Reviews by User: chinobambino (2)

I was looking for camera packs that were built and designed for outdoor specific pursuits in mind. I typically carry a Nikon D50 and a Panasonic GS300 camcorder all the cables/batts/cords associated with them, some extra room for jacket/food/misc. so my list of requirements were these: 1)Good protection for my gear (90% street/10% for my occasional snowboard trip) 2) Load distribution and ease of carrying 3) Sporty looks 4) Accomodate all my gear. I narrowed my search to include the Burton Zoom, LowePro MiniTrekker AW and the Sequence. I did not have the opportunity to visually inspect and try on each pack, but armed with lots of testimonials and reviews by actual people (and not just the description provided by manufacturer), I decided to go with the Sequence and am mostly satisfied with this bag. Positives - Rear access for security and cleanliness reasons. Well padded camera removable camera block-I can separate the pack from the block when I need to carry unplanned items. Good load distribution - when you tighten the belt straps, it really does secure the load, however shoulder lift straps don't work that well to take weight off of shoulders. I have to tighten belt and loosen shoulder straps to transfer most of the weight to the belt, but that results in sloppy fit where bag is not tight to upper body. Well padded shoulder straps. Safety whistle on sternum strap - nice touch. It is a great looking sports inspired pack that doesn't scream "I have photo gear here. Please steal me". So far, coated nylon is repelling water very well. Negatives - I wish every interior seam was taped (more durable and less fraying). The outside pocket needs bellows/gussets to allow for extra room. When the camera block is in and takes all of the interior room, the outside pocket can hold a laptop, or a bunch of magazines, but won't hold a balled up jacket or anything that isn't flat. Haven't put a shovel or avalanche probes in yet, but I would imagine it to be an extremely tight fit. Wishlist- I wish the zipper pulls for the main compartment were painted neon yellow so they would be easier to find, as they are now black on black, and I have to look and feel behind one hip belt first and then the other. The top compartment has only one zipper slide. I would love it to have two zipper slides for convenience. When you remove the camera block, it has three panels of hook side of Velcro. Dakine should sew a loop side along one side, so when you take the block out, you can just fold the loop over the hook and not have it gunk up with lint, catch on your clothes etc... All in all, it's close to the ideal pack for me. The one major beef is that it can really only carry whatever is in the camera block and doesn't allow for much more. The other negatives or wishlist aren't make or break deals but things I would do to improve the pack. Hope this helps.

I have been riding the Ruler family for a while now...from the 98 Ruler to the SI Ruler, and now this year's model. What really intrigued me was the quick and easily adjustable lace system. I tried on a few boots that had internal and external Boa cable systems, and I never could get any heel lockdown with those. The Burton interior liner boot fit me much better, although I wish the pull lacing on the interior liner would better retain the slide lock...it seems to slide a half inch back when I try to tighten it, and I wanted a bit more support. Footprint isn't 1 size smaller than they advertise (supposed to be less boot drag on extreme heel and toe side turns) and the volume around ankle strap is pretty beefy..I had to let out my strap and it's on it's last adjustable hole. It is a bit stiff to start out with, but breaking nicely after day 3. Very responsive, and that is what most people are looking for in the Ruler. The grip the put on the back spine works well with bindings, and I didn't feel any boot lift from the bindings. I should be good to go for the next few seasons! Burton is still pushing the envelope and offering the best teched out stuff out there.

I have been riding the Ruler family for a while now...from the 98 Ruler to the SI Ruler, and now this year's model. What really intrigued me was the quick and easily adjustable lace system. I tried on a few boots that had internal and external Boa cable systems, and I never could get any heel lockdown with those. The Burton interior liner boot fit me much better, although I wish the pull lacing on the interior liner would better retain the slide lock...it seems to slide a half inch back when I try to tighten it, and I wanted a bit more support. Footprint isn't 1 size smaller than they advertise (supposed to be less boot drag on extreme heel and toe side turns) and the volume around ankle strap is pretty beefy..I had to let out my strap and it's on it's last adjustable hole. It is a bit stiff to start out with, but breaking nicely after day 3. Very responsive, and that is what most people are looking for in the Ruler. The grip the put on the back spine works well with bindings, and I didn't feel any boot lift from the bindings. I should be good to go for the next few seasons! Burton is still pushing the envelope and offering the best teched out stuff out there.