Gura Gear Kiboko 2.0 30L

[DavidT]

I’m excited my new mag arrived over a month ago but haven’t been home to see it. Now that I’ve gotten to take it out of the box and check it out I’m really impressed. Seems well thought out and look forward to taking the 600GM and 400GM in one bag.

Question for @Steve and others with this bag. I see on waist belt is removable and it looks like the shoulder straps can be tucked inside and than zipped up inside of a pocket. When traveling do you use the waist belt or the shoulder straps? I tend to not really like backpacks as backpacks but use them often to move gear around. Currently I’ve been using a Think Tank International roller for big glass and such on planes along with a Think Tank street walker.

I appreciate your thoughts as I bought this bag to be able to fly to Costa Rica for example and deal with smaller planes.

PS I’m assuming on the small planes you aren’t checking it are you?

 

[GrandNagus50]

I can't speak for Steve (certainly!) but I own the older version of this pack, the 32L Bataflae, which is very similar. I use the shoulder straps, certainly, as being able to put it on my back as I walk through the airport is a BIG help. I took off the waist belt and put it aside for several years. But then when I wanted to use it again (better support for the pack when fully loaded), I couldn't find it. Ouch. I inquired to GuraGear about a replacement, but no go. Fortunately, I found the waist belt (things always turn up if you just keep looking and looking) and now it is back on the pack. I think I will keep it there, it doesn't add significant bulk to the backpack, practically speaking.

The truth is that a roller bag like the International is more convenient and easier to deal with during air travel (as the crucial thing is moving the gear around within the terminals themselves). But these are heavier, and a nasty truth of contemporary air travel is that gate agents will hone in on roller bags as candidates to be gate checked. You usually can raise a fuss and they will leave you alone, but in some situations with very small planes (smaller Embraer regional jets, for example), you can end up dealing with a gate agent who is unyielding. Has happened to me. Gate checking bags is not as onerous as checking them as normal luggage, but it is still something one should endeavor to avoid, and the best way to avoid it is to put your gear in a backpack instead of a roller bag. So I understand your switching to the Gura Gear backpack.

In terms of International flights on smaller airlines, or flights within a country (e.g., Ecuador or Brazil), even with a backpack you will still be dealing with the formality of weight limits on carry on items. As has been discussed in these forums on multiple occasions, airlines rarely enforce these limitations, but you are always gambling here and once in a while someone gets dunned. That's why lots of travelers wear vests with multiple pockets, i.e., you remove items from your carry-on and put them in your vest pockets. There's always a way.

 

[BirdDogDad]

Personally, I insist on any daypack/backpack having substantial a substantial waist belt. This is because of neck and shoulder issues that make bearing a heavy load on my shoulders for long intolerable. The waist strap transfers all the weight to your hips and legs. You can then loosen the shoulder straps a bit.

a nasty truth of contemporary air travel is that gate agents will hone in on roller bags as candidates to be gate checked

This is true. I won't use a roller bag for camera gear for that reason. I've never had a gate agent question a reasonably sized backpack I am wearing, even if it is overstuffed. Plus, the attached waist and shoulder straps are not considered if a really picky gate agent measures the overall size of your pack. They tend to focus more on hand-carried bags than packs on your back. Plus, I like wearing the pack through airports since (a) it cannot be snatched out of my hand, and (b) it leaves my hands free to fumble with passports, tickets, coffee, etc.

Best answer to your question is to fully load up your new pack and go for a hike. Try it with the waist belt and without. If you have strong shoulders, take off the waist belt for a more streamlined package. But do try the waist belt. I've carried very heavy loads (80 pounds) in a large backpack, and it would have been impossible without waist support.

Have a good trip!

 

[Steve]

I’m excited my new mag arrived over a month ago but haven’t been home to see it. Now that I’ve gotten to take it out of the box and check it out I’m really impressed. Seems well thought out and look forward to taking the 600GM and 400GM in one bag.

Question for @Steve and others with this bag. I see on waist belt is removable and it looks like the shoulder straps can be tucked inside and than zipped up inside of a pocket. When traveling do you use the waist belt or the shoulder straps? I tend to not really like backpacks as backpacks but use them often to move gear around. Currently I’ve been using a Think Tank International roller for big glass and such on planes along with a Think Tank street walker.

