Tamrac ADVENTURE 4
Sotage * * * *
Features * * * *
Comfort * * * *
Value * * * * *
VERDICT * * * *
The least expensive bag on test but one that delivers in all areas.
A WORTHY BEST BUY
AUGUSY 2007

Tamrac CYBERPRO EXPRESS BRIEFCASE
This bag really has a great deal going for it. Its low centre of gravity means that it is easy to pull long, even when really packed with gear. It has slots for a laptop and, although I was able to get a 17in Mac into it, it's better suited for a maximum 15in machine.
VERDICT
................. A good bag, the Cyber Pro Express Briefcase is well made and is the one I choose to use as my day-to-day equipment bag.
JULY 2007

Tamrac BIG WHEELS STRONGBOX 691
As ever with Tamrac, this is a well-made, well-laid-out bag, and it comes with a large pocket on the outside of the lid, which, with a bit of extra padding (such as a Crumpler Gimp) will enable you to take a laptop as well as your camera kit.
JULY 2007

Tamrac PRO 5
It's a neat and straightforward shoulder bag that's quick to use.
At this price you really can't go wrong.

• CAPACITY * * * * *
• FEATURES * * * * *
• ACCESSIBILITY * * * * *
• COMFORT * * * * *
• OVERALL SCORE * * * * *

DIGITAL CAMERA SHOPPER - SEPTEMBER 2006
DIGITAL CAMERA SHOPPER - BEST VALUE AWARD

Tamrac Adventure Messenger 1
Able to hold an SLR body, a second lens and flash. or similar combination, the bag is a bit more streamlined than most, looking more like a. well, messenger bag.
The main section has rough internal dividers, while the front zip-up pocket can hold memory cards, notebooks or sandwiches. There's also a small pocket in the front flap and a back document pocket. This ia also on a sleeved design, so it could slip securely over hte handles of w wheely suitcase. Finally, the ag has a phone pocket on the side.
The strap also acceps Tamrac's Strap Accessories. A single clip buckle fastens the top flap, making it easy to open and access your gear, although I couldn't call it the most secure or waterproof system. It is adaptable, though: I've been using one as both a camera case and a briefcase - by removing the partitions, it's ideal for books, paperwork, newspapers and sarnies for work.
The black and red design may not quite by up to Crumpler's funky looks, but it makes a change from regulation black or beige and looks as good ont he street or in the office.
To sum up, though, this is an ideal bag for th ecity or lightweight traveller, without looking like a camera bag.
85%
What Digital Camera September 2006

VELOCITY 9 PRO SLING PACK

EXPEDITION 4

Sling your pack! Tamrac’s
Expedition 4 and Velocity 9

Velocity 9 Pro Sling Pack
The Tamrac Velocity 9 Pro Sling Pack is part of a series of packs that sits midway between the shoulder bag and the backpack. It can be swung round for front access and worn that way for security. The Velocity 9 is the largest bag in the current range and seems to be designed with the pro/serious amateur in mind.

The basic interior of the bag has been split into three basic compartments. The adjustable dividers allow the bag to be configured to personal taste or function. Internally, the bag is well padded to expected standards. The external front pocket is relatively large and spacious to hold all manner of accessories
Because of the size of the Velocity 9 I packed it with one DSLR camera body attached to a 70-200mm ƒ2.8 lens, a second smaller DSLR camera body, its 18-70mm APS-C lens, 28-75mm ƒ2.8 and a 17-35mm ƒ2.8-4. For good measure I packed some spare batteries, PDA, pocket camera, lens cloth and a number of memory cards. This all fitted nicely into the pack with little difficulty.
Wearing the pack I could certainly feel the weight of the kit. The waist strap helped to take some of the weight off and introduce some comfort. With the heavy 70-200mm lens replaced by a 100-300mm ƒ4.5-5.6 the pack was more comfortable to wear.
By bringing the pack to the front of the body I could quickly remove the camera, take photos and place the camera back in the pack with relative ease.

Expedition 4 backpack
The Expedition 4 (model 5574) backpack is the smallest in the current range of Expedition backpacks by Tamrac. It has been designed to take the rigours of trekking and keep your camera equipment well protected. The Expedition 4 although small in size has enough room to accommodate one moderately sized DSLR body with a 70-200 ƒ2.8 lens attached, with additional room for two other lenses plus a flashgun (or another two lenses – flashguns take a surprising amoutn of room).
Internally, it offers as standard several adjustable padded compartments and plenty of room for various accessories such as filters, lens tissues and batteries. The middle chamber together with the three outer pockets ensure there is plenty of space available.
I kitted the pack with a Dynax 7D and vertical grip with 17-35mm ƒ2.8-4, 28-75mm, 100-300mm D lens, 100mm Macro D lens and 5600HS D flashgun. I filled the outer pockets with a number of memory cards and spare batteries. I kept my PDA stored in the front pocket together with some maps. The bag had a fair weight but the nicely padded hand grip made hand carrying comfortable.
More importantly the backpack felt comfortable and secure when placed on my back. The padded back designed to allow an airflow is something that should be standard on all bags of this type. The packs design ensured that it was a straightforward matter for me to get at my equipment though it did mean the pack had to be removed (unlike the Velocity). With rain resistant zippers and LockDown rain flap I felt my kit should be well protected against any sudden showers. The winged accessory pockets on the front of the pack allowed for quick access to my memory cards. There are straps provided to allow securing of a small to medium sized tripod. The lower front pocket on the pack acts as a tripod foot pocket.

Conclusion
Of the two bags, I preferred the Expedition backpack. Initially I thought the sling pack would be my preferred bag as equipment could be accessed while the pack was still being worn. The packs are clearly aimed at different markets. For short term use I found the Sling Pack 9 acceptable but if I was to do a lot of walking then the Expedition 4 was the clear winner.
Although the Sling Pack allowed my camera to be removed easily when the pack was moved to the front, on several occasions I had to remove the pack in order to access my lenses. Lenses at the bottom of the pack are not so readily reached.

Both packs are compatible with the Tamrac Modular Accessory System (MAS) to add additional pockets or cases. The Expedition 4 also accepts the Strap Accessory System (SAS).
Both packs have their advantages so the only true way to decide between them is to go to your local photographic store and give them a try.
f2 / September 2006