This photo backpack is great. I purchased this backpack in the bomber pattern and color. I love it! There are many many photo backpacks out there like Apecase, or Lowepro, etc. I went with Dakine though because I have had other Dakine backpacks for many years now, and still own them, because they are the most durable backpack I have ever used. So I knew I could rely on their dependable quality.
I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTI that I use, and I take it everywhere in this backpack. Whether it be out hiking in the woods all day, walking around Pittsburgh taking photos for 10 hours, I have basically used this backpack in every possible situation, and it has never let me down. I have three lenses, my dslr, a small canon point and shoot, all my filters and accessories, such as extra batteries and many many other supplies, and even have either my full size tripod strapped onto it, or my compact Slik tripod stuffed inside. I always have this much gear in this bag, and it always stays comfortable. The padded straps are great, and so is the padding on the back of the bag, so your back does not get sore. I feel great after hiking for literally 10 hours on end.
This bag has a rain cover that covers everything, EXCEPT for the part that unzips, which is the part that would be facing your back. It is figured that that part will not get wet since it is protected by your back, and also, this is great so if it is one of those days it rains and stops about every half hour or so, you can leave your rain cover on, while still havign full access to your camera, without constantly adding the cover, then removing it, doing one giant cycle of frustration. Now as I did say earlier, the main zipper for the camera block is on the backside of the backpack, which is the side facing your back, as if you were wearing it. No one should have a problem wit hthis whatsoever, since you literally should be setting your bag down anyway to remove your camera, or replace a lens, etc.
I throw my compact tripod right inside, because it is only 14" in height. If I have my full size tripod, I simply strap it on vertically on the back and it works great. One thing I really do love about it is the fact that it has a zipper compartment on the side, that unzips, and a drink holder folds out. This is truly a must have for looooong hourly hikes. I constantly have a bottle filled with water. It will hold a bottle of Gatorade or Allsport. That's how generous the size is (small gatorade of course). This way you're not throwin a wet, condensating bottle inside your bag with all your electronics and other valuable delicate items.
This bag simply works great. At all times it holds my DSLR, 3 lenses, a point and shoot camera, a mini tripod, water, both battery chargers for my DSLR and my point and shoot, 2 extra batteries for my DSLR and one for my point and shoot, a computer transfer cable, extra memory card for my DSLR, lens cloth, rocket blower for dust, the rain cover (which comes with it), my four lens filters, extra lens cap, filter wrenches, and granola bars for that long hike when there is nowhere around to get food. Like I said also, the padded straps are great, the padding also, all make up for a great feeling hike for many hours without the pain of straps digging in or much of anything hurting. This backpack is very durable (as you can tell with all the stuff I haul) and I take it everywhere with me. You most definitely won't be disappointed.
Only one word of advice though. This comes with NO velcro straps, so you are going to want to buy some, so you can securely hold your camera and lenses in place. You will need the hook part, since the loop part of the velcro is already inside the bag. So you only need the hook straps.
I'll have to agree with a previous reviewer about the bag being a bit small. I have a Sony A580, and a few lenses, the largest, and heaviest being a Sigma 70-200. It just about fits, with a bit to spare. If I got, let's say the Sigma 24-70, I doubt if I'll be able to fit both the beasts in.
That said, I love, love, love this bag. I have room for my charger, external flash (which takes up an entire compartment inside the bag), batteries, cards etc. A thoughtful felt line zipper enclosure for the Sunglasses is greatly appreciated.
Did I mention I love this bag ? Very well constructed, sturdy zippers. Feels very good.
Now, if only my pictures can match the bag's beauty :)
I definitely recommend it !
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Heres the deal in the world of camera luggage your options are endless. There is sling, backpack, messenger, etc. you need to figure out what style of bag that fits your lifestyle best. I have been fortunate enough to be able to use a handful of different styles and was never hooked on any till I came across this Dakine Mission Photo Backpack. This bag comes with just about anything I could ask for in the world of camera bags.
First lets talk about the overall appearance of the bag it Cool and confident; its takes queues from tradition snowboarding/skateboarding backpacks so it doesn't scream "Hey I have really expensive camera gear in here come steal me!"
The bag is made from high grade nylon and polyester. The zippers are a beefy YKK the strongest I've ever seen for a camera bag and some of the strongest in any luggage for that matter. There are chest and waist straps to help you secure the bag to yourself so you make is snug and a secure fit. The waist straps are padded which come in handy if you are wearing the bag for extended periods of time.
There are three small external pockets on the sides one is fleece lined for delicate items I put my sunglasses in there its a perfect fit. The other two are nylon lined and could be used for snacks or other smaller items. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is I saw and read in other reviews that one of those pockets is suppose to expend into a mesh lined drink holder I got the Phantom Color and Im not entirely sure if maybe its that specific color way that didn't come worth it or maybe it was previous years that offered that unique feature and this years didn't. Either way I was a little let down not having that on the bag but Ill make due I think I'll try and fabricate something to to make it capable to hold a bottle.
The tripod carrier/board carrier has a unique texture on the inside of it that creates grip for either or. It has a deployable rain cover that pulls out and covers the entire bag expect the part that resides next to your back. A nice feature because most camera bags don't come with any type of waterproofing.
The interior of the bag is a nice lime green color which I wanted a bright colored interior because dark interiors can often be hard to locate items in certain circumstances. It has a few different pockets for pens, cables, memory cards, ipods, phones, etc.
The camera block can configure to basically any way you want it set up. It only comes with two velcro dividers so If you have a camera bag already you can just pull a few out from there and put inside this one to give you a few more slots for lenses and accessories; if you don't have a camera bag already you can purchase extra dividers on eBay or Amazon for a couple bucks.
The camera block can be removed entirely to create two separate bags. I find this to be an excellent feature if you acquire new items while your are out and need a space to put them.
This bag is everything I could ask for in a camera bag without being to big and bulky. Except the water bottle holder would have been a nice feature to have. But don't let that stray you away from buying the bag. Dakine has been making great products for years and the mission photo bag is no exception to that.
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When I ordered this pack I was unsure of how useful it would be, I have a good amount of equipment but not really a good travel bag. The pack itself is very good size it can hold two bodies along with a good assortment of lenses and has plenty of small pockets in the front compartment for filters, memory cards of all sizes and and other smaller pockets for chargers and such on the two outside pockets, also the outer pockets can be reached while wearing the pack. Side pouches are large enough to fit small lenses or a small bottle of water. One nice feature that I found is the inner case that holds cameras and lenses is removable and can be worn as a shoulder pack for short excursions. The design of the pack is very comfortable and lightweight. A feature that is very handy for quick access to cameras and lenses is the zipper opening right behind the shoulder straps. Construction is top quality with heavy duty zippers and sturdy buckles.
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I chose this because it does not look like a photo backpack (IMO) and will be great for traveling. It would be nice to have a quick access feature, but not a deal breaker for me. Plenty of space assuming you don't need a super-telephoto but it should hold some of your longer lenses.
This bag is comfortable. I have not taken it very far yet, but the chest and waist straps help to reduce shoulder/neck strain.
Also, I ordered the black version thinking the bag would come like in the sample photos with green logos and a grey interior but to my surprise the bag came with red logos and a red interior. It matches my canon gear =).
I purchased 2 of these bags now and the zipper broke on both within a week. If you don't care if it zips up, it's a fun looking bag. But if you want something you can safely zip your laptop in, this is not it.
