Availability of Lowepro Backpacks in UK?

[Geoff F]

My old Lowepro Mini Trekker backpack is starting to show its age so I was looking for a replacement and was seriously considering the Lowepro Pro Runner 350AW.

But it seems to be out of stock everywhere in the UK. Some outlets simply state 'not currently in stock' while others are quoting between 10 days and 6 weeks for delivery. And the quoted price appears to be £119 at all outlets, except the really expensive places!

Anybody know why this model is currently unavailable?

My requirements are: approx same size as the Mini Trekker approx 14 x 12 x 5 inches; Showerproof; Easy access for camera etc, just one 'flap' not a lot of separate entry points; and not too may pockets divisions and flaps etc; centrally placed flaps on rear for tripod attachment. Just a simple easy and comfortable to carry backpack.

The Mini Trekker suited me just fine.

No rush to purchase, I can wait a few weeks with no worries; I just wondered why everybody seemed to be out of stock regarding that particular model.

Maybe retailers are waiting to place their Christmas orders? Or was there a fault with previous productions?

[Donald]

Geoff

I see that Wex Photographic have the Lowepro Pro Runner x350 AW Rolling Backpack, but not the Lowepro Pro Runner 350 AW Backpack. Why the latter is not available, I do not know.

[Geoff F]

Well, I have been extensively looking at outlets for Lowepro in the UK and it seems that a number of models are out of stock and quite a few with comments like 'uncertain if supplies will be available in future'.

So maybe it is a range which is being discontinued.

In which case, I have done more research to find some alternatives, and have considered several manufacturers; but very few appear to match my exacting demands of 'very simple design but able to easily carry a substantial tripod'.

Eventually I have decided to order a Lowepro Vertex 200.

Far more complex than I really wanted with loads of 'little pockets' scattered around. And all those extra large pockets designed for computers etc add to the external depth which is getting to be more than I really wanted.

But still looks the best that I can find. Some are excessively complicated!

I will return with my first impressions when it arrives in a few days.

[davidedric]

That's odd. I hope your bag works out well, but Amazon UK seems to have the 350 aw available for next day delivery. ?????

[Donald]

Eventually I have decided to order a Lowepro Vertex 200.

That's the bag I have Geoff. I find it excellent and once the straps are set up properly, it's full and the tripod is mounted up, I can walk for miles. I have a couple of pouches mounted on the side as well. Thought - I must far too much gear!

[Geoff F]

That's odd. I hope your bag works out well, but Amazon UK seems to have the 350 aw available for next day delivery. ?????

A company shipping from Greece is quoting next day delivery but I'm not really confident about ordering from them!

Direct from Amazon was still 5 or 6 weeks; at least when I looked last night.

The quickest delivery time from a UK company was Jessops which said 'Possibly available for home delivery in 10 days'. But that didn't exactly inspire me with confidence as they never actually said it was currently in stock.

Most other sources simply said 'not currently in stock'.

Good to know that I have made a sensible choice with the Vertex. It has been sent, but they are still quoting 5 working days for delivery. But that seems to be standard nowadays. I've had delivery quotes like that before, and the package arrived the next day.

I do wonder what they do to make second class delivery longer than first class. Do they simply 'kick it around the warehouse for a couple of days' or perhaps they drive the delivery van really slowly!