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PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

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

Did you take a look at the MR Bridger 35? i've been using the 45 version for packing, travel and photography. it has a superior design, superior adjustable harness in its multiple sizes , and one very structured frame. designed to carry.

already, this pack, in my opinion, is so much more capable then all the others posted ones

Aug 17, 2024 at 07:19 AM

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

The Bridger design is a hard no for me as a photo backpack, no matter how comfortable it may be.

Two clips and two zippers to access the interior? Thanks but no thanks. And those wide straps. I hike in hot weather a lot and those are going to be sweat factories.

If I were buying it as a primarily hiking backpack I may have a different set of criteria.

Aug 17, 2024 at 07:15 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

amv8 wrote:
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.

The spec size of the Stratos 34 is a smidge over airline legal in the US, which I would be surprised if it is ever a problem. I have traveled with an F-stop Tilopa in North and South America with no issue, and that is much more over regulation size.

As you point out, the Scree 32 is right at the regulation size height wise, and can still be found here and there. How do you like it as a photo pack? I am never going to use anything more than a medium or smaller ICU on it, as I want room for other things. It is smaller than a Loka and I remember feeling that this was tight when I owned one 12 years ago.

Aug 18, 2024 at 01:22 AM

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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

smidge over airline legal in the US

that is dependent on the airline. each airline has the right to specify carry on limitations

Aug 18, 2024 at 04:56 AM

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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
The Bridger design is a hard no for me as a photo backpack, no matter how comfortable it may be.

Two clips and two zippers to access the interior? Thanks but no thanks. And those wide straps. I hike in hot weather a lot and those are going to be sweat factories.

If I were buying it as a primarily hiking backpack I may have a different set of criteria.

so if you were primarily hiking (which is what you are doing carrying a pack full of gear be it camera, backpacking or mountaineering) what then is that criteria as you are still using a pack to assist you in load bearing in all weather conditions?

as to access i chose it for those exact design traits. easy full access. and multifunction.

Two clips and two zippers to access the interior?

its 8 clips (2 on each side and 2 at the top 2 on the lid {lid optional/removable reduces height dimension by 2"} and 2 parallel zips they keep things secure. yeah it takes a few secs to access. like I'm in a real hurry. if i were in a real hurry it can and would be configured a little different. being i can do a lot with that open space i can think outside of the box. others seem to not be able to and need it served up to them and then at a later time to look again because their overall config may just not be as usable as one thought.

parts are replaceable too.

oh, the possibilities (evolution).

but oh well i see we think differently. i do like usable versatility.

Edited on Aug 20, 2024 at 05:38 PM · View previous versions

Aug 18, 2024 at 05:06 AM

amv8
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
The spec size of the Stratos 34 is a smidge over airline legal in the US, which I would be surprised if it is ever a problem. I have traveled with an F-stop Tilopa in North and South America with no issue, and that is much more over regulation size.

As you point out, the Scree 32 is right at the regulation size height wise, and can still be found here and there. How do you like it as a photo pack? I am never going to use anything more than a medium or smaller ICU on it, as I...Show more →

If a Loka was to tight for you, then I think the Scree 32 will be as well. It barely fits the Large F-Stop ICU. I use it specifically when I'm hiking with my bird/wildlife setup which is an M4/3 + Oly 150-400mm as that lens doesn't fit well in my standard camera pack (Atlas Athlete). The Scree 32 also works well as a standard day hiking pack. It's well made, and I like the ability to fully open it up. It doesn't have much for pockets/organization though.

Aug 19, 2024 at 12:30 AM

sjms
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

amv8: your stated hardware is Olympus. technically more compact for travel.

an ajna would have been better to start off with full frame stuff. i used that for a few years. i could load up a lrg insert and still in the end put a Sig 120-300/2.8 Sport under the lid on top of the insert inside its own Kinesis 300mm case (snug but good)

in travel mode (no big lenses) the ajna no insert a TT retrospect 20, 70-200/2.8, 24-120/4 14-30/4 and my 13" laptop and ipad plus support stuff. strictly from airplane to train to hotel then the TT comes out and its walkabout time or stays in as the insert for the haul. i use support gear in many ways. in the end its all dead weight

Maybe a good picture of your setup might help show fit and function better.

