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PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

hiepphotog
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

For me, the ultimate comfort is the Osprey Unltd 32. Every time I put it on, I instantly feel the weight distribution and the recognizable load transfer to my hips, making everything feel much lighter. It works perfectly for hauling my photographic gear, which is why I haven't bothered looking at other backpacks for a while now.

That was until yesterday when I saw the Kickstarter campaign for the PGYTEch photo backpack. At first, I thought it was just another tech-oriented photo pack, but after reading the materials and watching the videos, I was impressed. It has almost all the major features needed for a great hiking and photography blend:

- TMP for a ventilated back
- Adjustable back length for dialing in the right amount of comfort (this is crucial, in my opinion)
- Perforated foam for straps and hip belts, ensuring good ventilation
- Metal frame for weight transfer

It also includes excellent features for a photo bag that many hiking bags lack:

- Side, top, and back access
- A place to hide an Airtag
- Numerous dividers and organized spaces for various accessories
- Below the height limit for airline travel

Bonus:
- Comes with waterproof and durable fabric

Unknowns/Cons:
- No mention of a hip belt that moves freely to hug your body while moving
- No adjustable hip belt
- Unknown load lifter performance (in some bags, these don't do much)
- Only one size that includes all the bells and whistles

These are just my impressions so far. I'm not sure if I'll get this one, but the price is very tempting. I thought some of you might be interested in what looks like a great photo bag.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pgytech/onepro-first-outdoor-camera-backpack-with-suspension?ref=buf7qr

Jul 11, 2024 at 02:33 AM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

i prefer load carry oriented rather than adapting to the shape of the pack.. much prefer the MR Bridger 45L for simplicity/versatility in function. Easily adapted to camera hardware carry. Less curve and a more. Robust harness/frame system

nothing like modularity and multifunctionality from a maker that is a real known quantity.

got the pack on sale at Campsaver for $200 and already have existing fstop modules. can do so much more than photo-centric sophistication.

in this config still has room top and bottom w/large module put in.

it is replacing my old ftsop Ajna

NIKON Z 6 NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens 35mm f/7.1 1/50s 25600 ISO 0.0 EV

NIKON Z 6 NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens 31mm f/7.1 1/40s 25600 ISO 0.0 EV

Edited on Jul 14, 2024 at 08:44 AM · View previous versions

Jul 11, 2024 at 03:48 AM

PIOK
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Jul 13, 2024 at 11:47 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

It is good to have another entrant to give FStop and Shimoda a run for their money. However, at the stated price point ($410 MSRP for a 50L+medium insert) it is priced equivalently to the competitors and I see little reason to do anything other than sit back, relax, and wait for user feedback.

On paper the pack has the versatility of a Shimoda without the somewhat polarizing roll top.

Jul 13, 2024 at 02:53 PM

PIOK
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Jul 13, 2024 at 04:08 PM

hiepphotog
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
It is good to have another entrant to give FStop and Shimoda a run for their money. However, at the stated price point ($410 MSRP for a 50L+medium insert) it is priced equivalently to the competitors and I see little reason to do anything other than sit back, relax, and wait for user feedback.

On paper the pack has the versatility of a Shimoda without the somewhat polarizing roll top.

You have to use the perforated foam style on the latest hiking bags from Osprey/Gregory to see the difference with the regular foam on the Shimoda and Fstop are using. And the mesh back is another level of added comfort that I would never go back to a regular backpack. But backpack fitting is a very personal thing, but you have to try it before you know while this PGYTech might be something entirely different from the rest.

Jul 13, 2024 at 05:48 PM

hiepphotog
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

PIOK wrote:
$287 / $301 USD ?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pgytech/onepro-first-outdoor-camera-backpack-with-suspension?ref=buf7qr

Are you getting one? I know you don’t use the UNLTD anymore so this might be a great one. I have flew frequently with the UNLTD with no issue so far.

Jul 13, 2024 at 05:50 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

PIOK wrote:
$287 / $301 USD ?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pgytech/onepro-first-outdoor-camera-backpack-with-suspension?ref=buf7qr

This is the Kickstarter price. I have no intention of buying something like this from a Kickstarter campaign, particularly since PGY have no history of building products of this nature.

My Shimoda X50 is good enough for my day trip needs, I have a Gregory for backpacking. Some years down the road I may consider the PGY if it develops a reputation as a comfortable and reliable product.

Jul 13, 2024 at 05:53 PM

PIOK
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

hiepphotog wrote:
Are you getting one? I know you don’t use the UNLTD anymore so this might be a great one. I have flew frequently with the UNLTD with no issue so far.

