The Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim) is a padded 1000 denier Cordura backpack made to carry various camcorders up to 15" long, with a laptop computer and tripod. The case has a padded pocket that will hold a 17" laptop computer, side tripod pocket with a cinch strap, and three accessory pockets. The backpack has extra foam padding and non-slip material on the shoulder, removable waist straps, and padded side support straps. The case includes a divider kit and a CS-B9 Stuff Pack.
This Porta Brace case is made in Vermont, USA.
| Material |
Exterior: 1000 denier Cordura fabric Interior: Padded |
| Type of Closure | Zippers |
| Exterior Dimensions | 18 x 12 x 6.5" (45.7 x 30.5 x 16.5cm) (LxWxH) |
| Interior Dimensions | 15 x 10 x 5.0" (38 x 25.4 x 12.7cm) (LxWxH) |
| Design | Dividable backpack with laptop compartment and tripod holder |
| Tripod Holder | Yes |
| Waist Belt | Yes |
| Accommodates | Mini-DV camcorder with laptop, accessories and tripod |
| Carrying/Transport Options |
Padded backpack straps Padded side support straps Removable waist belt |
| Weight | 5.25 lbs (2.38kg) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Prime solution for on-the-go production
[...]Until I purchased this backpack, I was using a larger Porta Brace camera case, and a Porta Brace Director's Case briefcase. I needed a more compact solution for traveling with my ...Read complete review
[...]Until I purchased this backpack, I was using a larger Porta Brace camera case, and a Porta Brace Director's Case briefcase. I needed a more compact solution for traveling with my gear, and this backpack has provided that.I am able to carry my camera, a wireless mic system, charger, tapes, batteries, shotgun mic, and cables, as well as my laptop with a firwiredrive and all necessary cables. The tripod cradle is handy, as well. This means that I am equipped to shoot and edit anywhere, any time.I just got back from a four-day trip to Washington, DC, and was able to keep all my essentials with me. To avoid fatigue, be sure to use the padded wasit belt as well as the shoulder straps. I would not have gotten through the shoot with a large camera bag and a laptop case... there just wasn't time or space to deal with all of that.The pocket where the shoulder straps are initially stashed, I found, is quite handy for packing a folder with contact sheets and shoot permits. The outer pocket on the back was stuffed with a camera rain slicker, two emergency ponchos, a steno pad, and my white card.While the backpack holds quite a bit and certainly makes portable production a lot easier, there are some drawbacks. The good folks at Porta Brace recommended this model to me based on my budget, needs, and camera. I found that it will hold a Panasonic DVX-100A, but only after removing the Panasonic-provided shockmount and the shotgun mic. This is a little bit of a hassle if you have to set up quickly, as the shockmount must be attached with a screwdriver. I ended up using my Beyer shotgun and shoe-mounted shock mount.I was able to pack quite a bit into the case, but there was no room left for my headphones, so they are clipped to one of the external D-rings. This isn't a huge problem while walking around, but it does leave them unprotected when the case is stashed in an overhead compartment.I also had to do some research about setting up the shoulder straps, for which there is no documentation provided with the case. They can be a bit confusing out of the box, but there is a PDF available that shows how to assemble the straps.The other drawback is in the tripod cradle. Handy, indeed, but the tripod must collapse to under 24". I had to ditch my heavy sticks and go with a smaller tripod in DC. This is an expected shortfall for backpack journalism, but if you want a bigger tripod, you'll have a second case to carry.In all, this backpack really is a huge help. I have everything with me that I need to shoot and edit in the field. If you're creative, you can pack an extraordinary amount of gear into this thing ([...]
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Most Liked Negative Review
Bulky overall-small main compartment
I have a Sony Z5U, which is not a huge camera. It barely fits in the main compartment and I had to use force to zip up the bag. And there was very little...Read complete review
I have a Sony Z5U, which is not a huge camera. It barely fits in the main compartment and I had to use force to zip up the bag. And there was very little room left for any accessories. Yet, the bag is REALLY bulky. It sits high on your back and the shoulder straps are so thick, they look like wings perched on top of your shoulders. This is not at all a low profile bag. Sure, there are many outside pockets to put gear in, but not enough interior room to justify the size.
Weird fit, weird look, not practical.
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Reviewed by 10 customers
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
Great product, spacious, durable, comfortable to wear and easy to access gear. Very happy with my purchase.
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
I wanted a bag that would be great for travel and I found it in the Porta Brace BK-1NR. I actually shoot with the AX2000 and it fills the bag entirely. Luckily there are plenty of pockets to make up for the large camera. Also, I travel with a 17" MacBook which fits perfectly in the bag too. Overall, I'm very pleased with this bag.
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
The Bk-1NR Backpack was everything I wanted in a backpack. It is perfect in the field and really serves its job of keeping things together when being mobile you can put all you need in it such as batteries, lenses, tripod, tapes and when you get you camera out and shot, you can strap it back on and keep on moving. The only problem i have is its a little bulky and when in a crowd you will bump into people but other then that it' s good.
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
this bag is built to last, Vermonters take a lot of pride in their craftsmanship and this is no exception. just needs a six pack holder. jk
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
We got 2 of these last month after upgrading our cameras. Coming from CTC-2 cases, we were thrilled that these would be easier to carry around, and also held our laptops.
I took one with camera and laptop to the Ukraine last month, and found it was great for carrying on the airplane.
I quickly noticed that there wasn't a good place for smaller items like pens, and other small items. I lost a flash drive when it slipped out of the Velcro'd pouch on front. I will have to find a smaller pouch to fit in this area for these kinds of items.
Also, I like the idea of having a place to put a small tripod; but it would be great to be able to secure this flatly when not in use.
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
We looked carefully at bags that would be easy to carry, and when we found this backpack by Portabrace, we decided to give it a try. First trip was to Kiev, Ukraine. My Canon XHA1s and accessories fit nicely, along with my MacBookPro 17" It was easy to open and get my equipment out; but a few observations:
The tripod pocket doesn't cinch tightly against case when not in use. Not a biggy; but I believe an additional strip of velcro, or an extra strap may be a good idea.
The pockets on the front don't seal completely, and there are no smaller compartments for pens; keys....flash drives...etc. I lost one flash drive on the way back, and almost lost a few other things. I will probably find a smaller case that'll slip down in this compartment for holding smaller items needed when out on the road.
and finally, the bag meets the specs for carry on; but f anything is put in the outside pocket, mentioned above, it is rather hard to squeeze in the overhead compartment. Not imposible; but a little tight.
Biggest need would be some small built in pockets or compartments for losse items.
Oh, my wife had to make sure I didn't turn around too quickly if I was wearing it, as it sticks out a little further than most backpacks; but very easy to carry a full load!
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
Quality bag all the way, could be a little less boxy but has lots of pockets and a nice simple design. If you don't mind a tad bulky bag than this most certainly get the job done!!!
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
I have a Sony Z5U, which is not a huge camera. It barely fits in the main compartment and I had to use force to zip up the bag. And there was very little room left for any accessories. Yet, the bag is REALLY bulky. It sits high on your back and the shoulder straps are so thick, they look like wings perched on top of your shoulders. This is not at all a low profile bag. Sure, there are many outside pockets to put gear in, but not enough interior room to justify the size.
Weird fit, weird look, not practical.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
good
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Comments about Porta Brace BK-1NR Backpack (Black with Red Trim):
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