You really get what you pay for here. If you're hiking with lots of camera or outdoors kit this bag is PERFECT. The support offered by the hip belt and shoulder straps is on par with my Osprey backpacking bags. The aluminium frame really does help dispurse the weight and stop that floppy camera backpack syndrome when loading up a regular camera backpack. On my visit to Snowdonia I was in prolongued torrential rain and while the fabic of the bag absorbed some moisture the camera section and inside any comaprtments remained completely dry. Usefull for long day hikes with room for food, water and extra clothing. I will also use it for astro (pack a startracker and clothing), and for carrying my 400w strobe for outdoor portrait shoots. At a push with really lightweight camping gear I think you could get away with some wild camping as well. I bought the Elite 45 with the 13 litre Stashmaster so I'd have a lot more room for food in my backpack. There are so many well thought out features, such as the tripod attachment, waterproof zips, durable base, even under the lid there is a sleeve for putting a jacket, rope, tent sleeping bag, etc. Being able to remove the lid and wear without it makes the dimensions slightly smaller. And the cavernous expanding rear pocket for laptops or clothing is superb and can be accesses while the lid is still on the pack. All materials are super tough and durable to the usual Mindshift quality. Spot on delivery and service from Harrison Cameras.
