  of straps for other stuff, its soft and padded in the
  right places. for the money is one of the best out
  there.
  
  
• Before you buy...
  By A3FNCCOVNV4CK6 on 2007-04-21
  I bought the cannon photo backpack and used it for a couple of weeks. It is okay, works as advertised. What I don't like about the bag is that I have to take it completely off and lay it down on a flat surface in order to be able to safe extract my camera. I recently purchased the Lowepro Slingshot 200 and found their design completely addressed this issue. I think the LowePro quality is considerably better too. Look at the Slingshot before you make up your mind to buy the Cannon photo backpack.
  
  
• Beware of Zipper!
  By A2LWE30ANNQ1ZT on 2006-02-27
  Beware of the zippers! DO NOT close both zippers to the top of this bag because they will open like a banana peel and expose all of your equipment. On of my lenses fell out and crashed into the ground where it broke in two and the snow got inside the pieces. Luckily it was one of my less expensive lenses, but still a loss. Make sure you close the zippers to either side and/or hook them together with a small clasp to ensure this does not happen to you!
  
  For the price it's a great bag. It holds quite a bit for it's size, as well. I've tried to use it to carry my Bogen tripod and I found it too clumsy...but it's okay because I usually carry the tripod on my shoulder so I'm ready.
  
  
  
• This backpack is a gem...
  By A33L7AC7RKNHD9 on 2006-08-14
  This is perhaps the best cost-to-value product that Canon makes. I compared this backpack to a similar Lowepro and Tamrac backpack. After reading multiple reviews I made the purchase.
  
  The build quality, and protective padding, are excellent. The color is quite nice, the zippers are well-constructed, and the overall size is bigger than I anticipated. The main compartment holds an impressive amount of equipment and is modifiable for your particular needs. Mine carries a Rebel XT body with battery grip attached, a 400mm f/5.6, a 70/200mm f/2.8 is lens, kit lens, a 50 mm 1.8 lens, a 1.4 teleconverter, and a 2.0 teleconverter.
  
  The bag is laid flat to open. The cover/flap that zips open has both interior and exterior pockets. On the inside of this flap are two mesh pockets with zippers. There is ample space here to store all batteries, flash cards, small manual, or whatever. It has the same length and width as the compartment that contains all the camera equipment I specified.
  
  The external portion of the cover/flap has a zipper that follows a semicircular patern when opening (along the perimeter of the bag) and another compartment that zips horizontally across the mid portion of the cover/flap. Again, there is a lot of storage space in these pockets. I carry the manual, both the remote control switch and the cable switch, the battery holder for my battery grip, and I have room to spare. It would be easy to carry protein bars or other items in this space.
  
  The side of the bag has two smaller pockets that have a zelcro attachment. I place cleaning cloths and lens cleaning equipment in these pockets. They are not overly secure given the zelcro versus zipper attachment, so I wouldn't put expensive items in these side pockets.
  
  There are straps on the bottom of the bag that allow you to attach your tripod. I have the Manfrotto 3021 w/488rc2 head. While the width makes passing through doorways a slight venture, the tripod is held securely and does not bounce against you while walking.
  
  There are straps that connect across your chest and waist to aid in weight distribution. They are thin, and haven't proven very useful so far. I prefer the waist straps to the chest straps. The shoulder straps are thick and well padded. They make toting the bag extremely comfortable.
  
  I saved perhaps $100 compared to similarly sized and styled bags from Lowepro and Tamrac.
  
  For me, this one's a no-brainer.
  
  
  
• Great Backpack
  By A23DCRVFIQM3RN on 2005-04-27
  I bought this bag for my Camera body and 4 lenses. Fits everything great; not a too tight fit. Looked at other bags and settled with this one and am very happy I did. Good quality, comfortable, easy access, and enough room for my stuff.
  You won't be disappointed.
  
