NOT! I love the Kiboko bag as a lightweight travel bag and shooting bag combo
Why? Because small airlines don't try to take it away from me! With my rolling bag, I had to argue not to gate check it, even though I knew that it would fit under the seat. With the Kiboko in backpack mode, airline staff would take one look at the straps and leave me alone (could get caught in conveyor belts). And for some reason - karma or whatever - I even get offered the use of plane closets more often.
The one and only time that I lost the battle to forced check in, nothing was damaged as I stuffed mitts/gloves/hats/baggies firmly around my long lens and in both outer pockets to minimize vibrations. To minimize tampering, I use TSA locks and orange ties which compliment the orange Kiboko logo along with an orange neoprene handle (in hopes that it looks less like a camera bag). Fragile labels enabled me to use the special handling service w/o having to blab (tip off) about what was inside vs having to use the horrid "toss down a chute" gate check service.
To reduce walk-around weight during long airport layovers, I use a small luggage cart with the Kiboko straps tucked neatly away. To my surprise, no one has counted the cart as a 3rd item on 6 different flights.
For me, the Kiboko works great as a shooting bag because I have easy access to everything - gear AND personal items. I could set-up and break-down quickly with the bag draped over my knees in a van/car (impossible with a full flap bag unless you invade someone else's space or end up dumping items onto the floor). On my next trip, I look forward to having lenses mounted before leaving my room which will streamline my bags and overall workflow.
Plus as advertised, I shaved 4 lbs. off my normal load and the bag always fit under the airplane seat or in overhead compartments. And lastly, there's much more capacity for miscellaneous items than was expected
So, thank you Andy ~/~
Chris
www.wildliferhythms.com