Best overall		Shimoda Explore V2 25L		SEE IT	This bag is fully customizable and adjustable, so you can get a design that fits your body best for more comfortable hikes.
Best small		Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW Backpack		SEE IT	This tiny, lightweight option is ideal for short hikes.
Best for winter trips		Lowepro Whistler Backpack 450 AW II		SEE IT	The Whistler is built to hold skis and an assortment of wet gear for those snowy adventures.

Having a proper camera backpack for hiking will make it easier and safer to bring your gear along on adventures. All camera backpacks offer protection for your expensive camera equipment. Many will also have additional space for hiking essentials such as food, water, and whatever else you may need on the trail. What type and size of bag you get depends on the hike, as short day hikes call for something different than an epic, weeks-long backpacking trip. But no matter what, the best camera backpacks for hiking should be comfortable to carry so that you don’t mind lugging around your camera.

• Best overall: Shimoda Explore V2 25L
• Best small: Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW Backpack
• Best for winter trips: Lowepro Whistler Backpack 450 AW II
• Best for backpacking: Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L Backpack
• Best budget: Slinger Alpine 200 Lightweight Compact Camera Backpack

How we chose the best camera backpacks for hiking

The writers and editors of Pop Photo have been involved in the photography industry in various capacities for well over a decade. I have been a hiker and outdoor enthusiast since the time I could walk, growing up taking camping trips with long hikes each summer with my family. I’ve used my share of camera equipment and backpacks, learning the ins and outs of what works and what doesn’t.

When selecting the best camera backpacks for hiking, I prioritized bags that provide excellent protection for photography equipment. The ability to carry water and extra gear was essential. I looked for bags that offer flexibility and customization with layout and packing to suit a wider range of people. Comfort was also crucial, as a poorly made and ill-padded backpack will not result in a good hike. 

Best camera backpacks for hiking: Review & recommendations

Finding the right camera backpack for hiking can be a tricky endeavor. Below you’ll find bags suitable for many types of hiking situations, so you can find the option that’s best for you.

Best overall: Shimoda Explore V2 25L

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Why it made the cut: It’s a smartly designed, feature-packed backpack with a rugged build, ready to hold up to whatever you throw at it while maintaining comfort. 

Key features:

• Capacity: 25 Liters
• Laptop compartment: Yes, fits 13-inch laptop
• Weather resistance: Weather-resistant fabric, all-weather cover included
• Exterior dimensions: 10.6 x 18.3 x 6.7 inches
• Weight: 4.5 pounds

Pros

• Adjustable height
• Includes a pocket for a 3-liter hydration bladder
• Highly customizable, down to the straps
• Durable and water-resistant build

Cons

• Pricey

There are lots of reasons this bag won a 2021 Pop Award. It is fantastically designed and well thought out, providing solutions for a variety of photographers. I greatly appreciate that Shimodo took the time to work with a group of female photographers to address fit specific to their bodies. It is a simple thing, but one that often gets overlooked and can have a significant impact on comfort. 

One of the best aspects of this bag is its customizability. Shimoda bags rely on its Camera Core Units for camera protection. These come in different sizes, allowing you to choose what you need based on your gear or even each particular trip. You have to purchase them separately (or in a bundle), but they provide more flexibility for organization. They are also more rigid than other bag dividers, offering better protection. Beyond the interior, Shimoda has multiple different shoulder strap designs, giving you options on that front as well.

The Explore V2 is a rugged, durable bag with a ripstop nylon shell that is tear and water-resistant. In addition, the zippers are lockable and water-resistant, keeping your gear extra safe from both the elements and other humans. And it also comes with a rain cover for those seriously wet hikes. 

There are loads of pockets throughout the bag for organization, meaning you can bring lots of gear beyond your camera. It also includes a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve. For hydration, one side pocket fits a three-liter hydration bladder, and another has an expandable pocket that fits a large Nalgene, so you can easily stay hydrated on your hikes. 

Should you want to read more about these bags, you can read our full, hands-on review.

Best small: Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW Backpack

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Why it made the cut: The Trekker Lite is an extremely lightweight and minimal bag with room for gear beyond your camera. It’s an ideal option for short hikes and day trips. 

Specs

• Capacity: 25 Liters
• Laptop compartment: Yes, fits 15-inch laptop
• Weather resistance: Weather-resistant fabric, all-weather cover included
• Exterior dimensions: 19.3 x 11.4 x 7.3 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

Pros

• Very lightweight
• Versatile and modular
• Plenty of space for jackets and other hiking essentials
• Comfortable to carry

Cons

• Not convenient to get photography gear in or out
• Soft-sided design isn’t for everyone

You don’t always need a giant camera backpack on hikes. Sometimes, you want to go light and fast or are just taking a casual stroll that doesn’t require days of provisions. LowePro’s Trekker Lite series is a fantastic choice for those situations. The Trekker Lite 250 only weighs 2.2 pounds when empty, which is quite lightweight for a camera backpack. In typical LowePro fashion, it is well-made with recycled polyester 300d ripstop, and it comes with a waterproof cover in case you get caught in a downpour.

Like the Shimodo bag, this Lowepro Trekker Lite utilizes a removable GearUp camera insert to protect your gear. Despite being removable and modular, it fits solidly into the pack, so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around. Plus, the camera insert can be worn as a shoulder bag on its own with an included strap. 

We’ve loved the Trekker Lite 250 for shorter day trips. It holds a Sony a7 III with a compact lens attached and an additional small lens or two. The design of the camera insert does make it tricky to get your gear in and out. And you have to unzip the bag nearly all the way to gain access. So, you may want to hike with something like the Peak Design Capture Clip if you like to keep your camera at the ready. But you can trust that your gear will be safe and secure, at least.

The space above the camera compartment is very roomy. It provides enough space for a lightweight jacket, an instant camera, and plenty of snacks. A separate pocket in there helps to keep things organized. An additional pocket on the exterior holds your keys and wallet. There’s a single water bottle pocket on the side, which will hold a 32-ounce Nalgene, but it is a snug fit. Plus, there is a dedicated laptop sleeve, making this a good option for short work trips as well. 

Best for winter trips: Lowepro Whistler Backpack 450 AW II

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Why it made the cut: It’s winter-ready with a waterproof barrier protecting your camera equipment from your wet gear and loads of attachment points for skis, snowboards, or ice tools. 

Key features:

• Capacity: 45 Liters
• Laptop compartment: Yes, fits 15-inch laptops
• Weather resistance: Weather-resistant fabric, all-weather cover included
• Exterior dimensions: 23.62 x 12.99 x 10.04 inches
• Weight: 6.83 pounds

Pros

• Large capacity
• Rugged, durable build
• Lots of attachment points for equipment
• Waterproof front pocket for wet gear

Cons

• Heavy and bulky

If you are a winter adventurer, your backpack needs will be slightly different than most. Winter hikes or trips require extra durability, weatherproofing, and more gear storage. Lowepro’s Whistler backpack provides all that, giving your peace of mind that your gear is safe.

I have owned the first version of this bag for at least seven years, and even after some big trips, it barely shows signs of wear. Though heavy and bulky, the bag itself has a rigid, tough frame with lots of protection. So even if you yard sale while bombing down the slopes, your camera equipment will be safe. The shell is water-resistant nylon that offers enough protection for most snowy days, but there is also a snug-fitting rain cover for those extra wet outings. 

One of the features I love most about the Whistler is the front compartment. Lowepro included a waterproof, tearproof barrier between the camera compartment and the front pocket. It also has drainage holes, making it the perfect place to store ski skins or crampons. Or it’s a safe place to put your hydration bladder since no water can reach the camera compartment if it leaks, and there is a clip at the top to keep it in position.

The other winter-specific design is the straps on the front and side of the pack, intended for attaching skis or a snowboard. You can also use them to strap on a tripod or camping gear. The camera compartment is a removable insert, though it certainly doesn’t feel that way with how snug it is. The dividers are movable so that you can get the perfect configuration and best protection. And some even have pockets for storing small pieces of gear. And there’s a pocket on top for snacks or goggles as well. In all, it’s ultimate protection with lots of room for gear.

Best for backpacking: Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L Backpack

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Why it made the cut: At only 2.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest camera backpacks of this volume. Plus, it’s hydration bladder compatible and has attachment loops for gear, making it the best choice for backpacking trips. 

Key features:

• Capacity: 45 Liters 
• Laptop compartment: None
• Weather resistance: Waterproof
• Exterior dimensions: 31.5 x 10.5 x 10 inches
• Weight: 2.715 pounds

Pros

• Two sizes for different torso lengths
• Lots of attachment points for backpacking gear
• Fully waterproof
• Removable internal frame makes it more versatile

Cons

• Stuff sack style isn’t for everyone
• Clips on the removable brain compartment aren’t very secure

For many, backpacking is all about cutting as much weight from your gear as possible, sometimes to the extreme. The Mountain Light makes some compromises to cut weight but still has many excellent features to protect your camera and hold gear. At just 2.7 pounds, it is the most lightweight 45-liter pack available. And it weighs only slightly more than the much smaller 25-liter Lowepro bag mentioned above.

The bag is stuff sack style, meaning you don’t get pockets or organization. But that is part of what helped cut down on the weight of this pack, and it also allows you to pack more freely. You can simply shove your sleeping bag in the bottom to maximize space instead of worrying about where to put what. There is a dedicated spot for a camera insert, though that needs to be purchased separately. Once in, you access your camera via the back of the bag, which offers more protection for your gear. 

