The market for travel backpacks and camera bags is virtually endless, and as a photographer, you are constantly on the lookout for a suitable companion for everyday use and your next trip anyway.
Today, I am taking a look at the Island Hopper 2.0 in the 34-liter version. A piece of luggage that stands out at first glance with its subtle exterior and offers plenty of storage space on the inside. How does the backpack perform in our test?
COR Surf
Those who usually look to long-established camera gear brands might have to think twice when they hear the name COR Surf. Where does this company come from, and what do you need to know about the brand’s background?
The manufacturer originally comes from the water sports sector and sells products for surfers, paddlers, and other nature lovers who enjoy water and the outdoors. This is also reflected in the backpack’s details, as the focus is strongly on weather resistance and a functional design for people who spend a lot of time out in the fresh air.
COR Surf positions itself here with a well-thought-out piece of travel luggage that skillfully bridges the gap between the wet surf beach and the urban pavement during an extended weekend getaway.
Material, Size, Weight
With the Island Hopper 2.0, the manufacturer relies on a matte and water-resistant ripstop outer shell. The material has a pleasant, textured feel and makes a highly durable impression. This is a clear advantage for the backpack’s longevity when used on dirty forest floors, dusty roads, or in sudden drizzle. You don’t have to worry if you set the bag down a bit roughly.
With a height of just under 49 centimeters, a width of just under 29 centimeters, and a depth of just under 25 centimeters, the backpack remains comfortably within the standard carry-on baggage guidelines of many airlines. So, if you like to board planes with your camera gear, you generally don’t have to worry too much and will save yourself those annoying discussions at the gate.
With an empty weight of just over one kilogram in this 34-liter version, we are also dealing with a real featherweight. Many backpacks of this size often weigh significantly more due to their countless padded dividers, which makes itself felt quite quickly on long walks.
The zippers have a solid grip and are easy to pull. It is these small design decisions that turn a simple container into a reliable companion. The stitching appears clean throughout, which speaks to proper quality control during production.
The straps and back padding are good. Fortunately, the straps do not dig in when carrying it. A good compromise between size/weight and padding has been found here. Of course, this is not a backpack you would use for a long hiking trip—or rather, most backpacks would eventually become uncomfortable anyway. For everyday travel, however, the carrying comfort is entirely sufficient and commendably solved, so you don’t end up with tense shoulders in the evening.
As for the other straps, this model features a chest strap and a hip belt. The chest strap can be adjusted in both width and height. Different body sizes are therefore not an issue.
The hip belt is a nice-to-have. Given the size of the backpack and how I would pack it, it wouldn’t be strictly necessary for me. If you don’t use it, you can stow it away behind the padding, which really benefits the clean look. I would have liked it even better if it could be completely removed.
Layout and Features
A look inside quickly reveals that the backpack offers many compartments and dividers. This naturally makes it much easier to stay organized and quickly find what you are looking for.
Like a suitcase, the main compartment can be zipped open on three sides and flipped open. On one side, there is a large compartment, and on the other, a division into 1/3 and 2/3.
Just like many suitcases, the compartments can be closed with a mesh cover. The advantage of this is that you can open the backpack easily without anything falling out. In addition, it naturally makes it easier to sort and organize your things.
There are compression straps in the spacious main compartment. It would be nice if the compression straps in the main compartment could be removed. Especially when using the mesh cover, they are not really necessary and can easily get in the way when packing.
On the front, there is a small compartment for flat items, such as a cable or a notebook. Above it is a significantly larger compartment. This can be opened relatively wide. Inside, there is another divider. Also anchored there is a way to secure your keys.
There are two loops on the left and right of the exterior. A carabiner is already included on one side.
The main compartment and the two front compartments are equipped with water-resistant zippers. These prevent the contents from getting wet if it starts to rain, for example.
The division and the compartments make a good impression. It is very easy to keep things organized inside the backpack.
There is a separate compartment for the computer in the back. Inside the laptop compartment, there is another sub-compartment that is slightly raised so that the laptop does not touch the ground. Unfortunately, the laptop compartment does not feature water-resistant zippers, which is something to keep in mind during heavy rain.
Personally, I am not a big fan of the side-opening style of this compartment. The advantage of the wide opening is, of course, that it gives you a better overview of the contents. However, I personally tend to stand the backpack upright, even when it is not attached to a suitcase. Because of this, a top-opening style would make more sense and be easier to handle. It is also easier to grab something from the front compartment, like a charging cable or the power plug, at the same time.
The two compartments in the back of the backpack are a great idea. Especially the compartment behind the luggage strap works well as a hidden pocket, for example for a wallet or ID. Of course, you should only store items there that you don’t need to access frequently without taking off the backpack.
On the side, there is a pocket for a water bottle or a small umbrella. The material is flexible, so even a larger bottle fits inside. However, when the inner compartment is packed full, it is a bit difficult to slide the bottle into the pocket.
In Practice
In daily use, a backpack has to prove that it doesn’t just shine on paper. The volume of the backpack is very good given its size. Of course, it always depends on what you take with you and need, but for a weekend trip or an extended weekend getaway—provided you know exactly what you need—the size fits wonderfully.
The robust ripstop surface doesn’t mind if you set the backpack down on rough asphalt in a hurry or squeeze it into a narrow luggage rack on the train. Thanks to its very low empty weight, you don’t tire as quickly when carrying it, even if you have to walk for a bit longer. Taking it off and picking it up quickly is also effortless, thanks to the well-positioned handle on the top and side.
How can the backpack be used as a photographer? Since, as mentioned, it is not a dedicated camera backpack, you won’t find the classic thick dividers here.
The large interior space is, of course, well-suited for a camera insert cube—an extra padded insert that keeps everything neatly organized and protected from bumps.
On the other hand, a slightly smaller camera bag also fits wonderfully inside. This keeps you wonderfully flexible, allowing you to easily empty the backpack completely at your destination for a relaxed photo outing.
The larger outer pocket on the front is great for accessories such as film, batteries, or memory cards. In terms of space, a compact camera will also fit in there. For sensitive devices or delicate rangefinder cameras, I would recommend an additional pouch or case to avoid annoying scratches. For action cameras or disposable cameras, this is not necessary due to the robust build.
A tripod or selfie stick can easily be tucked into the water bottle pocket.
Conclusion
At the end of my test, I am left with the positive impression of a solid and, above all, versatile companion for future adventures. The backpack scores points with its low weight and good choice of materials, which inspires confidence even in adverse weather conditions.
The highlight for me is the compartments and divisions. They make a very convincing impression, and you can keep things really well organized inside the backpack.
Minor points of criticism, such as the compression straps not being completely removable, the permanently attached chest strap, or the side opening of the laptop compartment, only minimally detract from the overall picture and hardly have a negative impact in daily use.
The volume of the backpack is well-balanced for its size, making it a loyal companion for your next city trip or short getaway. Anyone who organizes their photo gear in small additional bags anyway and values a low empty weight will be happy with this model.
Where to Buy
If you are now interested in this flexible and travel-friendly piece of luggage, you can get more information and view all further details directly from the manufacturer. The backpack is sold through COR Surf’s own online shop and is available there in various colors. You can find more details, exact specifications, and the option to purchase it directly there.
