Kiboko

[Kenneth Sky]

Andy
You have provided a very elegant solution for taking all your kit when travelling (although rollers would have been a nice addition) but what about a day bag that holds just 3 lenses and some personal stuff? Also I have a tendency to sweat on my back and get hyperthermic when a backpack is on for several hours. Is there any ventilation on the back surface?
Ken

[abiggs]

Thanks for the kind words, Ken.

Stay tuned for things you may be asking for. We are working on other products, for sure. No promises as far as timing, but we certainly are listening.

The harness system has padding that is consistent with what you get from Lowepro and other camera backpack manufacturers. There is a gap between each 'panel' of padding, thus increasing airflow. You can see an image of the padding on www.guragear.com, and from the main product page there is an image on the right hand side that enlarges.

[vjbelle]

Victor-

The issues with a Pelican case are typically:

Too heavy  - For a typical bag that holds as much as a decent backpack, you need to be in a 1500 or 1600 series. We are talking 15 to 20 pounds or more, just for the case.

Not easy to work out of - Yes, you can get it to your destination, but once you are there how do you actually use it? You then have to check yet another piece of luggage just to hold your camera backpack.

Bulky - There is a premium for all of that protection, and that is extra bulk.

No backpack capability - If you are going some place where there isn't concrete, you are in for a world of hurt.

No single bag meets all needs for all people, that's for sure. I have been working on a rolling case that will fit the Kiboko bag, but every time I turn around the case gets bigger and heavier.

Andy,

Everything you say is true, and my comments are not meant to detract from your design.  My greatest fear is getting my stuff to its destination in one piece.  Its one thing if it doesn't have to be checked and another if it does.  When the person behind the counter says the bag must be checked then it must be checked!  

The baggage handlers actually threw my case around.  My case actually has a chip in it caused when it hit something.  Pelican case material is tuff as nails - it must have taken a lot of effort to put a chip in it!  A soft case - any soft case - would have had its contents damaged by that type of handling.  I hope that rules can be changed to accommodate photo travelers but I'm not holding my breath.

BTW, I always travel with more than one case.  I always have a backpack stowed in my checked luggage for use when I arrive at my destination.  The Pelican is just for getting my stuff back and forth.  Don't give up on a hard case with wheels that meets Airline carry on standards.  There will always be a buyer for such a product.  

Victor

[abiggs]

Victor-

I totally hear you. I wish there was a perfect solution for all situations!

[JDClements]

GuraGear.com is not "Canada" friendly. The shipping calculator only accepts 5-digit zip codes.

[abiggs]

Sounds like you didn't select Canada as the destination country. Each field has rules behind the scenes, and you are correct that a 5 digit zip code is required for the US. For some reason the genius behind the shopping cart software decided that it would be a good idea to put the country in a spot where you have to do some fields before others, and then perhaps go back and re-do some fields if you did them in a logical order.

In other words, just select Canada before going back up and putting in your postal code.

Sorry for the confusion.

[canlogic]

Mine is on it's way to Montreal, although it is a Christmas/Birthday present. So I will not get to even see it till then. Watch your shipping method if shipping to Canada as they are very high except for Fedex ground.

[abiggs]

I am glad to know that you didn't have any issues with the checkout process for a non-US address. I hear you about the shipping methods. All of the major guys (UPS, USPS and FedEx) still have fuel surcharges in place, even though the fuel prices have come way way way down.

[JDClements]

Sounds like you didn't select Canada as the destination country.

I went straight to the Shopping Cart, where there are no fields to fill out, just a shipping calculator. I think that means I have to fill out the fields as though buying to estimate shipping, but I was just trying to get a quick estimate. I understand you are at the mercy of the shopping cart script on your site.

I will fill it all out and have a look.

[abiggs]

You do have to put the item in the cart and go through the normal checkout process to see what the actual shipping charges will be. Just insert the bag in the cart, check out, add addresses and voila! Fairly standard shopping functionality. I suspect the quick quote piece is throwing you a curve ball.

[pindman]

Here's another evaluation of the bag.  Mine's coming to Antarctica!

http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2008/11...pack-first.html

[Anders_HK]

What makes a good photo backpack???

