Camera backpacks have been a dime a dozen since the DSLR revolution. But backpacks that are just as good for carrying film or photo equipment as safety equipment and all the junk you need on the mountain are few and far between. But they do exist. The Dakine Sequence has been one of them for years and impressed with its style in the test.
The first impression
I had exactly that at school! Hanging low in front of my ass.
Well, not exactly that. But with the best will in the world, the backpack can't deny its family origins from Dakine and the influence of 90s skate culture. The camera compartment is really generous, especially in relation to the rest of the backpack. There are also a few mountain-specific details. Interesting mix of satchel, snowboard pack and camera backpack
The features
And this mix is also reflected in the features. The main compartment, which is only accessible through the back flap, is essentially filled with the removable camera block. Its lid is simply inserted into a slot in the backpack's padded back and the ICU is anchored in the main compartment with Velcro. This gives the backpack stability and a snug fit. A hand's width of space remains above it in the main compartment. The camera block itself can be flexibly divided by two long L-shaped folding walls and two small dividers.
On top of this is a lid compartment with a mesh pocket, which is supplemented by a front compartment on the front. Here you will find three transparent zipper pockets, two slots and pen holders and the bag is ventilated by means of a perforated insert (note: the current version is divided differently here and offers a padded laptop slot and only two mesh pockets). There is also a small front pocket on the outside, e.g. for cards. There are two diagonally cut, zippered side pockets, one of which has a slide-through and clip for a shovel handle. An integrated, removable rain cover rests in a bottom pocket. Two belt pockets on the hip belt round off the storage space. The hip belt is well shaped and padded and can be adjusted with side lashing straps. The shoulder straps are also wide and padded, with top adjustment and a height-adjustable chest strap. Two side compression straps allow the backpack to be tied down and skis to be carried sideways in an A-shape. The upper straps can be brought together in front of the backpack and, together with a lower, stowable strap, form a snowboard or snowshoe holder. Hidden behind two zippers at the top and bottom center of the backpack are two additional straps that serve as tripod holders. A textile loop at the bottom right corner, the purpose of which is not clear to me, but which I have already "abused" as an ice axe holder, completes the list of small straps and straps.
The practical use
The Dakine Sequence has accompanied me for years outdoors and especially on the mountain when the camera should be with me. It carries well and is relatively comfortable, but you shouldn't overload it due to the rather short back length. Heavy loads are not its thing. Not least because of this, the camera compartment is actually oversized. The relatively sparse division options with only four adjustable elements and defined Velcro support surfaces also make the Camera Block less flexible than sometimes desired. However, this is generally not a problem, as the Sequence is in its element when a camera with a mounted lens and - depending on the size - one or two interchangeable lenses come along.
Then there is also enough space in the camera compartment to stow a first-aid pack, hide bag, snack or other items, even if the potentially wet stuff is actually too close to the camera equipment. The clear disadvantage is that the small remaining space in the main compartment competes with the lid compartment for space. You either fill one or the other. On the other hand, there is plenty of space in the front compartment for filters, memory cards, lens cloth and the like. The shovel blade and probe also fit in well here. At least as long as the latter is no longer than ~40 cm. If it is significantly longer than this, there is no sensible storage option. The shovel handle, on the other hand, can be easily stowed outside in the slot under the side pocket and secured with a buckle. Carrying skis, on the other hand, works well, even if the straps are not specially reinforced to protect them from the edges and the poles can be stowed away very well, especially in A-shape. Particularly useful for small hikes with lift-assisted freeriding. The Dakine is in its element in this area, where you don't need so much gear. The relatively handy size and low weight contribute to the fact that it is very comfortable to handle when lightly loaded and is then also gladly used. What it can't really do, however, is function as a stand-alone backpack. If you remove the camera block, it loses all shape and stability and becomes a baggy sack. The main compartment can then hardly be loaded properly and the sole access through the back panel is suboptimal. What you liked to take with you as a teenager for the sake of coolness is now just annoying.
Conclusion
A useful backpack with a good price-performance ratio. It is particularly in its element when the mountain activities are not too serious or do not require too much equipment and is especially recommended for freeriding close to the slopes. However, it has enough space for camera equipment and also cuts a fine figure in an urban environment. Advantages:
+ Relatively affordable
+ Good looks
+ Large camera compartment
+ Integrated rain cover Disadvantages:
- Little space for jackets/ski skins etc.
- de facto no separation of camera and mountain equipment possible
- not very versatile
Features:
Good carrying system with chest strap and hip belt
Padded back section
Main compartment accessible from the back
Large, removable camera compartment with flexible dividers
Lid compartment with mesh pocket and key clip
Large front compartment with storage compartments for filters, pens, memory cards, etc. (new: laptop slot)
Large front compartment with storage compartments for filters, pens, memory cards, etc. (new: laptop slot). (new: laptop slot)
Side pockets with zipper
Map pocket
Two belt pockets on the hip belt
Tripod holder
Ski attachment on the side and board attachments (also for snowshoes)
Rain cover Volume: 33 L
Weight: 2.2 kg
Dimensions: 29 x 53 x 13 cm
RRP: €199.90 To the manufacturer's product information
