National Geographic NG 1150 Earth Explorer Large Backpack

by National Geographic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 24 x 10 inches ; 9.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 16 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000FJ4ICW
• Item model number: NG 5737
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

The Earth Explorer Large Backpack (5737) is the ideal solution for the professional hikers and adventurers who need a protective carrying solution to combine their personal gear and photographic/video gear all in one. It is the first backpack to address the needs of the photographer without compromising the hiking gear space. 1. Lower padded photo compartment holds a camera/camcorder and many accessories such as lenses (up to 300 mm), flash unit, batteries, cables, charger, etc. This compartment features a set of modular dividers that will allow you to customize the bag to your gear. 2. Upper personal storage compartment opens with a large pull-tight flap and will hold all of your personal necessities, such as food, clothes, books, etc. If necessary, the division between upper and lower compartments can be removed to create one large storage space. 3. Rear padded compartment will hold a laptop and accessories. 4. Multiple external pockets and pouches will accommodate many items such as stationery, wallet, passport, binoculars, water bottles, etc. 5. Special connecting points to tie on more gear such as an ice axe, walking stick, or sleeping bag. 6. Side pockets can be used as an anchored support for a tripod. 7. Advanced harness system designed to allow ultimate adjustment of its components: padded, ergonomic shoulder straps, six-point adjustable waist belt and lumbar pad, ensuring the perfect fit for each individual carrier. When not in use, the harness can be neatly folded out of the way to allow for easy storage. 8. Two handy pockets on waist belt to store pocketknife, phone, etc. 9. Rain cover to protect the entire bag and its contents. 10. Quick-snap buckle for easy access to your equipment.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Did not live up to expectations, May 4, 2007

By 

Camera Guy - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic NG 1150 Earth Explorer Large Backpack (Electronics)

I purchased the backpack for a month long trip. I was using it for camera gear and a new laptop computer that is 12" by 8.5".

The pack is very sturdy and can be adjusted around the shoulders, waist and chest. It also has plenty of storage pockets. Unfortunately, in my opinion, those are the only positives.

My first problem was with the velcro compartments in the camerag gear section. They did not fit tight and the velcro was not very strong. After I packed my camera gear (body, lenses, flash, etc.) and put the pack on my back, most of the velcro compartments broke loose and the camera gear shifted to the bottom of the pack. If you don't pack it carefully, it can cause damage to the gear.

My next issue was the computer compartment. Even though my computer is small, it was a tight squeeze to get it in an out....but it did fit.

Another issue is the overall size. I would say that if you are under 6 feet tall, this pack will be too big for you (and me), even after you adjust all of the straps.

Finally, if you plan on traveling by plane with this, forget it. Every airline I was on (4 different ones) gave me grief over the size and weight. On some occasions I had to pull stuff out and cram it in my wife's carry-on to reduce it's weight and allow me to cram it into the overhead without breaking anything. On two flights I had to beg and plead to carry it on as opposed to them checking it with the luggage. This pack is a giant red flag when flying.......

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Bag for day hikes and other short excursions, August 2, 2007

By 

Alaskan Photo Workshops & Tours "Visit www.Ph... (The Wonderous State of Alaska) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: National Geographic NG 1150 Earth Explorer Large Backpack (Electronics)

I got this bag because my main bag, the Think Tank Airport Addicted II is too heavy when fully loaded to use for most day trips. I love the Think Tank, but just needed something to carry less gear and allow for a rain coat or lunch or etc. The NG Large Backpack (5737 or 1150 which ever you call it) is a great bag for that. It will hold 2-3 bodies and 3-4 lenses, depending on the size. Right now I have a Canon Mark 3, Canon 30D w/ grip, Canon EOS 3, canon 70-200 F4 IS L series, 17-40 F4 L, 24-105 F4 L, 100-400 L series, and 35mm F1.4L in the main gear area, as well as all my little goodies, like filter holder, business cards, laptop extra battery and power cable, several extra batteries for each camera, 2 cans of Bear Pepper spray, and other assorted goodies in the bag, and still have more empty pockets left as well as the top for my other gear/food. I guess most people thought this would be built as a tank or more like a hard case, and did not look at the unit as a Backpack/day pack which is what it was designed for and works great as, even for day trips to the glacier or bear watching. I know several others that after seeing my bag, have gone out and got one and they love it just as much. If you want a great day short trip pack, this is it. If you want a solid and rigid bag to fit all your gear in and don't plan to really use it as a back pack, then get yourself a Think Tank product, like the Airport Addicted. Its perfect for that!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Over Priced, March 4, 2008

By 

S. Fama - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic NG 1150 Earth Explorer Large Backpack (Electronics)

I got got the medium, and found it was way to small for just the basic. (Canon 30d, bat/vert grip, 2 lens and flash) So I returned it. I was checking out this one (large) larger then needed but the cost at 260 USD is way out of site for this bag.

The camera compt. needs to be re-designed stronger velco and more of is needed.

Looks and color is a 10 star, but functionalty is 3 Star, price is a 1 star.

The medium is $150 USD amd the large is $260 USD maybe they need one in between the Medium and Large?

So I'm still on the hunt of a good bag that fits me.