- Mine has been with me for about six (6) years.

- I am an expat in Asia with photography as a hobby. I have travelled worldwide with my pack, all across Asia and between Europe and Asia countless times.

My Tenba PBP is one of best pieces of photographic gear I own.


You may find interest in my post #11 where I explain why's here http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....c=20357&hl=


In that post I explained per my experience why carrying 15-17 kg of gear on my back on travels works with a pack of this type. The quick opening also allows get gear out fast, and with lock keep it safe in hotels...

Per what I recall the Tenba PBP is lighter than 2 LBs    The shame is that they not make it anymore...  but    I found one collecting dust in a store in Shanghai the other year, so I now have a backup... but my first one is still strong!

Regards
Anders

[James R]

Alan,

I second the desire for a good, light weight day bag.  Something big enough for a D3.  I must have 6 bags sitting on a shelf as I continue my search for the perfect day bag.

[Panorama]

In decades of shooting I've never found the perfect camera pack. Shoulder bags, back packs, sling bags, they all have their uses but there are trade off with every one, and this pack is no different. I applaud Andy for creating another choice, but since I've never seen it, touched it, felt it, etc. I can only go by what I see/read on the site.

The pack is light, and we all want to carry less weight, so that's a welcome feature.

OK, it's big, but........ Do you always want to carry a 500/600 lens at the same time and little else? Where are the EXTERNAL pockets to hold all the other stuff like car keys, filters, pen/pencil, small flashlight for working in the early morning dark? Where are the attachment points to hold anything other than a tripod? No, I didn't forget the water bottle holder, it's just too limited to count for much.

Unfortunately it's extremely over priced (unless you're fortunate like MR who seems to never have a working budget or financial limitations). Alas, many can not say the same especially in this "economy" or whats left of it. Perhaps a more realistic price is $249. I'm not sure I understand the $399 with a "MSRP" of $429; where did that come from if you're the mfg?

I'd suggest anyone looking for a large airline travel bag to look at the Lowepro Vertex 300.... It's fully airline compatible with a pack/stow-away harness, it has many attachment points where you can add slip lock attachments for extra pouches when needed - and I often do. You can place the tripod on the front or either side, it has a fully adjustable harness (with more attachment points).I've hiked with the Vertex 300 fully loaded for hours (carrying 45 lbs/20 kg.) and it's extremely comfortable. I only had a 300 f/2.8 IS in there as the largest white, but also had 6-7 other lenses and gear. The downside is that the pack weighs more, but it also has a full padded laptop compartment for those that want to carry one (I wish this was removable).  It easily holds MF and even LF gear too. The Vertex is extremely well built and seems a lot more flexible in all ways...

For a price comparison, the Vertex has the typically higher (insane) "retail" price but I paid $180 out the door - including tax - from a large retail camera chain here in Boston. That leaves you with a more flexible bag and $220+ to use as a down payment toward buying a sandwich and drink on the airline......

[abiggs]

Panorama, thank you for giving me the opportunity to chime in with some thoughts.

First off, I have learned that in order to have a lightweight bag there are only 3 ways of accomplishing this goal:

1) Reduce the size of the bag. Nope I wasn't interested in this.
2) Reduce the features and functionality of the bag. Definitely not interested.
3) Spend your way out by using expensive materials and processes.

We went through 7 different prototypes to arrive at a great balance between functionality and weight. And to arrive at the weight savings one of the major elements was the use of Dimension Polyant VX-21, which is a material that is made on the same floor as sailcloth that is used on racing yachts. The material is extremely expensive (more than 6 times than that of more traditional vinyl fabric that is used in camera bags), and has better abrasion resistance and general durability. Oh, and it weighs only a 1/3 of the weight.

If you take the functionality of the Kiboko bag and match it up with the Moose Peterson MP-1 or a Lowepro Pro Trekker or Super Trekker, you will notice that their prices compare to that of mine. The MP-1 has little functionality or padding and sells for $365, and the Lowepros are $400 to $450 yet are extremely heavy.

