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Gura Gear has had an interesting history. From the launch of their first bag, the Bataflae backpack, they were known for their high-end and highly functional bags. The brand then moved to the Kiboko line of backpacks, which came in multiple sizes, and also launched one of the forgotten and highly underrated bags, the Chobe v1.0. The Chobe v1.0 has travelled the planet with me and is my favourite shoulder bag ever.
Unfortunately, after Gura Gear purchased Tamrac, they made a massive mistake in killing off the “Gura Gear” brand and moved the bags under the Tamrac brand. That didn’t go well and most people forgot about Gura Gear bags.
The Gura Gear brand came back last year when they launched the Kiboko v2.0 lineup of backpacks. They came back with the same quality and functionality as we became accustomed to from Gura Gear.
Gura Gear has now launched the Chobe v.2.0 via Kickstarter. A new multipurpose shoulder bag. I use this bag every single time I travel. If I’m heading somewhere I don’t need big white lenses, I use this as my main camera bag.
I have been using the Chobe v2.0 16″ with the wide insert for my RF kit. I can fit an EOS R5, RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, RF 35mm f/1.8 STM Macro and an RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM. On top of the camera gear, I can also get my Dell XPS 15 loaded up along with multiple other portable gadgets.
When you’re traveling with a backpack for your gear, the Chobe v2.0 can become smaller when closing the expansion zipper, and it has always worked as a “personal” carry-on bag when I fly. I usually put clothing, my laptop, and maybe some extra electronics in it for the trip.
The Chobe v2.0 is a big improvement over the first version.
Learn more about the Gura Gear Chobe v2.0
Improvements in Chobe 2.0 from 1.0
- Was one size only for 15” laptops. Now in 13” and 16” size
- Laser-cut Hypalon handles replaced with smooth premium grade natural leather
- Exterior pockets redesigned to make a more stable bag that is easy to work from
- Improved shoulder strap
- New traditional metal D rings and dog leash snap hook
- Improved anti-slip material to help strap stay in place
- redesigned shoulder strap with two sliders to keep shoulder pad centered and to prevent excess webbing from “flapping around”
- Improved attachment of handles to bag to allow handles to “fall out of the way” when working out of the bag
- The exterior zipper of the laptop compartment extended, and gussets added to allow for easier laptop removal and working out of the bag
- Padded iPad/iPad Pro pocket added in laptop compartment
- New metal logo, for more discrete branding
- The option of two insert sizes one narrow and one expanded, for mirrorless and DSLR camera systems
- Use of more VX-42 to improve weatherproofing and abrasion resistance
- Include seam-sealed, custom-fitted rain cover with openings for shoulder strap attachment
- Addition of interior top zippered pocket in the larger front pocket
- Industry-standard YKK zippers replacing Ideal zippers
- Addition of grab loop on the front of the bag to make it easier to pull out of the overhead bin
- Vastly improved luggage pass through with foam structure and bar-tacked stress points to ensure a snug fit on most luggage handles
- Stash pocket on the exterior side has increased flexible volume for things like sanitizer bottles
- Vastly improved stitching, detailing and lining on the interior of the bag
- A higher level of “fit and finish”
- Black color theme acceptable for business-use
- flexible bottom padded which folds for normal and expanded configuration to give your tech greater protection when the bag is put down
- Structure added to exterior large stash pocket to protect devices like Kindles which may be stashed in there
- Overall improved balance of the bag
- Higher-density foams to reduce the thickness and reduce weight
Learn more about the Gura Gear Chobe v2.0
- Source: Kickstarter