There are two large side pockets for water bottles or a tripod, and it’s hydration bladder compatible. In addition, there are attachment points on the exterior for adding extra gear, and the roll-top style means it can expand quite a bit. Finally, the entire bag is made of waterproof material, which holds up well even in intense downpours. You may still want to get a rain cover if you know your trip has the potential for non-stop rain.

It’s worth pointing out that this bag is definitely for minimalists. Though there is a camera compartment, it is small and won’t hold much more than a small camera and a few moderate lenses. Long telephoto lenses won’t fit unless you put them in the stuff sack. Also, the clips that attach the brain compartment to the bag’s top or keep the top flap down aren’t all that secure. But, if going light is most important to you, you cannot beat this option.

To read more about this backpack, check out our full review.

Best budget: Slinger Alpine 200 Lightweight Compact Camera Backpack

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Why it made the cut: At roughly $50, the price of this bag is hard to beat. Plus, it can hold a full-frame camera with a 70-200mm attached and comes with an all-weather cover.  

Specs

• Capacity: 25 Liters
• Laptop compartment: Fits 8-inch tablets
• Weather resistance: Weather-resistant fabric, all-weather cover included
• Exterior dimensions: 12 x 17 x 7 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds

Pros

• Lots of pockets for organization
• Lightweight and compact
• Lots of room for gear with movable dividers
• Side pocket for a water bottle or tripod

Cons

• Not as much protection as other backpacks
• No compartment for hiking gear outside of camera compartment

For those wanting a basic camera backpack for short hikes, the Slinger Apline 200 camera backpack is a great choice at a very affordable price. Despite the low cost, it provides plenty of room for photography gear, including a full-frame camera with a 70-200mm lens attached and additional lenses. In addition, the dividers in the camera compartment are adjustable, so you can arrange them to best fit your equipment.

The exterior is made of water-resistant fabric, and the bag comes with an integrated rain cover. There’s a good amount of padding on the back to make it more comfortable, but there is no waist belt to take some of the weight off your shoulders. Throughout the bag, you’ll find plenty of pockets to keep even your small items organized and safely secured. 

There is a side pocket for a water bottle or tripod, but it won’t accommodate a large bottle or a hydration bladder. There is no separate compartment for non-photography gear, so you won’t have a place to stuff your wet rain jacket. And while you can pack some clothes and snacks if you don’t use all the room for camera gear, it won’t hold much else. It’s definitely not the best bag for long hikes, but it will work very well as a simple, protective bag for short hikes. 

Things to consider before buying a camera backpack for hiking

Depending on how much hiking you do, a camera backpack is something you could be spending a lot of time with, getting to know intimately. They generally aren’t cheap to buy, so it’s important to pay close attention and figure out what you need in a hiking backpack before clicking the buy button. What features you need depends on your kit and the types of trip you’ll be taking it on, but below are some overarching things to consider no matter what. 

How big do you need?

How large of a camera backpack you need depends on three factors: How much camera gear you are bringing, the size of your equipment, and the amount of non-photography gear you need. If you’re the type who likes to pack your entire photography kit to have options on the hike, you’ll need to go with a bigger backpack to hold it all. Likewise, you’ll need a bigger pack for larger DSLRs and lenses.

The amount of non-photography gear you need largely depends on the length of your hike. Short day hikes of a few miles likely require little more than some water and maybe a small snack. But, if you are backpacking, you’ll need your tent, sleeping bag, food, water, clothes, and more. A backpack with lots of room outside of the camera compartment will be essential in that case. 

Unfortunately, if you hike a lot with varying distances, you likely will eventually need two packs. But, to start, we’d recommend thinking about the types of hikes you will mostly be doing, the gear you’d most likely need, and finding a pack that fits that. 

Camera compartment

No matter what size pack you go with, be sure to get a backpack with a specific camera compartment. Your camera won’t be protected enough to just throw in a standard backpack. Instead, a padded, dedicated compartment is critical to keeping your gear safe while hiking.

The best padded compartments are customizable, allowing you to change the configuration based on your exact gear on a given day, but not all are adjustable. And even when adjustable, there are still generally size recommendations and limitations. Some are designed specifically for compact mirrorless cameras or entry-level DSLRs, while others can hold larger, more professional gear. Double-check that your camera is compatible with the compartment size before purchasing. 

Can it hold hydration?

Water is perhaps the most important thing to have with you on hikes. Unfortunately, one thing I see overlooked in a lot of camera backpacks for hiking is the ability to carry water. Many will have at least a single pocket on the side for a water bottle, but often those are on the small side. That’s fine if you are doing a short hike or will have access to water along the way. But, if you are on a longer excursion, that won’t cut it.

If you’re like me, you may prefer to use hydration bladders instead of water bottles. Luckily more camera backpack manufacturers have started including a pouch specifically designed for that, but many still do not. Some bags have pockets that can be modified to hold a bladder. But, read the specs and look at photos carefully if that’s what you want. And also, keep in mind that if there is no waterproof barrier between your camera gear and where the bladder is, you risk waterlogging your pricey equipment if something happens to the bladder. 

No matter what style of hydration you like, check how a pack can hold water and how much you’ll be able to bring along. 

Durability

Hiking can put you in some dicey situations. Whether it be a torrential downpour, sharp rocks, or fine sand, the weather or other natural elements on your hikes can wreak havoc on a bag if it’s not designed to stand up to the task. A basic camera backpack may not hold up to hikes, resulting in a ruined bag or potentially destroyed equipment.

To fully protect your gear, you’ll want to get a pack that is made of rugged, durable materials. Look for one that is waterproof or has a rain cover. You’ll also want a sturdy frame and camera compartment to keep your camera and lenses from getting crushed when packing up the car or maneuvering tight slot canyons. Rip and tear-proof materials are also important for the longevity of the bag. Lastly, sturdy, durable zippers are also key for keeping the bag secure and the elements out.

Of course, different hikes have different risks of damage. If you like light, easy hikes, you won’t need something as rugged as someone going deep in the backcountry.

Make sure it fits your body

While all the above features are important, none of them matter if a pack doesn’t fit you well. If your camera backpack fits poorly, you’ll never want to take it out. That could mean you wasted a decent chunk of money. Or, if you suck it up and use it, it could result in less-than-pleasant hikes at best or bad blisters or back problems at worst. A bag that’s too big won’t allow you to take advantage of the support system, so you could end up holding all the weight on your shoulders. Too small, and you could end up with circulation cut off to your arms while hiking, which is never good. 

There are three areas you’ll want to make sure fit your body. First, check the torso length. While you may need a large camera backpack for your gear, it could result in a torso length longer than your body (speaking from experience). While the bag will still work, it isn’t very comfortable, and the weight distribution doesn’t work as well. If you can’t try a pack on before buying, you may want to measure your torso and compare it to the bag’s dimensions. 

Second, if the bag has it, be sure the hip belt fits. One of my packs has a hip belt too large to take any weight off my shoulders, rendering it essentially useless. The same would be true if it’s too small. Most–if any–manufacturers won’t list the size of that, so it’s ideal if you can try it on first.

Lastly, check the shoulder straps. Shoulder straps tend to be more universal than the other two things, so you shouldn’t have to worry as much about them. But, the padding on the straps, where you can adjust them, and how big or small you can adjust them will impact how comfortably they fit. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best camera backpacks for hiking

• Best overall: Shimoda Explore V2 25L
• Best small: Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW Backpack
• Best for winter trips: Lowepro Whistler Backpack 450 AW II
• Best for backpacking: Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L Backpack
• Best budget: Slinger Alpine 200 Lightweight Compact Camera Backpack

Knowing what types of hikes you will likely be taking is the first step in deciding what camera backpack is right for you. Since everyone is built differently, the best camera backpack for one person may be the worst for another. A bag that is comfortable for one person may not fit you well at all. So, whenever possible–especially if you are getting a camera backpack for long hikes–find a way to try on a pack before buying to ensure it fits you. 

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best camera backpacks for hiking in 2023, tested and reviewed appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for professionals		Lowepro Pro Tactic 450 AW		SEE IT	This rugged back is ready for pro work.
Best budget		Lowepro Tahoe		SEE IT	Save money without skimping on protection.
Best for hiking		Shimoda Explore V2		SEE IT	It’s for truly adventurous photographers.

Camera gear isn’t cheap, so it deserves a safe, secure method for moving it around. Camera backpacks have been lugging precious photographic loads around for generations and they have only gotten better with time. The best camera backpacks offer tons of storage, ample padding, supportive straps, and thoughtful features that make lugging your camera simple, even on long adventures. We’ve curated this list of camera bags to address a variety of loads and shooting styles. While many of the bags on this list of best camera backpacks require a bit of an investment up-front, you’ll thank yourself later when your bag takes a tumble or whack and your gear stays safe and sound.

