Photo backpack recommendations
- Thread starter Abinoone
- Start date
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BillW
Well-known member
That’s odd. When I click on your link I see the Gura Gear Kiboku 30L for $434.95.
Here is a link I got myself:
Kiboko V2.0 30L Lightweight Super telephoto Camera Backpack - Pre Sale
Backpack designed for DSLR Cameras and Super Telephoto Lenses. Holds 2 mounted DSLR cameras plus additional bodies and lenses (unattached lenses up to 800mm), Ultradurable X-Pac VX-21 water resistant outer shell, Patented Butterfly access to Dual Compartments Water Bottle and Tripod Sleeves...
guragear.com
And a link to B&H:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1435529-REG
Note, there is a 30L+ version that adds a laptop compartment. It’s a bit more, but still in the $400s. I did not get that one, as I wanted this bag to be shallower, for the times I might put it under an airplane seat on a smaller plane (e.g., Dash 8 derivatives that I see in British Columbia and Iceland).
Who was charging $600 for the 30L?? Suggest you find a different vendor as the most I've seen it for is $439.The Gura Gear 30L looks great, but $600 for a backpack?! At that price, maybe I could just hire a porter!
I just purchase a 30L+ for 459 minus the tax (B&H). I tried to find a sale but I guess they know it's a popular bag.
Candian $$$ versus USD $$$$...?That’s odd. When I click on your link I see the Gura Gear Kiboku 30L for $434.95.
Here is a link I got myself:
Kiboko V2.0 30L Lightweight Super telephoto Camera Backpack - Pre Sale
Backpack designed for DSLR Cameras and Super Telephoto Lenses. Holds 2 mounted DSLR cameras plus additional bodies and lenses (unattached lenses up to 800mm), Ultradurable X-Pac VX-21 water resistant outer shell, Patented Butterfly access to Dual Compartments Water Bottle and Tripod Sleeves...
And a link to B&H:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1435529-REG
Note, there is a 30L+ version that adds a laptop compartment. It’s a bit more, but still in the $400s. I did not get that one, as I wanted this bag to be shallower, for the times I might put it under an airplane seat on a smaller plane (e.g., Dash 8 derivatives that I see in British Columbia and Iceland).
SoCalRick
Well-known member
I've already made multiple comments in a number of other posts on this site regarding camera bags that can carry large lenses, some of which @ButlerKid pointed out, so I won't recreate that content here. I also posted pictures with interior measurements and shots of my 600 TC and Nikon Z8/Z9 (and some other lenses) in a couple of different bags, including the GuraGear Kiboko (30L and 30L+) and the NYA-EVO 60-C with XL RCI.
My bag recommendations to you are the GG Kiboko 30L and the NYA-EVO 60-C, but the answers to your questions and more can be found in those earlier posts.
I have a Guru and LOVE it, discontinued now but will last forever. Top quality, no question.
If you choose to buy one from BH, click the Donations at top - and receive 10% off compliments of Backcountry Forums and Steve will also get a bit for your purchase.
If you choose to buy one from BH, click the Donations at top - and receive 10% off compliments of Backcountry Forums and Steve will also get a bit for your purchase.
Clough91
Member
Ya exchange rate sucks definitely, but that’s the way it is, could always find an insert that fits ur gear and find a hiking pack?
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I believe the 10% is if you order from Gura.....not B&H ?
I assume you are correct. When I bought mine I did receive a discount, however that was 2 years ago more or less.
fcotterill
Well-known member
There are better options than Peak Design. They caught me one times too many with a Kickstarter for their Travel Backpack. It is unbearable to carry any reasonable distance with even a moderate load IME.
Strangely, the designers also ignore constructive criticism of their camera cubes aka ICU's, although the packing tools work well for packing personal items. There are far better choices for ICU's: including Mindshift (= Thinktank), fStop and NYA-EVO.
The trendy hipster casual marketing, albeit hard sell, might get traction with an uncritical audience but be wary. Perhaps the newest/pending PD 45 litre pack is better but it is best tested properly on a fully customer-friendly return period.
I have tried several different bags. They are all adequate for storage of gear that fit within their size and they all work for air travel. I guess my favorite among those is the GuraGear 30l.
On the other hand I have been completely dissatisfied with all of them for use while hiking any significant distance. I expereince back pain with all of them when hiking for more than a mile or two.