  
• Two Cameras, Three Lenses, A Flash Unit, and more room
  By A1MNPX5AGQUGHT on 2006-01-05
  The backpack camera bag is impressive in that is was designed to be a real hiking pack. It has the sleeve through which a waist belt can be run. It has the clips to hold the shoulder straps across the chest from spreading too far. It even has the waist strap of its own.
  
  I tend to like to have everything with me when I take the camera, so let me list what I shoved into this bag and still have more room to go:
  1) Canon 20D with the 28-135IS Lens attached AND the flower-type lens hood on (ready to shoot);
  2) 300D/Digital Rebel Body with the battery grip attached;
  3) 18-55 EF lens
  4) 50mm/1.8 mkI lens
  5) table top tripod (just in case)
  6) four bp-511-type batteries
  7) Tiffen filter essentials for the giant 28-135 lens
  8) Hoya filter packs (3 boxes) for the 18-55
  9) a lens cleaning kit (small 5x7x1 box)
  10) a 380EX flash
  11) a bunch of odds and ends (like the wired remote for the Rebel, a flat level, etc)
  12) Firewire CF reader
  13) charger for the BP-511
  
  There is one empty spot in the compartments and plenty of room in the pockets -- plus an empty front pocket for whatever else I migth want to squirrel away in there. Not to mention, I can put a pack or two of Parodis in the side compartment, and my cell phone and its charger in the other side.
  
  Wow! And to top it all off, even with that mess of stuff in the bag, it is comfortable to walk around with on the back...
  
  The best thing for me, is that the camera is easy to retrieve and ready to shot when I pack it in a bag. Here, I can have the 20D ready to go with the 28-135 IS lens and the lens hood on it. All I need to do is move the zipper and the camera can slide out. Unlike some of the back packs, which require you to open the bag completely, this bag can have the camera located near the opening. For me, this is a big plus because I don't have to reveal to everyone the entire contents of my bag to get the camera out. Rather, I can retrieve the camera alone, ready to shoot, and no one sees what else is there.
  
  That's a big, big plus to the bag design.
  
  Fit and finish appears with quality and well done. Not only is the bag comfortable when loaded and worn, but the zippers remain easy to operate.
  
  To top it all off, this bag is worth it at the list price, but at the markdown here, it is a steal.
  
  I give it a 5 because it was easy to set-up and load, and because it is designed for actual hiking with it loaded down heavy to be comfortable and usable.
  
  
• This could be the best kept secret in photo backpacks! Read on:
  By A1F9Z42CFF9IAY on 2007-04-21
  This photo backback compares favorably to the Lowepro MiniTrekker yet it's less than half the cost! Sure, it's not *quite* as well built and the chest and waist straps and clips aren't as tough as on the Lowepro, but for the price it can't be beat. You won't really gain any more functionality by spending over twice as much on the Lowepro, although you will gain a bag that will probably last a few more years. Note also that wile the Lowepro is slightly taller (which is nice), it's also a lot thicker (12" vs. this Canon's 7"). This means the Lowepro looks you look like a spaceperson while you are wearing it yet this Canon backpack holds nearly the same amount of stuff and looks a bit better (although I do wish it was slightly longer since I'm a bit tall it would be nice if this pack came down a bit lower on my back.
  
  Note the online pictures of this pack do not do it justice, the color is really a nice dark olive drab and black, (it's not gold or anything). While I do wish it had grey/black or just all black coloring instead of the olive, it is not offensive looking or anything as is. Like others, I do not like the Canon logo on it but that's something that a bit of black gaffer's tape can take care of with ease.
  
  A note about the layout-I like this style photo backpack better than the type where the camera gear is placed in the bottom of the pack and the top part is for other items. This style is more space efficient-it can hold more lenses and photo gear in the main compartment, yet the outside dimensions of the bag are less. Granted, you do have to take the pack off and set it down to access it. But I tried a Tamrac backpack (the kind where the camera stuff goes in the bottom part of the pack) before buying this Canon and I found it way too big and not any more convenient to use as I had to also remove that one from my back to access it. In the end, this Canon holds extra stuff too. In the flap pocket, I can fit a shirt, light lunch and other items like a magazine. In fact, I can even fit a small laptop in the main compartment (in a separate laptop slipcase for protection). I would say a 13"-15" laptop would fit fine, but not a 17" or larger one.
  