• Best for hiking: Shimoda V2 Explore
• Best for DSLR: HEX Backloader DSLR Backpack
• Best for professionals: Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II
• Best anti-theft: BAGSMART Camera Backpack, Anti-Theft Camera Bag
• Best budget: Lowepro Tahoe BP 150

How we picked the best camera backpacks

The editors and writers at PopPhoto have been enthusiast and professional photographers for decades. I’ve worked as a professional photographer for more than 15 years, most of which involved lugging a backpack full of gear around with me. We have personally tested most of the models on this list, which started off with dozens of options. We also relied on spec comparisons, editorial reviews, and user feedback to choose the best models. Even our budget model isn’t exactly cheap, and that’s because we believe it’s worth spending some money to get a bag that will truly protect your gear in a variety of situations. Spending an extra $50 at the outset will seem like a deal if it saves your expensive bodies and lenses from a hard fall or intense storm.

Best for hiking: Shimoda V2 Explore

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Why it made the cut: A clever, modular storage system and very versatile straps make this a fantastic way to carry lots of gear for long treks over gnarly terrain.

Specs:

• Weight: 7.8 x 11.6 x 21.2 inches
• Support straps: Waist and chest
• Dimensions: 4.4 pounds

Pros: 

• Extremely comfortable
• Clever modular storage system
• Burly weatherproofing
• Lots of pockets

Cons:

• Pricey

We gave the Shimoda V2 Explore a 2021 Pop Award last year. In other words, it’s one of the best camera bags we’ve ever used. This outdoor-oriented bag relies on modular inserts to arrange the compartment specifically for your preferred gear loadout. The straps—including the waist and chest straps—adjust so it can conform to people of different heights. That makes this bag great for men or women of any size or height.

It has enough capacity to fit a full-sized laptop, and outer pockets hold a water bottle and tripod. It opens on the side closest to your back, so you can put it down on the trail without worrying about it getting your clothes wet or dirty when you pick it back up. Plus, it has multiple access points for the gear compartment. You may not even have to put it down at all to grab your camera.

Best for DSLRs: HEX Backloader DSLR Backpack

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Why it made the cut: Its boxy design makes lots of room inside for larger camera rigs.

Specs:

• Weight: 3.25 pounds
• Support straps: Chest
• Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 12.0″ W x 5.5″ D

Pros: 

• Lots of room for gear
• Sturdy, modular padding
• Understated design doesn’t scream “camera bag”

Cons:

• No waist strap

This backloading DSLR bag’s camera storage section takes up the entire back of the bag. That gives it lots of room for multiple camera lenses and accessories. The back compartment is lined with customizable EVA foam inserts and velcro to configure your bag however you like. A quick-access pocket at the top of the bag makes it so you can grab the camera body without having to unzip the rest of the bag. This compartment has three large interior pockets for holding extra batteries, cables, memory cards, and other accessories. The front of the bag features a large pocket for storing keys, phone, or other personal items. It has a fleece-lined 15-inch laptop sleeve, a water bottle pocket, plus a place to attach a tripod. It offers a solid mix of space and protection, so it’s great for photographers that need to carry a lot of gear.

Best for professionals: Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II

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Why it made the cut: A super-burly bag with enough room for a pro kit gets a boost from lots of extra purpose-driven pockets.

Specs:

• Weight: 5.94 pounds
• Support straps: Waist and chest
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 17.32 x 11.81 inches

Pros: 

• Sturdy straps with waist and chest support
• Robust padding and an EVA shell for extra protection
• Lots of room for gear
• Thoughtful pocket design
• Weatherproof

Cons:

• Heavy

Lowepro’s pro-grade camera bag has the plush padding you’d typically expect from a high-end camera backpack. However, it also offers a molded shell of EVA foam around the exterior to provide a sturdy extra layer of protection on top of the squishy foam. That adds impact resistance, but it also makes the bag more resistant to rain and other precipitation. The AW in the name stands for All-Weather, and it really lives up to that name. The back compartment runs the entire length of the bag so it has enough room for pro gear like larger zoom lenses or pro bodies. It can fit a 15-inch laptop and an array of other accessories and snacks so you won’t go hungry on a long shoot.

Best anti-theft: BAGSMART Camera Backpack, Anti-Theft Camera Bag

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Why it made the cut: 

Specs:

• Weight: 
• Support straps: 
• Dimensions: 

Pros: 

• TK

Cons:

• TK

This anti-theft camera backpack looks unassuming on the outside, but it’s packed with anti-theft features. It features lockable zippers for increased safety when traveling with your gear through crowded tourist destinations. The lower zone of the bag holds a day’s worth of camera equipment. The top section stores clothes and personal items. A separate padded sleeve comfortably hugs laptops up to 15 inches. The camera section is large enough to hold a DSLR with attached 70 to 200mm lens or 3 to 4 standard lenses. There are large side pockets on both sides for a water bottle and/or a tripod. The bag allows you to hook all of the zippers together and secure them together to ingress more difficult. It’s made of water-resistant canvas and has a dedicated rain cover too so it’s not afraid of the weather.

Best budget: Lowepro Tahoe BP 150

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Why it made the cut: It’s affordable, but not built cheap, which means it will still protect your kit without destroying your budget.

Specs:

• Weight: 1.76 lbs.
• Support straps: None
• Dimensions: 10.83 x 8.54 x 15.87 in.

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Solid padding
• Lightweight
• Sturdy zippers and handle

Cons:

• Doesn’t fit a ton of gear
• No extra support straps

This bag offers a compact design, but offers enough room for small kits. Think a mirrorless cameras or a DSLR with a lens or two. For many shooters, however, that’s all they really need. Unlike some other “budget” picks, it doesn’t skimp on the padding or the build-quality. It has burly zippers that won’t separate or lose their pulls. The thick padding is sturdy, too, which means it won’t crush under a little bit of weight. The design is extremely basic, but there is plenty of room in the front pocket and on top for accessories. The padding isn’t as thick as other options, but it’s also not skimpy.

Features to consider when shopping for the best camera backpack

You’ll find hundreds, if not thousands of camera backpack options on the market at the moment. They come in a variety of sizes, protection levels, and prices. Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing a backpack for your gear.

Capacity

Most camera bags offer dedicated laptop sleeve and a section for storing camera gear so they don’t clash in transit. When shopping for a new camera backpack, it is important to consider the size of your gear, how much gear you will be traveling with, and any camera accessories you might be bringing along. Some bags aren’t long enough to accommodate a large zoom lens, and if you’re shooting with a full-sized camera like the Canon 1D X Mark III or your camera has a vertical grip installed, some bags may be too shallow to fit the extra height. Take an extra few minutes to measure your gear (or just look up the dimensions online) and compare them to the bag dimensions.

Opening type

Camera backpacks typically come with either a clamshell design or a roll top design. A roll top design is usually better at holding more stuff, while a clamshell backpack has a more understated, stylish design. A lay flat configuration of the backpack can be extremely helpful when flying because it makes it much easier to get through security, but can also be useful in the studio. If you are looking for a backpack where you can access your gear while the camera backpack remains on your body, look for something with side access pockets instead.

Some lay-flat bags open on the back while others open on the front. I prefer those that open on the back because you can lay it on the ground without getting dirt allover the part of the bag that touches your body.

Ruggedness and weatherproofing

If you are primarily using the camera backpack for commuting with your gear you probably won’t need a fully waterproof camera backpack—something that is water-resistant will likely be plenty of protection. If you are planning to take your camera gear on long hikes in the elements, a fully weatherproof camera backpack with a dedicated rainfly will be a better option for you. Think about how you will be using the bag to help determine which camera backpack is best.

Traveling by air or commuting to work is a very different environment than taking your camera equipment into the outdoors. If you are an avid outdoor photographer who plans to take your gear on lots of outdoor adventures in rugged terrain, you will likely want to look for a camera backpack that can handle the unpredictable elements of the outdoors.

If you are planning to do a lot of hiking with your camera equipment, look for backpacks with a larger capacity and that have enhanced weatherproofing to keep the contents of your camera backpack safe.

Some camera bags come with removable rain socks that stow away inside the bag and fold out for when the weather gets particularly gnarly.

Gear size

If you are shooting with a DSLR camera consider that the body, the lenses, and all of the accessories will be larger and heavier than if you are a mirrorless photographer. A camera backpack specifically designed for larger DSLR cameras is a great way to make sure that weight is evenly distributed in your backpack, while still keeping all of your gear safe and sound.

If you are traveling with two bodies and a variety of lens options selecting a camera backpack that loads from the back is a great choice. With these designs, the entire back panel of the bag is where you will store your gear. Accessing the gear typically means removing the pack from your back. This style of camera backpack allows you to carry a whole lot more lenses and accessories while you are traveling with your camera gear.

FAQs

A final word on shopping for the best camera backpack

• Best for hiking: Shimoda V2 Explore
• Best for DSLR: HEX Backloader DSLR Backpack
• Best for professionals: Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II
• Best anti-theft: BAGSMART Camera Backpack, Anti-Theft Camera Bag
• Best budget: Lowepro Tahoe BP 150

Finding the best camera backpack for you depends a lot on how much gear you will be carrying with you, the size of your camera equipment, and where you are planning to travel with your gear. The majority of camera backpacks feature a dedicated laptop sleeve and enough space for a mirrorless camera setup or a DSLR setup. A design with a dedicated layout laptop sleeve will make it easier to get through airport security, while a camera backpack with a backloading design will allow you to carry more gear.

