Crumpler Karachi Outpost Camera Bag : Carry On All of It

Don't you love it when something exceeds your expectations? That's exactly what I've experienced with a new sleekly-styled camera pack made by Crumpler - the Karachi Outpost bag. I was looking for a bag that could carry all of my camera gear for photo shoots, but what I got was a new trustworthy traveling companion!  

With all of the traveling I do, I have been searching for a bag to hold all of my camera gear, plus my laptop, and yet be compact enough to use as my carryon bag. My first impression of the Karachi Outpost bag was that it looked like a really big daypack. But then I loaded it up with all of my camera gear, and I can honestly say I was shocked at how such a small bag could hold so much! It easily holds my two full-sized camera bodies, all of my various telephoto and wide angle lenses, assorted camera accessories and cords, and even a GPS and my bulky 17 inch laptop.

Unlike conventional bulky camera bags with a single shoulder strap that I'm so accustomed to schlepping around, this one is a huge improvement. This backpack style bag safely and securely holds everything a serious professional photographer needs, and is still so streamlined that it easily slips under an airplane seat or into the tight overhead compartments of the smallest commuter planes.

Inside, the bag is loaded with padded partitions with velcro attachments to create compartments that can be easily reconfigured as desired. A sturdy zippered mesh screen flap secures everything in place. In fact, you can actually remove the entire inside compartment system to convert the Karachi Outpost into a simple backpack.

Also included is a removable padded sleeve with six pocket organizer large enough for a 17" laptop. The sleeve is held in place inside the lid of the main compartment by a velcro loop strap and large velcro patch

One of the features I like most is placement of the sole opening to the camera cargo area. It's only accessible via a zippered flap that only opens toward the back. This means that when wearing the pack through airports or crowds, the zippers are hidden from sight, thus alleviating any worries of pickpocket thefts.

Speaking of wearing the pack, that's the real treat!

The construction quality is outstanding. It is super lightweight, has thick cushioning straps that rest nicely on the shoulders, and a spine slot pad perfectly contoured to fit your back. These features make wearing the pack a pleasant experience. In addition, it has a buckled chest strap, handy d-rings for clipping small accessories to, and a waist strap to help the pack ride comfortably on the hips. And when it comes to zippers, this bag has the sturdiest most durable zippers I have ever seen both inside and out.

On the front side, a fixed band and an adjustable band with buckle can be used to stow a tripod or to slip over the extendable handle of a wheeled suitcase while rolling through the airport.

Proof of this bag's sturdiness. . . On a recent trip the pack tumbled out of my car onto an asphalt parking lot. In the past that could have spelled disaster for my equipment, but this time I didn't even flinch.

Bottom Line : The Karachi Outpost bag is the nicest camera pack I've found. It's super comfortable to wear, even with a heavy load, and with the quality construction and excellent padded protection throughout, I feel confident that my valuable camera gear will be safe. I highly recommend it! -- C.W. (July 08)

Price: $250 Click to purchase

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