Aug 19, 2024 at 12:53 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Got the Coulee 40 today. Would have been an absolutely perfect solution with that front triple zipper... if the dimensions were anywhere near advertised.

https://www.mysteryranch.com/coulee-40-pack
The dimensions stated at the above link are 26x11.25x9.5. My measurements are 22x11x6.5. The significantly reduced length and particularly depth make it unusable for me. It is going back.

P.S. This may have been the older model without the sleeping bag compartment at the bottom. I will try again during the Labor Day sales with the newer model.

PPS Someone on Backpacking Light also suggested the ULA Camino, but it looks like an ultra-light backpack, which is not my cup of tea
https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/camino/

Aug 22, 2024 at 10:02 PM

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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

but it looks like an ultra-light backpack, which is not my cup of tea

Well, good luck with your particular quest(s)

Aug 23, 2024 at 04:47 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

sjms wrote:
Well, good luck with your particular quest(s)

Luck does not seem to be on my side.

Got the Stratos 34 today from REI. But... too small, as I suspected it would be. This was just for screening purposes to convince myself that I want to continue the quest. Putting the Shimoda X50 on my back immediately after the Stratos was shocking illustration of just how NOT great the Shimoda is as a backpack... and Shimoda is pretty much best in class for hiking oriented photo backpacks.

Not sure where to go next. May order both a Coulee and a Camino

Aug 25, 2024 at 04:11 PM

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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

well, you know where i went and i am well satisfied

Aug 25, 2024 at 04:21 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

sjms wrote:
well, you know where i went and i am well satisfied

Finally realized that the Bridger has removable brain, which removes THE biggest objection I had. In a sign of desperation I have ordered 1) ULA Camino 2) MR Coulee 40 3) MR Bridger 45. Thank god for free shipping and sub $10 prepaid returns. If one of these doesn't work I will just give up and stick with the Shimoda... until another backpack "whore" in this forum puts bad thoughts in my head

Aug 26, 2024 at 03:22 AM

hiepphotog
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p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
Finally realized that the Bridger has removable brain, which removes THE biggest objection I had. In a sign of desperation I have ordered 1) ULA Camino 2) MR Coulee 40 3) MR Bridger 45. Thank god for free shipping and sub $10 prepaid returns. If one of these doesn't work I will just give up and stick with the Shimoda... until another backpack "whore" in this forum puts bad thoughts in my head

Have you looked at MR Blitz? That series does not have the height issue of the other backpacks, more squarish shape so you can fit things more like a traditional backpack. Also, check out Hill People Gear as well. Their harness system is arguably the most comfortable in the business around the size you are looking for. Truthfully, you can only start feeling the difference with these when you carry around a 30+lb load.

Aug 26, 2024 at 04:11 PM

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p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

take a look at the Blitz 35 carefully. depending on what you think of your load out is going to be will it? Will it work with what you want?

Hill People is an acquired taste

actually, if you have a well fit harness, you'll feel it way before a 30+lb load.

i have a Gallatin Peak 40 thought that would cover more bases than i thought would. excellent ski tour pack. fit is better than an ajna. but just not quite what i think i need for some usage coming.

Aug 26, 2024 at 04:32 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Ooh the Blitz 30 looks perfect feature-wise... but is too small. The 35L added an expandable top but also a brain and only a side access zipper... Ugh. And frankly 35L isn't enough. By the time you put a medium ICU in it there isn't much room left for other stuff needed for inclement weather, a full day trip, a quick overnight, extra clothing, food/snacks, more water. And if you also want to add a drone you are out of luck.

At the moment MR runs a 25% off sale on their website only, through 9/2. You do have to pay $15 for shipping though, which makes it about equivalent to the 20% coupons many sites are running now. But if you return you are out of shipping both ways, so overall unless you know exactly what you want it is better to buy from retailers with free shipping and free or low cost returns.