A camera backpack designed for exploring the outdoors will feature more impressive waterproofing than a backpack made for urban commuting or day-to-day use. A camera backpack with more advanced features will likely be more expensive than a basic camera backpack, but will also stand up to more wear and tear. Regardless of the bag you choose, having a dedicated camera backpack is a great way to keep your favorite camera equipment safe and secure.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

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Over the years, I have, for good or bad, become a bit of a camera bag snob. I am picky about my camera bags and am on a seemingly never-ending quest to find the perfect one, if such a bag even exists. And so, when Manfrotto asked me to try something from its PRO Light line, I gladly jumped on board. 

The PRO Light series is designed for traveling shooters, and there is a long list of storage options in the line, from backpacks and slings to hard cases and roller bags. I had the opportunity to test the PRO Light Flexloader Backpack L (26.5L) and have been using the bag for several months. 

Size

Despite the name, I would not exactly describe the Flexloader Backpack 26.5L as light. When empty, the pack weighs 6.6 pounds, which is only around half a pound less than my massive and rugged first edition Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW. And it has exterior dimensions of 22 x 14.2 x 13.8 inches. It’s quite bulky; there’s no getting around it (sometimes literally). 

I am a relatively small human (5’6″ and 130 pounds), and this camera backpack sticks out a lot. I can’t tell you how many people I accidentally clipped with the pack or the number of tight spaces that proved tricky with the bag on my back (e.g., packed elevators). It fits in the overhead compartment of airplanes just fine but definitely doesn’t fit under the seat. I had to attempt to jam it there on one full flight with no overhead compartment capacity, and needless to say, it ate up literally all of my legroom. 

Capacity of the PRO Light Flexloader Backpack L

The trade-off for the bulk is that it holds a ton of gear. Manfrotto specifies that there is room for a full-frame mirrorless or DSLR with an attached 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, a second camera with a kit lens, two to four more lenses, a drone, batteries, and additional accessories. I don’t typically travel with quite that much gear, but I was able to bring my Sony a7 III, 24-70mm lens, 14-24mm lens, Instax Mini 11, and a small microphone, and still have some room to spare.

Additionally, there is a dedicated laptop pocket for 15-inch laptops. And it features an expandable back pocket that is intended to hold a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer (though it is awfully tight for that use). By now, it should be clear that this backpack is for someone who likes to have a lot of gear on them. However, in terms of non-photography gear storage, there isn’t much. There are two pockets on the side to accommodate a water bottle and tripod and a small pocket on the front for smaller items like keys or a small notebook. And there are stowed-away straps so you can attach things to the outside of the pack. But that’s it. 

You could shove a jacket in the camera compartment if it’s small enough, and you don’t need to fill that area with gear, but there isn’t empty space like a lot of camera bags to stash non-photography-related stuff. Also, the expandable pocket intended for a gimbal is still essentially flat storage and doesn’t expand all that much. I traveled with a book in that pocket, and it was a tight squeeze. I even got a rug burn on the back of my hand from reaching in to take the book out a few times. 

Materials & durability

The exterior of the PRO Light Flexloader Backpack is made of water-repellant RipStop nylon and polyester fabric. I never got caught in the rain with the bag, but I had it lying in some snow and had no issues with moisture. 

Should the need arise, it comes with a stowed-away DuoFace sun and rain cover for extra protection. Manfrotto says the cover even reflects sunlight to keep gear cool, which may be handy on hot, sunny days, given the black design of the backpack.

The zipper pulls on the Flexloader are all quite long and made of steel wire. They feel really solid and are easy to pull. And there is even a little pocket near the top with an included and tethered TSA lock, so you can lock up all those steel wire zipper pulls and don’t have to worry about someone cutting through them to steal your expensive gear. 

After using the Pro Light backpack for five months, during which time I took three separate cross-country flights plus one long road trip, I can attest to its durability. It shows very minimal signs of wear. When I was pulling it out from being jammed under the airplane seat, I heard a rip somewhere (it was really stuck in there), but I couldn’t see any issues and haven’t had any problems with the bag since then. 

PRO Light Flexloader Backpack L interior features

One of the things I love about the bag is how easy access to the camera compartment is. The zipper to that main pocket goes nearly all the way around the pack, so you can flip the entire flap open and have unfettered access. Too many bags seem to require you to wiggle and maneuver the camera just right to get it out, and that is definitely not the case here. 

Inside the back, the Pro Light backpacks utilize Manfrotto’s new M-Guard Protection System, which it says is “specifically designed and laboratory tested to guarantee the highest level of protection and shock resistance.” And like most camera bags, those M-Guard dividers are movable to customize your gear storage. For even more protection against drops, Manfrotto included SAS-TEC, a viscoelastic memory foam, in the backpack’s base.

Luckily, I didn’t have any drops with the bag, so I didn’t have to test how shock resistant it really is. But, I found that the velcro on the dividers is a weak point. Even with fairly light items and no jarring of the bag, I had them give out, leaving all my gear mixed up and towards the bottom. Luckily I didn’t have anything too precious packed inside, so nothing was damaged, but it was frustrating to open things up and see my stuff all jumbled. 

Also inside the bag are three mesh pockets, one with a zipper and two with an elastic top. These don’t expand much but are nice for small items like extra memory cards, batteries, and some microfiber cloths.

Another nice touch is the extra pouch that comes with the bag. It consists of two zippered pockets with different types of pockets and elastic organizers in each. I kept my mouse, portable SSD, charging cords, USB hub, and other such work necessities in the pouch while traveling, and it kept me much more organized. Plus, there were times I could just bring that out as opposed to my entire backpack, which was much more convenient.

Fit & comfort of the PRO Light Flexloader Backpack L

The main reason I wanted to try the PRO Light Flexloader Backpack L was because of the adjustable torso feature. I have a long torso for a female, but I’ve still had too many bags that are simply way too long for me. Unfortunately, that extra length means that the hip belt doesn’t sit where it should, so I can’t take any weight off the shoulders and onto my hips. 

At the top of the pack, where the shoulder straps meet the body, are three loops for torso length. I tried all three and stuck with the middle option that the bag came set as, which I did not anticipate. Changing the positioning of those clasps made a surprisingly big difference in how the bag fit. That feature would be a huge plus for someone with an extra short or long torso.

Though I didn’t go on any hikes or anything of the sort with this bag (it’s not exactly meant for that, after all), as mentioned, I did have some long days in the airport with it. Besides the bulkiness, I found the bag to be perfectly comfortable. I had the waist belt synched all the way down, but luckily it was just tight enough to help take some of the weight off my shoulders, making it more comfortable to keep on my back. The straps–shoulder and waist–and the back of the bag are plump with padding as well (they are over an inch thick), so there was no cutting in anywhere, even when I had it packed pretty full.

Final thoughts on the PRO Light Flexloader Backpack L

Pros

• Holds a lot of camera equipment
• Well-padded and comfortable to wear
• Torso length is adjustable
• Durable build
• Airport friendly
• Easy access to the camera compartment

Cons

• Extremely bulky
• Not very light, even when empty
• Not much room for non-photography-related gear
• Velcro on dividers can move out of place during transit
• Expandable pocket isn’t very expandable
• Material in the expandable pocket is really rough

The PRO Light Flexloader Backpack L is a bit of a love-hate situation for me. I love how much camera gear it can hold, but I do not like how there isn’t room for much else. And yes, a bag needs to be somewhat bulky to carry a lot of gear, but this seems excessive. The bag is meant to be a carry-on, not checked baggage, so some of the shock absorbency seems like overkill. 

I also love the adjustable torso length, even if I didn’t need it in this case. It’s nice to see companies finally considering that as they design new bags since it can make such a massive difference in comfort. And as much thought that Manfrotto put into some of the bag materials, such as the exterior, others, it seems, were more of an afterthought. The rough material of the expandable pocket and the less-than-strong velcro on the dividers especially.

At the end of the day, this bag makes sense for a very specific group of people: Professional photographers or videographers who need to bring a lot of equipment on their travels and who don’t need anything beyond that on their shoots. Luckily all the padding makes it comfortable since it isn’t a very lightweight backpack to carry around. 

The post Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader camera backpack review: Protective, bulky appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Finding the right camera backpack often feels like a Goldilocks situation. Either a bag doesn’t fit right, it doesn’t have the right compartments, doesn’t hold enough, or weighs too much. I have gone through many packs trying to find the right fit for different situations, and I am typically frustrated and left wanting more. 

The Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L made a lot of promises that gave me high hopes for a hiking camera backpack that would finally tick my most important boxes. I had the opportunity to test the medium size in blue on a two-day backpacking trip on the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota. We had rain and tricky trail conditions for most of the hike, and I definitely put it through the paces. I ended up with some mixed feelings about the bag, though they overall leaned positive.

Weight & materials

The main selling point of the Moment Strohl Mountain Light is implied by the name: it’s a very lightweight bag. Many camera backpacks I’ve used are fairly heavy before you even load them up with gear. That is not the case here. Moment says it is the lightest 45L camera backpack on the market. I’m inclined to believe that, as it weighs only 2.2 pounds when empty. It feels like an empty school backpack. 

Despite its lightweight construction, the backpack does have some structure thanks to the steel frame. It won’t sit up on its own but does keep some shape, making it easier to pack. The frame is removable, however, should you want to pack the bag down into a suitcase or other bag during long trips. It has a molded back panel with some padding on the hip belt for comfort and ventilation.

