I initially was going for the Kata 106 which is awesome for you can put laptop etc etc

but I need a smaller backpack (for instance the Kata 103) that allows me to bring and protect just the camcorder and very few accessories, and still be very easy to use - I like the front zip on the Kata that allows you to take out the camcorder very quickly

I guess the challenge is that the smaller the backpack, usually the smaller the size of the camcorder you can put inside. but I still need it for an ex1r

any suggestions?

I have this backpack:

CineBags CB-25A Revolution Backpack CB-25A B&H Photo Video

Good quality, lots of pockets, and room for a 17" 'putter. Meets current airline size requirements.

But the camera goes in the back...

take a look.

I have this backpack:

CineBags CB-25A Revolution Backpack CB-25A B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/683336-REG/CineBags_CB_25A.html)

Good quality, lots of pockets, and room for a 17" 'putter. Meets current airline size requirements.

But the camera goes in the back...

take a look.


hi Kevin
I really like the design but am a bit put off by this review I found on DVINFO (see below)_
apparently there are some quality issues?



Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Posts: 88 My experiences with the Cinebag CB-25

I recently took the pack from New Zealand to Colorado and back via Australia for a quick doco shoot on the snow at Winter Park. I was carrying a basic EX3 kit with a Miller Solo tripod set up as well.

I have had a lot of experience with specialist snow camera backpacks from Burton and Dakine, and use a lot of other non snow based bags - such as Think Tank, Lowe Pro etc. I also have bought Cinebags products from them years ago when they first started up.

I had several issues with the CB-25.

The EX3 only fitted in the main compartment when the camera's padded base was removed.

All of the zips open easily, by themselves when the bag is being moved around. They also do not completely close - letting in moisture, and with the potential for accessories to fall out.

The straps on the front are made of a cheap material. They work themselves loose and are pretty much useless. No way for them to secure a tripod.

There is a hole in the very top of the bag for an ipod headphone cable. Not the most waterproof design. I ended up putting gaffer tape over it.

The harness is very bulky, and not that effective.

The base of the bag has a rain cover in it. But this base digs into my back when worn - the padded harness not being effective at all.

The garish colors really stand out in an airport, and not in a good way.

The massive 'CineBags' logos also scream out for attention. I ended up coloring mine in black.

The bag looks big, and is not the best for carrying through airports.

I hope my thoughts are useful to someone. On the whole, I would not recommend the bag.

Petrol PC300 Deca Shell Camera Backpack PC300 B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=686663&Q=&is=REG&A=details)
replaces the PMCK-1N which I have been using with my HPX170 for about 2 years. Specs state it will fit the EX1.

Mine looks well made for the price. I see this version is "25A", where they use to sell the "25" that came in some weird colors. I guess time will tell.

... I need a smaller backpack (for instance the Kata 103) that allows me to bring and protect just the camcorder and very few accessories, and still be very easy to use - I like the front zip on the Kata that allows you to take out the camcorder very quickly.

Federico, I'm in the same boat. I have a Kata 103 from my last camera and need something larger for an EX1. I looked at all the bags I could find online. I wanted something that had the great shoulder strap and harness that puts the weight on the hips and could also store the camera "ready to go".

As mentioned, the PC300 has the right specs and design but is a little large (14.5) width-wise. I found two camera bags by Think Tank that "Might" work. I did not yet have the chance to drive to a local dealer and try them. These are the two that seem to be close according to dimensions but I wouldn't get one without trying it.

Glass Taxi Camera Shoulder Backpack - Think Tank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/glass-taxi.aspx)

Streetwalker Pro? Backpack - Think Tank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/streetwalker-pro-backpack.aspx)

G'day,

I can fit my EX1R into a Lowepro Flipside 400 AW backpack. The cover on the viewfinder has to be removed, as does any battery. There are plenty of pockets and removable/relocatable velcroed partitions in the camera compartment. The camera goes in the side that rests against your back, making it impossible for opportunist thieves to get at the gear while wearing the backpack.

The backpack is carry-on compliant for all airlines that I'm aware of. Having said that, I already had this backpack for my SLR gear and that's what it will continue to be used for. For the EX1R I have elected to go for the Lowepro Magnum 4000 AW shoulder bag. Still airline carry-on compliant, but just a bit roomier.

Cheers

Russ

Mine looks well made for the price. I see this version is "25A", where they use to sell the "25" that came in some weird colors. I guess time will tell.

I think they now make a slightly larger model, which is the 25A, and comes in black and grey and the one with the weird green straps I think was the old model....( I THINK, as some website list the green strap one as the 25A too, confusingly)

would be interesting to understand if they made it also tougher and not only larger - anyone has compared the 25 with the 25A?

but they are all very similar - even the Cinebag 23 looks very similar

The backpack that I use for my EX1 is the Cinebags CB-22. They don't make that model anymore but there are several that are similar. My EX1 lives in that backpack and I don't keep it in any other case.

CineBags CB-22 HD LT Backpack (Gray and Black) CB-22 B&H Photo

I've had it for more than 3 years and I would definitely buy it again. It has served me well and met my needs perfectly. The only thing I would do differently is the color. I think they have a black model these days and I would have preferred black. It is very well built and still looks brand new after three years. I can also carry 3 batteries, all my SxS cards, a telephoto converter, the battery charger, a zoom controller, and a computer in the bag at the same time.