My Coulee 40, Bridger 45, and ULA Camino all arrive tomorrow. It will be decision weelend

In the mean time I need to spend quality time on the MR website. They seem to have a much wider variety of designs and access points that Osprey, Gregory, and Deuter.

Aug 30, 2024 at 12:18 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

I must eat crow and submit to the wisdom of @sjms

The packs arrived today. The ULA Camino is an absolutely brilliant design - square, wide (and I mean WIDE) front panel access, roll top for expandability up to 55 liters while staying airline compliant when rolled down, beautiful S-shaped straps that stay out of the way... with poor load-bearing capacity typical of all ultra-light packs. Going back to ULA. This is not a diss on ULA, the pack is extremely well made and highly functional as a UL pack that is intended to carry mostly hiking gear, it is just not well suited for photography where loads are often concentrated and unevenly distributed.

The Bridger though, is excellent and functional. The brain can be synched down really tight so it does not flop around when un-clipped, behaves almost like the top of a panel loader. It makes an equivalently loaded Shimoda feel like a sack of potatoes on my back. Wish it was a 50L, but with a brain it can behave like it if I strap things to the top/bottom. I am not crazy about the "tits" on the front (the straps with those floppy mesh pockets) but I guess one can keep a phone and a small water bottle there for easy access.

I will sleep on it over the weekend and make another run to my local REI to play with a Gregory, but so far I like what I am seeing.

Aug 30, 2024 at 07:15 PM

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p.2 #17 · p.2 #17 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

remember with the dual high/low sternum/chest straps make those "floppy" mesh pockets into structured support (not floppy. more like a vest) and available access for say a RX100 type camera along with other little as need goodies while tromping around.

Edited on Sep 01, 2024 at 10:56 AM · View previous versions

Aug 30, 2024 at 07:51 PM

hiepphotog
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p.2 #18 · p.2 #18 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

Them “bra” straps on the Bridger actually help spread the loads to your chest, inspired by runner vest/pack style. That works well for heavy loads. The trade-off is certainly a sweaty chest in hot weather and might not be visually appealing in an urban setting. I tried the Bridger a year ago but ended up returning it due to its poorer ventilation than others. But it’s not an issue to many.

From your experience, I was half surprised at how bad the weight transfer on the Shimoda is. A lot of people like the brand for comfort.

Anyway, have you looked at Aarn packs? They look to be the better ventilated version of the Bridger with some additional nifty features. I would have tried one but only their larger packs fit my torso length. Or check out Osprey Exos.

Aug 31, 2024 at 05:51 AM

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p.2 #19 · p.2 #19 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

the vest type straps are reasonably ventilated (as one can be) yet support the load. yes, one must strike a balance for usability. i don't care what pack you actually wear it will increase the level of perspiration you will put out. and remember you are carrying a load and unless there is air movement not a dead air space it's going to get warm carrying. push the pack away from your back and there is a small C/G change. you then naturally lean a bit forward to shift it back adjust for that shift. you can choose to repack you load if you want to try. that's time consumption and hit and miss.

the Aarn pack has been around for more than a few years. they are out of Christchurch, NZ. saw them there. another acquired taste. very limited front loader, you can get their universal front pockets for other packs.

the front bags work well to a degree but can get in the way at times. from there it's all about the balance of usability.

you can lean towards the eclectic if one wishes to or you can do KISS.

i love this statement. it is most amusing referring to the shoulder straps: might not be visually appealing in an urban setting. i would like to remind you are carrying a 45L pack full of camera and support gear. WHO THE HECK CARES! the whole carry kit is not exactly fashion wear

oh, this might help cooling for a short length of time

Aug 31, 2024 at 08:02 AM

amv8
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p.2 #20 · p.2 #20 · PGYTech OnePro Backpack: A Photo Bag with Mesh Panel

GroovyGeek wrote:
I must eat crow and submit to the wisdom of @sjms@

Sep 02, 2024 at 02:30 PM

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