  If you want something that you can work out of without having to take it off and yet carries all of your photo gear, I doubt you will ever find it. I would instead recommend a shoulder bag that you carry only one or two lenses in (for weight reasons) for walking around with, and a back pack for transporting all your stuff. I also use the backpack for long walks/hikes and it works fine not fully loaded too. In other words, just because you can take every single photo item you own, doesn't mean
  you have to or should.
  
  This photo backpack is money well spent. Sure, if you can find the Lowepro for the same price, snag that instead since the materials in the Lowepro are sturdier and better made. But at this price, I can absolutely recommend the Canon 200EG Photo back pack, it's a no brainer!
  
  
  
  
• Great bag, no complaints at all, excellent value
  By AYWXHOBHKEFGB on 2005-10-02
  A good all around bag. I looked for a backpack style that wasn't as expensive as a friend's Lowerpro and found this one and got it from Adorama through Amazon.
  
  It holds a 20D with lens, and has space for much more. Typically, mine carries two or three lenses, an extension tube set, the battery charger, three spare batteries, the manuals, a remote control, the remote control's charger, two lens pens, a lens cleaning kit, a small box of polarizing filters, a hurricane blower, sensor cleaning brushes, cables, a bag of pec-pads, PCMCIA CF adapter and mini-tripod.
  
  The pockets in the bag have held flashlights, a GPS, protein bars, packs of trail mix, spare CR123 batts for the flashlight, and the power supply for my portable computer.
  
  I've flown with this a couple of times, gone to a few weddings, and hiked with it, and it held up well during a week of outdoor hiking in Alaska that included a couple days with much ATV use. Internally, its about 14.5"x11"x4.5" but there's a bit of give being a flexible bag. The internal compartments are velcroed in so they're reconfigurable for your equipment. I keep all the lenses on one side in compartments, and left the other side open for larger things (sometimes a 1L bottle of water, other times other stuff about that size).
  
  I had a small carry around bag that held the body (unattached) with two lenses, but that was it. Very inconvenient. This is much better. At some family events, I'll leave the top unzipped and I can simply pull the assembled camera right out, it's ready to go.
  
  I don't have any current issues with the zippers, once when I overfilled it, the zipper opened (don't put extra stuff on top of the compartments like a book), but that was easily fixed. My big zipper complaint is that I have a fear that the weight of the camera, etc will simply make the zippers open if the zippers are zipped to the top, so when I carry it, I have the zippers on the bottom on one side, and I also keep a cheap 3-digit luggage padlock on it just to keep the bag shut. I've used the straps on the side to hold my coat and a larger size tripod. The bag has a "lip" on the main flap that covers the zipper to protect it from direct rainfall (i.e. the zipper has a cover).
  
  It would maybe be better with an integral lock on a zipper pull (not Canon's fault) and if it had a hydration pouch. Maybe a daisy chain on the shoulder straps for pouches (GPS, cell phone, film, batteries), but those sometimes cause straps to twist when putting them on... Considering the price though, its been well worth the coin.
  
  
• Better Than Other SLR Backpacks
  By A3PYY4YWN20AEH on 2006-04-06
  I own SLR backpacks by Tamrac, Lowe, and this "Canon" backpack. After six months of intensive use, I feel confident recommending it. I have a full SLR system in each of my bags, and I use the Canon backpack for my D200 or D50 rigs. It outshines the others, at under half the price, and less than 1/3 of the cost of the Tamrac. The 200 EG sits upright very well, with tons of support [that you don't feel while wearing it]. Rather than opening from the top, it peels away from the front while standing steady. I am easily able to fit an older 80-200 2.8 lens [big and fast], along with a large 85 mm, fast 50mmm, 20 mm, with space left over -- and the dividers are well configured, strong, and easily manipulated. I have also comfortably used the bag with my Pentax 645 rig, although I only carried three lenses.
  
