Ape Case Pro Backpack for a Film / Digital SLR System with a Laptop

2019-12-08T06:57:06

Good pack but smaller than I prefer

michael b.

2018-09-24T03:34:22

I love it, fits my c100 ii and 8 lense, zoom. Mic packs, Laptop and more. Safely. The only thing is that it is tough to fit into the overhead compartment of a plane sometimes because of its shape and depending on what you put on top. Despite it being 9lbs (?) itself - wear both straps on your back and it doesnt seem that heavy.

kamal c.

2018-03-02T08:58:33

This thing is BIG and DEEP. Well designed and made. More than enough room for every piece of gear I have. But with quality, their is usually weight. But it's a small price to pay.

Rudy M.

2018-01-02T10:57:00

I've had this pack for several years and it's still in pristine condition and it's a piece of gear I couldn't imagine being without. Holds everything I need and is very adaptable with the removable foam/velcro inserts. I love everything about this case. However, a word of warning: there are a LOT of pockets and compartments. Great for organization if you know where everything is. Not great if you don't because you'll find yourself searching for minutes and often forgetting which of the 50 areas/zippered/velcroed/pocketed you have a small item. Seriously though, this thing is rugged and solid and wears surprisingly comfortably if you're hiking into more remote areas. Highly recommended.

MICHAEL P.

2017-12-25T20:09:24

The initial plus of this bag, as the title of this review suggests- is its spaciousness. And it is thick. The main compartment is a fold-open design revealing deep Velcro-configuring wells that can accommodate multiple SLR bodies and an assortment of lenses simultaneously. Plus the floor and dividers are bright yellow to more easily identify the contents of each compartment in a dimly-lit prep space. But that's not all! There is a lot more space to cover. Between the lid and the main compartments is a flap that is padded on one side with a zippered mesh pocket on the other, but I have been preferring to leave it unzipped because the bigger outer flap that ultimately keeps it closed is also zippable and buckle-able. (I do like choices, though.) And the best way to describe that outer flap is: massive with pockets a-go-go. At the top is the zipper to reveal the laptop and laptop accessories compartments. And at the back is yet another zipper to encase quickly-needed, less-expensive supplies such as pen and paper, maps, notebooks, or whatever else lies flat. Zippered or not, the massive outer flap can also be clamped shut with three nestled buckles. Then there are more pockets on the outside of the pack. There are also straps for holding a tripod or other stands and a few straps that I am not sure what they are for, but I bet they are good for something. I don't have this pack fully ladened, and I've only had it for a few weeks- but it feels well balanced when walking around with it on my back. The weight is evenly distributed so it feels lighter than what is inside of it and it doesn't flop around when walking. There are also torso straps if you want it to stay even more snugly to your body for rigourous jaunts. Pros: Great build quality, it feels balanced on the back, and it holds a lot of gear/supplies. Cons: Too big to want to take it along on casual shoots. (But you probably already knew that when looking into bigger bags.)

Joe T.

2016-11-28T11:29:49

While bigger than I expected, my gear seemed to somehow magically fill up the bag. I wouldn't recommend this as a daily travel bag due to its sheer bulk but I use it as my bag to carry most everything. Once in the field, I pick and choose what I want from it. Here's what I fit in there: Nikon D7100 with attached 18-105 lens Nikon D7100 with attached 70-300 lens Tamron 150-600 lens Nikkor 35 f1.8 lens Altura flash w/remote Nikon shutter remote Various straps and filters Vanguard 265CB tripod (on the side) MH-25 battery charger There's still room left for a laptop, tablet and maybe a few other small odds and ends. The build quality is excellent but I do wish the zippers would be a tad bit beefier and easier to open/close. I have taken the pack a few short distances and it was very comfortable and had a wide range of adjustability. If you're looking for an XL backpack to carry a considerable amount of gear, then this Ape Case is pretty hard to beat especially for the money.

James P.

2013-12-31T19:00:00

I wanted a bag/case that I could fit two cameras with lenses attached...my 24-70 and my 70-200. I still have enough room inside the main compartment for three flashes in their own cases, a light meter, and a loose small wide angle lens.

TIM L.

2013-09-02T21:00:00

You get a lot of case for a small amount of money when compared to similar sized cases. Rugged design with lots of storage.

Bruce S.

