Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue)

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I have three different bags for very different ocasions. This one I just use it for vacation. And it is a perfect fit! I was looking for a backpack with enough space for my SONY DSRL camera with my Sigma travel glass 18-250mm attached, two extra glasses (35mm and 50mm), Ipad, flash, batteries, chargers, Ipod, Bose cancellation headphones, Oben Tripod, Built-in Hydration Sleeve, snacks compartments, and also to carry my light jacket. It is true that the quick draw location for the camera is a little tight for getting the camera in and out but it is very workable. This is great because keep your camera in place as a safety feature. I also love the fact that doesn't look like a camera bag! 100% recommended.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I will start by saying this is a very good 'big' backpack with great support, airflow and padding. The main compartment is very very large and there are thougthful touches like loops for attachments, place to store a tripod, pockets for memory cards, phone, water bottle etc..

I did not keep it due to a major limitation. The "quick draw" location for the camera is a little tight for getting the camera in and out (Nikon D700) but was workable. This was not the issue. The space you place the camera is more or less like a large sock sewn into the side of the bag and there is very minimal padding and protection. The main compartment goes around the camera and any gear you place in the main bag literally sits on the camera lens (the area with the least protection. Further, the bottom has limited padding as well.

I just did not feel there was much structure or protection for my camera and lens. I will keep looking and might consider some similar bags by Click Elite that have a more formal and structured area for the camera. I hope the next version will provide more protection because I otherwise really liked this bag.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I use this pack for day hikes. I wish it had a flap that hangs down to hold the tripod. It's a good size pack for day hikes and holds extra gear. I like that it accommodates a 100oz hydration pack (not included). One serious draw back is that the side entrance for stowing the camera is a little too small. I keep a Really Right Stuff camera bracket on my camera and can't stow the camera in this pocket.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

This is a great camera hiking bag. My only problem is I could never get it to comfortably fit on my back. There are a lot of adjustment strap, but I couldn't get never dial it in. I called ClikElite and they directed me to a couple of YouTub videos that helped. The fit was a little better, but I couldn't image being comfortable a long hike with it on my back. I ended up going with ClikElite ProExpress bag instead.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I havent use the backpack for hiking yet, but it seems comfortable.
Unfortunately, the side pocket is too small to easily store and retrieve a Nikon D7000 body. I can put it inside if I push harder and twist it, but it's impossible to retrieve it quickly ...
So I use this side pocket to store some other gear (flash, lens ...), and keep my camera in the inside top pocket.

Overall, it's a really good backpack, except for this side pocket that fits only small SLR.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I haven't been able to take this bag out for any serious hiking. However, I have used as my everyday bag in an urban environment: biking, transit, some walks in the park, over the course of the last half year.

The best way to describe it is as a well-made, well-featured hiking day pack. All the adjustments one needs to make to balance the load on your back are there. There is the space to put a hydration pack, which is external to everything else, so if there's a leak, it is less likely to damage your equipment. The mesh back and straps work well to keep you relatively dry during hot weather. I have a couple high-end backpacks and the Obscura compares well.

Added to this its camera specific features, which I've found to be solid. I have a smaller DSLR (K5), so it fits in the compartment easily; bigger cameras have a bit trouble, I have read.

I don't have a lot of gear so I don't need space for a lot of lenses/equipment (just six lenses, camera and small tripod, which all fits), and then I always have other things I need to have with me, clothes, food, camera manual, laptop and the bag makes it easy to carry these as you would any other bag.

Other bags I looked had some kind of compromise that I didn't like: they looked like a camera bag, had less camera specific features for a similar price, less hiking pack features.

The only problem I had was actually with BH, since it had older stock it was selling which was not quite compatible with the newer chestpacks they also sell (missing clips). This was in the spring, so its probably sorted out by now. However, Clik Elite stepped up and took responsibility for the mix-up and things were sorted out to my satisfaction via email and phone. Besides the fact I like the backpack the service is part of the reason I am giving a positive review.

I wish there was some kind of small internal pocket in the main comparment for odds and sods, so I don't have to rummage for smaller items in the bottom of the bag. This is a small issue however.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

Tecnical backpack plus super adjusted to carry tour photo equipment

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

As have others who have bought this bag, I was looking for:

1. A bag that was very functional and as light as possible without compromising too much in the areas of protection and comfort.

2. A bag that would give me quick access to my camera.

3. A bag that would carry a small compliment of lenses and accessories, esp. a tripod and hiking poles.

4. A bag with sufficient room for other items that I would want on a hike/ride.

5. A bag who's dedicated camera space was "reducable" depending on what I wanted to carry with me that day.

6. A bag that offered sufficient protection from the elements.

7. A bag that was hydration ready.

8. A bag that does not look like a camera bag.

This bag satisfies all those requirements.