  The pocket areas outside the main compartment accomodate a LOT of add'l materials, incl. an aircan for dusting. The bag is lightweight, strong, roomy, and [if you remove the Canon logo], it doesn't scream "I'm a camera bag -steal me!" Which is important to paranoid folks like me. I would like a good tripod strap system, which is missing, but the webbing handles a good traveling tripod well. I am sad to say I go with this "cheapo" 95% of the time; it's a fabulous bag at the price. And Adorama was quick to deliver; nicely boxed and protected [although it didn't need it].
  
  
• Excellent for the Money
  By A1NPZV9IORNOXZ on 2006-10-17
  Please note that I am not comparing this backpack to any other camera backpack. I am simply making a value judgement based on the price I paid -- about $35.00.
  
  I've had the pack for about two weeks now, and have loaded it up with a bunch of stuff, including two digital bodies, three zoom lenses, a Speedlite flash, a pocket tri-pod, a flash diffuser and an extra lense bag. All of that is inside the main compartment. I am very pleased with how the main compartment can be sub-divided to fit just about any camera attachments you might have. Padding all around is quite adequate, although a bit more could be used at the top of the bag where the camera body and lense typically sit.
  
  The two zippered mesh compartments inside the main flap hold quite a bit of stuff, including the camera manual, flash manual, and various extra flash cards and batteries.
  
  The two velcroed pockets on either side of the bag are not designed to protect, but to hold stuff. That's fine with me, so I don't put anything in them that I mind getting wet or dusty.
  
  The main compartment flap has two zippered pockets on the outside. The bigger of the two pockets unzips on both sides and the top, and reveals two more small pockets and a small snap-hook. I use this pocket to store a photographic magazine or two I'm reading, cables, etc.
  
  The other zippered pocket on the main flap zips across the top and is wide and deep enough to hold quite a bit more stuff, stuff that is flat or can be flattened.
  
  The very outside of the main flap also has an open, expandable stretch-cord pocket that can be used to stuff in a light windbreaker.
  
  My impression is that this bag has so many pockets and compartments that you could overload it if you are not careful. Before using this bag, I had cameras and accessories in three different "regular" camera bags. Now it's all in one place, and I would not consider going back to a regular camera bag -- even if I do have to set the pack down before opening it up to retrieve cameras and accessories.
  
  Regarding quality of material and work, I am quite pleased. No frayed straps, no broken buckles, no weak seams, no shoddy workmanship.
  
  So the question is, for $35.00 did I get a good camera backpack? My answer without hesitation is, "Yes." Does this pack have the same quality and features of a $65.00 or $100.00 pack. No, of course not.
  
  BOTTOM LINE
  
  For $35.00 my expectations were exceeded by this bag. At this price I see it as a real bargain.
  
  
• frodo baggins
  By A3E68EBGXTWDNP on 2007-01-24
  for a fairly small, hobbit-like bag--low-profile, unassuming, and surprisingly robust--this backpack sure packs a lot of gear for not a lot of dough.
  
  if you have only one camera body, you can easily fit 4-5 lenses and a flash, or a long telezoom, w/a flash and two other lenses, in the main camera compartment. you might be able to squeeze some filters or a 50mm prime in there as well. if not, they or the flash can go in the other pocket, which has elastic pouches for small items like memory cards and batteries. there's also a third pocket in front for a pen, pad, and mp3, and a cord-webbing ring with a sheath of cordura which can hold a book or magazine, your lunch, a light gore-tex shell, or a topo map. the back is padded and sectioned, and the straps are nice and chubby. it's almost perfect for hiking and day trekking, although a tripod can only go on the underhanging loops -- you might be able to strap a small monopod to the side, however.
  