The pack is made with Cordura ripstop fabric and taped seams. It’s supposed to be waterproof, and after two full days of hiking in very wet conditions, it mostly lives up to that designation. I had the pack land in mud and could just wipe it off (though it did stain some spots). But, there were areas where water appeared to be starting to soak in by the end. I wouldn’t have wanted to be out much longer in those conditions to see how waterproof it was. 

Despite the material being waterproof, it would be nice to have a dedicated rain cover, especially since the front pocket doesn’t offer any protection from the rain. And, when I had the pack really stuffed to the brim, I noticed some potential leak locations. The bladder hose holes opened up, exposing some gear, and the brain had to be messed with to cover everything fully. A simple rain cover would have remedied these issues.

Exterior features

The exterior storage comprises stretch pockets on the front, each side, and two small ones on the shoulder straps. And when I say stretch, I mean it. I was able to cram a surprising amount of stuff in these pockets. 

There are some straps and attachment points, so you can easily attach accessories like ice tools, crampons, trekking poles, etc. The built-in straps also keep items in the side pockets secure, which is a nice touch.

The pack also uses a removable brain for additional storage. It connects via three G clips–one on the front and two in the back. While these are easy to use, they are also too easy to remove. They frequently come undone when you don’t want them to, requiring you to reattach the brain. It got quite annoying at times. 

The brain contains one large pocket on top and a smaller one on the underside. It provides a surprising amount of extra storage. And while the pocket on the bottom was useful, I wish it had at least one more interior zippered pocket on top. It would be nice to have a place to keep smaller items from getting lost without requiring flipping off the brain to access things. It’s nitpicky, but it would have helped me find things like the lighter, ibuprofen, and extra batteries much more easily.

Interior features of the Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L

In order to cut down on weight, features are minimal in this bag. It’s essentially an open stuff sack style. For interior organization, it utilizes a removable camera insert (sold separately) on the bottom of the bag, a stretch pocket for a hydration bladder, and a tiny pocket on the camera compartment flap. 

The dedicated space for a hydration bladder is a huge plus, though it doesn’t hold a large bladder. Less stopping to get out a water bottle is a big help. There are also hose ports on either side near the top of the bag. However, be aware that nothing separates the bladder from the camera compartment, so you could have a big problem if you spring a leak. 

There isn’t much in terms of structured organization if you like compartments for individual items. But for backpacking trips like mine, the stuff sack is actually just fine and even preferred. It is roomier than a divided back would be. And the design of the bag allows it to be expandable (up to a point), which is ideal for trips of different lengths. 

Camera storage

As mentioned, the camera compartment is a small area at the bottom of the pack. You’ll need to either buy a bundle that includes the camera insert or purchase it separately if you want to use this as a camera backpack. 

It’s important to point out that the camera insert is small. Its dimensions are only 10.5 x 9 x 5 inches. I only fit my Sony a7 III with the Sony 24-70mm f/4 attached, a disposable camera, headphones, an extra battery, and a lens cleaning kit. My Sigma 12-24mm is a bit too tall, and although I can zip the flap up, it would probably poke into my back. The opening is also small, so you have to button things a bit.

This backpack is definitely intended for carrying a minimal photography kit. If you like to have a lot of lens options or additional equipment on you, this is not the bag for you. But then, you’re probably not as concerned about having the lightest possible bag.

Also, the Moment Strohl is probably not the best pick if you want rugged camera protection. The camera insert is pretty sturdy, but it isn’t padded. And the way it attaches to the bag is less than sophisticated. Four velcro tabs on the pack attach to each side of the insert, and that’s it. 

I found if I moved much with the backpack on, those tabs popped off. And, any debris on what you shove in the top of the pack could easily make its way to the camera compartment since it’s not closed off in any way. Yes, it makes the bag more versatile, but I would prefer more protection. There are plenty of dedicated hiking backpacks, less so with camera protection.

Camera Loader

One thing that helps free up space is the Camera Loader. The Camera Loader is also a separate purchase, but I would highly recommend it for a few reasons. 

First, the backpack’s camera compartment is located on the back of the bag, meaning you would need to take it all the way off to get the camera out. The loader gave me much quicker access to my camera, meaning I could take more photos without slowing the group down.

Second, the camera was protected while hiking. While Peak Design makes a slick clip to keep your camera on your shoulder strap, it leaves the camera out in the open. On rainy hikes, that’s not great. And, with the slippery terrain, it gave me peace of mind knowing that if I fell, there was at least some padding around the camera.

There is a downside to the Camera Loader, though. There are a few ways to carry it, but I opted to loop it onto the waist belt. This was great since it was out of the way but easy to access. But it isn’t held on by anything. So, whenever I unbuckled the waist strap to take the pack off or put it back on, I had two options. I could slide the Camera Loader off and then have to thread it back on. Or I could attempt to hold it in place while maneuvering the bag on or off. 

Either way is annoying, and it makes the pouch easy to fumble. Some way of locking the thing on the waist belt would be an improvement. 

Fit & comfort

As a smaller female, I’ve had lots of issues finding larger camera backpacks for hiking that actually fit. So I appreciate that Moment sells this bag in two torso sizes (medium for 17-18.5 inch torsos and large for 18+ inches). 

I went with the medium and, overall, was happy with the fit. It didn’t extend below my torso, which I’ve had with other bags. The waist belt actually cinched up enough to take some of the weight off my shoulders, though I had to max it out. And the shoulder straps didn’t need to be shortened so much that getting my arms in and out was difficult. Anyone much smaller than me would likely have issues with the medium still being too large.

I packed the Mountain Light to the brim, hitting the scale at slightly over 30 pounds, before I added water and some extra snacks. We hiked just over six miles on both days on slippery, uneven terrain, and I found the pack to be as comfortable as it could be for carrying that much weight. I didn’t have any bruising on my hips or back, though I wore a few layers that added padding. My shoulders were, naturally, tired at the end of the day, but the waist belt helped relieve some of that.

Final thoughts on the Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L

Pros:

• Roomy, with expandable storage space
• Durable, waterproof material keeps your stuff dry
• Fairly customizable
• Comfortable even when loaded up
• Hydration bladder compatible
• Extremely lightweight

Cons:

• Camera compartment isn’t very refined
• Camera Loader easily slides off the waist belt
• Brain compartment becomes unattached easily

There’s a lot to love about the Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L backpack. But there are a fair amount of things to dislike as well. The pack offers something new in its lightweight, minimal design, which is refreshing. It offers plenty of room for storage, enough for a two or three-day trip if you pack light. And it’s overall rugged and durable, keeping your stuff dry. 

But, there are some, in my view, design flaws that lead to frustrations while using the bag. The tendency for the brain to come unattached and the rather uninspired camera insert design are the two main downsides for me. 

I would still say the bag is worth purchasing and using, but only for a particular type of person. If your focus is going light and minimal, then this pack is a winner. But, if you want robust camera protection and organization, pick something else. 

The post Moment Strohl Mountain Light 45L backpack review: A lightweight and rugged camera pack appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Photographers are familiar with the refrain, “how will I carry it all?”—all being the cameras, lenses, laptops, and other gear necessary for a good and proper adventure. Peak Design answered that question in 2018 with its original Travel Backpack. Now, the brand has collaborated with specialty gear retailer Huckberry to release an exclusive, limited-edition Peak Design x Huckberry backpack dubbed the “X-Pac.”

Huckberry x Peak Design X-Pac bag specs

Related: Best camera bags

With a volume of 30 liters (about eight gallons), the backpack clocks in at 3.4 pounds and can expand to 33 liters or compress to 27. When fully expanded, it can accommodate up to three Peak Design Packing Cubes. 

As the name suggests, this bag is designed to be the ultimate travel companion. Padded shoulder straps store easily under magnetic flaps, making checking it easy. There is also an axial strap attachment and sternum strap for more comfort. The X-Pac bag fits in the overhead bin as well as under the airplane seat. Plus, it’s approved as an international carry-on. Multiple 360-degree grab handles make it convenient to carry, and your electronics will be snug as bugs in the padded laptop and tablet sleeves. 

Related: Best camera bags for travel

Traveling with a backpack can be risky, but the design team thought of it all, with zipper pulls that are theft-deterrent. Don’t want to lug it on your back? The pass-through allows it to sit atop your roller suitcase. And for the over-packer, there are incredibly expandable pockets for water bottles, tripods, and other unwieldy items. Zippered mesh interior pockets and a large top pocket keep all the knickknacks organized.

What’s so great about X-Pac?

When designing the Peak Design x Huckberry X-Pac Travel Backpack, the team kept sustainability and durability in mind. The backpack is Fair Trade Certified with climate-neutral construction.

Designers also chose to use X-Pac fabric, which is a sailcloth created to withstand the extremes. The fabric is completely waterproof with X-Ply fiber reinforcement and four-layer laminates for durability. 

Price and availability

The Peak Design x Huckberry X-Pac Travel Backpack is now available on Huckberry’s website. It comes in one color, Coyote, and retails for $260. However, if you’re eyeing one, you’ll have to act fast. It’s already sold out, so the best you can do is jump when they restock.

The post Take to the skies in style with the new Peak Design x Huckberry 30L travel pack appeared first on Popular Photography.

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In my 40 years as a photographer, I’ve owned dozens of camera bags. Lugging camera gear has always been an exercise of compromises, but with the new Explore v2 camera backpacks from Shimoda Designs, those compromises are few. And I’ve frankly never used a better bag. Actually, I have two of them; the Explore v2 25L and Explore v2 35L packs.