I have this backpack:

CineBags CB-25A Revolution Backpack CB-25A B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/683336-REG/CineBags_CB_25A.html)


Hi Federico,
I have bought the CineBags_CB_25A, like Kevin. Very good bag - no need to worry. For this price, take it. I travelled with this bag and my EX1R + microphones, LitePanel MicroPro, batteries etc. and my 17' MacBook Pro for 4 months all around the world for a big shoot.
Never a problem with any airline - fits exactly into their requirements (maybe too heavy, what I carried around). In rainy conditions I used the provided raincover.
I can highly recommend it - and believe me, I used it in the last months in very tough conditions in almost all climate zones of the planet - rain, dust, heat - no problem. There are some small quality issues (the inside of the top bag - some kind of aluminium stuff - fell apart - but that did not do any harm)
All the best,
Jürgen

Hi Federico,
I have bought the CineBags_CB_25A, like Kevin. Very good bag - no need to worry. For this price, take it. I travelled with this bag and my EX1R + microphones, LitePanel MicroPro, batteries etc. and my 17' MacBook Pro for 4 months all around the world for a big shoot.
Never a problem with any airline - fits exactly into their requirements (maybe too heavy, what I carried around). In rainy conditions I used the provided raincover.
I can highly recommend it - and believe me, I used it in the last months in very tough conditions in almost all climate zones of the planet - rain, dust, heat - no problem. There are some small quality issues (the inside of the top bag - some kind of aluminium stuff - fell apart - but that did not do any harm)
All the best,
Jürgen

thanks
do you think the straps on the back outside are strong enough to hold a big tripod, or would it only work for a small one?
I have a Libec LS-38
Libec LS-38(2A) Tripod,,,digital camcorder,SLR DIGITAL CAMERA, digital camera, camcorder, camera, hd, lenses, CAMCODER ACCESSORIES, ACCESSORIES (http://www.hdewcameras.co.uk/libec-ls-382a-tripod-129-p.asp)
(incidentally can anyone recommend a portable tripod strong enough for the ex1r?)

I don't know the tripod, but from the picture it looks similar to my Manfrotto and that would be too heavy.
Jürgen

The Libec LS-38 is 11lbs and with that 2-stage set of legs, is 33". From my research, that's pretty much as small and light as it goes for a decent tripod system for smooth pans and tilts. Lockdown situations are different.

I found another bag manufacturer of interest to those looking for a minimalist EX1R backpack for hiking. Th Clik Elite line of backpacks feature hydration bladders built-in. I've read of people that use Mountainsmith backpack laptop compartments to hold bladders.

Clik Elite Camera Back Packs | ClikElite (http://www.clikelite.com/shop/jetpack/)
Clik Elite Camera Back Packs | ClikElite (http://www.clikelite.com/shop/bodylink-telephoto-pack/)

I think It comes down to Kata R-106 or Cinebags 25A

both are approx. the same price, around £200

I wonder which one I should really go for. today I saw an R-103 in a shop: very well assembled but definitely too small for an EX1r

I just checked again the specifications of the Kata 106 and the CineBags CB 25A.

The CineBags exterior dimensions are smaller - so maybe less problems when you want to carry it on board for flights. As I have written above, I used it in the last couple of months all around the world and never had a problem to get it on board as carry-on item.

Kata 106 is bigger - so that might cause problems - but of course I do not have any experience with that one. Maybe you have a dealer, where you can look at both of them with your equipment...

Jürgen

I found two camera bags by Think Tank that "Might" work. I did not yet have the chance to drive to a local dealer and try them. These are the two that seem to be close according to dimensions but I wouldn't get one without trying it.

Glass Taxi Camera Shoulder Backpack - Think Tank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/glass-taxi.aspx)

Streetwalker Pro? Backpack - Think Tank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/streetwalker-pro-backpack.aspx)

Epilog: I ordered both online to try them. Even tho the Glass Taxi specs say the inside depth is 8", that is deceiving. That is the dimension at the base only and it quickly shallows to 5-6". There's no way I'd put the EX1R in there as it bulges significantly.

The Streetwalker Pro does however fit the EX1R (sans shotgun) adequately with the camera on it's side or its bottom. When on its bottom, there's a slight bulge and I'd take care when handling it in that position. But for schlepping down a trail or city street, I think it's OK.

Unlike the Glass Taxi, there's enough room for some accessories such as SWIT batteries, shotgun, LEDzilla and a raincover. I don't think the SOLA ENG 3 would fit but I don't have one to try. Also, the StreetWalker Pro has two internal pockets and a nice external pocket for the little stuff. THere's straps to externally lash a small photo tripod, monopod or boom pole to the back. My goal was to have a compact day-hike kit to schlepp the basics around for shooting but would then fit into a roll-aboard for travel. YMMV.

One of the design points I like about the Streetwalker Pro is the well designed shoulder harness that leaves space between the pads for your spine. It's feels good but I haven't worn it enough to say. TBD

Also, the unit is modular and Think Tank offers two replacement waist belts that let you add more padded storage packs. There's also nice rings on the shoulder straps to hang an audio case or still camera.