2013-06-17T21:00:00

It might be too bulky for everyday use, with that said it can handle a heavy load. Carried all my stuff including 2 bodies, 4 lenses, 6 flashes, batteries, cables, laptop, etc. Straps are useful and comfortable to wear while fully loaded. Tripod straps work on small lightweight stands not anything pro sized. Still new so it has yet gone through the ringer but it seems like it is up to the challenge.

EDWARD F.

2013-05-30T21:00:00

I can't give too much of a hands on review as of yet due to the fact that I only received the item about 9 hours ago. I immediately opened the box, unwrapped the item and gave it a once over though and was quite impressed with the build quality. It's going to be where I keep my gear when at home as well as on long trips. I currently have 2 DSLR's with lenses, another 4 lenses, and 3 flashes inside this rather large backpack along with storage devices, batteries, flash triggers, and some other miscellaneous items in the side and rear pockets. I took everything with me this evening to an outing with some friends. Some remarked at how large the backpack was. My only initial drawback is the tripod straps. They come loose rather quickly and without much effort. I'll have to remedy that or fashion another way to carry my tripod on the backpack. Other than that, my initial assessment is one of praise. Impressive size and initial build quality at an affordable price.

Clockstopper P.

2013-05-13T21:00:00

I purchased this bag to hold all the gear I carry for photo shoots such as weddings, It has enough room for everything including 3 camera bodies, 6 lenses and two speed lights along with a small video camera, two way radios, Two tripods and accessories, when it's loaded it weighs in around 30 pounds and is fairly comfortable carrying for extended periods. It's bulky and has no easy access to the cameras but it works for me because of the amount of gear I can fit in it and it was in the price range I wanted to be in

GINO M.

2012-06-17T21:00:00

It was great for protecting my stuff but it was gigantic no issues otherwise

Marc

2012-05-07T21:00:00

I use the Ape Case for school and travel. I can easily carry all my equipment and know that it is protected. When I first saw the size of the case I was somewhat put off - it is very large - and I am a smaller frame, 5'4" tall woman. However, after loading it up and putting it to use for school and travel, I would heartily recommend this product. The guys in my photo class were all envious and a couple were putting it on their wish list. Due to its size I would not recommend it for hiking.

KIM S.

2012-05-06T21:00:00

I am a pro photographer and I use this pack for travel

None

2012-01-15T19:00:00

I bought this to carry my camera, lenses and laptop. It all fit but was very heavy and some of the smaller planes I would have to check it because it would not fit in the upper compartments. The yellow interior helps to see the lenses.

DON W.

2011-12-28T19:00:00

I bought this pack for my portable studio. For everyday shooting, I use a smaller pack; but, I got tired of carrying several bags plus a pack when I went onsite or traveled. This pack is the answer to my portable studio needs. It carries LOTS of stuff--cameras, lenses, wireless, brackets, flashes, cables, my laptop, lens and sensor cleaning supplies, notebooks, guides, tools, flashlights, water bottle, pens, release forms, and all the other adapters and stuff I cannot recall. That's on the inside. On the outside I have room to carry a tripod, umbrellas, and a few small stands [for air or bus travel, I take off the stands and umbrellas and put them in a separate shoulder bag]. More to the point, it is easy to access the inside, which is a serious plus for international travel. Fits in the overhead compartment, too. This thing is a bit heavy due to the excellent internal frame. The cross chest harness strap ensures that there is not excessive weight on the shoulders. Hey, for the price, this is THE bag every photographer should use to schlep a studio to and from a field site.

Daniel J.

2011-09-07T21:00:00

I wrote a review on this awhile back, but after several months of use, I had to update it. I'm still amazed at the quality of this bag for the price point. Sure, the shoulder straps could be a little more comfortable, but I've been spoiled by high-end mountaineering packs. For short distances, they're perfectly fine. I've used this in conditions ranging from dirty/sandy, the woods, and downpours and high winds, and this bag has held up without any issues. During a recent heavy rainstorm I was in while shooting, the bag itself got pretty wet in between removing the rain cover and taking gear in/out, but the contents stayed dry. Can't say as much for me! Currently I'm carrying a Nikon D3, Tokina 100mm macro, Nikon 24-120 F4, Nikon 70-200mm VR1, Nikon 24-70, Nikon 16-35, Nikon 50mm F1.8, Nikon 70-300mm VR F4-5.6, Nikon SU-800, two Nikon SB900's, one SB700, and a Hoodman Loupe in the main compartment. In other compartments, the usual....memory cards, Lumiquest LTp, a couple Honl flags, snoots and speed straps, gels, a bunch of batteries, Nikon MC-36, a couple SC-28's and an SC-29, filters, etc, etc. This bag is a great bag to transport your gear with.....not so much to actually work out of though, but this is why photographers have a slew of bags. There is no one bag that does everything well. I carry a Benro Travel Angel tripod on the bag also, and it's a perfect fit. For the price, I can't think of anything better that holds this amount of gear and is as rugged. I have another Ape Case bag, and that thing seems just as bulletproof as this bag. Like I said, the only real negative is the shoulder straps for long distances. If you need a bag to work out of quickly, look at something like a Think Tank Retrospective 20 or 30 (depending of course on what you have for gear).....but if you need to haul massive amounts of gear safely and for not a lot of money, this is your bag.

