p.1 #1 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
I have spent hour upon hour reading reviews of camera bags (it would be nice to actually try one but Covid 19 problems don’t exactly allow for that 😊
I have a Mindshift 18L Backlight which I really like but it’s too small for what I would like to be able to do. I am primarily a people shooter but occasionally take urban landscape and landscape images. I would like a backpack bag that will allow me to take camera and lighting gear to locations that my rolling Think Tank bag or a cart is just too unwieldy to get to. I am not usually going far (probably less than a mile from the car most of the time but maybe up to 6 miles if I am looking to shoot landscape but in that case I will carry less.). My shoulders will no longer let me just carry a shoulder bag any distance in comfort.
Plan on bringing an A7R4, probally two lenses, two lights (AD200 or maybe 1 AD400), two small light stands and maybe a small tripod as well as two lightweight modifiers, some water and other odds and ends.
Comfort in carrying all this is KEY as I am in reasonable shape but also 68.
After a lot of research two bags seem to stand out, Atlas Athlete, and Shimoda X50. The Shimoda X30 would probably work but the side access is too small for my cameras with a Spider plate on the bottom. The reviews I can find on both are very positive. I am a little troubled by the Shimoda reviews as almost everyone states they are not paid reviews but that they were given the bags for free. This is probably just good marketing but it does concern me a little especially as some of those same reviews used to love their Atlas bags before their love of Shimoda.
Any help here would be great. People with experience with either brand, with something else they think would be better for my intended use or other suggestions, etc. -Jim
p.1 #2 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
I'd read through this thread over at the medium format forum on GetDPI. Forget the fact that it's medium format -- stuff is stuff. The packs you're considering are discussed in the thread.
This is where I learned about a pack called the Ortlieb Atrack, which I have in 35 L. It's excellent, very comfortable, tough, and fully waterproof. But it's not everyone's cup of tea because it's not a "camera" backpack. There are no dividers, no fancy side access, etc. It's just a pack. People kit it out with things like F-Stop ICUs. One of the last posts in the thread shows an ICU with lots of compartments.
P.S. You have a few years on me, but not that many. I hear you re the shoulders....
I recently bought a Vanguard Veo Select 41 that I am quite happy with. It holds my A7Riv with the Tamron 28-200 + plenty of other lenses and accessories. Vanguard also makes larger sizes, and in fact, I may buy a larger version for times that I need something just a little bigger. The bag is well organized and well built. I use this for frequent air travel and is perfect for my Sony or Olympus kits. Another great bag that I almost bought and still may is the PRVKE 31L. The Shimoda’s are another bag I have been thinking about, but I have not seen them in person. There are lots of great bags out there, the trouble is trying to find them in person. My local camera store carries the Vangard and PRVKE lines which is where I bought the Vanguard. Good luck with your search!
p.1 #6 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
jmmaher wrote:
Thanks - will take a look at the Vanguard and the thread at DPR. -JIm
Hi Jim,
Since you have, are happy with and are familiar with the Mindshift Gear Backlight 18L, you may wish to consider the Mindshift Backlight Elite 45L. You can swap out the standard internal padded photo compartment with the Mindshift Stashmaster 13L when you wish to carry less photo equipment and want to carry more of other equipment including for hiking and Backpacking.
p.1 #7 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
I have the Shimoda Explore 30 and absolutely love the bag (bought it in the store :cool
The bag is even better now that I replaced the original ICUs with the new medium mirrorless core. I don't have lighting gear but can fit the following in mine:
Sony a7r3 with lens attached (usually 24-105), Tamron 70-180, Sony 35/1.8, Sony 85/1.8, Sony 16-35/4, Sony 100-400
Also top compartment is plentiful for stuff including rocket blower, remote, battery, cards, etc
Can fit MacBook Pro 13" in compartment for vacations
The bag is really well thought out. Carries very well (I have no personal experience with hiking packs though).
Ian is very responsive to questions - I had a few early on.
p.1 #8 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
I have both the f-stop Anja and Shimoda Explore bags and I prefer the F-stop ICU compartments. They zip up with a padded top if you’re forced to check in your pack.
If you need a larger volume bag, the Tilopa would be the next size up from the Anja(40L).
If you decide on a Shimoda Explore, I have one which I used a couple of times with a medium and 2 small ICU’s
p.1 #9 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
eyal wrote:
I have the Shimoda Explore 30 and absolutely love the bag (bought it in the store :cool
The bag is even better now that I replaced the original ICUs with the new medium mirrorless core. I don't have lighting gear but can fit the following in mine:
Sony a7r3 with lens attached (usually 24-105), Tamron 70-180, Sony 35/1.8, Sony 85/1.8, Sony 16-35/4, Sony 100-400
Also top compartment is plentiful for stuff including rocket blower, remote, battery, cards, etc
Can fit MacBook Pro 13" in compartment for vacations
The bag is really well thought out. Carries very well (I have no personal experience with hiking packs though).
