[Review #1, Photo District News]

"Belt and case systems allow a photographer to carry a lot of equipment...Because such a system splits everything up into its own container, however, there is a tendency to increase the total bulk as compared to a camera bag or even a backpack.

... Denver photographer, Richard Stum,... set out to minimize bulk in his Kinesis belt and case line.

Stum has obviously spent a lot of time thinking through the details of how to provide protection and convenience.

When I tested this equipment, I found it easy to custom design my own belt for my own equipment configuration, and to have it all supported firmly. The belt rode very comfortably on my body as I walked...

All in all, the Kinesis belt system deserves the consideration of anyone who needs to keep a variety of equipment off their back and around them within easy reach."

[ Review #2, Shutterbug ]

"Every now and then an enterprising photographer comes along and designs a better mousetrap (in in this instance a more effective method of carrying equipment around) that will be of potential interest to many photographers...

The waist belt system proved to be a very practical and efficient method of spreading the weight of small accessories around your body while keeping them immediately accessible and ready to use.

With a heavily loaded bag I often will take it off (when in a secure locale), but with the belt and pouches I just wore it continually with no discomfort.

I found all of the bags were exceptionally well made with tight stitching and excellent detailing.

All in all, I was very impressed with the Kinesis equipment carrying system."

[ Review #3, George D. Lepp ]

"The overall construction of the Kinesis Long Lens Case (L602) that I worked with was excellent. The padding of this case is more substantial than that in the OutPack ScopePack, but the Kinesis pack is considerably heavier.

If you're looking for the best made bag with highest protection, and if price isn't critical, the Kinesis Long Lens Cases are great and a good choice, but they are also a lot heavier and bulkier than the ScopePack."

[ Review #4, photo.net website ]

"The system seems well-made, well-padded, and well-conceived. I've always liked those Tamrac belt pouches but none were ever large enough to hold a Canon EOS-5 with vertical grip and a pro zoom lens. The Kinesis stuff is big enough and they have a very flexible systems-oriented approach. I'm not sure if the whole thing is better than a photo vest or not. If you have pro-sized equipment then I think it is (if it isn't too hot out, you actually might want both, using the vest for little lightweight items like film).

Anyway, it is pretty obvious that the Kinesis stuff comes from many years of thinking about what the relatively small community of hard-core photographers need. It is also obvious that they use the gear themselves and actually listen to their customers.

If you're active and going to be walking longish distances with your cameras and want them readily available, then I think the Kinesis system is probably close to perfection. If you don't get too far from your car trunk then I think a regular camera bag is probably more convenient."

Philip Greenspun (philg@mit.edu) on May 05, 1998. 

Also read this article about camera bags and belts by the same author/photographer.

[Review #5, www.Grizzlyjhphoto.com]

"In the past, I have found similar systems to be deficient in several areas. The method for attaching the different components to the belt tended to be cumbersome and difficult to use. Not so with the Kinesis system which allows me to change pouches in seconds. I have also found other systems to be uncomfortable to wear but the Kinesis belt is wide enough to be very comfortable, even when worn all day. Lastly, lens and accessory pouches from other systems tend to be either too stiff or too limp to hold their shape when empty. The designers of the Kinesis system have solved all of these problems. The first thing I noticed when my equipment arrived was the amazing quality of the construction. The quality is in line with larger manufacturers such as Lowe-pro, and I seriously doubt I could wear this product out in a lifetime of use.

Am I enthusiastic about this product - you bet I am. If you are looking for a system to carry, protect and help make your photographic equipment more "user friendly", then I highly recommend you look into the Kinesis System. The words that best describe these products include quality, flexibility, durability and ruggedness.

As I have stated frequently in the past, I am not being paid for this product review - I just know a quality product when I see and use it.

Good Shooting!"

Also see Bob Atkin's (photo.net/photo) review about the SafariSack™ in use with a 600mm F4 lens

[e-mail from Pennsylvania]

I have the pack for the 300 2.8. It is a great pack and has eased my life a lot. I feel very confident about the protection is gives and the ease of use. Great design."
I just got back from a photo trip to Assateague Island Virginia. It was the first long trip where I had the chance to use the (That I have had since Dec 97) in combination with the Y481 [K550]. Real great set up. I found the fact that it does not wobble from side to side a great comfort and walking in sand is hard enough without stuff slamming around.
Also even with the Y481 attached I can still keep unit at hand beside my van seat ready to go at a moments notice. Its nice that it sits up by itself. I am looking forward to cross-country skiing with it this year as the narrow L302 on the Y481 will leave plenty of room for those pole strokes without getting tangled up. Good job and now I guess I need to get a few more pouches. You will be hearing from me.
I use my case a lot with the pack frame and love it. I think this will fit on my dog sled perfectly giving me quick access to my camera. (Now waiting for snow).
Thanks,
E. Hughe