I'm fond of the colour (which is good because there are no other options) and the design. It does not look like a camera bag, and I easily fit in with the crowd no matter where I am.

The "Zoom Cell" extendable camera compartment fits my most common body/lens combination (T2i w 17-55 f2.8) with the hood on forward. This was a big issue for me. I didn't want to pull my camera out and waste time taking the lens cap off and flipping the hood. The camera sits in the bag, cap off, ready to shoot. Everyone is right though, the opening is very small and just the right fit for my compact DSLR. If I switch bodies, I would probably have to move up to the Contrejour 35.

The bag is very comfortable. The breathable waist belt does not give up any support and easily transfers all the weight onto my hips, and off my back. My shoulders are very grateful.

There is a lot of room inside the pack, and the "Marsupial Pouch" compresses down if you only want to bring a camera and use the entire top compartment for other items. The pouch is not that big, and just fits my 70-200 f4 vertically. If you've got a much bigger lens than this, you may lose some protective coverage. The pouch is also not that protective. I'm not sure how it will handle a landing on hard packed snow/ice when snowboarding. On those outings though, I will probably have a spare layer of clothes stuffed in the bag that will help out with the padding.

My bag (delivered April 2011) did come with a rain fly - great for both protection from the elements and frisky fingers when in a crowd.

Right now, this is the best bag I have owned for what I need, and I have gone through quite a few.

My only qualms are:

1. I wish the zipper for the top compartment extended 2" more down each side. It is tough to get to the bottom of the bag because the top flap doesn't open enough. If you want to access something on the very bottom, you will probably have to remove a lot of the stuff on top of it.

2. I wish the velcro strap used to "fix" the length of the Zoom Cell compartment was designed better. There is a velcro flap that lets you adjust the length of this compartment. If I have my camera inserted with the hood reversed, it catches on this velcro everytime. It would probably be better to have that flap on the outside of the Zoom Cell (accessible from the inside of the bag).

3. As everyone else has complained about, the Zoom Cell opening is too small, and probably needs to be about 1" wider.

4. I prefer when the adjustments for the waist belt length are at the buckle vs. at the ends. When you put the belt on, you tighten the straps from the sides of the belt, vs at the center where the buckle is. When I go snowboarding, I have to switch the pack to my front on the chairleft, which means this waist belt is getting unfasted and fastened a lot. With my last pack, after jumping off the lift, I could easily grab the dangling straps blindly, slide my hands down to the buckles, pull the buckles to loosen the straps (which easily slid down when not under tension) snap the belt and tighten the straps. I can't do that with this pack. It's difficult to loosen the tightness of this belt. Keep in mind I'm wearing thick gloves with wrist guards. A loose belt is much easier to position and fasten over all my outerwear. I'm not sure if I'm making this clear, but if you ride a lot, and take your pack on and off a lot, you'll probably know what I mean.

5. On the same note, I would probably make the waist strap thicker, and the buckles bigger so that they would be easier to handle with mitts or gloves.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

Hiking hills of west virginia, so needed a semi-light backpack that could hold a camera + lenses. Always wanted a camera first, hiking second backpack and the obscura is perfect. It is a solid build and excellent material. Corfortable for long periods and does not feel like it is weighing me down.

Just wish Clik Elite would offer a few more colors on the backpacks, but I guess they want a recognizable color for all bags. It does look quite good, but just not the ideal color for which I wanted a backpack (especially the white which will turn brown I think).

Overall Excellent.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

Took this backpack on my recent travel, overall a very good travel backpack for photo enthusiasts. Plenty of space in the pack, enough for 2-3 days out in the wild. I am not sure how good the bag can handle heavy rain or accidental drops into water. (very possible when you are trekking rain forest environment like I did). But seems like it is not waterproof, would have been 5 star if they could at least made the camera compartment waterproof.Mine did not come with the rain-fly for some reason. [...]. Seems like the newer models have rain-fly. Better check before purchasing. Water pack is not included as well.Overall great backpack, but I am not sure if it is suitable for wet environment adventure.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

Ever since I bought my first SLR I have craved a backpack that is designed for hiking and just so happens to have convenient features to bring along my Nikon D3000, lenses, gorilla pod, etc...

This backpack fits my day hiking needs perfectly. The side pocket lets me access my camera in a mater of seconds. Holds a water bladder, distributes all the weight on my hips, nicely padded straps, and lets my back breath.

