Ikan IBG-EXP Explorer Bag (Green)

This is a very large backpack. I needed this not so much for "backpacking" with it, but to just hold 3 bodies and numerous lenses instead of storing/transporting in two smaller bags. I've only had it a few days so cannot attest to any of the other reviews regarding its strength. I filled it and moved it from my house to my car and so far it's fine, which doesn't prove much, I know. The price was great as compared to the $136 price at a local camera store, possibly because it has been discontinued as per B&H and the Ikan site. I'll try to revisit this review once I've used it more extensively. It seems pretty strong, though heavy once full.

First note for anyone looking, although the description says BLACK the bag is actually a brownish-tan color I believe is called Coyote Tan, as shown in the product photos. I was hoping it would actually be black as described in the title, but the brown is not as objectionable as I thought.I was looking for a large camera backpack for use filming on the go in the city. I couldn't use a wheelie bag because if you leave something unattended for a few seconds it grows legs and walks away -- an expensive proposition when you're carrying lots of gear. The video backpacks that will hold a full shoulder rig are more than twice the price. It turns out this bag isn't exactly what I wanted, but it is a workable solution and I'm not disappointed.I was looking for something large enough to put my P&C Gearbox Rig with a set of 15mm rods and follow-focus and camera with lens attached. Unfortunately, the Explorer wasn't quite deep enough for that. But I am able to lay the rig on its back with the camera attached, and even a short lens, just removing the follow-focus and rods. So it takes me an extra minute or two to get the follow-focus setup when needed -- which isn't all the time -- and his is acceptable.Internal organization is good with all the dividers being removable, repositionable, bendable. There's a lot of space for gear here. I've got two mid-size DSLR bodies (60D's), 4 lenses (Sigma 17-50 f/2, Canon 50mm f/1.4, Rok 85mm f1.8, Nikkor 105mm f/1.8 on EOS adapter), the rig, 15mm rods, follow focus, Rode shotgun mic, Tascam digital recorder, couple of LED lights, bunch of batteries and miscellaneous junk.The outer pocket holds my 15" Macbook Pro with no problem.The tripod attachment bit is junk. Ignore it and either get something else or just carry the tripod separately. You do not want to be walking around with a heavy tripod attached to the back of any bag, because that weight sticking out the back gets leveraged against your shoulders and back making the whole thing seem heavier than it already is, and it gets in the way when you try to open the bag. You can try putting the tripod on the side of the bag, but you need something much better to keep it from bouncing and swinging around. I find it's just as easy to carry the tripod in a separate bag and either carry it by hand or throw it over my shoulder.The bag is very heavy to start with. That is because heavy-duty materials are used. It is built like it could survive a war.I like the molle webbing. Although it does make it look like a military "tactical" bag, it's handy for attaching stuff to the outside of the bag. So far I've added a pouch for my water bottle, multi-tool and a first aid kit (I'm a klutz). I'm looking for a pouch to hold an RX100 and a longer sleeve to carry my Canon 70-200 f/2.8 on trips when I need a long lens.In spite of the weight of the bag itself and all the gear, the Explorer is surprisingly comfortable to wear for long walks. The shoulder straps and padded waist belt are adjustable, so it fits a wide range of body types.Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase.

I've been carrying this back with me on photography excursions for several months now. It is adequate, but flawed in ways that keep it from being truly great.The bag looks pretty tough, with its almost military-like appearance, many (largely superfluous) straps cris-crossing the outside, and heavy-duty construction. And I have found that it does a good job of keeping my camera gear safe from the bumps and scrapes of daily life. But after less than a year of use, the bag has started to show signs of wear and old age. In places the fabric is coming apart at the seams, and the bottom is very scratched and torn. Most annoyingly, one of the length adjusters on the shoulder straps has started to slip. Just one, though, leaving me perennially lopsided. I've never had a backpack, even a cheap school knapsack, have that problem before.It's also not very practical for anything *other* than camera and electronics gear. the main pouch is for camera bodies and lenses, and then there's a small secondary pouch suitable for a laptop or two. But nothing else; no side pouches or even a water bottle holder.This backpack is functional, and if you have several lenses (especially larger ones) and / or multiple camera bodies to tote around then I believe you will find it adequate for your needs. But it also offers nothing special, and at no point does it wow me with its ability to do its job.