SEE IT

I purchased these backpacks and their associated camera “Core Units”—padded interior storage cubes that come in a wide variety of sizes—as part of Shimoda Design’s Kickstarter campaign last year. I’ve been using both for several months while on adventures in the American West. They’ve been dragged over the rough granite of California’s Alabama Hills and Joshua Tree and soaked in Oregon’s coastal rain. The Explore v2 packs are hands down the most complete camera-carry solution I’ve ever used. We even gave them a 2021 Pop Award for gear excellence. 

An evolution in design and aesthetics

Adventure, nature, and travel photographers are always in search of incredible images in exotic locations, and capturing those images often requires a lot of gear; heavy, expensive and fragile stuff. When miles separate image-makers from their locations, a camera backpack is the best option for lugging precious equipment to where the shots are made. 

In 2017, veteran camera pack designer Ian Millar launched a new line of adventure-forward camera bags with unique shoulder straps (adorned with pockets) and adaptable cube-and-hatch configurations for carrying variable loads. Shimoda Designs started with the Explore v1 line of backpacks and a travel-focused roller bag. Soon after, adventurous photographers around the world were sporting the brand’s distinctive minty green and dark blue backpacks. Four years later, Shimoda Designs is back with the evolved Explore v2 lineup. These rugged bags look less like backcountry gear thanks to understated colors, leather accents, and sleek exteriors with minimal straps. While they are adventure-ready, they don’t look out of place in urban environments.

The Explore v2 packs join Shimoda Designs’ Action X line of packs, which are unabashedly utilitarian with features outdoor and adventure photographers require for work in severe conditions and over miles of torturous terrain. Millar likes to describe the Action X packs as the “pickup trucks” of Shimoda’s line. The new Explore packs, on the other hand, he considers more akin to SUV’s.

All of Shimoda’s packs are designed and built to withstand merciless use in extreme situations, but the Explore v2 line is aimed squarely at photographers who’d like a robust camera backpack that doesn’t look like they just wrapped up an expedition. While the other Action X packs come in 30-, 50- and 70-liter capacities, the Explore v2 packs come in 25-, 30-, and 35-liters. The smallest 25-liter pack is designed to satisfy the most-stringent international airline carry-on rules and all three of the v2 packs are sized to meet domestic carry-on requirements.

It all starts with the straps

For all of their innovations over the years, backpacks have largely kept the same basic design for the shoulder straps we rely on to hang much of the weight of a pack on our bodies. For those heading out on quick day hikes with little more than an extra jacket and some snacks, a simple set of straps would suffice, but for photographers lugging cargo consisting of a number of dense, heavy objects, having shoulder straps that can comfortably transfer the weight is the difference between arriving at the destination ready to be creative and showing up sore and surly. 

Long-distance backpackers know the joyful utility of having often-needed items within easy reach and often fasten pockets and pouches to their shoulder straps to accommodate those items. The new Shimoda Designs shoulder straps, introduced with the Explore v2 line, feature wide, structured shapes that disperse the load across the chest, while boasting truly useful pockets. The right strap can hold a large smartphone, microfiber cloths, and business cards while the left strap has a stretch pocket suitable for a small water bottle.

Shimoda Designs backpacks all feature a ladder of nylon webbing attachment points giving users three inches of adjustment for the shoulder straps, a feature not found on most camera packs. This vertical adjustment accommodates various torso lengths further boosting comfort for heavy hauling.

Straps for everyone

When Millar designed this latest series of packs, he worked with a team of female photographers to create several series of optional shoulder straps specifically built to contour to the female body. The resulting three options: “Simple,” “Tech,” and “Simple Petite” all feature double sternum straps to better distribute the pack’s weight across the chest. The Tech straps retain the wide pocketed style of the original straps and the Simple straps drop the pockets for a more slender and less-obtrusive strap system. In the Action line, Millar also introduced a “Plus-sized” strap on the 70-liter pack. These four optional straps are now available for use on all Shimoda Designs backpacks, making the system one of the most adaptable and customizable on the market. 

Camera Core Units

Many photo backpacks feature removable padded “cells.” What sets the Core Units Shimoda offers apart from the competition is their rigidity. All of the brand’s current Core Units have inflexible walls which provide crush protection and help the packs stand upright when on even ground. The mirrorless units, as you would expect, are sized to hold smaller lenses and camera bodies within the 4.7-inch depth. The DSLR units are 6.7 inches deep and can swallow larger lenses and bodies without having to place them on their sides in the cubes. As with all padded internal camera units, Shimoda’s are customizable with plenty of dividers of various lengths that stick together using rip and stick attachments. 

With a wide range of Core Units available for the Explore v2 lineup, there are plenty of options for photographers with varying kit sizes. 

Good things come in threes

As mentioned, the Explore Version 2 packs span three sizes: 25-, 30- and 35-liters. All three sizes feature the same core features and utilize the same materials. The differences lie in the capacities of the central compartment where the padded Core Units reside. Below is a breakdown of the capacity of each.

Explore 25L – A tidy solution for a small kit

The 25-liter pack is designed to hold only the small mirrorless Core Unit, which is surprisingly capacious for a svelte 10 x 10-inch box. The small unit can carry a mirrorless camera with four or five lenses, making it a great choice for those looking for a bag that will meet strict international airline carry-on rules.

• Exterior Dimensions: 10.6-inches wide, 18.3-inches tall, 6.6-inches deep
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Fits up to a 13-inch laptop

Explore 30L – A Goldilocks pack for larger loads

For a larger mirrorless kit, the 30-liter pack finds the sweet spot with room for any of the mirrorless Core Units while keeping a shallow profile that will slide into any overhead bin. The 25- and 30-liter packs share the same depth, but the 30-liter stretches length and depth dimensions to handle larger gear. 

• Exterior Dimensions: 11.6-inches wide, 20.3-inches tall, 6.6-inches deep
• Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Fit up to a 16-inch laptop

Explore 35L – For when you have a lot to lug

For those traveling with DSLRs or large mirrorless kits, the 35-liter pack will accept the 2-inch-deeper DSLR Core Units. These extra 5 liters really swallow a lot of gear as most non-telephoto prime and zoom lenses will fit “caps up” and large camera bodies can be stashed grip up. The 35-liter is designed to fit in domestic airline overhead bins, but fully loaded, they will raise the eyebrows of gate agents.

• Exterior Dimensions: 11.6-inches wide, 21.2-inches tall, 7.8-inches deep
• Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Fit up to a 16-inch laptop

Advances in organization

Camera packs that have built-in configurable storage space for camera gear can obviously be adjusted to carry all manner of loads, but where the Shimoda Designs bags shine is all of the organizational and protective spaces that surround the central compartment where the Core Units reside. In the updated Explore v2 packs, there are four areas where photographers will find value: the top compartment, the front pockets, the side pockets, and the laptop sleeve. Let’s start at the top.

Top storage

On the original Explore bags, the top compartment is simply a lightweight nylon sack that separates the top portion of the bag from the main compartment. Due to its lightweight construction, it isn’t great for heavy objects like large lenses, gimbals, and drones, but works in a pinch. I tore this compartment free from its interior attachment points in the original pack, but I am happy to see the version two bags take a more robust approach. 

The top compartment in the Explore v2 packs is still a hanging sack, but now it’s padded and oversized, allowing for better use of the empty space above whichever internal Core Unit is installed in the main compartment. Like the original, there are three mesh pockets inside. The addition of lightweight padding in the top compartment makes this space a viable place for excess equipment like drones, gimbals, and larger pieces that won’t fit in the Core Unit. In the Explore 25L, I can fit a Sony mirrorless camera body with an attached medium zoom lens. Safely zipped inside, I’m confident it would ride out all but the roughest handling. 

Laptop sleeve

Behind the top compartment is a second weather-resistant zipper that opens to the inside of the main compartment behind the top chamber. This opening allows for access to the laptop sleeve which is housed in the zippered hatch on the back of the pack.

The laptop sleeve is nicely padded and deep enough for the chunkiest computers. That being said, I did struggle to zipper the laptop “hatch” shut when placing the new 16-inch MacBook Pro inside—it protrudes a good bit beyond the curved zipper opening. Also worth noting is the sleeve has no retention strap or flap, so smaller items like iPads or small laptops can easily slide out of the sleeve into the main compartment. Because of these issues, I prefer to carry my laptop in a separate pack when I travel. I use the space for storing microfiber towels and other soft flat items.

Front pockets

The front pockets on the Explore v2 packs are much improved from the original. They are now slightly padded and structured with the main pocket opening along the top of the bag via a weather-resistant zipper. Inside are two transparent zippered pockets nicely sized to accept filters or other accessories. I can fit a notebook snugly in one along with business cards and a pen. These two pockets sit high at the top of the pack and below is a large stretchy divider that could easily hold a hydration bladder, jacket, or other large items. 

If you opt to install a bladder, there is a hanging loop and clever tube routing from the pocket to the shoulder straps. It seems to me that given the thoroughly coated materials of the pack, along with the configuration of this front pocket, a leaking hydration bladder would not pose a risk to the internal camera compartment. Below the main front pocket is a second zippered pocket that provides a separate space for incidental items. This pocket is perfect for snacks and other things you’d like quick access to, but I’d avoid using it for valuables as it’s a conspicuous pocket directly on the back of the bag.