  for the price, this thing has a lot of features--like rugged ripstop material backed with urethane or pvc for water proofing, all those pockets --inc. 2 on the side for sunglasses or gummy bears and 2 mesh zipped interior pockets for lens caps, USB cords, and perfume-scented business cards from all the strippers you're shooting portfolios of "pro bono" (j/k)-- a torso quick-release strap that tucks away, and a zipper that faces the opposite way on the main compartment, shielded with a flap. it's a small design implement, but results in a little added security, because the zipper isn't as accessible to pickpockets, thieves, and the like. the zippers aren't the most durable out there, but they have a smooth sliding action with no snags and jerks. that's appreciated when you want to perform a quick-change lens switch.
  
  another nice touch is the panel-loading design; if you have stuff in the front of the pack, and the (padded) middle section, it also will protect your expensive gear in the main compartment. hard plastic nubs on the bottom provide some vertical shock protection, although i wouldn't chuck it out a window or drop it down a staircase, if i were you. removeable and reshapable dividers allow for infinite configurations, and there's an elastic/velcro strap for your camera body. the green/black color is fairly incognito, except for the metallic "canon" logo embedded into it. sew a patch over it if that bothers you.
  
  for $35, you can't really complain about what it doesn't have--bright-colored interior dividers, rain flap, notebook compartment, bulletproof kevlar reinforcements, built-in GPS (j/k)--because you can get all that chi-chi stuff in more expensive bags. it's still a backpack, so you have to take it off to get to your stuff, but if that troubles you, get a sling bag or a torso pack, which hold less gear and cost more.
  
  ok, so it's not very sexy, but not especially ugly, either. do you really want a sexy camera bag? why not just get a neon sign saying "rob me" when you stroll through j'maa al-fnaa in morocco trying to get that snap of a snake charmer? it looks just like a "regular" backpack, except for the logo. you also can't complain about the compact size too much, since it'll be just right for most casual enthusuasts, photohikers and/or photojournalists. pro fashion and wedding photographers who want to take everything but the kitchen sink will have to get a bigger sack. no kidding.
  
  for everyone else--that's you, sir or madame-- you'll find you can take ALMOST everything but the kitchen sink. you'll probably want something bigger for extended travel, or if you simply have to take a laptop to Mt. Whitney, and/or something smaller for casual shooting. but, hey, for an everyday camera bag that can sweat it through the jungle if necessary and hold up to a decent amount of punishment, you can't get a more substantial value for the money. pay more if you must, but you might not get a better bag, just a costlier one. believe that.
  
  
• Canon is hurting themselves with their name on this pack.
  By A21T0D2F7SKG5S on 2007-02-28
  I bought this pack because it was inexpensive and quickly found out that the "You get what you pay for" rule definitely applies to camera packs. With over $4500 worth of gear to put in it, I promptly returned this pack when I saw the horrible quality zipper on the main compartment.
  
  First off, this is a very small pack... for a larger person like me, the pack just didn't fit right (I almost ran out of room on the pull straps when wearing the pack). The zipper on the main compartment was defective and kept coming open (from both the zipper pulls as well as from the opposite end. Yikes!
  
  A 20D or larger body would have a difficult time fitting into this pack.
  
  Remember: "You get what you pay for".
  
  
• Canon Backpack 200EG
  By ACSEMP4EVF624 on 2007-08-15
  I bought the backpack hoping it would be useful. The plastic zipper kept unraveling, and that was the end of my using it. It is in the garage somewhere. I regret purchasing it.
  
  
• Best Deal in it's Price Range
  By A1QUN4JZ4EL21X on 2005-11-03
  As simple as they come, but it does the job. I've been using this bag for over a year now. It fits my filters, 3 lenses, a A Photo/CD Burning drive and two flash units. Still room for several nick-nacks, etc.
  
  The only minor complaint is ther is no great way to strap a small tripod to the backpack. I used the small straps on the side, but the straps broke through the plastic fasteners that were holding them on. I'm now getting creative with the bungie laces on the back of the bag.
  
  That said, I really didn't expect a backpack at this price point to be as good as it is. So 4.5 stars.
  
