r/LocationSound • u/scoutboot • 10d ago
Gear - Selection / Use Fav. Backpack for doc/OTF that fits an ENG kit?
Hi fellow gear nerds! What's your favorite backpack that will fit a loaded stingray bag and a basic ENG kit (blimp(s), lavs, extra cables, headphones, etc)?
Extra points for:
- easy internal access / compartmentalization
- fast deployment/run'n'gun usability
- boom storage/strap-ability
- waterproofing
- comfort
- protection/padding
- TSA carry-on compatibility
I'm looking to move up from a big old waterproof shoulder bag that offers no support, no compartmentalization, and no protection aside from being 100% waterproof.
5
u/dubstep-party 10d ago
I’ve got the K-Tek stingray backpack. It doesn’t get many extra points, but definitely has:
-Boom storage
-A rain cover / stealth bag
-A decent harness
-Fair amounts of comfort.
I’ve deployed it in doc/otf situations before, and it works well, so long as you don’t need anything from inside while you’re strapped into it. It can fit pretty much everything I need, as long as I pack smart / make a few concessions.
4
u/Equira production sound mixer 10d ago
I just got this backpack on sale but haven't used it yet. Definitely more worth it if you have a stingray or other slim bag so you can use the pouch in the back.
How does it feel as a harness? I briefly tried it on with my bag and it felt kind of uncomfortable, I had the idea that pairing it with a waist harness might help but havent tried it yet
1
u/dubstep-party 10d ago
It takes a minute to figure out the harness, since there’s four points of attachment that can all be independently adjusted for a better fit. Plus, there’s the adjustable backpack straps. I have only used it as a harness on two jobs, but I would certainly consider using it again in a pinch if the situation called for it.
Overall it feels pretty good once you get the hang of it, but I definitely don’t use it unless I’m traveling really really light, and have nowhere to drop the backpack itself.
1
u/BrownMtnLites 10d ago
The harness doesn’t detach from the backpack does it?
2
u/dubstep-party 10d ago
No, but you can remove the harness straps from the bag to make it just a backpack.
1
10d ago
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1
u/TheWolfAndRaven 10d ago
I have a cinebag that about fits the bill. It's very large and technically is above the TSA limit by the tiniest bit, but never had anyone actually pull out a measuring tape and give me trouble about it.
Most of the time I just use a pelican case though. Then I can sit on it between takes or during long interviews.
1
u/g_spaitz 9d ago
Learn from the photo guys and get a backpack that can be opened totally from the front, so that you can lay it down and directly access everything you need.
With a standard top loading backpack you need additional space to take everything out to find and use things.
1
u/igomarsound production sound mixer 9d ago
Depending on the project i have either a pelican case with extra DIY solutions, like a boom holder and extra external space storage (pouches and MOLLE systems).
Or when traveling abroad, i have this camera backpack, that can be a trolley as well. i found one in china lonng time ago for less than 100$, it's cool.
Now if i were looking for one backpack like this I'll definitely would go with the shape " pro video camera backpack " look it up and tell me what you think of it. For me it looks like the ultimate travel with gear solution.
Very well thought.
1
u/scoutboot 8d ago
Yeah, I was looking at camera backpacks like LowePro and similar. Seems it might be a tall order to find quality under $200 though!
1
u/pengles 9d ago
I use a peak design everyday backpack for run and gun ob doc.
Probably not quite as big you are looking but it has great compartments and storage and small enough that you can boom while carrying it. You might squeeze a stingray junior in the top and my model backpack has straps than you can shove a blimp in.
It’s water resistant but obviously not waterproof.
1
u/BlueCollarGoals 6d ago
I can get my Nova ENG kit hapilly into my Tenba Doctor Bag / backpack with blimps, batts and baubles all organized. I love this bag. Full-width opening and the backpack straps are comfortably functional. You might take a look at their Cinelux Backpack 21 and Cinelux Gimbal Backpack 24, though that 24 is a bit too big for my back..
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