Finding the right camera bag is a pain – some of us don’t want to spend $100-150 on a simple backpack to carry our stuff.  If you spend too little, it seems that the thing cheaply falls apart in a short period of time (been there, broke that).

The problem with most camera backpacks is they either give away to the world that it’s a camera backpack, either due to the logo on the outside like TAMRAC or LOWEPRO or even CANON (hmm, I wonder what that dude’s got in that bag? Maybe 5 grand worth of camera gear – let’s go mug him) or the FUGLINESS factor.

I recognized the name Dakine because I have a winter snowboarding hat made by them that I bought at Eastern Mountain Sports.  I was interested in the Dakine Camera Block due to the fact that you can shove it in any other bag, as long as it is the right dimensions.  That way it’s kind of like getting a custom setup for your DSLR, glass, and photo gear.  I’ve seen it online as low as $30 USD. What’s the main thing we need in a camera bag, anyway?  Isn’t it the stupid little velcro-rigged, padded dividers that keep our lenses and camera bodies separately safely and securely?  That, and obviously comfort, durability, and water resistance while outdoors.

There is also the Dakine Mission, which is a lot nicer looking than most bags. This bag is sold along with the Dakine Camera Block as an optional accessory.  It comes in a variety of cool colors and textures, from plaid to other print designs.  I haven’t picked one up just yet, but it’s next on my list.  If anyone has any experience with the Dakine Mission or Dakine Camera Block, feel free to add your comments below.  Another Dakine bag available is the Sequence, which looks to be a little bit deeper (which is always useful if you shoot with a 1D series or gripped body, like myself).  The Sequence has a weatherproof rain cover that pops out in case you get caught in a storm.