Ian is very responsive to questions - I had a few early on....Show more →
p.1 #10 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
Thanks for all the info. Both Atlas and Shimoda have been very responsive to questions. It would be much easier if I could see these in person I looked at reviews on F-Stop options as well.
p.1 #11 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
jmmaher wrote:
I am not usually going far (probably less than a mile from the car most of the time but maybe up to 6 miles if I am looking to shoot landscape but in that case I will carry less.). My shoulders will no longer let me just carry a shoulder bag any distance in comfort.
Plan on bringing an A7R4, probally two lenses, two lights (AD200 or maybe 1 AD400), two small light stands and maybe a small tripod as well as two lightweight modifiers, some water and other odds and ends.
Take out all your gear and weigh it. You should figure out the total weight including extras like water, jackets, and non photography stuff and pick a bag based on that weight. Keep in mind the bag itself will probably weigh 4-5 lbs. For a 1 mile pretty much anything will work but you will be feeling it if you try to take 30lbs on a 6 mile hike in most camera bags.
The most comfortable option would be to get a dedicated hiking bag appropriate for your weight load (and torso length). You could actually take all your gear to an outdoors store and load it up. Places like REI actually let you return the gear no questions asked for up to a year so you can really test it out. The drawback is that most don't have as easy access to the gear although some do have back/side access.
If you go the camera bag route (e.g. atlas, shimoda, fstop) definitely see if you can try before buying. There's simply no other way of telling if the fit is going to be good for your body.
p.1 #13 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
I tried the Shimoda 30 pack (wore around the house - not in real world), and found it actually comfortable.
Currently I have the Wandrd pack, and it is so much more comfortable in my opinion.
Comfort is all subjective, as we all know. Wandrd has a kickstarter for a new pack, which I am keeping an eye on.
p.1 #14 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
jmmaher wrote:
I have spent hour upon hour reading reviews of camera bags (it would be nice to actually try one but Covid 19 problems don’t exactly allow for that 😊
I have a Mindshift 18L Backlight which I really like but it’s too small for what I would like to be able to do. I am primarily a people shooter but occasionally take urban landscape and landscape images. I would like a backpack bag that will allow me to take camera and lighting gear to locations that my rolling Think Tank bag or a cart is just too unwieldy to get to. I am not usually going far (probably less than a mile from the car most of the time but maybe up to 6 miles if I am looking to shoot landscape but in that case I will carry less.). My shoulders will no longer let me just carry a shoulder bag any distance in comfort.
Plan on bringing an A7R4, probally two lenses, two lights (AD200 or maybe 1 AD400), two small light stands and maybe a small tripod as well as two lightweight modifiers, some water and other odds and ends.
Comfort in carrying all this is KEY as I am in reasonable shape but also 68.
After a lot of research two bags seem to stand out, Atlas Athlete, and Shimoda X50. The Shimoda X30 would probably work but the side access is too small for my cameras with a Spider plate on the bottom. The reviews I can find on both are very positive. I am a little troubled by the Shimoda reviews as almost everyone states they are not paid reviews but that they were given the bags for free. This is probably just good marketing but it does concern me a little especially as some of those same reviews used to love their Atlas bags before their love of Shimoda.
Any help here would be great. People with experience with either brand, with something else they think would be better for my intended use or other suggestions, etc. -Jim ...Show more →
If you are Amazon Prime member, you can order try and compare in your home with your own gear packed. Keep the one you like and send the others back for free, just a trip to the UPS store to drop off. UPS will even pack it up for you. Make sure to carefully check product description for “refundable”.
p.1 #15 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
If you like the 18L Backlight, look at the Backlight 26L or the 36L. I have the 26L and it comfortably holds all I need for a day hike of a few miles. I also have the 36L and tend not to load it too full as it gets heavy, gear not pack. The back access has proven invaluable in a number of situations from the messy outdoors to the city (for safety). I'm a relatively small person, so the 26L works really well for me. I take the 36L only when I really need ALL my lenses and will be going only a short distance. The nice thing is that these packs are relatively light when empty. The "tare" weight can be significant with some packs. Be sure to compare the "empty" weights.
Good luck in your quest!
p.1 #16 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
jmmaher wrote:
I have spent hour upon hour reading reviews of camera bags (it would be nice to actually try one but Covid 19 problems don’t exactly allow for that 😊
I have a Mindshift 18L Backlight which I really like but it’s too small for what I would like to be able to do. I am primarily a people shooter but occasionally take urban landscape and landscape images. I would like a backpack bag that will allow me to take camera and lighting gear to locations that my rolling Think Tank bag or a cart is just too unwieldy to get to. I am not usually going far (probably less than a mile from the car most of the time but maybe up to 6 miles if I am looking to shoot landscape but in that case I will carry less.). My shoulders will no longer let me just carry a shoulder bag any distance in comfort.
Plan on bringing an A7R4, probally two lenses, two lights (AD200 or maybe 1 AD400), two small light stands and maybe a small tripod as well as two lightweight modifiers, some water and other odds and ends.
