The Karachi Outpost... You need the ultimate combination of a location photo/video pack, 17" IT case and sport-travel backpack that provides ample ergonomics, stability, protection and stealth, all in a package that is fully convertible between these three specifications.
This is the large model, for D-SLR kits with one to two bodies, tele and or wide zoom lenses attached, several spare lenes an external flash or two & accessories or medium to large sized video kits and compact tripod.
Weight limits not withstanding, this fits all but the very smallest overhead airline lockers. Full photobackpack, professional photo gigsters, The Karachi Outpost is the bag for u...
Holds:
Location photo/laptop backpack, fully convertible. Rearward opening convertible photo/compact 17" laptop backpack is low profile - for great stability, good security - access to main compartment only if bag is off-shoulders, and good durability - the main zip works with, not against the bag. On location the bag is placed 'front' down - the harness and back pad stay cleaner so you do too!
The main photo compartment is fully configurable, has plastic sheet cored foam inserts that prevent hot spots on equipment and is full removable, allowing the back pack to be used solely for cargo.
The removable insert for compact 17" laptops can be used to insulate your lap whilst working, from a hot laptop. For extra support deploy the adjustable chest strap. Use the shoulder straps to attach an optional extra Thirsty Al mobile phone holder.
Features
Water resistant 1000D Nylon shell & 420D Ripstop Nylon lining
Rear opening main compartment w/ removable fully padded mesh w/ zip lid
Brushed Nylon lined configurable camera compartment & removable laptop sleeve w/ 6 pocket organizer
2 x external covered & gusseted zip pockets
Spine slot back pad
Carry handle
Chest & waist straps
D rings accessory loops & retro reflective strips on adjustable harness straps
Fits 17" laptop
What fits inside
D-SLR camera kits with one to two bodies with lenses attached, extra lenses, external flash, compact
It's a great camera backpack. And good notebook backpack.
What works
- looks good / doesn't look like a "camera/notebook bag" - even fully loaded has proper straps to distribute weight - re-configurable to just notebook, just camera bag (as pictured) or plain old backpack - nice colours (this one being black/gray and the other brown/tan) - extremely well padded, armour like even. - excellent security for travelling (opens from the inside only requiring you to remove the pack) - seems to be well made - water resistant (not tested)
Room for improvement
- smaller divider pieces have Velcro at the ends but you can’t Velcro things to them - excellent security means less convenient to get at your stuff - curved shape (which make it look good) means space not as usable on the sides - expensive considering it's made in china like a lot of it's competitors.
This is a very short first impression review of the Karachi Outpost. Ok, I'm all packed for my short vacation. Just got this backpack and I must say the build quality of this bag is really good. I'm very impressed. It's a little big and one can be a little overzealous to stuff in things that one might regret lugging all the weight during vacation !
In the bag
Nikon AF DC 135mm f/2
Nikon AF 35-70mm f/2.8D
Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D
Nikon AF 24mm f/2.8D
Center;
Nikon D70 body (hidden)
Nikon AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8 IF-ED
Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 DG 1.4x TC
Bottom (left to right);
SB-800 speedlight (hidden)
Nikon AF 18mm f/2.8D
Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.5 (52E) Macro (1:2)
Nikon AF 20-35mm f/2.8D IF
nikon d70
The Karachi Outpost
I got the Karachi Outpost so that I could have a bag that fits all of my camera gear as well as my obese laptop. It is the largest backpack in Crumpler’s 2005 line and is the equivalent to their former king pack, Brian’s Hot Tub. I would have gone for the smaller Whickey and Cox but for two reasons: my fat old laptop wouldn’t fit in the pouch that said it was for 15in laptops, and I hope to acquire the 70-200 f/2.8 VR someday soon, which will require some more room. As you can see I haven’t filled it up yet, there’s still room for a storage drive in the accessories pouch as well as a lens in the main compartment.
This bag opens from the back, meaning you must take the bag off and set it down to open it. While not convenient for immediate access, it is a great theft deterrent and makes it much harder to accidentally dump all your gear.
This bag is extremely well-built and can carry all I show here and more. Accessories go in the zippered mesh pouch that can be removed from the bag entirely. If I had a second body, that’s where it would go, and Crumpler provides extra inserts for this purpose. The laptop goes in its own pouch, which can also be removed from the bag entirely.
All Velcro is of extremely high quality as are the zippers and stitching. Straps are very well padded, as is the back and the entire gear compartment. The front pockets are very deep and are pleated to expand. There is a zippered mesh layer that protects your gear from accidental dumpage and from rattling around should you not have a laptop loaded.
There is no built in system to attach a tripod. There are sturdy straps on the front that look like they could be jury-rigged to do so.
The Karachi Outpost is comfortable to wear and I believe will only become more so as I continue to use it. The straps buckle across the chest to provide more support.
I do not hesitate to recommend this pack to anyone looking for a large, sturdy backpack. But be aware: it is indeed large, and of course, when loaded down with gear, becomes very heavy.
