HPRC 3500 Backpack
FOR many fishos, photography is as rewarding and challenging as fishing. Unfortunately, cameras and water don’t mix. Having a quality equipment case for transporting your gear is vital.
I recently discovered the HPRC 3500 backpack. HPRC – High Impact Resin Cases – are Italian made and part of a large range of attache style equipment cases. The 3500 backpack is watertight; the makers claim it’s submersible to about a metre thanks to its waterproof rubber seal and lockable clamp style latches. The pack’s outer shell is also claimed to be virtually indestructible and will stay that way in extreme temperatures (-40C to +80C). For a video demo, check out www.whitewombat.com.au.
The pack’s interior features removable protective foam segments, which you remove and position to snugly fit and protect valuable equipment like cameras and lesnes. Replacement foam for the pack costs around $50, which is markedly cheaper than for similar competitor products.
The HPRC 3500 carries my two Canon EOS digital cameras – a 20D and 40D – and lenses, flash unit, 70-200mm zoom lens, spare memory cards and sundry bits and pieces.
The whole lot can be carried quite comfortably on the back, which makes transporting camera gear on fishing trips by foot much easier. Getting to an airport check-in without wishing for an extra arm to carry heavy bags or a rod tube is sure to be a godsend.
The pack feels solid, weighs 3kgs and has proven comfortable for backpacking average distances so far.
It has a restraining strap about midriff height ensuring the pack stays close and snug to the carrier’s body. The pack’s outer shell is UV colour protected (available in black only). In the few months I’ve been trialling the pack it’s been used around water, on fishing trips and boat reviews and has copped plenty from the elements. Standing the pack upright and removing salt spray with a light hose down has proven the pack’s waterproof qualities with all contents staying completely dry and safe.
The HPRC Backpack is priced at $389 RRP and carries a lifetime warranty.
Contact: (02) 9839 3500; www.prospectors.com.au
