Compatibility of modular systems

[daryl]

Greetings all. I am looking to get into one of the new modular

systems like the <a href="http://www.lowepro.com">Lowe Pro</a> S&F

series or <a href="http://www.kinesisgear.com">Kinesis</a>. I was

wondering first of all about peoples' impressions of the new S&F

system because I haven't really found much about it anywhere in the

way of reviews.

<P>

Secondly, I was wondering if there is any compatibility between the

two systems. Is it possible to use accessories from one on the

other's waist belt? Being in Canada, I can't really go to a shop and

check out the Kinesis gear because their Canadian dealer presence is

virtually nil. I don't want to mail order stuff just to try it out,

but a lot of the stuff from Kinesis seems to make sense and I'd like

to be able to pick it up over time. For now, I'd like to

start with something that will still be functional over time (i.e. not

become useless or necessitate that I get into 2 systems).

<P>

<I>Thanks for your comments.</I>

[jamie_curtis]

I have a rather complete Kinesis belt system. The system is very rugged and very well thought out. I use mine with the suspenders as It tends to be fully loaded and I prefer to bear most of the load with my shoulders.

 

The fit very comfortable, and the attachment system makes moving |adding | removing components very easy.

 

Kinesis is a great company becasue they are constantly improving each component based on user feedback.

 

I wish the susspenders had a more secure attachment method as I like most of the load slung. The Lowe Pro belt|vest combo seems like a good idea. I also wish Kinesis had a one-way exposed film drop pocket like Lowe Pro.

 

You can however, use any other attachment with the Kinesis system with the optional straps that use the existing belt loops on most (including Lowe Pro) bags and pockets.

 

If I was starting over, I would still buy the Kinesis system.

[tom_shapiro]

I have the Kinesis system (Belt and/or backpack combination) with a number of bags and medium camera case. I agree with the comments above and have found Richard to be very helpful and accurate as to how to put the system together. I prefer to carry the weight on my hips and the range of adjustment with the backpack is great particularly for travel over some distance.

 

I had a number of the same concerns that you have expresssed, and since I am tall 6'7", I was very concerned about the fit. It has been great in practice, however. My only nit after using it for some time is that it perhaps could be several inches wider. The belt can be used alone or with the backpack provided you get the belt for the back pack.

[gary_watson]

I've tried the Lowe Pro S&F("Slip and Fall")belt rig and found it lacking. The ergonomics were off and the design seems to encourage overloading. Besides, the "Darth Vader on vacation" look to the whole thing is silly. Who really needs to carry all that gear, especially when the wrapper screams "expensive photo stuff." The S&F bags, however, are nice, well-made,insulated against impact and the elements, and provide very flexible stowing options, thanks to the divider system.

[carlos_co]

I use the S&F system with the largest Specialist bag together with the harness and deluxe waist belt. I agree with Gary that it encourages overloading and that is precisely why I bought it. My bag carries a lot (70-200, 1.4x, 28-135, 50, 20-35, 380ex, lens hoods, lumiquest boncer, filters, batteries, etc.). I wanted the largest capacity bag I can use with the following requirements:

 

1. Access the contents without ever putting the bag on the ground, this elimates most backpacks.

 

2. Carrying comfort. The beauty of this arrangement is that I can alternate my hips and shoulders when carrying the weight in contrast to a shoulder bag.

 

I highly recommend the S&F system. The Kinesis may be more comfortable and possibly better designed (I don't know), but it just didn't offer the overloading opportunities I was looking for.

[struan_gray]

If you are going out into the Canadian winter you might want to check

out the <a href="http://www.ccscentre.co.uk/">Camera Care Systems</a>

line. They do the usual sorts of stuff, but also a pair of SLR

pouches with snowskirts which keep bad weather out like no other pouch

I've seen. I've used the smaller model for hiking and climbing -

winter and summer - for the last fourteen years and it's still going

strong. The pouches' attachment sleeves are deep enough to slide onto

all my rucksack hip belts, so the pouches should be compatible with

any belt-based system.</p>

 

The website doesn't have a dealer list yet, but the US distributor is

H.P. Marketing, the Canadian one a company called Nadel Enterprises in

Toronto.

[eric_chi]

FYI. I went to a local Home Depot two days ago. I noticed in the tools section that there is a kind of belt that about 4 inches (may be a little bit more) wide and can definitely attached the Lowe Pro lens case I got. Actucally the belt looks so much like the other belts in those belt based modular systems in the design, the material, the color (black), and even the quick releases. Compared to the one I saw in Keeble & Shuchat, the Home Depot belt is a little bit stiffer although it's padded, but I think that may help too since those workers need to wear it everyday. It runs about $10.0.

 

Eric.

[kinesisphotogear]

Daryl, thanks for question. I really need to add to the Web site a "compatibility" section, because I do get occasional calls and e-mails on this topic. Nearly every Lowepro, Tamrac and Lightware pouches will fit on our belt with a simple accessory strap (#Y309, US $3.00). Many of the Lowepro components will attach directly to our belt system without this strap. I am working on a method to which our pouches will attach to the new Lowepro Trekker backpacks or S&F Belts. It is remarkably simple and inexpenisve. I hope to to have this posted next by next month with photos (I'm the Kinesis Webmaster, product designer, photographer and owner!).

Regarding Tom Shapiro's comment regarding the width of our belts...in the prototype phase, the wider (> 4" or 10cm) belts seemed rather hot in mid-summer and unnecessary for the load for which it is designed. This is because the load surrounds your body, unlike a pack where the majority of the weight is concentrated in you lumbar region. We do have a heavier (i.e. thicker) and wider belt (called the B30X series), which is primarily designed for the Kinesis Heavy-duty Pack Frame, but is fully compatible with the whole system.

If any readers wish to receive updates (very occasionally, less than one per month) or new product releases please drop me a e-mail with "e-mail list" in the subject area.