Backpack

After a year and a half, the Canon backpack I have had served me well and except for minor problems with the zipper tabs, I consider it to be a great value for the money.  In fact I plan to continue to use it under certain circumstances.

But along the way I found that it was not a great pack for hiking into remote areas with heavy gear on my back.  It's a basic pack and has limited space for my camera gear and some essentials I should carry when I go hiking.

Last November when we planned a hike and overnight, I purchased a modern backpack and discovered how good a modern pack could be.  It was at that point I realized how limited the Canon pack really was.  I did some shopping and found that a good pack would be expensive and decided to let it ride for a while.

Fast forward to March, and I receive notice of my REI dividend.  Well hey, this is good news - the gear we bought in November earned a good dividend.  I found that REI has a fairly decent selection of photography-related gear and found a pack that looked like it might just do everything I need.  The dividend plus the markdown on the pack put it in very affordable $$$ so I ordered it.

Here is what the marketing says about it:

Pro Elite + ClikStand

The patent pending ClikStand system transforms from a comfortable pack into a convenient workstation and accessory stand that works like a second hand for lighting and camera set-ups.

 

The patent pending ClikStand system transforms from a comfortable pack into a convenient workstation and accessory stand that works like a second hand for lighting and camera set-ups.

• ClikStand™ is a supportive frame for carrying heavy equipment, a prop-up workstation, and a versatile mount for your camera, lighting and reflectors

• Top pocket organizes data cards, hard-drives, cables, and business cards

• Fully padded 13” x 17” x 6” camera bay

• Modular organization with 6 Velcro-ready Cradle Dividers and 2 full-length vertical dividers

• Computer sleeve keeps any size laptop safely padded and secure

• Outer sleeve ensures quick access to books, planners, even a collapsible reflector

• Large side pockets hold cables, hard-drives and other accessories

• Hidden tripod attachment under the side pocket

• Padded shoulder straps cushion against heavy photo gear, with additional support from load-lifter straps and adjustable sternum strap

• Built-in ChestPorts™ host Clik Elite ChestPacks for fast camera access on the go

• Attachment points on shoulder straps and waist belt host small pouches and lens holsters

• LadderFit™ harness system adjusts to 4 different torso lengths for comfort and optimized weight transfer

• Comfort-molded back panel sheds snow and dirt, vents heat and moisture

• Padded contour waist belt with bi-directional buckle comfortably transfers weight to the hips

• Work-space lid provides soft place to organize gear while on location

• Hide-away rain fly

• Ruggedized construction: fully lined and taped, beefy zippers, 1680D ballistic, and 420D high-tenacity nylon fabrics

• Overall dimensions: 20”h x 18”w x 10”d – (3800 c.i / 62 L)

• 10.27 lbs.

• Available in Clik Gray

• Product Number: CE406GR