  
• Looks nice; not nearly as functional as Lowepro Mini Trekker
  By A5559YDYXNORW on 2006-07-05
  This is the second camera bag backpack that I've bought (my first from Canon), and I do like the exterior look and interior functionality of the bag. However, the exterior/carrying functionality is marginal at best. The reason why I use backpacks (instead of a shoulder bag) is because I carry heavy cameras and lenses for long periods of time. This backpack is poorly designed for that purpose. The straps are set too close together, and as a result cut off circulation to your arms and cut into the back of your neck. The lumbar strap is no more than a decoration, as it is just a thin strip of nylon with no support or padding. The chest strap is not useful because since the shoulder straps already crimp at the underarms, the chest strap makes it even worse. Also, see my note about Lowepro's side buckles vs. Canon's lack of them.
  My list of pros:
  1. Looks stylish
  2. Has a good interior design
  3. Has lots of exterior straps and pockets
  Cons:
  1. Hurts to wear for any length of time
  2. Has the Canon logo emblazoned on the outside ("Please steal me!") -- Which I blackened out with permanant marker, but it still rubs off fairly easily.
  3. Has no side buckles to prevent unzipped main compartment from dropping camera and lenses out the side!
  
  My recommendation: Buy the Lowepro Mini Trekker Classic(also comes in the smaller Micro). It is a FAR better camera bag (I've used it for over a year now). Great support, well padded and placed straps, great lumbar padding and strap, and all the good things about the Canon (though not quite as snazzy looking), without the drawbacks. And you will be surprised at how often those side buckles will save you (or, more accurately, will save your equipment). Take a look at the photo and you'll know what I mean.
  
  
  
  
  
• straps are poorly designed
  By A9PGA3FDVV04Y on 2007-08-30
  When you buy a backpack, one thing you see on better quality packs is that the straps are not coming from the same point on the top of the bag- this creates tension pulling down on your neck as opposed to straps with space, putting the pressure on your shoulders.
  
  This bag is great except for that, and with the weight of the camera and lenses, you do not want it pulling on your neck and upper back the way that this bag does.
  
  It's worth an extra ten bucks elsewhere not to have this problem.
  
  
• zipper broke on the first outing!
  By AF1TQAGRAJFWI on 2005-06-26
  I was so dissapointed in this bag; the very first time I used it the main compartment zipper broke!!!! I really wish I had ordered the Tamrac for just a few dollars more.
  
  
• For this price (at the time)a sure thing
  By A9Y5O2R4D6EH5 on 2006-01-07
  One thing that I never was able to determine anywhere on the Internet was concerning the product description " well placed dividers" as if they were sewn in place, which would not be good.
  Bought this bag and they ARE fully adjustable like any other camera bag using nice strong velcro tabs the full height of the dividers. (not just small tabs)
  
  Sure, tons of bags out there, some that will hold twice as much as this one... some also come with wheels to help with the weight.
  I saw several that were just the size of this one and they are EXPENSIVE ! Many starting at the original price of this Canon bag.
  
  
  This one does hold my 20D WITH battery grip and that's pretty good. I can leave a lens on it up to the length of the bag too.
  Holds all I need to carry. Yes, it's full... but it works for me.
  
  Only thing I was concerned about was that where the camera goes (in the middle to the top) see photos.. there was no extra padding to cover the rear of the camera when the bag was closed but I Only had to borrow a velcro divider from my other bag and stick it in the new one as they did provide a cloth strip for it. Even if you don't have one to borrow, would be easy to add padding if you felt the need.
  
  Beats anything I've seen in the price range. I'm happy !
  
  Need more bag?.. Got more money?? Keep looking they are out there 8-)
  
  Edit 3/20/2007; My review is based on a $30 delivered price so as the price seems to get above $50 other bags MIGHT come into consideration. But this bag is still doing very well and I DO still like mine.
  
  
  

• Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Digital Rebel
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
• Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter
• Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Digital Rebel XT/XTi, PowerShot S30/40/45/50/60/70/80, G7 & G9 Digital Cameras
• Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black)