dakine sequence pack feedback wanted

who owns this pack and what are the strengths/weaknesses of it? Does it do everything you want it to or is it limiting?

how solid is the camera protection? can you still charge with this pack on?

I have one! I bought this pack because it seemed like a good transition from camera pack to ski pack--It carries a modest amount of camera gear(no room for the kitchen sink)--I dont like strapping shit on the outside of my pack
I am generally pleased with it --although I hope that Dakine is not finished with the evolution of this pack------as I could envision many improvements--such as improving outside zippers, increasing volume in the main body and all external pockets----and change placement and design of these pockets-----
-What we really need is a pack that addresses the needs of a BackCountry Ski Photographer--while it sounds like I would change just about everything about this pack; I am still happy with it-----It does'nt scream camera geek esp while traveling like my Lowe

add: I dont have any worries about my gear in this pack(within reason)

what I want is a pack that I can huck with/ ski exposed terrain with and not be freaked if I fall. I may have to get a friend involved in designing what I need. although the sequence i just ordered will have to suffice for the time being.

I switched from using a lowe pro pack to using this one almost exclusively htis year. The new sequence pack is the best skiing camera pack I have ever used, it keeps the center of gravity near your back where it belongs and will allow you to ski anything with a full load of gear comfortabley. While this pack will carry all of the gear needed in the average day of shooting it does not leave much extra room for excess gear or clothing. My two major complaints are it needs to have more room for a extra jacket / lunch. It also needs better buckles, especially the chest buckle is a bitch to get to work.

In short if your carrying a modest amount of gear this is the best pack on the market.

I normally carry a 1vhs, extra bettery, lightmeter, 15mm, 17-35, 28-70, 70-200, converter, 1 flash, skins, small gatoraid bottle, snowscience kit, a couple of power bars, shouvle, probe. With that load hte pack is nearly busting to the seems any extra geer needs to be straped to the back.

I agree w/ MBS. Camera gear and b/c gear, it's TIGHT! But it does work well. Pretty good deal w/ the innner (extra) camera bag. Actually made a run thru the park w/ it on, by mistake. Damn that extra weight, F5 body, 80-200, 28-80, blah blah blah, is killer on the back and knees.

thanks for the feedback guys. I scored a sample of next years pack from the CO rep. that should arrive in a couple days -- I hear there are some improvements/changes on the 2006 model, but I will post some pics when I get it so you guys can see the difference.

I also will begin constructing the ultimate bomber photog pack very soon for those of us that want to charge just as hard without worrying about fucking up our expensive and treasured equipment. what I want does not exist so i must build it. More to come on that...

Just wondering if anyone can opine on the new sequence. Any improvements? (ie. easier to access gear, more space, better padding, etc.)

I like it too, though I have not done much serious skiing with it yet. As Svengali points out, there are definitely some room for improvement but I still rate it as a good product. I have the big Reload too, and the sequence skis so much better and simply is a good compromise between a adsicated camera bag like the Reload and a dedicated skiing back pack.

The Sequence fits what I would like to bring which is an EOS 1DII, 24-70, 70-200 a flash, maybe some extender a flash or a small fixed lense, but its actually a bit too tight for the big 1DII. You can squeze it in there, but not with much of a margin.