DANA J.

2011-09-05T21:00:00

Great bag, holds a ton of gear. only complaints, plastic clips could be stronger [but seem to do an okay job] and tripod strap is only good for a very light tripod [a small bungee cord handled this problem for me]. But overall alotta bag for the buck.

chuck

2011-09-03T21:00:00

product is being used for travel at present. The pack has made 2 trips with me to the Mediteranian and just recently the Balkins. withstood all the rigors thrown at it during travel

Photoguy

2011-09-03T21:00:00

I love that you can take out the velcro separators and fit all lengths of lenses, flashes, etc. It is completely customizable. Also has lots of mesh pockets to put batteries and cell phone in for easy access. I can fit at least 5 lenses, two flashes, two slr cameras and still have room for my sweater etc.

Gina

2011-09-03T21:00:00

A very nice storage bag for my camera outfit and accessories. It does take awhile to get to everything, and there are many pockets. I have not yet fit the laptop inside, but expect that it will fit well. It was very nice as a carry-on item on the airplane and I had no difficulty going through the security checkpoints.

PHIL

2011-08-22T21:00:00

Grab it and go, this case holds it all. I'm an on the go photographer, covering sports & events in 3 plus states on a regular basis. My typical load consists of: 2 canon 50D's with battery packs and 70-200 & 24-70 f2.8 zoom lens' attached. 2 580EXII speed lights,2 CP-4 battery packs, 2, spare CP-4 magizines, 24 spare AA batteries, 10-24 f3.5 zoom lens, 90mm f2.8 macro lens, 2 Gary Fong Origami flash diffusers, 2 Sto-Fen omni bounce diffusers, Seconic light meter, Canon lens cleaning kit, Tiffin filter wallet, two camera rain sleeves, Canon monopod, Promaster Super Clamp, remote camera trigger, remote flash trigger (with 2 receivers), a Black Rapids Dual Camera Strap and a rain poncho. There is still room for my Lowe Pro system belt, business cards, 2 water bottles and a few other items. Then I can also attach 2 Lowe Pro system cases to the side straps if necessarry. Then I can strip and reconfigure it to hold a 50D with battery pack and 80-400 f4.5 zoom lens & most of the other afore mentioned gear with ease. This case has unlimited possibilities but the thing I like most is that I can store all the equipment that I use on a regular basis in one bag, in one place and just pick it up and go knowing that I have everything I need. Plus it has a very good built in rain cover. Fully loaded it weighs about 45 pounds, I carried it through a complete PGA golf tournament and I'm 67 years old, comfortable?

MUSTAFA A.

2011-08-21T21:00:00

I holds an amazing amount--too much for comfortable backpacking. I use it to carry my stuff to the site (3 pro bodies, 400mm, 70-200mm, 3 wide angle zooms, 180 macro, flash, and all associated gear) then I use a small backpack to day hike with. I would only use it for a short hike. So many pockets I could not use them all. Well-made and good rain protection. A really stupendous buy for the price.

WAYNE T.

