Gura Gear Kiboko 22+L Rucksack Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Value for money
Verdict



The Kiboko 22L+ is one of three bags from Gura Gear so far. They also make a 30L backpack, and a messenger style shoulder bag that holds 19-24L. Here, we're reviewing the 22L+ model.

The company claims that the bag is designed from blueprints that various customers submitted over the last few years, meaning that it should be the perfect bag designed for photographers by photographers. The bag is great for anything from shooting on Safari, to day tripping, so let's see how it fares.

The bag holds up to a 500mm f/4.0 Lens in one side of the butterfly opening, and 2 camera bodies with four smaller lenses on the other side. The internal separators can all be manoeuvred to fit pretty much any combination of kit you require, though.

Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ Features

• Butterfly opening system for fast access without revealing all your equipment
• Laptop pocket for laptop up to 15 inches, and some 17 inches fit too
• Multiple dividers and seperators
• 2 front pockets on top of butterfly flaps
• Fold away rain cover
• Zippable mesh netting pockets to keep memory cards and other small equipment safe
• Side clips and pockets for easy transport of tripods
• Breathable foam back panels
• Memory foam shoulder straps that tuck away for convenience
• Removable waist strap

Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ Handling

The bag is really comfy to wear, despite its rather square appearance. The removable waist strap and shoulder straps that tuck away give it maximum versatility. The multiple clips enable you to secure and personalise how your bag fits, making it excellent, especially if you travel with a lot of gear. It has clips on both sides to enable carrying of two tripods if necessary.



Easy to access, all the zipped pockets have hooped rubber grips, enabling super fast access. Even when carrying heavy gear, the bag is well balanced and the padded memory foam shoulder straps take some of the weight off your shoulders.

It is very easy to slide a laptop into the back pocket, and the front pockets provide excellent storage for wires, cards, pens, small notebooks and any other equipment you may wish to pack. The removable dividers in the two main compartments are easily taken out and replaced, yet feel incredibly secure when they are in place, which is exactly what you want.

There is also quick access to the rain cover from an external zip, which will prove very handy if you are out and it rains.

Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ Performance

Made from durable sail cloth material, the bag feels very sturdy and is very well constructed. We managed to fit an Olympus E-30 camera body and 6 various sized lenses in just one side of the bag – it is huge. As mentioned earlier, all the dividers are movable to fit any combination of kit. Remove all the dividers, and one side of the pack can fit a 500mm f/4.0 lens. Despite all the heavy equipment in the bag, it was still very comfy due to its complete adjustability, back pads and memory foam straps.

Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ Value for money

The bag is very expensive, at $379, which is about £243.89. Despite this, though, it is worth the money if you are looking for a very well made bag that will protect your equipment. Other bags of similar sizes include the Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW backpack, for £89, and the Tamrac 5586 Expedition 6x backpack at £129. Both of these hold roughly the same amount of kit with different layouts.

Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ Verdict

This bag is perfect for the photographer who needs to take a lot of equipment with them, wherever they go. It is especially ideal for international travellers due to its tuck away straps, which make it ideal for aeroplane travelling and commuters. Recommended.

	The Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ is perfect for the photographer who needs to take a lot of equipment with them wherever they go.

Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ Pros:

Well made
Durable
Well designed for photographers needs
Fold away straps are ideal for plane travel

Gura Gear Kiboko 22L+ Cons:

Expensive - $379
Not that great looking
Could do with some rubber feet so as not to wear out the bottom when put down

FEATURES                                                                   
HANDLING                
PERFORMANCE         
VALUE FOR MONEY  
OVERALL