[e-mail from Connecticut]

Richard,
Used the Kinesis system in Spain for the last two weeks hiking, rock climbing, windsurfing and general sight seeing. It was just great.
For the first time...ever...I could hike and carry all the stuff I wanted without a backache and or headache from carrying a heavy pack made for a man. Bravo for a terrific system.
Thanks,
Sherry Conrads
Light Waves, LLC

[e-mail from Michigan]

Richard,
I thought the overall quality of the [Lowepro] S&F bags/pouches compared to their non S&F backpacks and bags was sub par.

[2nd e-mail]
Wanted to let you know how my trips to CA went. Spent a week vacationing and used the belt about four straight days (zoo, wild animal park, whale watching, etc.) worked great. The real test was a week later. Shot the Long Beach Grand Prix. 3 days, 12 hours per day with the belt on. Worked great!!! A couple of observations: No more shoulder soreness! Despite the very warm weather the belt didn't feel hot. The C570 fits the Nikon 80-200 2.8 with hood in shooting position. Straps [E112] were a great suggestion. Used them for monopod or jacket carrying.

Robert Kurtycz

[1st e-mail from Virginia]

Richard:
Your product is EXACTLY what I have been looking for. It arrived a short time ago and my first reaction was "the box is awfully small." My second reaction was "this box doesn't weigh much." My third reaction was "That's the point!"
Due to an accident that occurred long ago, I find it necessary to use a cane or staff to walk. It has been very difficult to find systems that allow me to center the weight of camera equipment so that it is comfortable. A small fanny pack. is the closest I have come, but it tends to want to drag itself to the ground, my pants with it, every time I attempt to take a shot. And, it only accommodates a small amount of the equipment I want to carry.

While I have not set my belt up with proper weight distribution, just by looking at it I can see that I no longer have to decide what equipment I will leave at home. At Christmas, my wife did get me a 28-200 Nikkor Zoom, an extremely versatile lens, but I always feel that I am sacrificing when I leave sharper and faster lenses at home. Now, no more sacrifice!

[2nd e-mail]

Richard, I wish you much success with Kinesis products. With all of the imitation crap floating around out there, I am grateful to have a quality, and what I am sure will be, effective system.
Regards,
Chris Warner

[e-mail from Texas]

I recently ordered the 520 Long Lens Case from you and it is super. I had a 600 Lens Trekker and returned it because its instability with the harness and belt attached. I have a Canon 400 2.8 II and the weight was too much for the Lowepro.

Thanks,
G. Staples

(Again, you really make a great product)

[letter from Pennsylvania]

I was already pretty much sold on your stuff, but I was able to compare it directly with Lightware and Tamrac...no contest.

[2nd letter]

Dear Richard,
As a 40-something photographer who's suffered through one round of back surgery to repair a disk that was herniated while wearing a traditional photo vest, my documentary work was in serious jeopardy. With the Kinesis system I can hike up remote mountains and down city streets carrying all the equipment I need. My equipment is always easily accessible and, unlike some of the other more garish looking belt systems, I don't shout to the world that I'm carrying thousands of dollars worth of cameras: when you're working in the third-world, that can literally be live-saving. Thanks for an extraordinary, intelligent and indispensable product.
Sincerely,
Dave Fonda

[e-mail from Colorado]

Richard: I think you will be pleased to know that I do already own one of your Kinesis bean bags. I keep an old down vest stuffed inside of it, and that serves the dual purpose of not only providing me with a quiet stuffing (I am a wildlife photographer) but also with an emergency source of warmth. I still have not purchased a window mount. In the heat of good wildlife photography action when I am shooting from the back windows of our 4-Runner with the wife driving me around, I find that just the Kinesis bag works fine. It gives me quick change capability from one side of the car to the other, and it seems more flexible than a rigid mount when shooting from the window at subjects far below or far above the vehicle, both of which circumstances occur frequently.
David McBride

[Sept. 2000 e-mail from California]

A little over a month ago I ordered and became a user of your products. I combine photography with hiking, climbing, bicycling, skiing, and river kayaking. Your product is completely worthless for kayaking (just kidding of course). Actually, you have, IMHO, absolutely the best product for the active photographer. I had previously purchased Galen Rowell's chest pack which deteriorated.

Ironically, IMO, Galen should be using/endorsing your gear. Seems bulletproof, fit and finish are perfect.

Anyway, you have a great product, hope you are successful.

Thanks, Ladd