Gura Gear back pack

In lieu of anyone responding with a direct answer to your question, have you considered the Guru from f-stop with their ICU fitted. $100 cheaper, and there is some place in London that does them.
Others on the Continent too.

Similarly the Clik Elite and Kata, although the latter does have some bags where the $ has been changed to a £ one - ludicrous money for some fabric stitched together in the Far East!
Tamrac Explorers look similar to the GG, insofar as being purely a camera bag, and not a backpack with camera gear section.

Judging from the direct sales facility and lack of anything UK-centric from a quick search, it'd seem none of the distributors are bothering with it for what could be a variety of reasons - quality, price/margin, brand awareness, etc.
 
Don't get me wrong, they could be fantastic quality, but I suspect with the internet being what it is, there'd be a raft of reviews/blogs/recommendations for it.
That they're upfront about it being made in Vietnam, but designed in the USA (plucking at the patriarchal heartstring), is to be lauded, but $449 for a bag!

At least Apple have a strong share price, happy investors, and a nation's economy being propped up by their profit margins.
So either they've not negotiated too well on the manufacturing front, are coining it in, not keeping their overheads in check, or simply buying in low quantities.
If the latter is the main culprit, then it's understandable the margin's not there for distributors/resellers or quantity for them to supply at a moment's notice.
No-one these days, unless there's really something there to capitalise on, will be looking to act as a partner by giving them a big order that they're having to front or will take the (small) manufacturer too long to complete.

Bag looks ok, imo, but not worth anywhere close to the asking price.
In fact, I don't even see the worth in the others I've suggested - even if low volume production is being used to justify it.
But, as you're contemplating spending that sort of money, have you thought about http://www.photobackpacker.com/home.php with a view to asking if they could customise the cases for equipment?

If that worked for you, I'd opt for longer cases, with dividers, so if you change lenses, you'll not need to buy a new case specifically for it, each time.

Two other contenders - but may still need to be personally imported:
http://www.tenba.com/Categories/HDSLR-Video-Bags.aspx
http://www.mountainsmith.com/products.asp?subCategoryId=14&categoryId=13
 
I use a kiboko 30L - it is lightweight and excellent. I previously used Think Tank for my long lens but I traded up and needed a bag with a specific-sized compartment, and this Kiboko was the only real choice. I still would (and do!) use a Think Tank product at any point the large lens isn't coming with me.
 
I also use a kiboko 30L, and have to say it is an excellent bag. When I bought it I specifically wanted a bag that would be suitable to take on board an aircraft and also would be capable of carrying my 600mm f4 lens. This bag is great for both required purposes!

The design of the bag really does allow you to carry a surprisingly large quantity of gear, and also I find it to be more comfortable to carry around than most of the previous bags I have owned, and I have had my fair share of bags!

I could not find a UK supplier and ended up ordering direct from the USA, this incurred a VAT/Duty charge in the region of £80 when it arrived in the UK.

Despite the cost I am very happy with this bag!
 
I also got mine from eBay, mint condition, like I think it was unused. Very well made, very strong material, plenty of dividers, comfortable to carry, especially with a 600mm, 300mm and 2 bodies.
I really like the fact that you can hide the harness system away in its own little pocket.
 
Yes, large telephoto down one side, including strap and waterproof cover. 300 2.8 in approx half the other side, plus two bodies, two TCs, and 1 smaller lens - in my case a 100 macro. Room for a wide-angle somewhere too, perhaps stuffed down the side of the lens-mount end of the large telephoto. Spare batteries and other gubbins in the various pockets, monopod strapped on the side, and I'm ready for more-or-less anything except Ryanair!!
 
Some place in France does them, but at a price. If your need isn't urgent, suggest you wait for one to come up on Ebay - at least 2 of us on this thread have done that, and personally I saved a ton - no way would I have bought it new + import duty & VAT.
 
Are you doing one of those Sakertours trips? I'm going in June.
Cheers
Jonathan

markyboy.1967 said:
I started looking at the 30L to take the 600 f4 and the 120-300 f2.8 as I'm heading to Hungary on a trip. I think it's about the only bag which meets all my needs. I'm also watching eBay just now in the off chance one turns up.
Click to expand...
 
PJ S said:
In lieu of anyone responding with a direct answer to your question, have you considered the Guru from f-stop with their ICU fitted. $100 cheaper, and there is some place in London that does them.
Others on the Continent too.
Click to expand...

What places in london does them because i had to order and purchase a loka purely on what peoples impressions are on the web(****ing amazing bag actually)
 
Ive never used it but looked on ebay and they really do hold there money so you will be lucky to at one at a good price
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top