******
- Verified Buyer
This bag is almost perfect.For me at least the hip strap is too large, so I broke out the sewing machine and cut off a bit of material at the base of the strap and sowed it back on so it fits me. However I don't expect this to be a problem for most people.However, IN GENERAL THE MAIN COMPARTMENT SUFFERS FROM AN AKWARD DEPTH. For most of my lenses, they can slide around quite a bit in the extra height (when the bag is laying flat so you can access the internal compartment) when laid flat, however, I can fit even my largest zoom lens in the bag (Sigma 150-600 f6.3 Contemporary), even with the lens hood and 2x teleconverter installed. Still, I wish that there was extra padding included to fill the extra space. And even then, the included dividers are not as tall as the compartment, so small lenses can slip around the dividers when the backpack is worn or upright. However I definitely would have liked a better configuration for holding the DSLR in the top of the bag by the top accessible flap (another symptom of the main compartment being to tall/deep). Also, it would be nice to have a few more dividers to allow transport of multiple smaller lenses/items.I've solved the first problem by sewing little "blocks" of felt folded like an accordion to give them thickness, with a small patch of Velcro on each corner of the bottom (so the cushions don't fall out), to the size of each compartment/lens footprint, to take up the extra space. I've solved the second problem by using the "U" shaped dividers included to make a cradle that fits my frequented lens (Sigma 24-105 f4 Art), against the front wall of the bag, so the camera is well secured, but the remaining space is large enough to fit an entire other camera body attached to a small lens vertically below it in the depth/thickness of the pocket, along with small spaces for other gear along the sides of the pocket. I've used this space to store my film camera (Minolta 7000 Maxxim), alongside my DSLR (Nikon D610), and used the side space to hold a film container and the softbag containing extra screws for my tripod, and few lens adapters. You can use one of the dividers to separate the two cameras bodies so they don't touch. For the third problem I've bought some third party dividers of the same dimensions (but taller) to fit the bag.IF YOU HAVE LONG AND LARGE DIAMETER LENSES, YOU'LL LOVE THIS BAG. If you have smaller diameter lenses, like Olympus or others, get something else.Secondly, for a hiking backpack I really expect a pouch for a water pouch (a flexible reservoir, ie a platypus). There isn't one, and while you can use the laptop pocket, make sure that the pressure of the bag doesn't cause your mouthpiece to drop while wearing the backpack, for me it didn't, however my Osprey water bag has a backpressure prevention valve built in, most don't. However, even if this solution works, it means I can't really bring my laptop, which isn't great. I don't have a solution for this yet.Finally, I really wish that they had added side pouches on the hip support strap. They are very long as it is (a problem for people with small waists like me as they won't tighten far enough) and they could have used that space to add a zippered pocket on each side. As it is, there are no pouches easily accessible while the backpack is on. I solved this problem by purchasing kevlar-cloth zipper bags and sewing them to my modified hip straps, and appreciate the extra space and easy access on the trail.With all the problems out of the way however, I love everything else. The quality of the materials is impressive, and the padding is luxurious. I am no longer worried for my camera's safety when I hike. The side pouches are especially nice, with very stretchy fabric that slides easily, perfect for water bottles or small tripods. Not many packs can let you bring a drone, a DSLR, extra lenses, a tripod, and a water bottle. The bag is very comfortable, and I've used it on several strenuous 8+ hour hikes with significant elevation gain, and absolutely love it (with the modified hip straps at least). The rain cover works very well, however isn't quite large enough to cover my large tripod when strapped to the back of the bag vertically, however this can be solved by moving the tripod to the bottom horizontal roll mount, if you don't have something there already, but it can be a bit akward (and make sure your tripod is waterproof), but it means all the rest of your gear is protected. Even during fairly intense rain, the backpack was fairly dry, and all of my gear inside was completely dry, and not even damp (even my viewfinder didn't fog up, which is a first). There are just enough dividers included to configure the backpack to carry almost everything. The dividers have a stiff foam inside and a non-abrasive yet slick outside covering, allowing even tightly packed lenses to slide in and out of storage easily, and the inside is very well padded, especially the bottom of the bag, and covered with a thick, soft fabric. The padding on the back wall of the backpack is exceptional, even better than my dedicated hiking backpack, and the bottom of the bag has a very thick kevlar-like plastic that allows you to set the bag down even on sharp rocks, damp grass, or wet sand without worry of poking through the bag to your gear, or getting it wet. I HAVEN'T FOUND ANYTHING BETTER, and I've hiked a combined 45 miles with it and I'VE TRIED MANY OTHER HIKING-CAMERA BACKPACKS, AND THIS IS THE ONLY ONE I HAVEN'T RETURNED. Even with it's flaws, it's a keeper.TLDR----------------------------------------CONS:Main compartment is maybe too tall/deep, too few dividers, no place for platypus/water reservoir, no hip pouches.PROS:Premium materials, sturdy construction, great protection for your gear, practically fully customizable, and unmatched comfort, even for strenuous hikes and long durations.