2011-07-29T21:00:00

I received my Ape Case Pro 2000 a few days before a trip to Las Vegas. Let me just say that I love this back pack! I spent the first night exploring all the pockets and pouches while packing the cameras and other stuff. The bag weighed in around 30 pounds when they put it on the scale at the airport. Because of the constant wearing, removing, and putting it back on going through the airports, I never used the supplemental securing straps. Didn't matter. The pack rode comfortably and securely with just the shoulder harnesses. There was ample padding on the back. I had to remove the laptop from the bag when going through security. This was a little challenging, given the buckles and rain cap, but was by no means difficult. The backpack made it very easy to navigate through crowded portions of the airports. It also gave me unrestricted use of both hands, without having to worry about a shoulder bag unexpectedly swinging around. Walking through an airport shop did require a little extra care, though. There were ample external pockets and pouches for easy storage and accessibility to items like boarding passes, books, and vehicle keys. Using them was an easy learn-as-I-went process. We took a regional jet from Cleveland to Detroit. I hadn't expected that. The backpack was too big to be a carry-on, so it was checked as I boarded the plane. Ninety nervous minutes later, I retrieved the bag and quickly inspected the contents. Everything survived with no problems. The bag easily fit into an overhead compartment on the larger plane we took from Detroit to Las Vegas. Once I got to the hotel, I found the bag to be very easy to work out of. I flipped over the laptop section to gain access to the camera bag. When opened, the camera bag was laid out so that everything was easily accessible. I brought a 35 mm digital camera, three lenses, Speedlite external flash, digital pocket camera, camcorder, and accessories such as lens filters and such. I had rearranged some of the dividers to carry additional items like an I-pod, several chargers, Passport external hard drive, and a small 35 mm camera case. As advertised, the yellow interior made all the black camera equipment easily identifiable. For the return trip, I had collected some fragile souvenirs. I was able to once again rearrange the camera bag layout to carry these items in addition to the camera equipment. The return trip also involved a regional jet for one leg. This time I was ready. I removed the detachable camera bag and collapsed the back pack portion using the adjustable straps. Both bags were allowed in the cabin and both easily fit in the smaller overhead compartments. I give the ACPRO2000 high marks in its first use. The black exterior and understated markings looked good, and also had the added benefit of not calling too much attention to itself. The last thing I wanted during a layover or in a hotel bag check was to have people realize what was in that backpack. It performs wonderfully in its intended role as a laptop/camera bag. By removing the camera case, it can be used as a laptop/overnight bag. It can also be used as a straight back pack with more than adequate storage for just about anything.

John

2011-06-19T21:00:00

This thing holds an impressive amount of gear. Currently in mine: Nikon D3, Nikon 16-35mm F4, Nikon 24-70mm F2.8, Nikon 70-200mm F2.8, Nikon 50mm F1.8, Nikon 70-300mm F4-5.6 VR, Tokina 100mm F2.8 macro, one SB900, two SB700's, one SB600, two SC-28 cords, one SC-29 cord, Nikon SU-800, Hoodman Loupe, Lumiquest LTp softbox, Honl 8" snoot, Honl 1/8" grid, Nikon MC-36, 3 Honl speed straps, 20 AA Powerex Imedion batteries, Nikon Lens pen, Strobist gel kit for small flash, small flashlight, "black foamy thing", lens cleaning kit/cloth, extra memory cards, etc. It's pretty much full at this point, but it more than gets the job done and frees up my hands to lug other stuff to a location. Not sure if they'll allow this as a carry-on on a plane, but I'll probably get a Think Tank bag for that anyway. All in all, it's a great bag, rugged, and holds a ton of gear. Definitely can't go wrong with this bag, especially for the price.

DANA J.

2011-02-19T19:00:00

I bought this case to carry my Nikon D-90 with 18-105 and 70-300 lenses, Sealife 1200 with external flash and external video light, a laptop to save my photo files, and power sources for rechargeable batteries. The versatility of the case allows to arrange everything and carry it as a backpack. It may be heavy fully loaded, but the equipment is heavy. All the features it provides help keep my gear safe.

Blastdiver

2010-05-22T21:00:00

You can strap more gear to this backpack than is reasonable to carry. It can also hold a lot of gear internally.

Good N.

2010-05-22T21:00:00

This is one large case which can carry everything. I liked the rain cover which stows away in its own zippered compartment and the overall design and quality are excellent. It has a pullout pocket and straps which can accomodate a large tripod. My 17 inch laptop fits snuggly and the interior compartment can be configured to fit any equipment.

JR

2010-03-09T19:00:00

This case is perfect to store and transport all my gear needed for remote shoots. I carry a 15" MacBookPro, 2 Canon bodies with grips, 24-70, 70-200, 50, 20-35, 3 flashes, rf transmitter/receivers and an array of batteries and filters. The only problem is not so much with the case, but the amount of gear you can carry...enough to make the bag a whopping 40lbs. I'll be taking my first flight with it tomorrow and hope that it doesn't get denied cabin access due to the weight. But all-in-all, you can't go wrong with the versatility and price.

RYAN F.

2010-01-29T19:00:00

For the price this is an excellent way to store and protect your equipment. Had more room than I expected, it will fix a 17" computer with no problems.

Mike S.