Well. I will still use my UNLTD for some time. I don't like to use on airports when they ask me to remove things from the backpack or I am not a fan of it when I am shooting landscape and I want to be fast.
But last time I used on very long trek in Himalayas this Osprey UNLTD feels great. So now I am taking UNLTD again with me as I am planing to hike Kilimanjaro very soon.

Jul 13, 2024 at 08:34 PM

amv8
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

I was interested in the UNLTD, but when I checked the specs, it didn't look to be airline carryon compliant which is a must for me. Also, I get the impression Osprey is discontinuing the UNTLD line.

Jul 13, 2024 at 10:55 PM

sjms
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

"airline compliance" varies.

Jul 14, 2024 at 07:56 AM

PIOK
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

I would like to add that I also get The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel—42L

https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/bags-and-gear/luggage-and-duffels/duffel-bags-c224547/base-camp-voyager-duffel42l-pNF0A52RQ

Is perfect size as carry on bag which fit perfectly F- stop large ICU

1) I will take this as carry on bag for all my flights with f-stop large ICU inside* fits perfectly
2) Later we go for Safari so is perfect bag to put in a a car to keep equipment with super easy access
3) Later I will give it to our porters when climbing Kilimanjaro and I will use Osprey UNLTD 32l with Large f-stop ICU to carry my all equipment

My empty Osprey UNLTD 32 l fits perfectly inside my check in luggage. I think is perfect solution for this trip

Jul 14, 2024 at 05:57 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Found a third party video
https://youtu.be/nTq-2C_zEBo

The expandability is kind of nice. Looks like a 40L can be made into a 50L. Still not sold, there so something about the look that is saggy, but the mesh back is a potential selling point, particularly for those of us who shoot and live in warmer climates.

Speaking of mesh backs, I have been doing some training hikes with a Gregory Baltoro 95 Pro loaded to about 40 lbs (will eventually go to 55 lbs at launch). This is the first pack with a mesh back and straps that I have ever used, and man what a difference, particularly in the hot sticky weather we have been having. And I truly never feel the weight on my shoulders, goes straight to the thighs. An absolute work of art.

However for normal photogrphy use I still prefer something with the photo niceties so I scoured the 40L-50L offerings from Osprey, Gregory, Deuter and Mystery Ranch and was disappointed to not find something that matches all my requirements: 1) vented mesh back and straps 2) front access 3) plenty of robust straps on the outside.

The MR mentioned earlier has 2 and 3 but not 1, so it is too close to my Shimoda. Osprey has 1 and sometimes 2, but the straps when they do exist are flimsy. The Gregory Zulu 45 actually looks very promising and is only $200 list. Will probably order it to check it out.

Jul 22, 2024 at 08:06 PM

hiepphotog
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
Found a third party video
https://youtu.be/nTq-2C_zEBo

The expandability is kind of nice. Looks like a 40L can be made into a 50L. Still not sold, there so something about the look that is saggy, but the mesh back is a potential selling point, particularly for those of us who shoot and live in warmer climates.

Speaking of mesh backs, I have been doing some training hikes with a Gregory Baltoro 95 Pro loaded to about 40 lbs (will eventually go to 55 lbs at launch). This is the first pack with a mesh back and straps that I have ever used, and man...Show more →

Not sure which Osprey TMP you were looking at that the straps are flimsy. Osprey straps are pretty comfortable and robust by most reviews I came across. I certainly can vouch for the UNLTD straps. Though at 40-55lbs, straps comfort should not be a big concern since most weight should be transferred to your lower body via the hips belt. At 20lbs or less, straps comfort comes into play when you do not have to dial in the hips belt. With that said, the Zulu 45 is still a fine choice. Deuter at this size (and bigger) has a more robust and precise back length adjustment than both Osprey and Gregory.

Jul 23, 2024 at 12:37 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

hiepphotog wrote:
Not sure which Osprey TMP you were looking at that the straps are flimsy. Osprey straps are pretty comfortable and robust by most reviews I came across. I certainly can vouch for the UNLTD straps. Though at 40-55lbs, straps comfort should not be a big concern since most weight should be transferred to your lower body via the hips belt. At 20lbs or less, straps comfort comes into play when you do not have to dial in the hips belt. With that said, the Zulu 45 is still a fine choice. Deuter at this size (and bigger) has a more...Show more →

Should have been more precise - the compression straps are flimsy for my taste, and so are the buckles. I think they do it in pursuit of ounces.

Jul 23, 2024 at 11:22 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

https://petapixel.com/2024/07/24/pgytechs-onepro-adventure-camera-backpack-looks-like-a-winner/

Not very informative, mostly an infomercial for PGY.

