Dakine Camera Block anyone?

[xi123]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone has used the Dakine Camera Block in a regular backpack? I'm thinking about getting one for use in my North Face "Big Shot". From the looks of it, the Camera Block will be swallowed up by the North Face no problems with room to spare for sandwiches, raincoat and other essentials while out and about shooting nature.

What are people's experience using the block with a regular backpack.

[Jason Kim]

A better choice would be Billngham Hadly Pro insert. I tried to put camera block that came with Sequence to North Face Solaris and it works but I like easy top access of Billingham insert better since it is deep so I can put lens hood forward instead of reverse. I also tried Domke 3 lens inserts. Too small for lenses with hood mounted. Yes, Solaris is most comfortable of my camera backpacks but for organization, I like Burton 28L. I have too many bags. :o

[4x4rock]

I have it and used it my daily Burton backpack once. I don't have a chance to use it much since normal walking around bag is either the crumpler barney or the backpack with domke insert.

It works well and can hold alot of stuffs. Make sure the bag's opening is big enough for the block and you can zip it up easily too. With the block in my backpack, I can't fit the laptop the sleeve.

[xi123]

The Big Shot is pretty generous. Looks like I'll be on to a winner!

Cheers!

[sdsviet]

it doesnt fit in my northface surge. the description was off. it is not 5inches deep. more like 7.5inches deep.

[rgfrison]

Has anyone tried this in a dakine heli-pro?

[Clevor]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone has used the Dakine Camera Block in a regular backpack? I'm thinking about getting one for use in my North Face "Big Shot". From the looks of it, the Camera Block will be swallowed up by the North Face no problems with room to spare for sandwiches, raincoat and other essentials while out and about shooting nature.

What are people's experience using the block with a regular backpack.

Speaking of the Devil, this is what I tried over the weekend. I looked into Domke inserts but I heard they are not padded at the bottom and they only hold 4 lens max. Plus I need a cover because some other stuff on the backpack will go on top of it.

The problem is there are several sizes of Dakine camera blocks depending on the bag. The one on the 2009 Sequence is bigger than on the 2008 Sequence. Both are iffy on smaller packs. I found the one in the Dakine Mission Photo pack to be just the right size for my Mountainsmith Wraith and Bugaboo packs (around 1600-1800 cu in).

What's nice about the Dakine camera blocks are they are fully padded and can hold a camera with zoom lens and four smaller lens. They also add backbone to a pack so they aren't so floppy when empty. The caveats are you need to fully remove the block to open it and there is no free lunch: the block adds weight to the pack.

For me, I plan to keep my 40D with two Canon zooms in a front holster and store my six Contax Zeiss lens in the monoblock. With no IS, I need to use a tripod with the Contax lens for the most part so that means setting up the tripod. Pulling out the monoblock from the pack isn't much more inconvenience. There is no better way to protect your lens than a Dakine camera block inside a regular pack.

[sdsviet]

this is what i initially got the dakine camera block for. i got the camera block in the mail and found out it wasnt to the dimensions that was given but actually bigger. i email dakine and they told me the new ones are about 2inches bigger to accomadate bigger cameras or the ones with grips on them. they told me to send it in and they will stitch it to any size i want. i just ask them to make it to the previous dimensions of the older model. i got it to fit in my northface surge with my macbook pro in the laptop compartment. its pretty tight after that and u can sorta manage to sneak the power adapter in there. the bigger size model would definately not fit in my surge due to the thicker dimensions.

[thesupe87]

Here's my review that I just posted on my blog - I hope I can find a camera block soon and fit it nicely to the bag of my choice, either that or I'll just get the mission or sequence.

http://www.arenacreative.com/blog/reviews/gear-review-dakine-camera-block-and-mission-photo-backpack/