Rajan Parrikar wrote:
Update: The Kickstarter campaign for Chobe 2.0 - the best bag in the world (no, in the Universe) - closed today, far exceeding its funding goal.
The original Kiboko design is the preferred design ethos going forward. Lighter weight, better built (better fabric) and more appropriate volume sizes, given the current gear people carry.
Flowernut wrote:
Bataflae 32L and 26L making a come back soon??
I have the original Kiboki 30l, but that never left home in about 10 years. The design is too inflexible and didn't hold as much as similarly sized bags of the era.
Maybe the Kibuko style works for some people, but I much prefer the G26/G32 style. I have an old Bataflae 26L, G26, and G32 that I was able to get on the closeout. The G26/G32 have the nice large compartment on top that will hold one larger item like a jacket. The straps are also better than on the Battaflae.
I'm not sure what gear is most common lately, but I noticed that for MILC the small primes are in fashion like the 1960s. Does anybody use Nikon or Canon 500/4 and 600/4 lenses nowadays?
The big difference is interior depth. 6" new. Bataflae 32L and 26L 7" I need the depth. G series I think was also that deep. 600 f4 with hood is 7" in diameter. There are many other examples which need the extra depth.
i somehow have a feeling that the 1" is "variable" in reality. not a rigid structure. and in the end if it doesn't work you move on. i'm taking a leap of faith with the shoulder bag.
i am beginning to feel the new owners of GG are having some minor business control issues and their web tech.
first of all A. Biggs is not involved with the company as he sold his interest in the venture awhile back. he serves as a product spokes person only (Pro Team member) and I respect him
Mr Biggs has assured me that all should be resolved by the new owners shortly
I read on B&H reviews that the Kiboko 30L (new version) doesn't accommodate a reversed hood for the 600/4 and 400/2.8 lenses. That would be a deal breaker for me. My original Kiboko 30L and my Bataflae 32L both can be zipped closed with the 600/4 and hood reversed. It is a matter of depth or width (with fixed centre divider) and not accommodating the diameter/thickness of the hood with the latest bag (length is fine). Although there are a few B&H reviews that seem to say they were able to wiggle in the 600 with hood reversed??
Have same two bags as arbitrage. Original 30L was a squeeze for me (panel takes on slight bulge) with 600f4 and the 32L fit great. Never had Tamarac version of this bag.
I bought the original Kiboko direct from GG back in 2010 and it is the best bag I have owned in over 40 years. It easily handles 40+ lbs. of gear although I must say my smallish frame complains a bit, .
Melancholia wrote:
It has been my everyday work bag for the past 5yrs or so, so I can attest to the durability of the fabric, zippers, and stitching. I love the arrangement of the pockets. When I fly, it becomes my personal item and in its collapsed mode, it fits under the seat. In it, I'd carry my 13" MBP, car GPS, various chargers/cables, sunglasses, extra layers, headphones, Omnicharge power bank. All my camera stuff goes in a backpack in the overhead bin.
I've tried looking for a replacement. Looked at Think Tank, Tom Bihn, and others, but nothing seemed to work for the workflow and size that I've become accustomed to. At $299 for the 16" though, seems more expensive than I recall, and that's without the camera insert. I might pick one up if there is an early price KS pricing....Show more →
Tom Bihn Pilot is an excellent bag. I have the Pilot and Copilot. Love them both. Outstanding quality, made in USA, smart design.
I have the Kuboku 30 and it took me awhile to love it. Now it is my favorite travel pack.
On one side I carry my Sony A7r4 + Tamron 17-28/2.8, Sony 24/1.4, Batis 40/2, Batis 85/2, Leica compact 10x25 binoculars, 67 mm filter wallet, SD card wallet, extra batteries, hat and gloves.
On the other side, I carry a RRS TQC-14 tripod with detached Acratech GPss ball head, empty chest pack for daily carry, and odds and ends.
In the top pockets I carry a camera rain cover, sensor cleaning gear, head lamp, small things.
In the internal back pocket, I carry a MacBook +/- an iPad.
If I recall, it weighs around 25 lbs loaded but I can't remember for sure. In any case, it is too heavy for me but I use it for travel days and then use the chest pack for actual photography.
Construction and design are top notch. Zippers are excellent.
Melancholia wrote:
It has been my everyday work bag for the past 5yrs or so, so I can attest to the durability of the fabric, zippers, and stitching. I love the arrangement of the pockets. When I fly, it becomes my personal item and in its collapsed mode, it fits under the seat. In it, I'd carry my 13" MBP, car GPS, various chargers/cables, sunglasses, extra layers, headphones, Omnicharge power bank. All my camera stuff goes in a backpack in the overhead bin.
I've tried looking for a replacement. Looked at Think Tank, Tom Bihn, and others, but nothing seemed to work for the workflow and size that I've become accustomed to. At $299 for the 16" though, seems more expensive than I recall, and that's without the camera insert. I might pick one up if there is an early price KS pricing....Show more →
I seem to recall the price was the main reason I opted against the Chobe years ago when picking a similar camera/laptop/business/travel bag. Instead I went for the Think Tank Urban Disguise 50 v2, which has proven to be an incredibly robust and versatile all round bag as well (especially the ability to attach external pouches on the v2 bags in the UD series). Sadly Think Tank discontinued the classic UD series. Perhaps the new Chobe will encourage TT to go back to the archives as well.
Flowernut wrote:
Have same two bags as arbitrage. Original 30L was a squeeze for me (panel takes on slight bulge) with 600f4 and the 32L fit great. Never had Tamarac version of this bag.
I replaced the 26L with the G26, which you might define as the Tamrac version. It holds more and has better straps, so I got the G32 also. They are not great for hiking like a real backpack of course, but feel noticeably better than the 26L/32L which are more for airport and short walks at best. I never had the 32L, but imagine it would have been rather painful with a full load. The G32 and G26 feel about the same on the back, but the G32 looks rather big on me at the international airports.
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