Introduction
I have yet to meet a single person that has purchased the “right” backpack for their needs the first time. I'm not saying that person isn't out there, I just haven't met him or her. I went through 3 different backpacks before I discovered Gura Gear.
This preview and future review will hopefully help at least a couple of people not fill their closet with camera backpacks like I did.
Gura Gear introduces the Kiboko 22L
Having bought and loved the original Kiboko 30L for my personal needs, I went out and bought a bunch more of them for my lens rental business. It just seemed like the perfect backback to carry large lenses and lots of other goodies on airplanes and into the field. I loved it so much we gave one away in a previous contest.
I had talked to Andy Biggs, the founder of Gura Gear a few times about the Kiboko 30L, and he let me know a year or so ago that new bags would be coming down the pipeline. Recently they have introduced the Chobe 19L-24L (which we're giving away in the photo contest) and a week or two ago, the Kiboko 22L. This is smaller backpack sibling of the original.
Gura Gear was kind enough to send me a Kiboko 22L to preview, review and enjoy. This is the first article about the full line of Kiboko bags, this is a preview review just to give you an idea of what the bag is capable of carrying and initial impressions. I will go more indepth in the coming weeks. I will also be doing a preview and review of the new Chobe 19L-24L and I'll end it off with the best travel backpack I have ever used, the original Kiboko.
Marketing Stuff from Gura Gear
The Kiboko 22L+ was designed from the blueprints that our customers provided over the last couple of years while working out on Safari, touring southeast Asia, or simply shooting at home. Much like its more mature sibling, the Kiboko 22L+ is lightweight and durable, but this bag has a thing or two to teach big brother; like how to carry up to a 15″ laptop computer. Sized to fit the most stringent of international carry on requirements without sacrificing carrying capacity; this gem can carry up to a 500mm f4.0 lens in style. The Kiboko 22L+ was made to travel with a beefed up harness system that features memory-foam shoulder straps, a vented and padded back panel, a removable waistbelt and shoulder straps that can tuck away when not needed.
Initial Impressions
My personal preference with a backpack is the ability to be filled with a wide range of things. Some days I have no idea what I am going out to shoot, so I bring an array of camera bodies and lenses. I need to be able to carry a big supertelephoto, a medium telephoto zoom, a wide angle, a couple of camera bodies and accessories. I also need a place to stick a tripod. Most bag manufacturers haven't figured out to do this effectively. Gura Gear was the first company that provided a solution that fit me.
I also needed bag that I could carry onto an airplane without much trouble. The original Kiboko 30L allowed me to do this, the 22L will be even less conspicuous when boarding domestic and international flights.
The bag is without a doubt made to the highest standards in materials and build quality. The main material on the outside is a durable sail cloth material, this keeps the bag super light as well. All the stitching, zippers, shoulder harness and handles feel and look like they will never separate from the bag.
What can fit inside?
Below is an image of what I was able to stuff into the Kiboko 22L without any trouble at all.
Gear List
- Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
- Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L II
- Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS
- Canon EF 500 f/4L IS
- Canon 580EX II (Not in picture)
- Canon 1.4 & 2.0 TC
- Gitzo 3541LS
- Wimberley Type 2 Gimbal
- Macbook Air 11.6″
- Various other accessories
Laptop?
As you may have noticed, the Kiboko 22L features a laptop area that the original Kiboko does not. It can fit up to a 15″ laptop. I use a MacBook Air, so it fit perfectly.
Review Coming Soon
I will continue to use the bag on a daily basis and will do a full review down the road. I don't believe you can adequately review a bag in a day or two.
Technical Specifications
- Customer driven design
- Carries up to 15″ laptop
- Fits most DSLR bodies
- Will accomodate up to 500mm f4.0
- Unique butterfly-style opening
- Made from high-tech, durable sail cloth material
- Comfortable, fully-functional harness
- Removable waist belt
- International airline carry-on compliant
- Removable rain cover
- Exterior Dimensions: 14x18x9 inches (35.6 x 45.7 x 22.9 cm); 22 Liters useable
- $379 USD
cr