The Nikon D3000 fits perfectly in the "zoom" pouch which is adjustable. It can be extended all the way across the bottom of the backpack, should be able to fit most zoom lenses.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

Its a great pack which is made out of durable materials and the construction is very tough. Clever designing as far as tripod storage and camera accessibility. The straps are great as well as the back ventilation. They put a lot of thought into the design of this pack for people who plan on getting sweaty in it. IT has plenty of room to take 1) all of your camera gear and 2) it has plenty of excess storage for jackets, food, and etc. Only con is that with the lower quick access storage of the camera a Larger body SLR can be a tight fit. IF you plan on having a battery grip it wont work. I keep my Battery grip in the top pocket and I take it out when needed for longer work but when I am active I just use a standard battery so I can keep it in the quick access pouch. It is also very light by itself.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I'm not a professional photographer, but as a field geologist my work is inherently visual. I often spend 2-3 months a year in the field and my research involves getting into and around the alpine backcountry. Having a DSLR is a must for getting high resolution imagery but carrying camera gear in addition to GPS units, maps, and surveying instruments is a pain. This bag is great as the easy access to the camera really allows you to access your photo gear with a minimum of effort. Even if you don't normally carry multiple lenses (I usually have only two) the padded lens pouch is great for other potentially fragile devices such as GPS units, Sat phones, range finders, etc. It's all very easy to get at between the dedicated side access camera compartment and the marsupial pouch right at the top of the main compartment. The top location of the padded pouch is great for quick lens changes or getting out your GPS.
As a backpack, it carries loads comfortably with a well designed padding system and comfortable hip belt. The dedicated compartments for the heavy items (presumably your DSLR body and lenses) are positioned exactly where you would want to pack them for ideal load distribution- at the bottom and right next to your back. The designers have clearly done some backpacking.
One thing I noticed immediately was that all the materials are top quality and very durable, perhaps even better than some climbing-specific bags I've had. if you max out the camera+telephoto compartment and the marsupial pouch with camera gear, there is still enough space left for rain gear, additional insulating layers and compact food items (small lunch or energy bars) but not too much more. Obviously cutting down on how large of a lens you throw in the bottom compartment will free up more space for additional clothing.

THe only changes I would make would be to make the bag more capable of carrying skis (two more compression style straps near the top) and two ice axe loops in addition to the center tripod/ice axe port.

But as a backpack for 90% of outdoor pursuits that can safely transport your photo gear, this is it.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

Great backpack for hikers who want to carry a camera comfortably and have quick access through side pocket. Not suited to photogaphers wanting to carry a lot of gear.

Pros:
Made from great quality materials.
Side access provides quick access to camera.
Has rain cover in a pocket at the bottom of the bag.
Great price / value.

Cons:
Can be difficult reaching into the bottom of the bag to get things out.
Personally I would prefer if the shoulder straps were slightly wider for comfort.
I have a feeling the velcro used to close the pocket that stores the lenses will start to wear and tear quickly, however I'm just speculating at this point.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I needed a good backpack that I could use for traveling. Something that would keep my gear safe and secure but also allow me to carry towels, snacks, or other items.

So far I have not been dissappointed. It is a great backpack and convenient to keep your camera in the bottom pouch. While you have all your other gear stored safely in the top pouch. Every pocket and storage area is easily accessible.

I haven't used it yet, but you can add a hydration bladder too.

Overall, I am very pleased with it.

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

I have lots of photo backpacks but none of them is any good if you plan to go on a day-hike. Soon I'll be going on a trip to Big Bend and I really needed a bag that has:1. hydration system2. a separate compartment that can securely fit my 5D Mk II with a 100-400mm lens attached.3. dedicated storage for other lenses. 4. room for clothing, food, etc.5. dimensions that allow me to bring it as carry on on the airplane.Obscura satisfies all the above! It looks great, feels rugged, has pocket for 3 liter water bladder and still has lots of room inside. The main reason I didn't gave it 4 stars is because opening in the camera section is kind of too small for my camera :( It's hard to insert it, but even harder to remove. If only they made it 1/2" bigger. If you have camera that slightly bigger than 5D MK II or plan to have grip attached, then it won't work for you. Also pocket for water bladder is very tight, but it's a minor inconvenience. In the main section bag has a pouch that can fit up two 2 lenses and a flash. I was able to fit my 100-400mm monster in there too, although weight shifts to one side. Smaller section has lots of zipped pockets to store your docs, battery, filter and up to 4 memory cards. I've posted a video review of this back here: [@]

Comments about Clik Elite Obscura Backpack (Blue):

This is a nice backpack, It is well constructed and has LOTS if nice features. The real issue I have with this backpack though is the compartment for storing the camera body with attached lens. It is just too small for my camera body (Nikon D700).

I can cram the camera into the compartment if I really shove it in but it is so tight that I can't just put the camera body in or remove it without a lot of effort. This defeats the feature of the backpack of just swinging it around and removing the camera - a handy and attractive feature if you can use it,

I know that the specifications say that this backpack fits most DSLRs so the company hasn't misrepresented themselves in that respect but the Nikon D700 is a very popular model and I am surprised that the compartment in this backpack will not support the camera adequately.

So before you purchase this backpack, I recommend trying it out with your camera before buying it. I, unfortunately ordered this via the web so I wasn't able to do that.