I have one of these packs. I use it not only when I go on a shoot but as a general bag for hikes and light travel. The three main things I was looking for were a supremely comfortable wast strap, an all around zip for ease of organisation of kit, and for it to perfectly fit my back. This pack met all my main criteria and much more besides. An added bonus for me is that the front has straps designed to hold skies or snowboard but for me they have sometimes been used to carry an extra 20 litre bag of gear. One of my all time favourite backpacks.
Thank you so much for the video...best review I have found on the pack. although sine I am interested in it as a camera pack I am biased. You just solved my travel concerns!!
Much thanks for the review! Think you can cram a gimbal in there? I'm looking for a camera backpack from a traditional hiking backpack manufacturer, because the straps and such are just pretty bad from vendors like Peak-Design and all the others that only make camera backpacks...
This was a fantastic eye opener for me. I recently had to get a replacement backpack and ski packs truly are more multifunctional than they are given credit for. The photo insert though... MIND BLOWN. That was my only complaint for this bag was the lack of pockets, but that makes me think of great alternatives.
Hey mate, thanks for the review. I was about to purchase this pack for an upcoming ski trip and started thinking about the possibility of converting to a camera pack afterwards to replace my Thinktank pack, then i found this video! The Trekpak product looks excellent and was just wondering what depth is the insert you used for this pack? The website does not seem to list any pack specific inserts but has whats called a rollipak product in 2 lengths and a variety of depths.
Great review! I'm currently trying to decide between this backpack and the Osprey Escapist 32 or Deuter Freerider Pro 30. What makes me a bit worried, is that the Kamber's backpanel doesn't seem to breathe well. Do you have any experience with that? I definetily want to use the bag in summer conditions and hiking.
.. Hey, I've come to this topic later but ended up independently narrowing down to these two as well.. and maybe Patagonia snowdrifter 30.. and even had same train of thought about the backpanel comfort and warmer weather.. deuter seems more versatile in this regard I'd be interested what you bought and how that worked out for you. Thanks
Was wondering what you thought on this bag long term. Was thinking of using it as a hiking backpack w/ a camera ICU that could also support a hydration pack. Also, any issues long term keeping a tripod attached since its not specifically made for a camera/tripod?
Rob Donchez hey man thanks for the comment. Long term the bag is great! I’ve been using it extensively over a year now I think in more than 20 countries and the bag it’s self it’s bomb proof! Really really durable literally nothing has happened to the bag or the mesh pockets or anything. It fine carrying a tripod as those straps are built to handle the sharp edges of skis. However I did cut the left ski strap off and sewed on a water bottle pocket. The back is designed for a blaster already however that doesn’t suit my needs. Though I may move to that to say more hydrated while on assignment, it just scares me, lol. All this to say, I absolutely HATE the trek pak insert! Definitely not designed for that type of use! It is quite beat up, not ridged enough, the pins always fall out and then your gear is all over the place. I just threw the pins out and used some cord to permanently fasten the dividers.Which I’m still not super happy with. Honestly I’m considering moving to an Fstop loka bag. For the insert not for the bag as much, as I said I love the Osprey. If your able to find a good insert that fits let me know. I hope all this info is helpful to you in your search of a good bag.
Thanks for doing a more in depth review. I found it very helpful. I'm not sure I like that photo insert though. I don't typically hike with more than one body and 2 lenses and would like room for more non camera gear I need on the trail. I was thinking about a fstop icu or a tenba byob insert which would let me put it in other bags too. How snug of a fit was the MacBook? I ask because I wonder how well it would fit if the rest of the bag was stuffed full with other items.
Zachary Locks the Mac book was not snug but if the main body was packed full it would push the back out and make it hard for the Comp to slide in. This bags you mentioned are good one. Lowepro though not the best quality does make some good hiking camera. Bags. Or go to your local rei and check out there day hiking backpacks. The dueter act trail pro 34 and act trail 24 are both great options and have bottom access for an insert and camera access. Also the rei trail 30 or 40 , the rei traverse 48 And the older version of the osprey stratos which can be found online. All of these packs are not just too access which makes it easier for you to access camera gear. Yet they all have hip belts and frames.
Stefan Skates I was just on their site the other day. And I think they don’t make it any more. As you may have read in the other comments the insert doesn’t work very well after I’ve been using it for two years. So I think they stopped making it. I need to do a follow up review after having used it for two years.