We will be selling the bag through retailers in the new year, and it is likely that they buy direct price will be a bit higher than that of these resellers. We might sell at the retail price and our resellers can sell for slightly less. It is common in the industry to take this approach.

As far as outside pockets, we have two of them. One of them has a key fob, pen holder, a place for business cards and other misc items. The other pouch is for whatever you would like to put inside. People are using these outside pockets for gloves, travel documents and whatever they would like to gain quick access to. Your asking has made me realize that I need to take some more studio photos to illustrate! Thanks for the kick in the pants. And the tripod holder is clearly visible in the product photos, as I have a tripod already attached to the bag in one of those shots.

I don't believe that one can compare our bag to a Lowepro Vertex, because A) it isn't a lightweight bag and  it cannot hold as much gear as the Kiboko. The Vertex is a great bag, but a different type of buyer will look to that bag as a purchase. In any market, you typically pay more and get more. Or pay less and get less. And the market helps determine what a successful price for a product is. We have had great success so far, and we look forward to bringing more products to the market for customers that are sensitive to carrying too much weight.

I hope this helps-

[Ken Doo]

Nice looking bag, Andy!

So now I know what to take on that African Photo Safari.....    

[Herkko]

My choice for long haul traveling has been Lowepro Mini Trekker AW Backpack  for over a year now. It weighs next to nothing (2.56 lbs (1.16 kg)), size reminds the backpack designed for little kids (fits in any compartment, no attention at desks or anywhere) and price is very competitive.

I will usually carry 1DMKIII, EF 500/4L IS, EF 1.4TCII, normal lens(es), sometimes 5D, binoculars and other acessories. They all fit well in so that most of compartment sheets are removed and 500/4 is crossing sideways the long side of bag. For business trip I can alternatively take EF 300/4L IS (instead of 500/4) and laptop, they are fitting in very well also. Optionally I can also tuck between camera items a spare t-shirt + socks  set (in case my luggage will come late) for extra cushion.

Earlier I used to carry full loaded 30lbs Phototrekker AW (now used for car traveling only) with laptop and all other junk I really don't need out in the wild. Now I'm just with the kit I really need for the destination and it will fit into any airline regulations, expect maybe a tad over 8kgs. But still very little compared to some other guys 'legal hand baggage'.

[flyingwithfish]

I have been using the Gura Gear Kiboko for the last few weeks and even fully loaded I love this backpack.   The bag is well designed, roughly half the weight of the Think Tank Airport Addicted, approximately 3-inches shorter than the Airport Addicted when they are both fat on their back, and it is very ergonomic.

As a heavy traveller, the Gura Gear Kiboko passed one of the hardest tests for me, I was able to stuff it under the seat of a US Airways Express Dash-8 Turbo Prop.   Being able to physically push this bag under the seat of a small plane is fantastic!

While my set up for this bag does not include long lenses, I have it configured currently for 2 bodies, 7 lenses, two light stands, two lights, a softbox, speedring, etc etc etc. You can read more about the bag in detail, and see a series of images of the bag fully loaded at the blog I maintain for photogs who travel:
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfi...-fantastic-bag/

[Panorama]

Panorama, thank you for giving me the opportunity to chime in with some thoughts.

First off, I have learned that in order to have a lightweight bag there are only 3 ways of accomplishing this goal:

1) Reduce the size of the bag. Nope I wasn't interested in this.
2) Reduce the features and functionality of the bag. Definitely not interested.
3) Spend your way out by using expensive materials and processes.

We went through 7 different prototypes to arrive at a great balance between functionality and weight. And to arrive at the weight savings one of the major elements was the use of Dimension Polyant VX-21, which is a material that is made on the same floor as sailcloth that is used on racing yachts. The material is extremely expensive (more than 6 times than that of more traditional vinyl fabric that is used in camera bags), and has better abrasion resistance and general durability. Oh, and it weighs only a 1/3 of the weight.

If you take the functionality of the Kiboko bag and match it up with the Moose Peterson MP-1 or a Lowepro Pro Trekker or Super Trekker, you will notice that their prices compare to that of mine. The MP-1 has little functionality or padding and sells for $365, and the Lowepros are $400 to $450 yet are extremely heavy.

