The bag has very high quality construction with a nicely padded inside. The bag is designed to be used outside, it has waterproof zippers all around along with a built in rain poncho that store in its own little pocket. I have used it in a rain storm and the inside's stayed dry (I most surely did not)

The waist belt is very wide and allows for the weight to be evenly distributed and does not shift when tightened down. I occasionally need to move very fast to dodge / move out the way of the racers and the placement does not cause an out-of-balance like a higher riding backpack.

For the weight of the pack, it can safely carry a large amount of gear for a day of shooting. There are two outside pockets (on top and back side) for misc. storage. It will carry up to a 300mm F4 in length (stored upright). There are attachment points on the bottom and elastic cord on the back for additional carrying capacity. The side have straps and attachments for additional lens cases (like Lowepro). I will attach a 500 F5.6 lens in its case here when hiking with it.

None found in the last two years of use. I cannot foresee my self using any other bags in the near future as it meets all of my needs.

The only minor issue is that when trying to close the bag in a hurry, the waterproof zippers require some concentration to close. This is more a function of the photographer coordination than design issue.

While this is not a weakness for me, there is not a good way to carry a tripod with this bag. I will use a Mono-pod at times, I tend to use it a a walking stick when not in use.

This and the larger Day FX are my main bags for shooting XC and DH bike races where I will be moving about the course for at least two to three hours at a time. This will hold a spare body, 70-200, 17-40 (or 24_105), spare flash and two sets of batteries, along with a water bottle holder attached to the outside.

I find the waist belt to be quite comfortable and will only use the shoulder strap (on the good shoulder) when changing lens. I do not like using regular backpack only style carriers, as my one shoulder is messed up and any weight on it will cause pain after a short amount of time.

I can change lens / batteries / bodies easily while walking or shooting by using the strap and disconnecting the belt. This allows the bag to rotate to the side for access while not having to stop and put the bag down.

I have also used this bag for some fairly extreme mountain bike rides and the weight placement lowers the weight of the gear closer to the riders center of gravity.

Customer Service

Have not had to use their customer service for the bags, but have found them very responsive for other matters. An actual English speaking person will answer the phone and talk to you.

Similar Products Used:

Mountainsmiith Day FX
Lowepro Slingshot 200,300
Mountainsmith Sideline
Assorted Lowepro backpacks