I appreciate your thoughts as I bought this bag to be able to fly to Costa Rica for example and deal with smaller planes.

PS I’m assuming on the small planes you aren’t checking it are you?

I use it as a full backpack, straps and all. I don't always use the straps, but they hang there at the ready.

The thing is, most of the time my bag weighs around 23~25 pounds, sometimes closer to 30 pounds, so it's fairly easy to have on your back, even for longer distances. The Think Tank style bags also weigh more empty and as GrandNagus says, roller bags are specifically targeted by airlines. I see it happen all the time with my workshop participants, especially with smaller, regional jets. They don't even notice backpacks most of the time. Plus, on my last regional jet ride, the overhead was very small - those think tank bags weren't even close to fitting, the backpack just made it though.

 

[DavidT]

I use it as a full backpack, straps and all. I don't always use the straps, but they hang there at the ready.

The thing is, most of the time my bag weighs around 23~25 pounds, sometimes closer to 30 pounds, so it's fairly easy to have on your back, even for longer distances. The Think Tank style bags also weigh more empty and as GrandNagus says, roller bags are specifically targeted by airlines. I see it happen all the time with my workshop participants, especially with smaller, regional jets. They don't even notice backpacks most of the time. Plus, on my last regional jet ride, the overhead was very small - those think tank bags weren't even close to fitting, the backpack just made it though.

Yup all the reasons I bought one. I just wasn't sure for small planes going to say Costa Rica if the straps made it to big to fit or if you had to check it. I am excited to finally get one! They have been on backorder for a solid 6 plus months.

 

[Steve]

Yup all the reasons I bought one. I just wasn't sure for small planes going to say Costa Rica if the straps made it to big to fit or if you had to check it. I am excited to finally get one! They have been on backorder for a solid 6 plus months.

If you're flaying Sansa, you'll have to set it in the back, no biggie.

 

[marklangner]

To add to what Steve already said.....I own the latest version of the bag and just came back from Botswana. My bag weighed in at 30 pounds !!!! I definitely used the waist strap and shoulder strap and got a friend to help me get them all adjusted properly. Using them, adjusted properly, helps enormously with carrying that kind of weight on your back and makes it far more comfortable.....especially in long lines through customs.....etc. I'd definitely recommend keeping them on and using them.

 

[harinderjaidka]

I am also planning to pick up and have one clarifying question - will it take a Nikon 600 mm F 4 with hood or a Nikon 800 mm Z 6.3 with hood .. Would appreciate the guidance

 

[arbitrage]

I'd be curious if the 600/4 and 400/2.8 fit okay with the hoods reversed. Not for length as I know they fit but for the diameter of the hood pushing up on the flap.
When GG brought out the V2 Kiboko 30L the one thing I kept reading about was that it didn't fit the hoods very well anymore.

I own the original Kiboko 30L and the Bataflae 32L and 26L and the Chobe. The 30L and 32L do fit the 600/4 and 400/2.8 hoods without much issue stretching the flap. They also used to fit my Canon 600II's hood without issue.

 

[arbitrage]

I am also planning to pick up and have one clarifying question - will it take a Nikon 600 mm F 4 with hood or a Nikon 800 mm Z 6.3 with hood .. Would appreciate the guidance

Which version of the Nikon 600? If the E FL then it will probably fit but see my comment above and hopefully we find out if hoods still fit okay. If 600G then the larger of the two hoods may be too wide to fit properly but I believe the length will fit.

One thing I'm not sure of is how well the Canon RF600 fits due to the extra length compared to the 600II/III because of the welded on EF/RF adapter flange spacing.

 

[harinderjaidka]

Which version of the Nikon 600? If the E FL then it will probably fit but see my comment above and hopefully we find out if hoods still fit okay. If 600G then the larger of the two hoods may be too wide to fit properly but I believe the length will fit.

One thing I'm not sure of is how well the Canon RF600 fits due to the extra length compared to the 600II/III because of the welded on EF/RF adapter flange spacing.

