08.07.2013 02:49

Pelican ProGear Backpacks Provide Robust Protection with Ergonomic Design

Pelican has recently introduced a lineup of photo backpacks that blend the hard, crush-proof case structure they are best known for with a more ergonomic backpack design that is engineered for easier access. These backpacks, as part of the ProGear series, integrate hard-case sections that keep sensitive and fragile materials, such as laptops or other electronics protected, while also providing traditional divider-style photo-gear sections to accommodate camera systems and accessories. By combining these two traditionally distinct form factors, Pelican has crafted a lineup of carrying solutions that increases efficiency and comfort without neglecting sound security.

U160 Urban Elite Half Case Camera Pack

The U160 Urban Elite Half Case Camera Pack is a medium-sized backpack that is designed to hold a DSLR camera system with lenses and accessories as well as a range of other accessories, including a tablet, in its separate upper compartment. The backpack is fitted with an internal hard case that features the same military-grade design as many of Pelican’s classic hard cases, including a watertight O-ring seal with an automatic pressure valve to sustain immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes (IP67 rating) as well as crush and impact protection. Within this hard case shell is a bright yellow-lined interior with a modular divider system that can be customized to fit one DLSR with attached lens, an additional lens, and other camera accessories including an external flash. These dividers can be removed entirely or arranged to suit the type of gear being carried.

Above the hard case is the secondary padded compartment with zippered closure, which features a rigid polypropylene front plate to provide an extra measure of support and protection. Integrated into this compartment is a dedicated tablet pocket with touch-tab fastener. This compartment is ideal for carrying a range of accessories, such as cables, light meters, batteries, memory cards, and so on.

The entire pack is constructed from ballistic 900D nylon and has an S-curved aluminum spine with vented back padding to provide ergonomic comfort and rigidity. A detachable waist belt and nylon chest clip is also available for greater support when carrying heavier loads. Smaller pockets are dotted around the outside of the pack for smaller accessories and tripod carrying straps are available for carrying a tripod or light stands.

S115 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Pro Pack

Similar in concept but taking on a slightly different form factor is the S115 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Pro Pack, which, like the U160, incorporates a hard case within a backpack form factor in order to reap the best of both case types. Pelican’s hard-case technology in this case is designed with a separate laptop compartment that can hold any 15-inch notebook up to 1-inch thick as well as any 17-inch MacBook. This hard case features watertight, crushproof construction that has an IP67 rating for submersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. A pressure-equalization valve is also integrated into the design to prevent vacuum lock from inside the case. An easy-to-open latch provides quick access to the hard case and also creates a firm seal when closed to prevent water, dust, or other elements from reaching the interior.

On the front of the case is a large compartment with removable, modular padded dividers for holding multiple camera bodies, several lenses, flashes, and other accessories. The bright yellow interior helps increase visibility when searching for items in the pack and a series of touch-tab fasteners are integrated into the interior to help keep the contents secure. Also providing more protection to the main compartment’s contents is a rigid front plate that works to dampen impacts and prevent equipment from being damaged.

On the outside of the bag is a series of large side pockets, ideal for keeping accessories organized, and quick-clip straps for attaching full-sized tripods and light stands. The back of the pack has ventilated mesh panels and floating ergonomic shoulder straps for more comfort. A chest strap and removable waist belt can be used for greater stability and a rigid rubberized carry handle is also incorporated on top of the pack for carrying while wearing another backpack.

S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Divider Backpack

Combining aspects from the above backpacks, the S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Divider Pack incorporates a hard-case laptop compartment, divided photo equipment compartment, and a top-loading pouch that is ideal for accessories or other necessities while traveling.

Like the S115, the S130 has a hard laptop case that serves as the back support for the entire backpack and provides IP67 watertight and crushproof protection for its contents. It can accommodate 15-inch laptops up to 1 inch thick and MacBooks up to 17” and has O-ring gasket sealing and a pressure-equalization valve to prevent vacuum lock. At the top of the pack is a compartment, with removable padded dividers, designed to hold one DSLR body with attached lens, additional lenses, and a flash. This compartment receives further protection through the inclusion of a rigid front plate to help minimize the effects of impacts or falls. Above this compartment is a top-loading pouch, which is ideal for quick access to soft goods such as a large jacket or other accessories like light meters, flashes, and compact light modifiers. Water-bottle pockets and bottom sling straps can be used for additional carrying needs and load compression straps can also be applied to the pack to streamline and minimize the overall form of the pack.

An S-curve-shaped back design with deep ventilation channels provides comfort during use and a floating shoulder strap design, with chest clip and removable hip belt, promote greater stability while carrying. Additionally, a top rigid SureGrip rubberized handle is available for easier handling and carrying while using another backpack.