articles/Gear/bagsspace-page3

Bags of Space - part 3 of 1 2 3 4 5 6

by Mike McNamee Published 01/04/2012

The bag is neat overall with a tripod attachment but no other dangling straps. It lacks the space for wet weather gear or food and drink. Perhaps it is best regarded as a bag for carrying kit short distances on site but where you are unlikely to be caught out in the open or too far from shelter. There is no attached rain cover.

The Python Pack

This is the largest of the series but is still not a massive, obtrusive pack. It has room for one or two DSLRs, up to four lenses (or lenses plus flash) and up to a 15" MacBook. It is sufficient to hold the gear needed at a wedding without your every turn threatening to bump into guests or wipe the cake off the table! The slightly understated design is also discrete - you don't really want to pitch up at a wedding looking like a gap-year backpacker! A rain cover is attached to a side pocket for heavy rain use; this also provides a useful mat should you have to put gear down on wet ground. We did manage to stuff an anorak into the top pocket which is normally reserved for fast access to a DSLR and lens.

We had trouble getting a pro DSLR and a 70-200 f2.8 into the bag; it actually went in OK but getting it out was a fight. The double straps and waist belt provided reasonably secure carrying and remained comfortable during a mixed walking, driving and shooting day in the Lake District, over mixed terrain. The back also has straps for attaching a tripod although you would find it strained a little, as well as applying quite a lot of force to the zips on the back of the bag. A sternum strap is provided for additional stability.

Various views of the Python Pack out and about in the English Lakes

Booq Range Overall

The range covers almost all eventualities for attending meetings, reconnaissance trips and shortish walks. It does not really cover all-day mountain walks, rough weather and nature field trips; there is insufficient room for either waterproofs or big lenses or any of the other paraphernalia that these demand (although it would do for a botany or insect field trip, with their more limited demands on kit).

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