In French, my last name, duChemin, means “of the road.” I was born to travel. I got my first passport just six weeks after I was born, and took my first international flight when I was six months old. I’ve now photographed in 59 countries and all seven continents. It’s fair to say I’ve packed a lot of bags and have some strong opinions about the gear I choose to travel with.
For the last 15 years, Gura Gear has been with me on every trip. I use their Kiboko 30L camera bags, the Chobe computer satchel, and now their Mara duffel bags. In every one of those bags, you’ll find their various EtCetera accessory pouches keeping me organized. I love the design, rely on the quality, and am so proud and grateful to have Gura Gear support my work. And, though you shouldn’t need it, its customer support is second to none.
So late last year, they reached out and asked, “Can we send you anything?” I looked around my office at all the piles of gear and the bags those piles would go in and, probably for the first time ever, thought, “Wow—there’s nothing I need.” I didn’t even recognize myself as I said it.
But then I thought of you and asked if they’d be willing to share that same love with you. It wasn’t just an immediate yes; they said, “Send us a list.” So I did, and not only did they give me everything on that list, they added to it. And together, we’re giving it all away.
Gura Gear is giving us three great prizes, and all you have to do is leave a comment here on my blog (below) by February 07 to enter. We’ll then do a random draw on February 08 and select three names for the following prizes:
First prize is a Kiboko 30L+ Camera Backpack (black).
This is the same bag I’ve travelled the world with for the last 15+ years, though it’s been updated with a laptop sleeve. This bag is one of the lightest on the market, fits into every plane I’ve ever been on except the smallest regional jets, but that’s not fair because nothing much bigger than a laptop fits into those overhead bins, though even then it will fit under the seat. It’s also one of the few bags that will take a 600/4.0 lens. The design is exceptional, and the build quality is brilliant. I’ve carried this bag comfortably through too many airports to count, and it has never let me down.
How much do I love this bag? I have eight of them in all different sizes and colours. Don’t judge me; I like my camera bags, and I’m a weak man.
Me and my Mara 60L Duffel. Dressing to match is entirely optional.
Second prize is a 60L Mara Duffel Bag (Sahara).
This is the same bag I’ve packed for next month’s month-long trip to Kenya. Made from the same X-pac fabric used for their camera bags, it’s the lightest and most durable fabric available. I can put a lot of stuff into this bag, and the internal pockets help keep it organized. With great grab handles and comfortable backpack straps (if you want them), this duffle is my new favourite.
Third prize is an accessories package.
Three EtCetera pouches (one medium, one small, one x-small), a Tembo card wallet, and one of their brand new tech organizers (so new I’m not sure it’s even on the website yet). If you keep saying you’re finally going to get all those little bits and pieces organized, this will help. My bags and Pelican cases are full of the EtCetera pouches—they’re the only way I can keep track of all the smaller bits of gear, the batteries, the chargers and cables, etc. This package is worth about USD$150.
That’s almost $1,000 worth of some of the best kit I’ve ever used, and GuraGear is just giving it away, no strings attached. All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog. How easy is that?
Just go to my blog and tell me you’re in. Say “Pick me!” or “Thank you” or “I like bears.” It doesn’t matter what you say; just tell me you want your name in the draw. Want bonus points? You could make sure you’re following @gura.gear and me (@davidduchemin) on Instagram. It won’t increase your chance of winning, but we’d feel the love, and you can’t have too much love these days.
I use every one of these bags and pouches almost every day that I’m working and travelling. My relationship with Gura Gear is a long one, and I’ve bought most of these bags with my own money because they’re worth every penny. But I’m excited for some of you to get your hands on them. I’ll do the draw on February 07 and announce the winners in my Contact Sheet email and on my blog on February 08.
Good Luck!
For the Love of the Photograph,
David