Thank you much appreciated (did read the comments wanted to get an update from you). I owned a Manta 30 from Osprey that could not be fixed and with their lifetime guarantee, I opted for the K 32 with how much I travel for work (250-300 day a year). I'm going to research alternative DIY solutions too, also assuming you have not solved the problem yet with alternative inserts? My current bag (free with a Joby XL) Manfrotto Advanced Gear Backpack M has worked well for a quick solution, however still searching for a better one. K32 should do the trick, just the internal compartment next. :)
Stefan Skates sounds like a plan. No I’ve not found an Icu that will fit. If you find a good one please let me know, otherwise I’m going to switch to an f stop Bag. Another problem the kamber has is no water bottle. I cut the straps off one side and sewed one on and that’s worked great. I love that bag just not the icu.
Will do! My bag arrives tomorrow, excited. I typically use the bladders for hiking, however, use a stainless steel water bottle with a loop & carabiner with always being on the go.
hey there ! i had a question about the sizes. Is there a big difference between the S/M and M/L ? what would you recommand for a normal sized man (5''11 and 170 lbs)
S/M is actually 30L, M/L is 32L, Fitting isn't by weight/height, but more of your torso length measurement. Go to Osprey and follow their fitting guide. You might be M/L
The pack is designed so u keep the hip belt on n u rotate the pack to get stuff out so u don't have to take it off every time u need to get something out
ganphotography Angel is actually correct. Look on the official Ospray site or a video demonstration when they released this bag late 2016 and it is specifically noted that it is supposed to do that.
Thanks for this. Is your 70-200 the f2.8? I am trying to determine if my D750 Nikon and attached 200-500 f5.6 would fit in there. Assuming your D800 is about the same size as my D750, and using this tool (www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_200-500_5p6e_ed_vr&products=nikon_70-200_2p8_vrii&products=nikkor_70-200_4g_ed_vr) the 200-500 compared to your lens is a little bigger in diameter and length. Thanks for the input. I am strong considering this strategy for a photography backpack.
![Osprey Kamber 32 [Review]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/r7Ri08xt_K4/mqdefault.jpg)
![Osprey Kamber 32 [Review]](/img/tr.png)
I have one of these packs. I use it not only when I go on a shoot but as a general bag for hikes and light travel. The three main things I was looking for were a supremely comfortable wast strap, an all around zip for ease of organisation of kit, and for it to perfectly fit my back. This pack met all my main criteria and much more besides. An added bonus for me is that the front has straps designed to hold skies or snowboard but for me they have sometimes been used to carry an extra 20 litre bag of gear. One of my all time favourite backpacks.
Thank you so much for the video...best review I have found on the pack. although sine I am interested in it as a camera pack I am biased. You just solved my travel concerns!!
Much thanks for the review!
Think you can cram a gimbal in there?
I'm looking for a camera backpack from a traditional hiking backpack manufacturer, because the straps and such are just pretty bad from vendors like Peak-Design and all the others that only make camera backpacks...
This was a fantastic eye opener for me. I recently had to get a replacement backpack and ski packs truly are more multifunctional than they are given credit for. The photo insert though... MIND BLOWN. That was my only complaint for this bag was the lack of pockets, but that makes me think of great alternatives.
it is possible to have the internal measurements of the main compartment?I want to convert in photo backpack
Yes it is possible.
Hey mate, thanks for the review. I was about to purchase this pack for an upcoming ski trip and started thinking about the possibility of converting to a camera pack afterwards to replace my Thinktank pack, then i found this video!
The Trekpak product looks excellent and was just wondering what depth is the insert you used for this pack?
The website does not seem to list any pack specific inserts but has whats called a rollipak product in 2 lengths and a variety of depths.
Have this backpack have a hydration pounce?
Great review! I'm currently trying to decide between this backpack and the Osprey Escapist 32 or Deuter Freerider Pro 30. What makes me a bit worried, is that the Kamber's backpanel doesn't seem to breathe well. Do you have any experience with that? I definetily want to use the bag in summer conditions and hiking.
Bartalos Attila just get and f stop bag. Much better.
.. Hey, I've come to this topic later but ended up independently narrowing down to these two as well.. and maybe Patagonia snowdrifter 30.. and even had same train of thought about the backpanel comfort and warmer weather.. deuter seems more versatile in this regard I'd be interested what you bought and how that worked out for you. Thanks
Was wondering what you thought on this bag long term. Was thinking of using it as a hiking backpack w/ a camera ICU that could also support a hydration pack. Also, any issues long term keeping a tripod attached since its not specifically made for a camera/tripod?
Rob Donchez hey man thanks for the comment.
