Clik Elite hiking photo backpack - tried one?

simonkit

simonkit

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I'm on what seems like the eternal search for a good hiking/photo backpack and whilst the F Stop Loka currently stands at the top of my list I've found the Clik Elite Obscura which looks very promising

http://www.clikelite.com/products/obscura/

Seems to tick all the boxes:

Easy camera access - for a smallish DSLR at least
Good harness system
Good storage for both photo & hiking gear
Central tripod carrying setup
Hydration pack facility

Just wondered if anyone had tried one?

Thanks

Simon
 
jacob12_1993 said:
It looks okay but very inefficient use of the space compared with the Loka, the side pockets are a nice idea, similar to the F-Stop Kenti
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Yes, I've looked at the Kenti too but it doesn't look to have much space for personal gear, the Loki looks best for me in that respect but I would prefer a backpack with better access.

I currently have the Lowepro Primus AW and the setup is excellent, unfortunately the harness system isn't and the bag weights a ton without anything in it:bonk:

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jacob12_1993 said:
I have a Loka + Medium ICU but I tend to carry my camera out via some rucsack strap attachments from Optech, this allows me to quickly access the camera, take the weight off my neck and carry the rest of my gear in the best way possible
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I must admit that I'm not too keen on that idea for my usage, I don't want to risk damaging the camera when scrambling across scree slopes etc, I've been on my backside more than I'd like to admit


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Just wondered how well secured is the tripod on the Loka if you fit it in the centre of the pack, it's another thing I'm quite keen on as I'd like the weight distribution to be evenly spread?


Having looked a bit further into the Clik elite range I'm really liking the look of the Contrejour 35, seems to be very well made, great harness system and good access without fully removing the pack - also looks like its much easier to get hold of than the F stop range

http://www.clikelite.com/products/contrejour-35/

Thanks

Simon
 
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simonkit said:
Just wondered how well secured is the tripod on the Loka if you fit it in the centre of the pack, it's another thing I'm quite keen on as I'd like the weight distribution to be evenly spread?


Having looked a bit further into the Clik elite range I'm really liking the look of the Contrejour 35, seems to be very well made, great harness system and good access without fully removing the pack - also looks like its much easier to get hold of than the F stop range

http://www.clikelite.com/products/contrejour-35/

Thanks

Simon
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It is extremely secure from my experience and I have used it quite rigorously with a variety of Giottos, 3Legged Thing, Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods
 
Having just been on a landscape photography workshop with Joe Cornish he just happened to be using a Loka, looked very well made and obviously can carry loads of gear however compared to the Clik Elite Contrejour camera access is a bit awkward and I'm definitely leaning towards the Contrejour, this video clip on the Contrejour is definitely worth a look

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP4AXMTafBc

Simon
 
I'm lucky enough to own an F-Stop Tilopa. Comments here
They are such a delight to use and buying a couple of ICU's allows huge flexibility. The carry is as good as if not better than any backpacking sack, the weight is light and build excellent. These things are personal of course, but I couldn't recommend F-Stop any more highly. They are the perfect bag for cameras and outdoor kit combined.
 
Just updating this thread for anyone interested, conclusion is forget the Clik Elite Contrejour, just tried one and it's on its way back to amazon as I type...

poor quality dividers in photo section, sits quite uncomfortably on lower back with a full load, tripod mounted on front of pack limits amount of space available for personal gear

Simon
 
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