Clik Elite Compact Sport Camera Backpack

Clik Elite CE706GR Compact - Sport GrayI got this version over the pro model because its a bit smaller. It is small. It fits my nikon d50, 70-210 lens and some filters in the bottom pocket just fine. The top large compartment has ample space for flashes, a sweater, or lunch, what ever you may need on a given day hike. And the top soft compartment for your phone and wallet is very nice. The rain bag that hides away in the bottom is nice, but should have a better way to tighten it onto the bag. It was pulled off fairly easily by passing sticks and bushes when we were passing through them in the rain. A little frustrating but a very minor problem. The compartment for the hydration pack has room enough for my 3 L camelbak bladder, which is very nice.

I went hiking along a shore, a HUGE wave slammed us, though I was able to hold onto the rocks just fine, I was certain my camera had gone to expensive gear heaven. Much to my pleasure the construction of this bag and its water resistance kept my camera and lenses in pristine shape. Instantly worth every penny. Now if I could only find my slippers that were swept away in the wave.

Overall, this pack is great. It's about the same size as my camelback MULE and will accept the 100 oz reservoir from my camelback. The pack fits nicely and is comfortable to mountain bike or hike with all day long. The camera compartment is big enough to hold my Canon T2i with 24-105 lens attached and the hood reversed or removed. Any lens bigger will not comfortably fit. Side pockets hold the cases, filters, and other odds and ends (e.g. extra batteries, memory cards). The upper pouches contain enough room for some food, a spare tube, essential mountain biking tools, and a lightweight jacket.

My gripe:

The camera compartment contains a zipper, allowing you to unzip the divider which separates the lower camera compartment from the upper compartment. When the divider is unzipped, you have a pack with one large compartment. However, when the compartment is zipped, as I always keep it, the natural place for the zipper handle is right beneath the battery pack of my camera! There is NO cloth sleeve for the zipper handle. No matter how I arrange the camera in the compartment, the metal zipper handle would be able to rub up against the camera body not something to be ignored if you're going to be hiking or biking with this pack on. I wrapped a thick piece of fabric around the zipper handle to protect my camera body, but for this pack's price and photo-specific purpose, I feel I shouldn't have to do this. Fortunately, the rest of the camera compartment is well thought out.

Buy Clik Elite Compact Sport Camera Backpack Now

There have been enough reviews of this backpack that I don't need to add much, but to say it's heavier than the Tenba and a few shades darker than the photo leads you to think. I'm carrying a D90, SB600 flash, 55-300mm f3.5-5.6, 17-50mm f2.8, and 35mm prime lenses, plus a few little accessories and sometimes monoor tri-pod to outdoor events and on walks through woods. Although there is room, I appreciate the way it's organized (it's smart to have side access and to compartmentalize top from bottom), and like the comfort (it has a curved back and well padded straps), I believe I'll need to exchange this pack for one that is lighter in weight and color. When the sun beats down on your pack from March to November, you realize pretty quickly that you have to have light tan! Hope this review was helpful!

Read Best Reviews of Clik Elite Compact Sport Camera Backpack Here

I primarily will use this for hikes 4 hours or less. Took this out for the first time yesterday, and was very impressed. My camera kit fits nicely, is secure, and easy to access (though it is a smaller kit as I have a Sony Nex 5), and there are plenty of pockets/space for everything a hiker needs to bring along. I am really size conscious with pack's, and love all of the thought that went into designing a high end camera/activity pack. There are more pockets to store stuff in than the images of this product lead on...

The reasons this didn't get 5 stars:

-The hydration pack compartment seems like an afterthought. Both 100 & 70 ounce camelbak's fit, but it's not as seamless, which one would expect in a hybrid pack. I actually bought a 70 ounce osprey bladder specifically for this pack as those bladders have a rigid, contoured back to them. With this pack you really feel the camelbak on your back more than other, hiking specific packs because the fit is so tight.

-The verdict is still out on comfort. This definitely felt 'different' while I was carrying it around. It may just take getting used to as I have used camelbak packs for years, but my upper back felt a bit uncomfortable and was a little sore after the hike. Again, this could just be due to using a pack with different back padding then I'm used to, plus some extra weight. Also, I'm going to try hiking without a bladder next time to see if the bladder aids the discomfort.

-When stored in the backpack it does take a few seconds longer to access the camera than I would like. I have to quickly remover the sternum & torso straps, swing the pack over, and pull out the camera. Yes, this only takes 5 seconds...but I wish I could just reach over, unzip the compartment, and grab the camera.

I did a lot of research on different hiking backpacks, and with this product it seems like with a few minor adjustments this pack will be unbeatable. But Clik Elite came close!

Want Clik Elite Compact Sport Camera Backpack Discount?

I've been looking for a day hike pack, the main purpose of which would be to protect my DSLR gear. My Canon T1i with the 18-55 attached, the 55-250 telescopic, and 55mm fixed (small lens) were crammed in there. I felt like the camera body was going to get scratched every time I put it in/took it out. I also couldn't configure it to a point where I didn't feel that the camera body was going to just fall out when I unzipped without it being very difficult to get out of the bag. The other complaint I had was that the water sleeve pocket with padding (the part that would be flush against your back) was very hard and curved in toward my back, making it very uncomfortable on my upper back. I may have a somewhat bony back, but it would have taken a lot softer padding to make it comfortable. So it's going back.. and my search continues.

0 comments:

Post a Comment