Long term the bag is great! I’ve been using it extensively over a year now I think in more than 20 countries and the bag it’s self it’s bomb proof! Really really durable literally nothing has happened to the bag or the mesh pockets or anything. It fine carrying a tripod as those straps are built to handle the sharp edges of skis. However I did cut the left ski strap off and sewed on a water bottle pocket. The back is designed for a blaster already however that doesn’t suit my needs. Though I may move to that to say more hydrated while on assignment, it just scares me, lol. All this to say, I absolutely HATE the trek pak insert! Definitely not designed for that type of use! It is quite beat up, not ridged enough, the pins always fall out and then your gear is all over the place. I just threw the pins out and used some cord to permanently fasten the dividers.Which I’m still not super happy with. Honestly I’m considering moving to an Fstop loka bag. For the insert not for the bag as much, as I said I love the Osprey. If your able to find a good insert that fits let me know. I hope all this info is helpful to you in your search of a good bag.
Thanks for doing a more in depth review. I found it very helpful. I'm not sure I like that photo insert though. I don't typically hike with more than one body and 2 lenses and would like room for more non camera gear I need on the trail. I was thinking about a fstop icu or a tenba byob insert which would let me put it in other bags too. How snug of a fit was the MacBook? I ask because I wonder how well it would fit if the rest of the bag was stuffed full with other items.
Zachary Locks the Mac book was not snug but if the main body was packed full it would push the back out and make it hard for the Comp to slide in.
This bags you mentioned are good one. Lowepro though not the best quality does make some good hiking camera. Bags. Or go to your local rei and check out there day hiking backpacks. The dueter act trail pro 34 and act trail 24 are both great options and have bottom access for an insert and camera access. Also the rei trail 30 or 40 , the rei traverse 48 And the older version of the osprey stratos which can be found online. All of these packs are not just too access which makes it easier for you to access camera gear. Yet they all have hip belts and frames.
Loaded as you illustrated in your video, have you been able carry this bag on airline flights?
Ken Evans yep. I’ve never had even the slightest of issues. I carried it on 72 flights last year.
Do you have another link for the insert? The link is dead! Thank :)
Stefan Skates I was just on their site the other day. And I think they don’t make it any more. As you may have read in the other comments the insert doesn’t work very well after I’ve been using it for two years. So I think they stopped making it. I need to do a follow up review after having used it for two years.
Thank you much appreciated (did read the comments wanted to get an update from you). I owned a Manta 30 from Osprey that could not be fixed and with their lifetime guarantee, I opted for the K 32 with how much I travel for work (250-300 day a year). I'm going to research alternative DIY solutions too, also assuming you have not solved the problem yet with alternative inserts? My current bag (free with a Joby XL) Manfrotto Advanced Gear Backpack M has worked well for a quick solution, however still searching for a better one. K32 should do the trick, just the internal compartment next. :)
Stefan Skates sounds like a plan. No I’ve not found an Icu that will fit. If you find a good one please let me know, otherwise I’m going to switch to an f stop Bag. Another problem the kamber has is no water bottle. I cut the straps off one side and sewed one on and that’s worked great. I love that bag just not the icu.
Will do! My bag arrives tomorrow, excited. I typically use the bladders for hiking, however, use a stainless steel water bottle with a loop & carabiner with always being on the go.
Yes, you can use fstopgear SLOPE ICU - MEDIUM
How do you find the pack for hiking? Since the back panel is not mesh like many of the hiking bags do you find that it gets hot/sweaty?
Rob Donchez it’s fine I’ve done a lot with it in very hot conditions. It does definitely get sweaty!
hey there ! i had a question about the sizes. Is there a big difference between the S/M and M/L ? what would you recommand for a normal sized man (5''11 and 170 lbs)
S/M is actually 30L, M/L is 32L, Fitting isn't by weight/height, but more of your torso length measurement. Go to Osprey and follow their fitting guide. You might be M/L
The pack is designed so u keep the hip belt on n u rotate the pack to get stuff out so u don't have to take it off every time u need to get something out
Its actually not designed that way.
ganphotography Angel is actually correct. Look on the official Ospray site or a video demonstration when they released this bag late 2016 and it is specifically noted that it is supposed to do that.
Thanks for this. Is your 70-200 the f2.8? I am trying to determine if my D750 Nikon and attached 200-500 f5.6 would fit in there. Assuming your D800 is about the same size as my D750, and using this tool (www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_200-500_5p6e_ed_vr&products=nikon_70-200_2p8_vrii&products=nikkor_70-200_4g_ed_vr) the 200-500 compared to your lens is a little bigger in diameter and length. Thanks for the input. I am strong considering this strategy for a photography backpack.
The d00 is a little bigger than the D750 and yes my 70-200 is a f/2.8