Clik Elite Medium Nature

Review Date
October 13, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Reviewed by
Anthony Reiss , Professional

Price Paid
$235.00 at Clik Head Office

Photography Experience
21+ years , Fine Art

Summary
I love things that are totally different from the norm. At first grab just out of the box, this backpack exudes toughness and practicality, unlike other photo gear backpacks that are designed for urban environments. You literally could use it straight out from the package and onto the trek. The adjustable shoulder harness from XS, S, M, L to XL is a great design plus. It has the look of toughness all over, even at first glance. The colour scheme of gray and bright vermillion appeals to the eye. Lots of modular compartments and sleeves protected from the elements by clever protective designs such as lip covers on zippers.
I personally could fit a D70s on it’s side, and a D5000 on it’s bottom and have a couple of lenses sandwiched in between using the main compartment. This is after struggling with the adjustable Velcro lined padded dividers for a few minutes. The struggle was more of the way these padded velcros just STICK and stay stuck! I had to rip and adjust several times, because they sure could exhibit a strong grip!
There are two major compartments, one on top of the other. The bottom one I use for camera gear and the top one for survival essentials such as food, water, first aid kit, GPS, etc.

Strengths
Built specifically for rough country and outdoors. Other backpacks are built for urban design and they are well and good, but this model is for real rough and tough.
Well specified materials and components that would stand the outdoors.
Well thought of weight distribution design using adjustable harness and belts.
It sure dries quickly.

Weaknesses
I wouldn’t mind using bigger snap click locks. When you’re wearing leather gloves, the small clip locks are difficult to snap open.

Similar Products Used
LowePro and Pelican

Customer Service
Not Needed

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Review Date
September 4, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
CaraRose , Casual

Price Paid
$211.00 at Adorama

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Outdoor

Summary
A really nice, innovative pack. A little heavy, and a few bits of the designs of the straps could use to be adjusted, but one I would recommend.

Strengths
Sturdy, well built, with tons of pockets and features. The water reservoir is nice though I wasn't able to get the reservoir for it before my trip to try it out.

Weaknesses
Heavy. This pack weighs quite a bit its own. Add the weight of my camera gear and it was really too heavy for me, though I don't think it would be as bad if I was in better shape. The waist belt is also was too short for my waist, even fully adjusted to its max length. This made it even harder to use at full weight without a waist belt to help distribute the weight down to my hips and back.

Similar Products Used
Generic camera pack.

Customer Service
Did not use

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