Side pouches

The side pocket of the original Explore packs was a frustration for me. There was only one and it housed a pull-out mesh pocket that was intended to hold a tripod or water bottle on the outside of the pack. That pocket was very large and even when used along with the pack’s side compression straps, tripods and water bottles were floppy. With the Explore v2 packs, there are now zippered pockets on each side and each holds a deployable mesh pouch that is slightly smaller than the version 1 pouch. Used with the pack’s adjustable compression straps, these pockets do a better job of holding water bottles and all but the largest tripods. (My massive Gitzo Systematic tripod is too broad-shouldered to fit, but my Really Right Stuff BH55 ball head fits just fine.)

Zippered side access

The zippered pockets open like wings and one side allows access to the internal camera unit for those who’d like the option of grabbing their camera without taking off the pack. This wing flap also has a hidden passport pocket, which I think is a welcome addition. The other side opens to a new filter pocket that is divided into two zippered halves. Each is made of transparent material for easy viewing of the pockets’ contents. While they are designed to house large filters, I use them for batteries, SD cards, and other tools I want easy access to. 

I really appreciate this set of pockets but I have one beef with them: due to the wing design, the flap that opens to reveal these pockets is in the way when the pack is placed face down on the ground. Since these packs are meant to be used this way, with the main compartment opening in the back panel of the pack, this cumbersome pocket access seems odd. 

Business in the Back

There’s considerable utility in having the main compartment of a camera backpack accessible from the back. First, it prevents anyone from getting to your precious gear while the pack is on your back. Second, when you put the pack down to get to your gear and go to work, having the parts of the pack that aren’t going to go back onto your back touching the wet, sandy, or muddy ground is really nice. When the Explore v2 packs are laid face-down on the ground, you are presented with the large hatch opening which opens to the side like a door. This is another useful feature as it keeps the hatch (and possibly your enclosed laptop up off the ground and out of the way on the side. 

Many camera backpacks I’ve used over the years have opened clamshell style with the large flap coming down from the top to layout from the bottom of the pack, often right where I want to kneel. Millar took notes watching photographers working from their “desks” on the ground and added a grab handle to the bottom edge of the packs so users could pick up and move them easily with their bags open. I’ve found this quiet little addition to be a real pleasure when I need to shift my workspace in the field and I don’t want to have to zip everything back up.

It’s always been a challenge for camera pack designers to place the hip belts of the bags in a way that doesn’t hinder access to the large back opening. Millar has integrated the hip belt into the “hatch” so when open it is out of the way. He has also designed the supportively padded belts to be completely removable, which is a wonderful option for people who don’t want or need a hip belt. This is a very thoughtful feature and one I’ve come to expect from every camera backpack I consider. I’m a large guy and hip belts don’t ride well on my hips, so they can’t transfer any of the pack’s weight to my pelvis. This is a common issue for people with larger physiques, and the removable hip belt is a wonderful thing for me.

I also find the shoulder straps are so well designed that I can carry a 40-pound load for miles with no discomfort. The Version 2 straps also feature new perforated closed-cell foam padding that breathes well, while cushioning the straps. This cooler padding is also found on the back panel of the packs, making for much less sweat on warm days, something I very much appreciated on a muggy visit to Mono Lake last September.

It’s a Crowded Field (or Mountain)

There are several good options for adventure-ready camera backpacks. Established brands such as LowePro, F-Stop Gear, Gura Gear, Peak Design, and Mindshift Gear have been selling well-made packs for years, and newcomers NYA-EVO, Nomatic, and Wandrd are bringing innovative designs to the marketplace. Of the myriad of camera backpacks out there, only F-Stop Gear, NYA-EVO, Wandrd, and Peak Design make packs that utilize removable camera storage units. The other packs have built-in padded storage compartments with adjustable dividers, but the internal space devoted to these are fixed, essentially making these packs dedicated camera gear bags with little room for extra gear such as clothing and food.

I think the option to flex the amount of camera storage within the pack is critical as it allows for a single pack to be customized for each outing. A quick hike to a favorite sunset location might only require a single body, a couple of lenses, and a tripod. By utilizing a smaller camera unit, you cut down on unnecessary weight and bulk, and leave room for extra clothing layers and even snacks. Conversely, certain trips may require a full load of multiple bodies, lenses, and accessories necessitating a larger camera unit. This flexibility is the chief benefit of interchangeable camera units, and why so many travel and adventure photographers are reaching Shimoda Designs packs. 

Who It’s For

The Shimoda Designs Explore v2 Series of packs occupy a lofty place in a market filled with incredible products. These refined backpacks have the materials and construction to withstand extreme conditions, yet look sleek and elegant. Gone are the dangling straps and shiny fabrics of the first-generation Explore packs. 

Version 2 brings better padding in the back panel and shoulder straps, more robust water-resistant zippers, and ripstop nylon fabric that holds up to the rigors of adventure travel while looking quite classy in matte black or olive green. Given the Shimoda Designs heritage of utility, durability, and comfort, these new Explore packs are for anyone who needs to travel with camera gear in unpredictable conditions and wants to look good doing it. Hardcore action sports photographers will want to look to Shimoda’s Action X line of packs for their expandable capacities, but most everyone else will find what they are looking for in the Explore line.

If you’re a globe-trotting photographer with a small to moderate kit (one body and three or four lenses), the Explore 25 is going to whisk by the strictest gate agents and allow you to navigate busy city streets without bowling people over. I think it’s the perfect size for all-day use. The 25-liter capacity will keep you from overloading, but the small mirrorless Core Unit will take on a surprising amount of gear. The thoughtful pockets and organizational touches will keep everything in easy reach but safely tucked away behind leather-trimmed zippers. I opted for the matte black color for my Explore 25L and I  am confident it will endure years of adventures.

If you want to fly internationally but need to haul more gear, the 30-liter Explore will suit you if you pack it carefully. With any of the mirrorless camera Core Units installed, the Explore 30L will carry an impressive kit, including long lenses like 100-400 zooms. Thanks to the side compression straps, you will be able to cinch the pack down to satisfy airport skeptics and the 30L will fit in any overhead compartment. 

If your travels usually involve domestic flights or car jaunts, the Explore 35L is the best option. With a mirrorless Core Unit inside, it can swallow large coats and scads of accessories for long adventures. Load it down with one of the deeper DSLR Core Units and the Explore 35L becomes a heavy hauler capable of managing sprawling landscape kits and some small video rigs. For me, the Explore 35L is the bag I turn to the most, especially when I am working from a car and I don’t want to leave anything behind. Even fully loaded it carries comfortably for miles. I could see wedding and event photographers loving the Explore 35L and it’s capacious elegance.

Conclusion

When Ian Millar dreamt up the original Explore camera backpacks, he created a series of bags that checked a lot of boxes for photographers who were looking for comfortable, durable, and thoughtful ways to get loads of gear to their favorite places. With miles and miles of lessons learned, he’s back with a new line of Explore packs that add better materials and refined design for a line of camera backpacks that will sit as nicely on the back as they fit in the overhead bin. Over 2,500 people snatched up these packs when Shimoda launched them on Kickstarter, and now they’re on store shelves. 

Competitors in the camera backpack space have a lot to offer to those looking for well-made packs that can haul a lot of equipment, but I think Shimoda Design has the best combination of shoulder straps, interchangeable camera Core Units, materials and aesthetics. The Explore v2 series of packs have all of the weather-defying materials you’ll find on F-Stop Gear and NYA-EVO packs, but without the mountaineering styling and aggressive branding. They have the refined look of Peak Design’s popular Everyday and Travel packs, but shoulder straps you won’t regret using. The Explore Vv2 packs are the best camera backpacks for those who seek the light below the timberline and on crowded streets. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Superior suspension system (adjustable and comfortable)
• Incredibly durable and weather-resistant materials
• A large range of camera Core Units provide flexible options
• Three sizes to meet travel requirements
• Thoughtful organization throughout
• Subdued colors and branding

Cons

• Expensive
• Shoulder straps don’t stow easily for travel
• Side pockets can be difficult to use
• Laptop storage is cumbersome for larger laptops
• Camera Core Units are sold separately

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At first glance, LowePro’s ProTactic camera bags look like they could be filled with SWAT team gear instead of cameras. The all-black outer and thick surrounding straps are meant to make it tough without standing out. The line first started with backpacks, but has now expanded into some shoulder bags, and I’ve been testing out the biggest model, the ProTactic SH 200 AW.

What is it? With slim profiles and black-on-black colorways, the ProTactic series is clearly aimed at photographers that do a lot of moving around, particularly in urban environments. The SH 200 AW is a messenger style bag meant to be worn over one shoulder and hold a moderate amount of gear, typically a body with an attached lens and then two more lenses or a lens and a flash.

Protection The padding on the inside of the main compartment is, as you probably expect, excellent. The modular cushioning lets you customize the space and provide a firm-but-forgiving layer of padding between each piece of equipment. Small pieces of padding also Velcro over the lenses or flashes to help keep them from sliding out in case the bag tips over.

One thing I particularly like is the hard, molded top section on the bag’s main flap. There’s a zipper down the middle so you can get at the gear inside without opening it all the way and hardened panel provides more protection than a basic piece of material, without the need for an extra layer making the bag harder to get into.