Thanks .. Its VR version of 600 mm

 

[Steve]

I'd be curious if the 600/4 and 400/2.8 fit okay with the hoods reversed. Not for length as I know they fit but for the diameter of the hood pushing up on the flap.
When GG brought out the V2 Kiboko 30L the one thing I kept reading about was that it didn't fit the hoods very well anymore.

I own the original Kiboko 30L and the Bataflae 32L and 26L and the Chobe. The 30L and 32L do fit the 600/4 and 400/2.8 hoods without much issue stretching the flap. They also used to fit my Canon 600II's hood without issue.

I can confirm the new bags will hold the Sony 600 and 400 with hoods revered (I haven't tried both at the same time though, just one or the other).

 

[Mitesh]

I'd be curious if the 600/4 and 400/2.8 fit okay with the hoods reversed. Not for length as I know they fit but for the diameter of the hood pushing up on the flap.
When GG brought out the V2 Kiboko 30L the one thing I kept reading about was that it didn't fit the hoods very well anymore.

I own the original Kiboko 30L and the Bataflae 32L and 26L and the Chobe. The 30L and 32L do fit the 600/4 and 400/2.8 hoods without much issue stretching the flap. They also used to fit my Canon 600II's hood without issue.

Just get the Mrjangear Boris IV and be done with it . Fits both together with hoods reversed and still leaves room for TCs, another body, lens, and sundries.

 

[Steve]

Just get the Mrjangear Boris IV and be done with it . Fits both together with hoods reversed and still leaves room for TCs, another body, lens, and sundries.

Yikes - that's huge. I can hear overhead compartments screaming in terror.

 

[DavidT]

I'd be curious if the 600/4 and 400/2.8 fit okay with the hoods reversed. Not for length as I know they fit but for the diameter of the hood pushing up on the flap.
When GG brought out the V2 Kiboko 30L the one thing I kept reading about was that it didn't fit the hoods very well anymore.

I own the original Kiboko 30L and the Bataflae 32L and 26L and the Chobe. The 30L and 32L do fit the 600/4 and 400/2.8 hoods without much issue stretching the flap. They also used to fit my Canon 600II's hood without issue.

I will let you know this weekend. I haven't used the bag yet but I will be taking both lenses out Friday and intend to use this bag.

 

[arbitrage]

Just get the Mrjangear Boris IV and be done with it . Fits both together with hoods reversed and still leaves room for TCs, another body, lens, and sundries.

I'm happy for now with my F-stop Ajna with XL ICU. Can get both 600 and 400 and TCs and an A1 lying on top in a lenscoat body bag. A little over stuffed but more compact and a better hiking bag than the GuraGear ones. Because I haven't been travelling lately I haven't touched my GuraGear bags in a while. But they were my choice when I travelled to Antarctica, CR and Ecuador in year's past. Not sure what I brought to Florida??

As Steve points out, do you think the Boris IV would have issues in overheads?

 

[Mitesh]

I'm happy for now with my F-stop Ajna with XL ICU. Can get both 600 and 400 and TCs and an A1 lying on top in a lenscoat body bag. A little over stuffed but more compact and a better hiking bag than the GuraGear ones. Because I haven't been travelling lately I haven't touched my GuraGear bags in a while. But they were my choice when I travelled to Antarctica, CR and Ecuador in year's past. Not sure what I brought to Florida??

As Steve points out, do you think the Boris IV would have issues in overheads?

Yeah, you brought your Ajna to FL. I've only flown once so far with the Boris, and the only flight it was an issue on was the Calm Air flight to Churchill. Of course, anything larger than your wallet is a problem on that flight. From IAD to YYZ and YYZ to YWG, I had no problem getting it into overhead.

 

[marklangner]

Which version of the Nikon 600? If the E FL then it will probably fit but see my comment above and hopefully we find out if hoods still fit okay. If 600G then the larger of the two hoods may be too wide to fit properly but I believe the length will fit.

One thing I'm not sure of is how well the Canon RF600 fits due to the extra length compared to the 600II/III because of the welded on EF/RF adapter flange spacing.

I'm a Canon shooter and the newest RF600 F4 does fit in the bag, but not with the lens hood. The lens hood diameter is too big...I put my lens hood into my checked baggage. I got a Lenscoat "hoodie" (size 3) which has their flexible lenscoat material but a hard plastic disc sandwiched between the material to assist in front element protection. It literally slips on and off to put lens in bag and feel a bit more secure about things.

