I have a hard time understanding why I'm the first to review one of these here, but here goes.
Note: prior backpack which I did love and still like is a LowePro Vertex 300AW, at a bit over a c-note cheaper...but in all honesty I think the quality difference has been worth it.
Bought this as a DSLR shooter with underwater gear who needs to really cram a lot of gear (bulky housings, arm components, underwater strobes) on top of the usual camera odds and ends. Read a review of Gura's earlier "Kibolo" backpack and was intrigued, but finally pulled the trigger with the new Bataflae. I was very intrigued by the Kibolo's sailcloth, and the Bataflae no longer claims to be made of that, but still is presented as a super lightweight yet strong approach to backpack construction. So...is it?
First note: this backpack, fully loaded, seems a bit smaller than my Vertex 300AW, which I was able to carry on even in relatively small commuter jets (e.g. from San Juan, PR, to Dominica). Part of the sensation of smallness is the very neat way the harness stows, and the way the top flaps seem not to 'bulge' out like the Vertex does when well packed. That said, it holds MORE, and empty, weighs significantly less.
The exterior fabric is thinner but seems to be a very sturdy rip-stop type nylon vs. the deeper cordura type weave on the Lowepro, almost like a tent fabric. (Oh, and tan, vs. black, is THE way to go if you don't want to be screaming "photo backpack!!" in the airport and carrying a sun and heat magnet on your back on the trail...why tan is "limited" when it seems to me to be a more neutral color that makes more sense in the elements, with your gear inside it would have gotten the Lowepro in it if I could I'll never understand). The harness padding might not seem as thick as the Lowepro's but it has all the necessary tensioning and positioning adjustments, is very comfortable, the waist-straps can dismount for a bit less bulk for day vs. longer hiking trips, and the strap stowing is superb and really streamlines the whole package (plus, with straps stowed, they're not getting nasty on the ground).
Internally the main body pocket is much deeper than in the Vertex 300AW, in part because there's no laptop sleeve taking up depth. My Ikelite housing needs a good 6.5ish inches and does much better in the Bataflae than in the Vertex as there's less wasted padding space. But if you want a laptop you might differ. There are a huge number of provided dividers in different sizes, and they seem fairly strong and provide sufficient padding without quite the thickness and bulk of the dividers in the Vertex. I do wish they had a couple other configurations in terms of velcro attachment points interior to the backpack back wall vs. the more limited strips, and wish they had at least one thick 'lens cuff' type pad provided to help support a big lens mounted ON a body, but that's a nitpick.
The top pockets don't offer quite as many preplanned nooks and crannies as the Vertex top flaps (for filters, batteries, and the like) but they get the job done. Zipper 'garages' are nice to prevent scratches and keep things tidy. The bungie strap for carrying a tripod isn't the greatest (as compared to the little 'holster' hard part supplied with the Vertex) but again, it gets the job done. There has to be *some* 'cost' in exchange for the empty weight reduction and increased storage space, doesn't there? The top and side (angled) handles are a bit weird feeling like a small pool noodle wrapped in nylon but seem strong and are actually fairly comfortable to use with the bag fully loaded...and they're certainly lighter than a big molded rubber grip.
I do worry just a little bit about how well the top central strap and plastic clip will hold up (that allow the Bataflae to convert from 'butterfly flaps' like the earlier Kibolo to 'fully open top' like the more classical Lowepro Vertex design), but the warranty is as iron clad as they can make it, so until I experience some sort of wear that's probably more fear than reality talking.
Dislikes: aside from the slight nitpick about tripod carrying, and perhaps internal layout (more limited velcro attach surfaces on the interior than I'd prefer), the price. This bag costs, there's no getting around that. I should probably downrate it one star...but I'm still in awe at how much bigger it is inside than outside. I have found my Bag of Holding (Mark I, tan, for photographic use).
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This pack is very light. I've used it only for one trip to Yellowstone but it held up fine. I packed a Canon500mm f4.0 lens, 1D X, 100-400zoom, 85mm, 28-135zoom, 1.4x extender, 2x extender, extension tubes, flash, filters, blah blah blah. Total weight is about 35 lbs. At that weight, it is somewhat uncomfortable for me. I'm slender boney build. I think I will add some padding to the shoulder straps and experiment with that some before my next big outing.
The build quality is obviously top notch and I expect it to last me for many years. I changed mostly to get one pack that would fit the 500mm lens and still able to fly with it. On the flight it fit into the overhead with no problem at all. The two handles helps a lot and the fact that the harness hides away is super nice too.
Check the video reviews, etc. They all love this pack and I do too.
