For a while I'd been thinking about a bag that would fit my gear including the 80-200, while also having room for more than just a small snack.

When Manfrotto announced the Off Road Hiker 30L in spring that year it caught my attention.

At the end of July they got one in stock in Brno and I could test whether everything would actually fit. It was quite a challenge — the backpack problem in practice. Nikon D80 with grip and the 18-135 mounted, plus 50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.8, and 80-200 f/2.8 all fit comfortably and safely. So I bought it.

I suspected my notebook (14″) might also fit because an A4 sheet of paper fitted in. I turned out to be right. Anything larger definitely won't fit. The bag has a lot of useful features. I must mention the quiet zips on all buckle straps (nothing rattles or gets in the way — you just close them). The hip belt and back system is well made. In the extreme heat my hips were sweaty but my back had excellent ventilation. The side pocket is very spacious — the mesh is intended as a bottle holder (a SIGG 1.5L even fits). Because the gear sits at the bottom and the hip belt is well made, the bag sits very well. The upper compartment is large — I'd estimate it as just over half the total volume. The material is water-repellent, so if a few drops land on you it'll be fine; for heavier rain there's a rain cover with loops to attach to the shoulder straps. Manfrotto makes several colour variants. My red version is complemented by a pinkish salmon colour. It is not a bag you'd take on a week-long heavy hike.

But if you're looking for a bag for one, two days or a long weekend, I think you'll have no trouble packing into it. Obviously depending on how willing you are to compromise on comfort.