Jul 24, 2024 at 09:25 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Since I am intrigued by the PGY harness I pulled together a table comparing the Shimoda X50, X40V2, X50V2; F-stop Tilopa; and the PGY OnePro 40 and 50 specs. Pasting below in a text format, it is probably best to paste it back into Excel to view in some ordered form.

Main conclusions for me are:

1/Shimoda X50 v2 is 8% smaller and 10% heavier than the v1
2/ Dimension-wise the OnePro 40 is very similar to the Shimoda X50V2 and notably larger than the X40V2
3/ The expansion volume of the OnePro appears to be ~11L vs ~7L for the Shimoda

Since there are no returns on Kickstarter orders I am very likely going to sit it out. The mesh frame is tempting, but this is not only 1st gen product for PGY but also an entirely new product line for them, so it is likely that meaningful warts will come out when the product is avaialble, like they did with the F-stop packs back in 2011.

Brand Shimoda Shimoda Shimoda F-stop PGY PGY
Model X40 v2 X50 X50 v2 Tilopa OnePro OnePro
Capacity 40 50 50 50 40 50
Weight 4.6 4.2 4.6 4.2 4.3 4.9

Interior
WIdth 11.6 11.6 11.6 13.7 12.2 12.2
Height 20.7 21.9 21.9 24.5 20.9 24.0
Depth 7.5 8.1 7.5 11.1 7.5 7.5
Volume (cuin) 1801 2058 1905 3726 1905 2193
Volume (L) 30 34 31 61 31 36

Expanded height 25.6 26.4 26.8 - 28.3 31.5
Expanded volume (cuin) 2228 2485 2332 - 2588 2875
Expanded volume (L) 37 41 38 - 42 47
Volume adder (L) 7 7 7 11 11

Exterior
WIdth 11.8 11.8 11.8 13.7 13.0 13.0
Height 20.9 22 22 25.4 21.3 24.4
Expanded height ? ? ? - 28.7 31.9
Depth 7.9 8.3 7.9 11.2 10.2 10.2

Jul 25, 2024 at 02:57 PM

hiepphotog
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
Since I am intrigued by the PGY harness I pulled together a table comparing the Shimoda X50, X40V2, X50V2; F-stop Tilopa; and the PGY OnePro 40 and 50 specs. Pasting below in a text format, it is probably best to paste it back into Excel to view in some ordered form.

Main conclusions for me are:

1/Shimoda X50 v2 is 8% smaller and 10% heavier than the v1
2/ Dimension-wise the OnePro 40 is very similar to the Shimoda X50V2 and notably larger than the X40V2
3/ The expansion volume of the OnePro appears to be ~11L vs ~7L for the Shimoda

Since there...Show more →

Good to see some comparisons. While it is true that you can't return KS items, you are going to get a great discount on it so you will likely get back (if not more) what you paid for it if you decide to sell it.

PGYTech is also highly experienced in making bags, and their other products generally receive very positive reviews.

I hope this bag will inspire other camera bag manufacturers to consider incorporating the TMP design.

Jul 25, 2024 at 11:17 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Been geeking out on backpacks lately, looking for a hiking backpack that is photography friendly. Concluded that the only thing that would work for me is a panel entry pack. Osprey has the Kamber and Gregory has the Targhee but not these are winter backpacks with no side pockets which is a non starter for me.

The only things that come close to what I need are the Osprey Stratos 34, Mystery Ranch Scree 32 (now discontinued in favor of the Scree 33 which has become too climber oriented) and the MR Coulee 40.

The MR packs use an interesting "zipper triad" for closure. I have ordered a Coulee but it may be too big (26" tall) and the absence of a vented back is a concern. I am guessing I will end up with the Stratos 34, which seems very similar to the now discontinued Unlimited.

Aug 16, 2024 at 09:55 PM

amv8
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
Been geeking out on backpacks lately, looking for a hiking backpack that is photography friendly. Concluded that the only thing that would work for me is a panel entry pack. Osprey has the Kamber and Gregory has the Targhee but not these are winter backpacks with no side pockets which is a non starter for me.

The only things that come close to what I need are the Osprey Stratos 34, Mystery Ranch Scree 32 (now discontinued in favor of the Scree 33 which has become too climber oriented) and the MR Coulee 40.

The MR packs use an interesting "zipper...Show more →

I have the MR Scree 32 and also compared it with the Stratos 34. From memory, the Stratos 34 harness/frame system carried weight a bit more comfortably, but the frame was too tall for airline carry on which is a must for me so I kept the Scree. I insert an F-Stop Large ICU into the Scree 32 and use that when I'm carrying camera equipment/larger telephoto where the day will be more hike oriented.

Aug 17, 2024 at 01:06 AM

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