I am much happier with my McHale custom backpack. I can walk all day with that pack in comfort. It takes camera inserts, I have used the F Stop Pro XL and now am using the Nya xl insert. I keep all of my most used gear in the pack and bring the whole kit with me on my travels. I do prefer to transport the 800 in its separate case.
My custom backpack is not however ideal for air travel because it is too big to qualify as a carry-on. Not a problem for me because i hardly ever fly anywhere these days.
On the other hand I have been completely dissatisfied with all of them for use while hiking any significant distance. I expereince back pain with all of them when hiking for more than a mile or two.
I am much happier with my McHale custom backpack. I can walk all day with that pack in comfort. It takes camera inserts, I have used the F Stop Pro XL and now am using the Nya xl insert. I keep all of my most used gear in the pack and bring the whole kit with me on my travels. I do prefer to transport the 800 in its separate case.
My custom backpack is not however ideal for air travel because it is too big to qualify as a carry-on. Not a problem for me because i hardly ever fly anywhere these days.
Use a Think Tank Street Walker hard drive, and when I am flying I take all the velcroed compartments out, and then pack spare soft clothing around the camera and lens for protection till it's full. Works well.
Marcus
Active member
I have seen someone else who uses the 36l with that body and lens, does she carry with lens attached to the Z9?
Marcus
Active member
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soundwatts
New member
Yes there is a nice amount of padding that she arranged to surround the exact shape of the body and lens and the walls of the backpack are fairly thick so it seems ok
The term "super telephoto" includes a large range of sizes (9.3" 500mm PF to 17.2" 600mm TC). The Think Tank Street Walker Pro holds the Z800PF or the Z180-600 + a body + Z24-70mm, with room for cleaning gear and a battery charger.
WcWarren
New member
In situations where I am hiking or walking no matter the distance I use a regular hiking pack. I prefer Osprey packs. So many camera packs are completely unusable in my opinion. They lack a proper hipbelt and they aren’t adjustable in the torso. They don’t seem to be designed to really carry a load.Not to mention, I think they are all overpriced. I do not feel the need to carry every single lens I own, I usuallly stick to one and no more than 2. When I am on a road trip, I use a pelican case to carry my gear in and then just take whatever fits my needs in the pack for that day or night. In my experience, there has not been a one bag to rule them all, it’s been different situations require different solutions.
Midway
Well-known member
I purchased a Think Tank BackLight 36L to hold a Z9 with Z 600 TC attached along with a couple other lenses and like it a lot but after returning from a trip where I don't want to travel with a 600, I am looking for a smaller alternative to carry the Z 9, Z 400 4.5, and 2 or 3 other pro version lenses. The 18L would be close but wouldn't hold my 16 inch MacBook Pro that I would want to carry on but wouldn't have in the pack when hiking. The 26L is an option but I want to go with something comfortable and light on long hikes and just big enough to carry the lenses I would want to have on that outing. I suppose I could put the laptop in my luggage but when I need to check, want to have a laptop during the flight. The Think Tank Shape Shifter was ideal when going to and from events when I was shooting sports but wasn't ideal during this last trip and the 400 f4.5 did not fit well and wasn't that well balanced on long hikes.
I agree with this assessment. I too have tried several photo backpacks and did not like how they performed while hiking.
I went with a custom fitted option, which fits so well and is so comfortable it becomes addicting. My suggestion is to check out a backpacking equipment store and try a few packs out to see how they feel.
Jojo
New member
I will say the NYA EVO does pretty well. I evacuated due to Hurricane Milton and transported a lot of gear. I ended having to walk a ton through the ATL airport since the train was down and the pack did very well transporting the gear. I need to weigh the pack when I get back home but it’s easily 15-20 pounds of gear. I also carried without the hip belt which is one of the best hip belts photo packs I have used.
Jojo
New member
I weighed the pack when I got home and I was way off. It was 24 lbs!
arbitrage
Well-known member
Just a heads up that GuraGear is running their 20% off everything for BF.
I expect F-stop to do the same as they always do.
Hoping Nya-Evo will also.
If you are in the market for a new bag this is typically the best time of year to save some $$$
I expect F-stop to do the same as they always do.
Hoping Nya-Evo will also.
If you are in the market for a new bag this is typically the best time of year to save some $$$