Comfort in carrying all this is KEY as I am in reasonable shape but also 68.
After a lot of research two bags seem to stand out, Atlas Athlete, and Shimoda X50. The Shimoda X30 would probably work but the side access is too small for my cameras with a Spider plate on the bottom. The reviews I can find on both are very positive. I am a little troubled by the Shimoda reviews as almost everyone states they are not paid reviews but that they were given the bags for free. This is probably just good marketing but it does concern me a little especially as some of those same reviews used to love their Atlas bags before their love of Shimoda.
Any help here would be great. People with experience with either brand, with something else they think would be better for my intended use or other suggestions, etc. -Jim ...Show more →
A very different kind of bag but one I love is the MindShift Rotation series.
I am 64 and hike extensively with mine.
I like to keep one camera on a strap with a peak design capture clip and a second camera in the rotation bag.
If you think they might interest you I am happy to answer any questions.
p.1 #17 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
I have the Shimoda 70, which is great for backpacking. This past week I was out with a friend who had the Shimoda 50, which looks nice as well. I'm glad I went for Shimoda as I need a backpacking camera bag. However, for shooting the shallow Sony mirrorless gear you need to have something behind the deep camera compartment (I keep rain jacket/pants on day trips) - and usually padding on top of the camera/lens (I use micro-cloth rags) otherwise when zipped up the camera/lens tend to spill out of their compartments and cause a damaging mess.
Since you are use to a much smaller bag - and if you are only doing simple walk arounds - then I would consider something smaller - unless you are using full size DSLR's.
p.1 #18 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
jmmaher wrote:
I have spent hour upon hour reading reviews of camera bags (it would be nice to actually try one but Covid 19 problems don’t exactly allow for that 😊
I have a Mindshift 18L Backlight which I really like but it’s too small for what I would like to be able to do. I am primarily a people shooter but occasionally take urban landscape and landscape images. I would like a backpack bag that will allow me to take camera and lighting gear to locations that my rolling Think Tank bag or a cart is just too unwieldy to get to. I am not usually going far (probably less than a mile from the car most of the time but maybe up to 6 miles if I am looking to shoot landscape but in that case I will carry less.). My shoulders will no longer let me just carry a shoulder bag any distance in comfort.
Plan on bringing an A7R4, probally two lenses, two lights (AD200 or maybe 1 AD400), two small light stands and maybe a small tripod as well as two lightweight modifiers, some water and other odds and ends.
Comfort in carrying all this is KEY as I am in reasonable shape but also 68.
After a lot of research two bags seem to stand out, Atlas Athlete, and Shimoda X50. The Shimoda X30 would probably work but the side access is too small for my cameras with a Spider plate on the bottom. The reviews I can find on both are very positive. I am a little troubled by the Shimoda reviews as almost everyone states they are not paid reviews but that they were given the bags for free. This is probably just good marketing but it does concern me a little especially as some of those same reviews used to love their Atlas bags before their love of Shimoda.
Any help here would be great. People with experience with either brand, with something else they think would be better for my intended use or other suggestions, etc. -Jim ...Show more →
I've been (and still am even at my ripe age) a backpacker for 35+ years (AT mostly, lots of PCT, a bit of the CDT) so backpacks are a staple at my house. Camera packs at home number over 20...many with a time and place of use and many fallen into disuse.
My current favorite is the Backlite 18L. The reason is that it forces me to limit what I carry. Even though I can still walk up and down hills for hours I am getting limited in the weight I can carry.
That said on the last 3 trips my kit was Tamron 17-28, Tamron 28-75, Sony 200-600+1.4TC). Though the Tamron 28-75 has now been replaced by the Tamron 28-200 the kit remains the same and all goes into the Backlite 18L along with an a9 and an a7riv. In this pack is also a Gnarbox 2.0SSD for the nightly backups and a small tablet for improtu viewing. This pack fits under even a small Delta commuter seat which is a big plus.
p.1 #19 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
MedicineMan404 wrote
My current favorite is the Backlite 18L. The reason is that it forces me to limit what I carry. Even though I can still walk up and down hills for hours I am getting limited in the weight I can carry.
Interesting - The Backligh t18L is very nice but will not comfortably carry everything. In the past I usually carried everything I need in a shoulder bag or some kind of rolling bag or cart. Now that I am reading more and more about backpacks I feel like I fell down the rabbit hole. Last night I finished reading a lot of information about TMP packs that keep the pack off of your back but they all seem to be top loaders which really do not seem to work for my purposes. Jim
p.1 #20 · Decisions on a new Backpack – Advice requested
The weights of these packs are interesting. The Backlight 18L weighs 1.6kg whereas the 26L is 1.8kg, only 200 grams more for a pretty big difference in capacity. The Backlight 36L is 2.2kg, a bit more also for more capacity. I wanted the 18L for its size but realized that for 200g more weight, I got 8L more carrying capacity. The space matters for both heavy camera gear and jackets and sandwiches.
