1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Be prepared., March 27, 2011
This review is from: Aktiv PAK AP600 Professional All Weather Multi Purpose Photo/ Computer Laptop Backpack for Canon EOS 7D, 5D, 60D, 50D, Rebel T3, T3i, T2i, T1i, XS Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)
When I first saw this product I flipped, it seemed absolutely perfect for me, I am a working photographer/videographer who hauls two very large bags around daily and has to somehow fit them into my office space as well. I bought this bag because It has a laptop compartment and full lens compartment, I had been looking for a camera bag that could also fit a laptop. When the box came in the mail, I was shocked at the size of it, over a foot tall and half a foot wide (totally guesstimating). When opening the bag the real shock came--
THIS IS NOT A NORMAL BACKPACK- THIS IS LUGGAGE.
I did not expect the overall size of this product, it is HUGE. True- it had everything it said it came with, a rain guard, the extra pockets the extra space, but for someone like me who was expecting this to be about the size of a normal backpack it was huge shock, I jokingly called the waist strap a "seat belt" because you have to buckle into this bag like it is a jet-pack. The laptop compartment is not well padded either, it's a simple zip up pocket with a soft layer of foam on the bottom. just an fyi.
This bag is so large, all my ideas of saving space by not having 2 bags are pretty much useless now, i've found ways to tuck straps in (which was another joke between me and my photo-friends, there are probably 10 adjustment straps hanging off of this thing and when you walk it looks like you've got a flapper dress on.)
I've worked around it's very obviously flaws, but this could of all been prevented if the product was labeled as a travel bag.
There is no way you can walk around freely in the city with this bag, it is too big, you'd knock kids and old ladies over. If you were hiking or perhaps trekking across some desert this bag would be appropriate, there is plenty of straps to tie down a hunting knife and several canteens.
As far as a "carry on bag" for travel, yes I can see this, but once again, i'd tuck in the "seat belt" waist band and use the small handle on the side and carry it like a normal piece of luggage or suitcase-- because come on people, we all hate that person in the airport with the overbearingly huge luggage-backpack on their backs trying to turn corners sharply and accidentally pulling stuff off of shelves in the gift stores.
this bag is great for what it is- a travel bag
a daily bag... I suggest not, it's not working out well for me
Some good things:
The bag definitely will protect your camera/lenses there are tons of layers to it and plenty of velcro barriers you can use to custom-fit your equipment. There is plenty of space, in-fact there is SO much space (part of the huge factor). The rain guard is a neat feature and will come in handy if you have to work outside a lot or happen to be in the amazon. This bag could probably withstand a natural disaster it's built to be tough and it shows.
Overall the bag is not too ugly, but the coloring, patterned material and the zillion straps will be a automatic ugly deterrent for someone looking for a minimalistic approach.
My thoughts-Save yourself near a $100 bucks if you are going to try and make this work for simple or daily use. For travel, it's worth the money and I'll use it next time I go on a road trip or fly.
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1.0 out of 5 stars
Sub Par, August 13, 2011
This review is from: Aktiv PAK AP600 Professional All Weather Multi Purpose Photo/ Computer Laptop Backpack for Canon EOS 7D, 5D, 60D, 50D, Rebel T3, T3i, T2i, T1i, XS Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)
Really needed a large pack to haul all my gear and so I decided on this one. First off Cameta tok twice as long to deliver this than anything else on the same order. I got the pack and opened the box and everything seemed ok until I tried to put it on. I loosened the tension straps and put it on and pull down on the straps and the quick release buckle just fell apart. After taking a better look, I saw that the quick releases are made of very cheap and thin plastic. Was very disapointed and would advise anyone looking for a pack to steer clear of this one. I also contacted cameta and they said I could return it within ten days but they would not send me a prepaid postage return label so I would have to had to pay the postage myself and then they said they would reimburse me after they got the return. I decided to cut my losses and take it to a taylor and have him sew on new straps and professional quick release buckles.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Like's, December 2, 2010
This review is from: Aktiv PAK AP600 Professional All Weather Multi Purpose Photo/ Computer Laptop Backpack for Canon EOS 7D, 5D, 60D, 50D, Rebel T3, T3i, T2i, T1i, XS Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)
I like this product. Although it is bigger than I thought it was going to be, but it does fit my equipment.
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