We will be selling the bag through retailers in the new year, and it is likely that they buy direct price will be a bit higher than that of these resellers. We might sell at the retail price and our resellers can sell for slightly less. It is common in the industry to take this approach.

As far as outside pockets, we have two of them. One of them has a key fob, pen holder, a place for business cards and other misc items. The other pouch is for whatever you would like to put inside. People are using these outside pockets for gloves, travel documents and whatever they would like to gain quick access to. Your asking has made me realize that I need to take some more studio photos to illustrate! Thanks for the kick in the pants. And the tripod holder is clearly visible in the product photos, as I have a tripod already attached to the bag in one of those shots.

I don't believe that one can compare our bag to a Lowepro Vertex, because A) it isn't a lightweight bag and  it cannot hold as much gear as the Kiboko. The Vertex is a great bag, but a different type of buyer will look to that bag as a purchase. In any market, you typically pay more and get more. Or pay less and get less. And the market helps determine what a successful price for a product is. We have had great success so far, and we look forward to bringing more products to the market for customers that are sensitive to carrying too much weight.

I hope this helps-

Thanks Andy. It does help and also reinforces what I believed to be the bag's raison d'etre - a light weight bag for big lenses. Unfortunately, as you've pointed out, that often requires a more expensive materials list. I'm sure my materials search has not been as extensive as yours, but to me options seem to be decreasing instead of increasing as mfgs produce a few "standard" choices and force everyone into smaller categories. The sail cloth is a non-standard choice, so I'm glad you found it and it works for you.

Regarding the bag and its features, I guess we can say "horse or courses". BTW, everything "moose" seems to be heavy on the price, light on the functionality.  The reason that I didn't mention the Lowepro Photo Trekker (Pro/Nature, et. al) is because they're old technology bags; I'm pretty sure they'll be replaced and you're exactly right; they're very heavy. I've sold mine and don't miss them. Why carry a 10-12lb (empty) bag when you can carry a lighter one? I did mention the Vertex because it holds a lot - you can put a 300/400/500mm lens in there with lots of other stuff. When I purchased mine, the weight was listed as 6 lbs (now says 8 lbs on the Lowepro site but judging from my hands on experience it feels like less). The Vertex does have the laptop section, which I think adds unnecessary weight and bulk to the bag. I'd much prefer a removable section that allows you to store a laptop when traveling and remove it to go into the field.

Regardless of specific bag features, I can only really comment on my own needs which are different from yours. You're obviously doing more international travel than I am (I'm very happy not to be flying like I was a few years ago when it was more like 80-100 flights a year. It's too wearing...) so I look for bags that are utilitarian. I want something I can use to travel locally down to the cape or up to the White mountains (e.g., by car, hiking) or take on a plane to Moab. The oil companies have helped spoil air travel for most of us all so we're being forced to cut down on weight/size/number of bags. With a more versatile bag, I have the option to cram what I need in a single bag and not carry as many/much extra bags to hold all the other stuff which in the end just transfers the weight to more/other bags (and that's good sometimes).

It's hard to tell much from pictures on a web site (any web site) unless you're already familiar with the product so adding more images will help. Seeing your bag in person could change my impression, but pending the new views, if I could offer any suggestion it would be to increase the flexibility. That doesn't mean weigh it down, but it does mean give people the options to store more things. I still use SR ND grads, and probably always will or at least until camera mfgs decide to focus on DR quality and not MP. Currently, they (ND grads) fit into a sliplock pouch I attach to the outside of many - not just one - of my bags. I can attach and go in a minute. I can also attach another pouch to hold keys, glasses, etc. should I choose. The nice thing is the attachment points; these (including reinforcement) add extremely little weight.

Again, I'm glad you made the bag and I wish you the best of luck with it. Choice is a good thing for us all, but a practicable choice is the best thing - for me - in the long run.

Regards, Jim

[Alexandre Buisse]

I was wondering how you think this bag would perform to carry a large format system. Anyone got any idea?