Peter, I'd suggest that this bag has a crucial flaw. You definitely want a back-opening camera backpack, yes - as this reduces the risk of everything dropping out if you forget to zip everything closed, as well as making it difficult for thieves to access if you're standing in a crowd - but it's essential that the carrying straps are separate from the opening flap. With the version you're showing, Peter, if you grabbed your pack without closing the zipper, then all of your equipment would come flying out. Even worse (and something that's happened to me) is if you leave the zipper open on one side, then pieces of equipment cab work their way out as you're walking, and you might not notice until later. On the positive side: those straps that allowed you to partially open the bag when wearing it on your front are an excellent feature. My backpack doesn't have those, but they're easily retrofitted with parts from eBay. I also like that big fold-over top flap, to help keep out rain on the zippers and deter sneak-thieves. On my backpack, I've discarded the separate pull-over full rain cover, and replaced it with a piece of fully-waterproof tent fabric to stop rain ingress through the zippers. This quickly pulls over and is secured with Velcro (which has the added security of making a noise if a sneak-thief attempts to open it). My bag has lots of these DIY modifications. The type of pack I have is shown here: amzn.eu/d/0MeHqtK, the K&F Concept Camera Backpack from Amazon. Notice that the carrying straps attach to the main bag, and not to the opening flap. It's also water resistant and comes with a full raincoat. Colours are very muted, which I prefer, as I really don't want to be noticed, especially not attracting attention to a bag with thousands of dollars of equipment inside. Ideally, the bag should be fully waterproof without having to fit a rain cover. For this reason it's worth visiting an outdoor activities specialist to buy some additional waterproofing products, especially the super-waterproofing that's applied in the washing machine, as that stuff really is 100% waterproof, paying special attention to those vulnerable zippers.
I've a camera system, which fits stealthy into my messenger bag and doesn't stress my old bones. No need for bulky packs. And you know that system well.
Thanks for the review and it looks great! Nice that they come in a number of colors not just the usual black or other neutral color. If they had one which was a bit bigger and bigger side pocket for a tripod or a thermos then that might be just right for me. Of course there are lots of different use cases....
Interesting bag, Peter. Just a thought, you could place some Velcro under that flap to stop it coming apart. You can get the sticky type which should stick well.
I could do that. Good idea, let's see if I actually will do that. Velcro is good a good option. If someone tries to open it, there will be a sound. More sound than from a magnet.
Suggest you stick parallel vertical strips on either side, rather than one strip horizontally. That way only one side at a time can be opened. At least 3cm wide, each side.🇦🇺
I agree that reflective material would be great. The problem is that most places they do not get the idea of reflectors. Here in Finald we do get why it is important for safety reasons.
Peter, did you buy this at retail? I hope you're not lowering your credibility by praising something you got for free. Us photographers need to be aware that influencers exist to sell products, not provide unbiased information. Thank you.
No I did not buy it. You propably know that if you watched the video. I always have a disclaimer if I have gotten something. That way everyone can decide if they want to continue to watch the video. The disclaimer is also required by law. I never endorse anything that I will not use myself. I do get a lot of request to review gear. In most cases I say no. Every now and them there is a product that I receive, but decide not to make a video, because the product is not very good. I personally see the gear videos useful. I always try to find a some reviews if I am buying something. Checking out and reading several reviews helps a lot to decide.
@ForsgardPeter Thank you, Peter. In the US there are no requirements to actually purchase something one reviews, and it's an anything goes. Washington Post had a story on people who "review" products on store shelves (that they don't purchase) to generate content and clicks. All of these influencers (inclding brand ambassadors) are having a negative effect, encouraging buying and discouraging critical thinkjng. I did not watch this video because I'm not in the market for a backpack. Most of us have more junk than we need. I appreciate your response and your content.
Peter, I'd suggest that this bag has a crucial flaw. You definitely want a back-opening camera backpack, yes - as this reduces the risk of everything dropping out if you forget to zip everything closed, as well as making it difficult for thieves to access if you're standing in a crowd - but it's essential that the carrying straps are separate from the opening flap. With the version you're showing, Peter, if you grabbed your pack without closing the zipper, then all of your equipment would come flying out. Even worse (and something that's happened to me) is if you leave the zipper open on one side, then pieces of equipment cab work their way out as you're walking, and you might not notice until later.