 

[gdecamp]

I have the original Gura Gear bag. I can fit the new Nikon 400/2.8TC and the 800pf in the bag both at the same time with hoods reversed and can fit the Z9 and 2 converters in as well at the narrow sides of each lens. I wouldn't want to have someone take that bag and gate check it though!

 

[harinderjaidka]

I have the original Gura Gear bag. I can fit the new Nikon 400/2.8TC and the 800pf in the bag both at the same time with hoods reversed and can fit the Z9 and 2 converters in as well at the narrow sides of each lens. I wouldn't want to have someone take that bag and gate check it though!

which model of Gaura Gear .. what I am getting here in Mumbai is G 32 for roughly 350 USD equivalent

 

[gdecamp]

which model of Gaura Gear .. what I am getting here in Mumbai is G 32 for roughly 350 USD equivalent

At the time it came out it was just called the
Gura Gear Kiboko. That was years ago.

​

 

[arbitrage]

Took a few photos of my GG bags with Sony 600GM on one side and gripped A1 mounted to 400GM on the other. Some shots have 1.4TC on the 400GM. Some with my short hoods in shooting position. Others with stock hoods reversed.

Bags are the original Kiboko 30L and the followup to that bag which is the Bataflae 32L. After that GuraGear bought Tamrac and marketed the G32. Now they've released the Kiboko 30L V2.0.

First 3 are the Bataflae 32L. Last 2 are the Kiboko 30L

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Calson]

I have never use my backpacks to haul photo equipment on trails for miles. They are primarily used to transport gear through the airport and onto the plane and then to a car and from the car to my hotel or lodge room. So there is no need for a waist belt with the backpacks. I do use a waist belt on my shoulder bags to help with the weight and to minimize movement of the bag.

Three of the in country airlines ceased operations in Costa Rica and only one provides any service at all. When I tried to book with Sansa in 2019 I was told that all my luggage would need to be checked and that they could not guarantee it would arrive on the plane at the airport near the Osa peninsula. Penn Air jetsoned our luggage on the return trip from King Salmon to make room for more crates of fish.

Costa Rica's Domestic Airlines

Costa Rica has two main domestic airlines SANSA & Aerobell (plus Alfa Romeo Charters on the Osa). Three groups have announce new local airlines (SkyWay, Green Airways, and TAC Airline) have announce they will provide flights in 2019 adding destinations through the high season

costa-rica-guide.com

Best to book a flight into Liberia or San Jose airport depending on where your first destination will be. We prefer to arrive and stay the first night near the airport and do this the last night before we fly home.

On passenger jets there is a size limit for carry on bags but they also allow a "personal item" which in my experience has been a 18L size backpack that can squeeze under the seat in front of me. I take this approach to reduce the weight of my large backpack as much as possible. Much easier to manage a 22 lb large backpack and a 15 lb small backpack than a single 37 lb backpack.

If the bag has a height when it goes into the overhead bin of more than 7 inches it will be a very tight squeeze. For this reason I take everything out of the outer pockets for the air travel segments of a trip.

Something else I have found to be useful is to use a very large Pelican Air 1615 case which is checked at the airport but contains only clothing for the trip. When we get to our destination the clothers are removed and stuffed into duffel bags and then our excess photo gear and our laptops go into the Pelican case that has two locks and can even be fastened to a piece of furniture with a cable lock. It becomes our room safe. We put into the backpacks only what we need for that day of shooting.

 

[DavidT]

So I pulled all the inserts but the middle divider and put my 400 and 600GM into the bag along with a gripped a1 that isn’t attached to a lens and it’s super tight! It wasn’t easy to get it closed. Honestly I’m a little disappointed. It’s an expensive bag and I’d kill if it was a half once deeper and wider. How you all are getting a body on the 400 with a 600 and closing the bag is beyond me.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Mitesh]

Just for comparison’s sake, here are a few quick snaps of the Boris IV with 600 GM and 400 GM, both with gripped a1 cameras mounted and short hoods reversed. Oh, there was some room left over so I stuck an a7R IV in there too . Zippers close without effort and rear panel does not bulge out.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.