The top compartment opens on the top of the bag, via a double-zippered flap that lies under another flip-up flap that snaps down. While roomy, there are no subcompartments, sleeves, or bags to store small items here. You access the bottom compartment via a double-zippered flap on the front of the bag. It can be configured as one similarly big empty space, or subdivided with stiff padded inserts that attach to each other and the bag innards via strips of Velcro. I tend to find the flap-based attachments difficult to align properly and the placement of the loop patches (of the hook-and-loop fasteners) too limiting. I generally tote a Canon EOS 5D Mark II with the 24-70mm lens and Canon Speedlite 580EX II, which takes some finessing, since the dividers are optimized for more compact, consumer-oriented bodies and lenses.
There's another flat, zippered pocket atop that flap, covered by another flip-up flap that closes with Velcro. This pocket includes some more nylon pockets to accommodate office-supply type stuff like cards and pens. On each side of the bag are large pockets with Velcro-sealing flaps, and a cell phone/MP3 player holster can be Velcroed securely to an add-on loop on either strap. There are also a variety of dangly bits that attach through more add-on loops on the bottom of the pack, to hold a tripod.
Though attractive, the bag is a bit overdesigned. No one seems to like the superfluous faux-leather black loops on the flaps, and it would be nice if the false pockets on the top flap were real; none of the existing pockets are adequate to hold media like SD or CompactFlash cards.
Overall, the small National Geographic Walkabout Rucksack makes a good camera daypack and bag to get you through the daily grind. Since it's not too large, yet holds a lot, and looks more casual chic than geek, I think it's also good choice for a lot of women as well as general amateur photographers who don't want a bag that screams "camera inside!"
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Where to buy
National Geographic Walkabout Rucksack (small):
$149.90 - $149.95
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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