The Zkin Kampe, a photo backpack for life?!
by Liz Taylor I love backpacks, I can say that much right from the start. My hands are free and I can carry my photo equipment comfortably on my shoulders. Perfect for the daily transportation of my equipment. My current backpack is actually perfect for me. It's the right size and everything I need for photography is stored in exactly the right place. But here's the problem: after almost 15 years, you can tell it's been used for many trips and shoots. I've often used the last few months to look for a new backpack, but it turned out to be more difficult than I thought. After all, the new backpack had to be as perfect a companion as my current one. During this time, I tried out a lot of different backpacks and none of them came close to my old and faithful friend. However, when I got the opportunity to try out the Kampe, one of the new Backpacks from Zkins, I quickly realized that it fits!
The first impression was immediately convincing. And as we know, first impressions stick in the mind.
The Zkin Kampe looks great, impresses with its quality and, of course, its style. Not many backpacks can do that. Most are rather clunky and "pragmatic", especially when it comes to storing photo equipment.
What was particularly important to me was that there are lots of compartments in which I can store all my small items. Because I'm not just looking for a camera bag, but also a work bag, a weekend bag, a shopping bag, a beach bag, a boarding bag.... My ultimate "all in one", so to speak! Quite a lot of expectations that the backpack should meet. After a week of intensive use, I can already get a good picture of my new all-rounder from Zkin. The backpack is not only stylish and practical, but, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful backpacks I have ever seen or even owned. The leather straps, which are not just decoration, remind me of a bygone era when quality and durability were the most important things. Of course, the straps also serve a useful purpose. I can easily extend the length. The press studs for quick release are also discreetly hidden behind the straps so that I don't have to fumble around when opening and closing them. This design allows me to have quick access to the top compartment of the bag.
The backpack is very robust. It is mainly made of nylon material, which is hard-wearing and water-repellent at the same time. It can withstand knocks and even a rain shower - although it's just too much of a waste for me and I want to take good care of it. But I also want it to be my everyday companion. A small rain cover is hidden at the bottom of the bag. This can be quickly pulled over the backpack when the next downpour comes. This protects the expensive contents even better. For me in England, this is one of the highlights, because if there's one thing you can be sure of, it's that it might rain. For me, the configurability is the biggest advantage of this backpack. It's quite compact and measures 29cm x 17cm x 40cm, you can remove the dividers and use the whole bag as a single compartment if you want to carry food, for example. But the Velcro dividers also mean it's customizable & easy to configure to carry pretty much any kind of tech. For example, you could take a full-frame camera with a telephoto lens, or your small Nikon D3300 with a kit lens and one or two others, plus lunch, which of course is a must on a trip. The Velcro fasteners adhere very securely, so you can be sure that nothing can slip out of place. There is a secure side strap for your tripod (or umbrella), which can be removed if necessary.
It is also very important to me that nobody can simply take my expensive cargo out of my backpack or simply open the zipper. This is because the compartment is positioned at the back and can only be accessed from there. In addition, a nice, firm back padding has been incorporated so that the compartment opens almost like a small door and not just a limp flap of fabric. On the inside of the flap there are two small compartments for filters, memory cards, tissues etc. There is a zippered pocket on each side as well as one on the top and a place for your iPad or tablet on the front! One thing I really noticed very positively: The Zkin Kampe is very comfortable to carry. The shoulder straps are well padded and fully adjustable with an optional chest strap. Thanks to the handle on the top, it can be carried a bit like a briefcase or, of course, hung up neatly. At the end of the week, it was finally time for me to say goodbye. Not to the Zkin, but to my old backpack. Because I had finally found the perfect successor. My favorite backpack 2.0, so to speak. And I could happily say "Hello Zkin Kampe"
Luckily, the decision wasn't too difficult! The designers and makers at Zkin will be delighted that I've finally said goodbye to my old backpack. But the Kampe is everything I've been looking for so intensively... and even more... my backpack for the next 15 years!
These and other photo bags from ZKIN in the online store:
