Small backpack suggestions

sydaar
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Small backpack suggestions

Heading to Europe for 3 weeks and plan to bring Fuji XT and GFX equipment in a Think Tank rolling case but looking for something to carry a body, 2-3 lenses and miscellaneous tourist stuff during the day. Shoulders can’t handle messenger bags anymore so was looking for a small backpack. Looking at Think tank Backlight 18 or f-stop guru to start. Any suggestions would be much appreciated

Aug 20, 2024 at 02:23 PM

Todd Warnke
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Small backpack suggestions

I have had both a Backlight and several of the FStop bags. Currently I'm a big fan of Shimoda designs. The are more comfortable (for me), and very well made. The Explore 25 is moderately sized at 18 x 10.5 x 6.5 or so, and will hold what you mention. In black, it fits in nicely. They also have a new Urban Explore line, which I have not yet tried. The 20 model is a bit smaller (17x10.5x8) if that's what you think you need.

Aug 20, 2024 at 03:36 PM

Norm Shapiro
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Small backpack suggestions

Tenba Fulton 16L might work for you

Aug 20, 2024 at 03:40 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Small backpack suggestions

If shoulders are the primary concern than you can do better than F-stop and Shimoda with a traditional daypack design. I personally like the Opsrey Talon 22 in this space, nice vented back panel, a full sized waist strap to take the weight off your shoulders, 2x lower price than any good dedicated photo backpack (the Talon is relatively easy to find for around $100 on sale). You give up the trappings of a photo oriented pack (compartments for storing knick-knacks) and the access to your gear is not as fast. Pick your poison.

I am in Todd's camp when it comes to F-stop vs Shimoda. They also have an "urban explorer" line that lacks the waist belt
https://shimodadesigns.com/shimoda-urban-explore/
But that is not my cup of tea. I would gladly look like a hiking dork if that means that a few lbs of weight do not hang on my shoulders all day long.

Aug 20, 2024 at 05:50 PM

pbraymond
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Small backpack suggestions

For smaller loads, and for urban exploration, a backpack with side access may come in handy so that you don’t have to take the pack of entirely. One thing I’ve found with the Shimoda mirrrorless cores is that the side openings are really tight for even a regular mirrorless ( I use a z7ii) with a mounted arca Swiss plate.

I actually like the function of the Mindshift Photocross backpack, but it does look really outdoorsy, if that matters to you. Thinktank also has the urban series backpack with the swing around side openings but I would check the side opening sizes for the camera/lens combination you use and with tripod plates.

Edited on Aug 20, 2024 at 08:10 PM · View previous versions

Aug 20, 2024 at 08:04 PM

pbraymond
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Small backpack suggestions

I’ve also found a regular daypack with something akin to the tenba byob inserts to be helpful for lenses, if I stick the non photo day stuff at the bottom and the insert at the top. The tenba byob backpack inserts may be next on my list to try, I’ve only used the non-backpack byob versions this far.

Aug 20, 2024 at 08:08 PM

chez
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Small backpack suggestions

GroovyGeek wrote:
If shoulders are the primary concern than you can do better than F-stop and Shimoda with a traditional daypack design. I personally like the Opsrey Talon 22 in this space, nice vented back panel, a full sized waist strap to take the weight off your shoulders, 2x lower price than any good dedicated photo backpack (the Talon is relatively easy to find for around $100 on sale). You give up the trappings of a photo oriented pack (compartments for storing knick-knacks) and the access to your gear is not as fast. Pick your poison.

I am in Todd's camp when it...Show more →

My urban travel pack is the Talon with lenses in neoprene wraps. I also put other things into the pack like water, sunscreen etc, that I’ll need during the day out. I’ve long ago gave up on photography packs that are over weighted and cost an arm and leg…yet are not comfortable to wear for the entire day.

Aug 20, 2024 at 08:19 PM

Adamwilbert
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Small backpack suggestions

I have nothing but positive things to say about the Tenba Fulton. Super light weight and holds a very nice amount of stuff for a full day out with a kit like you’re describing.

Aug 25, 2024 at 02:15 PM


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