Looking for a backpack - Booq any good?

[philipus]

I'm looking for a backpack that I can use as hand luggage when flying and which should hold my 13" laptop, 1-2 film Ms with 2-3 lenses (or an M and a Hasselblad plus 80mm) film etc.

There's a brand I've never heard of - Booq - which has a few nice-looking and seemingly practical backpacks. Has anyone tried them?

Are there other/better alternatives?

Thank you in advance
Philip

 

[jkjod]

Have never used the Booq, if you are looking for US made (not sure where you are from) then I think this looks nice:

http://www.ogdenmade.com/products/two-bit-kletterpack

 

[Santtu Määttänen]

I think that backpack is such a personal item, you should try it out and get the one that feels best when loaded full of the gear you plan on having there. Also for my preference, I tend to use military styled backpacks (daypack size or similar). They're durable and have tons of room. Then you can fit it with camera inserts or other cases if needed. It's modular, good to carry and relatively cheap option since you don't need too many bags. And there's tons of bags available in different sizes so to fit inside allowance of carry-on. Beside for me camera bags are either not so good to carry (most of the ones I've tried) or they can't hold enough other items, like cloathing, sleeping bag, rain coat, food, etc.. Or for general travel extra shirt, undies, socks, jacket, rain gear, etc..

 

[Santtu Määttänen]

Have never used the Booq, if you are looking for US made (not sure where you are from) then I think this looks nice:

http://www.ogdenmade.com/products/two-bit-kletterpack

This looks quite similar to my backpack, image taken from web..

 

[Larry Cloetta]

I bought a Booq Boa backpack a year ago for my college age daughter to use for books and cameras ( in the lower compartment, which I assume you have already looked at). The features are all shown on their web site, so you could decide whether it would suit your purpose. My only input is that the quality of manufacture and materials was extremely high, higher than any bag I own-not saying much-and I found it above average in comfort of fit during a short trial.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I prefer shoulder bags over backpacks since backpacks are difficult to get into and because I'd rather have my stuff where I can see it instead of on my back. This said, I think this backpack is cleverly designed and it looks well made: http://www.booqbags.com/us/backpacks/SP-GRY

 

[MCTuomey]

I prefer shoulder bags over backpacks since backpacks are difficult to get into and because I'd rather have my stuff where I can see it instead of on my back. This said, I think this backpack is cleverly designed and it looks well made: http://www.booqbags.com/us/backpacks/SP-GRY

wish i'd seen this couple months ago. nice design. i picked up a discounted filson - Photographer's Backpack - that fits my mirrorless event gear real well and doesn't scream gearbag too much. but it carries "warm" with a canvas back and straps, and doesn't have much space for personals.

 

[Moto Mark]

Have you thought about a padded insert ? I have a Tenba BYOB 10

http://www.tenba.com/products/tools-byob-10-camera-insert.aspx

that I put in a unassuming military style messenger bag, but I'm sure you could do the same in a backpack. That way it doesn't scream 'expensive camera gear inside' when you're walking down the street.

 

[philipus]

Thank you very much for the helpful replies and apologies for the delay in writing back.

I've received a reply from Booq on whether my Crumpler insert (Banana Bowl M) fits in the Taipan Shock or the Boa Shift. Sadly it won't because the fit will be too tight.

So I probably need to widen the search.

Ease of access to the gear is important so a pack with zippers that open down on the sides would be great. This is what drew me to Booq actually, but perhaps there are others?

There are many camera backpacks with built-in camera compartments but I'd find this too inflexible. So any built-in dividers etc should be removable.

The last thing is there needs to be a good laptop compartment for a 13" MBPr.

Any thoughts on other options?
br
Philip

 

[Out to Lunch]

Lowepro Slingshot: http://www.lowepro.com/slingshot

Lowepro backpacks: http://www.lowepro.com/camera-backpacks

 

[philipus]

Thank you Peter, very helpful. I had looked at Lowepro earlier and found them rather nice.

I see now that Manfrotto has bought Kata. I'm now wondering about the "RedBee". Seems to tick all the boxes: easy access from top and rear (plus sides though I doubt I'd use that), completely configurable interior and the right size laptop compartment. And same price point as the Booq bags.

Lowepro Slingshot: http://www.lowepro.com/slingshot

Lowepro backpacks: http://www.lowepro.com/camera-backpacks