Gura Gear Bataflae 32L Backpack (Tan)

I have a hard time understanding why I'm the first to review one of these here, but here goes.Note: prior backpack which I did love and still like is a LowePro Vertex 300AW, at a bit over a c-note cheaper...but in all honesty I think the quality difference has been worth it.Bought this as a DSLR shooter with underwater gear who needs to really cram a lot of gear (bulky housings, arm components, underwater strobes) on top of the usual camera odds and ends. Read a review of Gura's earlier "Kibolo" backpack and was intrigued, but finally pulled the trigger with the new Bataflae. I was very intrigued by the Kibolo's sailcloth, and the Bataflae no longer claims to be made of that, but still is presented as a super lightweight yet strong approach to backpack construction. So...is it?First note: this backpack, fully loaded, seems a bit smaller than my Vertex 300AW, which I was able to carry on even in relatively small commuter jets (e.g. from San Juan, PR, to Dominica). Part of the sensation of smallness is the very neat way the harness stows, and the way the top flaps seem not to 'bulge' out like the Vertex does when well packed. That said, it holds MORE, and empty, weighs significantly less.The exterior fabric is thinner but seems to be a very sturdy rip-stop type nylon vs. the deeper cordura type weave on the Lowepro, almost like a tent fabric. (Oh, and tan, vs. black, is THE way to go if you don't want to be screaming "photo backpack!!" in the airport and carrying a sun and heat magnet on your back on the trail...why tan is "limited" when it seems to me to be a more neutral color that makes more sense in the elements, with your gear inside it - would have gotten the Lowepro in it if I could - I'll never understand). The harness padding might not seem as thick as the Lowepro's but it has all the necessary tensioning and positioning adjustments, is very comfortable, the waist-straps can dismount for a bit less bulk for day vs. longer hiking trips, and the strap stowing is superb and really streamlines the whole package (plus, with straps stowed, they're not getting nasty on the ground).Internally the main body pocket is much deeper than in the Vertex 300AW, in part because there's no laptop sleeve taking up depth. My Ikelite housing needs a good 6.5ish inches and does much better in the Bataflae than in the Vertex as there's less wasted padding space. But if you want a laptop you might differ. There are a huge number of provided dividers in different sizes, and they seem fairly strong and provide sufficient padding without quite the thickness and bulk of the dividers in the Vertex. I do wish they had a couple other configurations in terms of velcro attachment points interior to the backpack back wall vs. the more limited strips, and wish they had at least one thick 'lens cuff' type pad provided to help support a big lens mounted ON a body, but that's a nitpick.The top pockets don't offer quite as many preplanned nooks and crannies as the Vertex top flaps (for filters, batteries, and the like) but they get the job done. Zipper 'garages' are nice to prevent scratches and keep things tidy. The bungie strap for carrying a tripod isn't the greatest (as compared to the little 'holster' hard part supplied with the Vertex) but again, it gets the job done. There has to be *some* 'cost' in exchange for the empty weight reduction and increased storage space, doesn't there? The top and side (angled) handles are a bit weird feeling - like a small pool noodle wrapped in nylon - but seem strong and are actually fairly comfortable to use with the bag fully loaded...and they're certainly lighter than a big molded rubber grip.I do worry just a little bit about how well the top central strap and plastic clip will hold up (that allow the Bataflae to convert from 'butterfly flaps' like the earlier Kibolo to 'fully open top' like the more classical Lowepro Vertex design), but the warranty is as iron clad as they can make it, so until I experience some sort of wear that's probably more fear than reality talking.Dislikes: aside from the slight nitpick about tripod carrying, and perhaps internal layout (more limited velcro attach surfaces on the interior than I'd prefer), the price. This bag costs, there's no getting around that. I should probably downrate it one star...but I'm still in awe at how much bigger it is inside than outside. I have found my Bag of Holding (Mark I, tan, for photographic use).

I have moved through several camera bags over the years. I have had a small Tamarac, a Tenba sling, a Lowpro 200AW roller and more. What I really love about this bag is the size. I started to get more and more gear that I needed to carry with me. Photography (DSLR) and video accessories (shot gun mics, view finder accessories, etc). However, I am often not on smooth terrain so the Lowpro roller was not working as well as I would like. So after some debate I purchased this bag.Pros - It is big - the same size as the Lowpro 200. The bag is very light for its size. I love that you can open the sides different sides and do not have to open the whole thing. If you are in bad weather at least some of your gear may stay dry. I have not really tested the weather proofing past a gentle drizzle, but the rain slicker is in that front pocket. The handles on the top and size are very handy. The inside pockets are VERY HANDY. Other bags have one or two pockets. This has four inside flap pockets, with places to store and organize pencils or filter pouches, then in the bag it has four more pockets. You can be very organized!! The backpack straps also can hideaway to keep them from catching on to things like an airplanes overhead bin.Cons - I am not a fan of how you carry tripods or monopods on this bag. The feet go in the size mesh and there is a buckle on the top. I think the mesh will eventually stretch out and not look good. The strap used to attach the bag is not actually sewn onto the bag. It is a sliding clip. I am concerned about losing them. I have not been rough on this bag, it is carrying expensive gear after all, so I am unsure on how the material will hold up. I will update this post if anything bad happens. Also, the tan color may dirty more easily then black, though nothing has happened yet. The only other con is that if you actually fill this bag, its becomes very heavy.Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this bag. I am pretty sure the tan has been discontinued, but I would purchase it again in black or grey.

This pack is very light. I've used it only for one trip to Yellowstone but it held up fine. I packed a Canon500mm f4.0 lens, 1D X, 100-400zoom, 85mm, 28-135zoom, 1.4x extender, 2x extender, extension tubes, flash, filters, blah blah blah. Total weight is about 35 lbs. At that weight, it is somewhat uncomfortable for me. I'm slender boney build. I think I will add some padding to the shoulder straps and experiment with that some before my next big outing.The build quality is obviously top notch and I expect it to last me for many years. I changed mostly to get one pack that would fit the 500mm lens and still able to fly with it. On the flight it fit into the overhead with no problem at all. The two handles helps a lot and the fact that the harness hides away is super nice too.Check the video reviews, etc. They all love this pack and I do too.

Three weeks shooting in Africa and could not be more pleased with this bag. As advertised, the ability to compartment your kit from the ever present fine dust makes a huge difference. Easily carries multiple bodies and big glass with room left for all the peripherals. I've carried several other bags and none come close to the convenience of this bag when shooting from a vehicle or stationary position. The built in backpack straps are well padded and nicely position to balance the load. That said, with all that room it can be really heavy when backpacked. For this trip, mostly vehicle based, it was perfect. It also provided enough protection to feel comfortable with it being stowed on bush flights. But it certainly isn't up to checked luggage on a commercial airlines. It does, however, fit nicely in the overhead. One tip - unless you're in really excellent physical condition, get a small luggage trolley to take it through airports for plane changes.