The new Manfrotto Off Road Series hiking backpack was big and red when it came out of the box. Big, because it's the 30 liter version (it comes in a smaller 20 liter as well). It was red, well, because I don't like leaving things behind, but it also comes in green, blue and grey.

The reason I wanted to try it out is because it is made for photographers; with an integrated left-side pocket that holds a removable, padded camera case. I was able to fit in a Nikon D70, long lens, extra batteries, and 17-35mm zoom in there: pretty much the basics. I have used the pouch by itself a couple of times too.

Of course there's the entire top pouch of the bag for personal gear, but I ended up putting in a raincoat, strobe, and a few snacks. There's a nice size top flap that holds a rain cover inside a zippered pouch, although the fabric is water repellent. The front strap is designed to hold a camera on a strap securely on the chest too.One really nice, but small touch, is the strap management coils, basically a velcro-control, which works great.

My son and I took this on an extended hike (It was too big for him...so far thank goodness). On the outside I strapped on the Off Road Series tripod with the bungees, and had a water bottle in the side mesh bag. There are two zippered pouches on the removable waist belt which I found just perfect for my glasses. It made the hike easier with everything I needed for a long day in the mountains. It's very well made, and designed. It retails for under $200.