Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

I read lots of reviews of different backpack-style camcorder bags and this one stood out mostly because of the price.

I took it on my first shoot yesterday and I loved having everything I needed in one bag. (I used to lug around a luggage-style hard case and a second backpack filled with overflow items.)

My only hesitation in buying it was the listed interior dimensions because my HVX200 has the on-camera mic mount, which increases the overall height of the camera. I was pleased to find that I can safely keep the camera with mic mount on tucked inside the bag without risking damage. (Although, I should point out that because I don't have a laptop, the front pocket of the bag remains more flexible than it probably would with a computer in it.)

Having a tripod/monopod pocket/strap mechanism on both sides of the bag is also nice. My monopod is considerably taller than the bag, but at least it's securely fastened.

I doubt that I'll be able to take this as a carry-on piece of luggage when air traveling (it is pretty big), but the bags that were identified as having TSA approved dimensions were only a couple inches smaller overall and much more expensive. If I have to pull the camera out and check the backpack, so be it. I did that with my hard case too.

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

This backpack is very beautiful and practiful. Good size, lots of strap locks and very comfortable to use.

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

I bought this pack in 2006 for a trip to Romania, and has held up very well over many miles and hard productions. THis pack easily carries a DVX100B with batts and tapes, a 5D with Battery grip and 50mm lens, EOS REBEL for backup, a Sennheiser EW G3 Lapel set, Chargers, extra batteries, a small laptop, a Gitzo GT1541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod, a Gitzo G2180 Series 1 Fluid Head, and a few misc. tools, and a 100oz Camelback resevoir.

Now, here is my only complaint and the reason for 4 stars. For a person with a short torso, it may carry well. But I'm 6'0, around 210, average, and the load doesn't transfer well between my shoulders and hips. For it to rest on my hips, I have to let out the shoulder-straps, but then the load becomes loose, and the skinny end of the straps dig into my shoulders. To keep THAT from happening, I have to tighten the shoulder straps, which then takes the weight off my hips, and strains my upper back, neck, and shoulders. Also, the pack is very hot against my back. Maybe Petrol could look at some of the Osprey backpacks and re-design the harness system and air-flow.

I would also suggest a rain-cover for the pack.
All in all this is a good backpack, and definately worth the money. It is certainly a day-hike camera pack. Also, depending on the airline, you should be able to carry it on.

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

I was nervous this bag wouldn't be big enough, but it has much more room than the average camera bag. It has an easily accessible laptop compartment, a must have for the modern videographer. My quad-core laptop will fit no problem, once I get it. Plenty of room, I have a Canon A1s and an HV40 I keep in this bag both with wide angle lenses, extra batteries and a charger, a Rode shotgun mic, headphones, cables, my Manfrotto lanc control, plus some. It's a little heavy fully loaded, but very comfortable to carry. All this with looks to kill.

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

Very well made with solid waterproof material and zippers. Can accommodate a wide variety of camcorders with it's removable sections. The interior is a bright orange and is very soft.

So far I love it!

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

The backpack is very durable and provides confidence when putting your expensive gear in it.

The backpack lacks additional organizational pockets and features however, and is somewhat of a disappointment as I was looking for a single storage solution. The purchase of another bag was required to make sure tapes, batteries, chargers, cleaners, etc were organized and easily accessible.

This bag got very close to being 'the one', but based on some of he short comings, I cannot give it my full recommendation.

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

Bought it for the Panasonic dvx100b to do documentary shoots in wet forestry areas. The camera fits alright but movable dividers have very limited lenths and positions to customize. Had to try many different variations before getting a suitable (not perfect) setup.
As for water resistant, that’s only as good as the angle of the rain. In a hard rain the bag leaks through the zippers a bit so the bag gets damp up around the edges.
However overall bag is to my liking, just need some more customized dividers.

Comments about Petrol PCBP-1 Papoose Mini DV Hiker Professional Backpack:

Nice and very resistant material. well padded and very secure, easy access laptop pocket. Is a very well design and protective backpack. I was looking for something a little more practical to carry my equipment in the city. Definitely not for use in the city is kind of big and bulky for walk with it.