While the padding in the main compartment is ample, it’s actually a little sparse on the front accessory pocket. If you’re planning on carrying anything that’s really fragile or important, I would probably recommend making space for it in the main compartment.

The AW denotation stands for All-Weather, which seems appropriate here, as the durable outer shell repelled raindrops quite deftly. There’s also a weather cover that deploys from a zippered pocket on the bottom of the bag.

Capacity The bag is tall enough to hold a regular-sized DSLR (not a pro-sized DSLR like the Nikon D4s or the Canon 1D X) with a 70-200mm telephoto lens attached. The other two slots can easily accept an extra lens or a flash. In fact, if you shoot primes, you can probably fit two smaller lenses to either side of the center column.

I actually found the size to be pretty perfect if I just wanted to grab as much gear as I would need to go out and shoot some portraits. If I was going to bring my compact light stand and umbrella, however, I’d switch back to the backpack.

While the camera compartment is fairly robust, options for carrying other stuff are fairly limited, at least out of the gate. The front pocket has a padded slot for a tablet and a very thin zippered pouch on the outside of the pocket, but fitting things like a bigger portable hard drive or a laptop power supply can be a challenge.

To remedy this, they include an extra small pocket bag that attaches very securely to the outside of the bag using Velcro and the straps sewn onto the bag. The idea is that you can expand the capacity if you want. And while the extra pocket felt extremely secure, I still felt better putting crucial stuff like my hard drives in an attached pocket.

One thing that confused me a bit when I first loaded up the bag was that it claims to only fit a 13-inch laptop, but my 15-inch laptop slid right in. I didn’t notice that there was a small dedicated pocket behind where I was putting my laptop that adds a tiny bit of extra padding. I know it’s not an approved use, but I feel pretty good about carrying my 15-inch laptop in here as well. The bag may eventually give me a reason to regret that decision, but for now, I’ll take the added bonus.

Durability I’m notorious for beating up camera bags, and this one feels like it’s built to last for a seriously long time. The outer layer shrugs off scrapes and grime. Even though it’s an urban bag, I took it through the woods. I was a bit worried the straps would get caught up in the branches, but that didn’t turn out to be the case. It didn’t even really snag despite the sharp prickers and thorns.

A lot of times, the weak point of a bag isn’t the material or the padding, but rather the small stuff, the details, that aren’t sexy, but can fail catastrophically. The ProTactic seems to pay close attention the details, though. The clips and rings that hold the bag onto the strap are very burly (and not jangly, which is a bonus). The zipper aren’t the heaviest I’ve encountered, but they certainly feel very strong and secure.

Overall, the bag feels very solid, more so that most other shoulder bags I’ve tried.

Fit The strap has the ability to get extremely long using the adjustment clips, and that’s a big plus for me. In fact, when the strap is at its longest, I actually found I had to shorten it a little, which is a thing that almost never happens to me.

The padding on the shoulder strap is rather subtle, which I like because it’s less likely to get all twisted up than a strap that’s fat with padding.

There’s a carry handle attached to the top of the bag as well, that’s handy if you’re going through security at the airport or just need to grab the bag and don’t want to do the awkward dance that’s sometimes required to hold a messenger bag without slapping it against the floor.

What I liked:

• Sturdy construction keeps cameras safe and secure
• Black-on-black aesthetic is appealing (at least to me)
• Sewn-on straps allow for expansion of capacity with add-ons
• Included add-on pocket is modular so you can place it where it works best for you personally
• Fits the right amount of gear for a day of shooting
• Molded top panel adds extra protection
• Long, comfortable, versatile strap

What I didn’t like:

• Integrated, non-camera pockets are limited in space and padding
• Tough construction makes it a little heavier than less burly bags
• Bright logos throw off the all-black aesthetic a little
• Zippers could be a little burlier

Verdict Overall, I found this to be a pretty fantastic shoulder camera bag. It’s comfortable, durable, and fits just the right amount of gear for a day spent walking around taking photos. While it doesn’t leave much room for extra stuff, that does make it slim and efficient, which seems to be the overall point with this bag anyway. Plus, if you need more space, you can always add modules. That’s a lot easier than making a bag that’s too big seem smaller.

Official Site

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The original Rotation 180 camera bag from MindShift Gear was a very cool idea. Now, they’re refining the line, adding a new model that’s both smaller and more stylish than its predecessor. The Rotation 180 Panorama has two compartments. The top compartment remains stationary like a backpack, while the bottom compactment slides out on a belt system so you can easily access your gear without putting your bag down.

The best way to really see how it works is really to watch the video below.

The bag will be available in January of 2014 and will cost $200.

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Drone photography is everywhere at the moment and the DJI Phantom is one of the most common models taking to the skies. In order to make traveling with the quadcopter a little simpler, Think Tank Photo has created an insert for their Airport Accelerator bag, specifically designed to carry the flying photographic tool.

The divider kit costs $35 in addition to the price of the bag and has carefully arranged padding meant to accommodate the odd shape of the DJI Phantom. It gives you spots for the craft itself, as well as the other necessary accessories like the controller, batteries, and any other drone paraphernalia you might need.

The padding is arranged in a rather smart way, too, adding extra protection for sensitive areas like the rotor mount threads, which can’t be hurt if you want reliable flight.

It’s a clever idea from a company known for their super-tough bags, so it will likely be a very welcome kit addition for many serious drone shooters.

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When I tested out Timbuk2’s Sleuth camera bag at CES last year, I was impressed. So, when I saw their new offering in the form of the Espionage, I was intrigued. Like the Sleuth, it uses a daypack set-up with one pocket reserved for camera gear and another meant for the rest of your stuff. While the Espionage might not the best solution for fast-paced shooting situations, I did find it to be a great bag for day trips.

What is it?

As the name suggests, this low-profile bag is meant to be subtle, rather than shouting to the world that you’re carrying a bunch of pricy camera gear. The roll-top design lets you customize the size of the bag depending on what you might be carrying around from day to day.

Storage

The top pocket is extremely spacious. If you’ve never used a roll top bag before, it basically turns the top of the bag into a big tube you can stuff full of your belongings. Then, you roll down the part that you’re not using and fasten it closed. In this case, it uses Velcro and a plastic clip. It fits a ton of stuff and it’s nice that it’s collapsible when not in use. However, there aren’t a lot of pockets on the inside of the top compartment, so it can turn into a bit of a mosh pit for your stuff.

The Laptop compartment easily fits a 15-inch MacBook pro, and is accessed through the roll-top, which gives it a snug fit, but also can make it tricky to access if the top compartment is getting full. I had a couple rolled-up T-shirts in there and they wanted to get in the way every time I went to stow my computer. So, another zippered compartment would’ve been nice, but it’s not a deal-breaker, especially if you’re not taking out your laptop frequently.

The camera compartment is accessed through a zippered front panel. It’s not deep enough for a pro body or a camera with a grip on it unless you’re willing to detach the lens and lay it flat. It will, however, fit a camera with a 70-200mm lens attached to it leaving room for a flash or a lens. For a day pack, that’s really about what you can expect. The modular patting is strong, soft, and brightly-colored so you can easily find your stuff. It’s also abundant so you can really customize the layout of the bottom pocket.

There are two mesh pouches on the inner-flap. I like mesh because you can see what’s in there. There’s a similar non-mesh pocket on the outside of the flap for keeping other accessories. I’ve never been dissatisfied with the amount of room that it has.

Fit

I mentioned before that the bag isn’t deep enough to accommodate a pro body (or one with a grip) and for some that’s a negative. But, in making the bag low-profile, they also did an incredible job of making it comfortable. It hugs tight to the body and doesn’t swing around when you move side to side.

To make it even more secure, they gave it both chest and waist straps. The chest strap is a bit high for my taste in its default position and they’re attached by snaps, so I actually ended up losing one, which was a bummer.

The shoulder straps are fantastic. They’re wide, but not too thick so they don’t roll when you put them on. They’re easy to adjust and feel like they could hold up a rhino. I almost never flipped a strap when putting on the bag and that’s a big deal for me.

The contoured back panel is really comfortable and does a great job channeling ear to keep you as cool as possible. Timbuk2 has been making bags for a long time and that’s pretty obvious when you feel how this bag fits. It’s also a rather tall bag, which I like because it means it can sit in the proper place on my back without looking odd.

Other stuff we liked

There are nice little touches about the bag that make it an overall good experience. The Velcro is strong and sturdy, and there’s even a bottle opener/carabiner holder on the strap. It’s not great if you want to carry a giant tripod, but I was able to use the side straps and pocket to carry a portable light stand and an umbrella without a problem.

Who should buy it?

This is one of my first extended experiences with a roll-top bag and I’m still a little up in the air about it. I love all the space and the options, but at the same time, it can be a pain to get a laptop into the thing. Plus, if it tips over while the top is open, there’s a chance it might just vomit all of your stuff out onto the floor. But, that’s my fault as a user.

Overall, I think it’s a terrific bag and I have no problem recommending it for people who do a lot of day trips. If you’re a commuter and you like to bring a camera just in case, it’s a great option. It’s also very good if you don’t want to make it obvious that you’re carrying camera gear. It still doesn’t look cheap, but it doesn’t scream, “come get my 70-200mm lens!” either. Ultimately, I have no problem recommending this bag to anyone considering it. It just might take a little getting used to.

Official Site

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