Review DAKINE Sequence Backpack - Photo Review

Hey all. I needed to upgrade backpacks. Storage was fast becoming an issue as was ruggedness. I do a LOT of hiking and mountain biking and I need something that will hold up and be comfortable at the same time. I ordered a DAKINE Sequence Photo Backpack from DogFunk for $111 on sale. It arrived just an hour ago. During my lunch I decided to grab some photos in our photo studio. It's just 1 medium sized Chimera soft box to illuminate it. The studio camera's were in use, as were the radio transmitters, so 2 second open exposures and f22 it was lol. Here are the photos:

Exterior:

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Built in rain cover over exterior:

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Portion that rests against your back:

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Opened up:

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Backpack portion on left | Camera bag portion on right:

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My old Case Logic Backpack | DAKINE pack | DAKINE Camera bag portion:

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Camera phone photos showing how I'll be using it...

(SB600, 70-300VR, D2x with 18-70mm, D70s with 50mm 1.8, Nikon Coolpix L5 lol):

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I'll try fitting my laptop in the laptop portion tonight after my photoshoot if I have a free moment. I have a 15.4" Dell laptop that loves to travel. I hope it fits, but have heard it's really designed for 15" and smaller laptops   We'll see. There are also some other random pockets I am using for storage of cables, batteries, etc.

I did wear it. I love the feel. It's definitely got plenty of straps, which is exactly what I was looking for. For the few here who have tried on an SCBA Firefighting device, it's a feel VERY similar to that. The Draeger SCBA packs that we used feel nearly identical. It has great hip support that somewhat pivots with your hips, I love it. I'll let everyone know how it holds up after my first hike with it!

So far, I HIGHLY recommend this bag!

EDIT: So you don't have to scroll through the pages, two shots of me wearing the bag... I had it loose on the 2nd one FWIW.. and I am 6'4". There's plenty more slack for bigger people and smaller people as well.

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Thanks Alan. I was leaning incredibly towards the Burton until my buddy in the military who's used both Burton and DaKine gave me his $.02. He said quality was the biggest issue with the Burton packs he's used.

Scott, I will give a little writeup on the pack when I get a chance. It should be here tomorrow per UPS, but then I am gone for the weekend in NJ. If it's here before my lunch, I can do some shots in the studio and post 'em, along with my opinions and such.

 

No prob Scott.

The company I got it from has them for $111! I know they have camo prints (urban, jungle, etc.), but also have black and some crazy design which is shown in my one photo. I went with the crazy one. Felt like I needed something different. I think black will get too dirty on all the rocks when I am climbing as well.

/useless info lol

 

It's here. It's sweet. BIG. I love it. I will get some photos in the studio during my lunch @ 1PM Eastern if we aren't doing any other shoots.

 

Dog Funk is the company I purchased it from:

http://www.dogfunk.com/dogfunk/DAK0781/DAKINE-Sequence-Backpack-w-Camera-Block-2000cu-in.html

And I am a skier too ;-)

Review is posted now!

 

I can JUST squeeze my 15.4" laptop into the bag.

I've run it with the following all at once:
-D2x with 28-105 mounted
-D70s w/ Jenis grip with 70-300 VR mounted
-L5 Coolpix
-18-70 3.5-4.5 & 50 1.8 individually stored
-SB600 w/ diffuser individually stored
-Manfrotto 055X PROB tripod & Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head & Bogen 3231 mounted outside
-Manuals for all equipment, lens cleaner/cloth, flashlights, gaffers tape, USB cables (12 feet+)

When the laptop is packaged, I would be scared to run the tripod/monopod on the direct back of the bag (as designed), but there are enough side straps to accomodate this. I've hiked for hours with it at almost full capacity, and it's been fine. You just have to put the weight on your hips, and adjust the shoulder straps accordingly.

I HIGHLY recommend it still!

 

Scott,

I'll post what I have so far from when my friend borrowed my camera whilst I setup my tripod:

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I am 6'4" and there is PLENTY of room to go higher or lower on my back. It really fits great!

I'll see if I can get the other shots you requested, but can't promise anything 'cause work is keeping me busy  

 

I really love this backpack. I may buy the Burton bag that's similar, as it has more storage, but I heard the quality is lower than the Dakine bags (personal experience from my snowboarding military buddy).