On the positive side: those straps that allowed you to partially open the bag when wearing it on your front are an excellent feature. My backpack doesn't have those, but they're easily retrofitted with parts from eBay. I also like that big fold-over top flap, to help keep out rain on the zippers and deter sneak-thieves. On my backpack, I've discarded the separate pull-over full rain cover, and replaced it with a piece of fully-waterproof tent fabric to stop rain ingress through the zippers. This quickly pulls over and is secured with Velcro (which has the added security of making a noise if a sneak-thief attempts to open it). My bag has lots of these DIY modifications.
The type of pack I have is shown here: amzn.eu/d/0MeHqtK, the K&F Concept Camera Backpack from Amazon. Notice that the carrying straps attach to the main bag, and not to the opening flap. It's also water resistant and comes with a full raincoat. Colours are very muted, which I prefer, as I really don't want to be noticed, especially not attracting attention to a bag with thousands of dollars of equipment inside.
Ideally, the bag should be fully waterproof without having to fit a rain cover. For this reason it's worth visiting an outdoor activities specialist to buy some additional waterproofing products, especially the super-waterproofing that's applied in the washing machine, as that stuff really is 100% waterproof, paying special attention to those vulnerable zippers.
I've a camera system, which fits stealthy into my messenger bag and doesn't stress my old bones. No need for bulky packs. And you know that system well.
For streets and maybe travel a messenger bag is better.
@@ForsgardPeter 1:11 ❤
I bought this bag a year ago and also REALLY like it. It us very comfortable, perfect size for my gear, and easy to use
Totally agree!
Thanks for the review and it looks great! Nice that they come in a number of colors not just the usual black or other neutral color. If they had one which was a bit bigger and bigger side pocket for a tripod or a thermos then that might be just right for me. Of course there are lots of different use cases....
K&F Concept 10L is my walk around camera bag.....
Interesting bag, Peter. Just a thought, you could place some Velcro under that flap to stop it coming apart. You can get the sticky type which should stick well.
I could do that. Good idea, let's see if I actually will do that. Velcro is good a good option. If someone tries to open it, there will be a sound. More sound than from a magnet.
Suggest you stick parallel vertical strips on either side, rather than one strip horizontally. That way only one side at a time can be opened. At least 3cm wide, each side.🇦🇺
Good points. Thanks.
When you are in the back-roads the color is good, reflective material would be even better - it is a safety question.
I agree that reflective material would be great. The problem is that most places they do not get the idea of reflectors. Here in Finald we do get why it is important for safety reasons.
Will this fit a 16'' macbook pro M1?
Not quite sure, my MacBook Pro is 35 by 25cm. That fits. Not sure if it is a 15" or 16".
I thought it was a paranormal activity going on 😁😁😁
👍
Peter, did you buy this at retail?
I hope you're not lowering your credibility by praising something you got for free.
Us photographers need to be aware that influencers exist to sell products, not provide unbiased information.
Thank you.
No I did not buy it. You propably know that if you watched the video. I always have a disclaimer if I have gotten something. That way everyone can decide if they want to continue to watch the video. The disclaimer is also required by law. I never endorse anything that I will not use myself.
I do get a lot of request to review gear. In most cases I say no. Every now and them there is a product that I receive, but decide not to make a video, because the product is not very good.
I personally see the gear videos useful. I always try to find a some reviews if I am buying something. Checking out and reading several reviews helps a lot to decide.
@ForsgardPeter
Thank you, Peter.
In the US there are no requirements to actually purchase something one reviews, and it's an anything goes.
Washington Post had a story on people who "review" products on store shelves (that they don't purchase) to generate content and clicks.
All of these influencers (inclding brand ambassadors) are having a negative effect, encouraging buying and discouraging critical thinkjng.
I did not watch this video because I'm not in the market for a backpack. Most of us have more junk than we need.
I appreciate your response and your content.