Simple to use, quick to modify, and very well built. It is also actually quite weather proof, but use the backpack cover for when it really rains or in heavy snow.

Unlike many camera backpacks, you don't have to set the pack down to access your gear, as most of the pouches and pockets are top-accessible. The aluminum staves (or stays) keep the pack from collapsing, keeping it in an upright position. It is also an excellent all-purpose pack for travel, day hikes, mountaineering or skiing. This is one pack for both photography, travel and hiking.

You will need to use the interior modular storage system to protect cameras and the bag is not lined with padding on the inside.

Finally, I found a really useful, solidly built backpack that can be accommodate photography, day hiking, and family outings. The Journeyman pack is a multipurpose modular internal frame backpack. It is a half-and-half pack designed for what you need, when you need it. It can carry half photo equipment and half personal effects (such as a jacket, lunch & climbing/skiing gear).

This pack is not like the popular camera backpacks because it can be used as a top loader for quick access and full access by great taped seamed zippers. It has large unpadded zippered main compartment which allows for stuffing in even more things than it should. Other backpacks are heavily padded, primarily designed to carry or store only camera equipment, including an entire camera system. This makes the backpacks quite heavy and awkward with the weight of the added camera gear.

What sets this pack apart from others is its versatility. The Journeyman is not a "carry the kitchen sink" pack. It is designed to be modular with no permanent padded compartments on the bag allowing for different compartments to be used inside and out as well as a non-photo backpack. I can carry the gear onto the plane as a carry-on, travel to my destination, then convert from a camera bag to a hiking bag and even separate the belt to for waist pack for fast access. It has an adjustable shoulder harness system that most people of different heights and body builds will find very comfortable and fit to their needs.

Customer Service

Very good. Kinesis is a smaller company but offers a quite fast personal response.

Similar Products Used:

LowePro Computrekker, LowePro Orion, LowePro Top Loader, LowePro S&F belt system, Crumpler 7 million dollar home. Deuter and Gregory backpacks. All very good products, but the Kinesis system is the best I have found so far.