The Perfect Camera Backpack 📷 8 Great Bags Compared
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2022
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It was nice to see the bags 'in action' so to speak. It's tough to really know what the bag is like without a hands on and that isn't always easy. Liked the demo on each of them. Thanks.
Nice to see that Shimoda has improved their styling. A couple I enjoy using are the Wandered and an F Stop- the removable camera cube are really useful for transitioning between backpacks, dry bags, rolling cases, or even just bare in the studio/ car/ closet.
Thanks Matt.. so far i have a few different bags that you have suggested with all good results.
Great video again, Matt. Being an early adopter of PD accessories for a few years, I have to say the current offerings(V2) are in general a big step back from their original products, quality and materials used. Recently acquired the Shimoda Explore, was amazed at how much thought it packs in to serve real photographers.
I remember when they came out with the sling v2. looked at it at the shop in SF. One of their founder was there and treated me like shit tbh, which didn't help. Not sure if they were having a bad day or way. After looking at the product and testing with my camera I bought a v1 sling on sale instead - much better quality. I think all the v2 stuff are/were just "trendy looking" but thats it. Still have the clips too (v2 clipo is ok).
@@kangsterizer The thing about V1 sling though, is that it has rather abrasive outer material which rubs my t-shirts or whatever outfits made with cotton. Otherwise no real complaints lol.
Detailed review thank you. I have 4 different camera bags. My favorite is the Shimoda, the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned. I kept worrying that you were going to accidentally elbow your camera on the floor
Thank you for this video. I’m currently using the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II Camera and Laptop Backpack and find it well designed, rugged, compact and can fit a lot of gear in it.
I use a Peak Design backpack (20 litre, I think) and have travelled throughout Europe and Scandinavia with it on several trips. The combination of usefulness and airport friendliness suits me very well. It also fits under the seat in front of me on 'planes and attaches to the handle of my roller case on trains or in between transports.
That is the same bag I use and have also travelled to several domestic and international destinations with it and it has served me well for over 5 years. I have it configured to perfectly suit my needs and for the foreseeable future, I do not see myself buying another travel camera bag because I don't need to.
Shimoda also has a newer line than the Action X50 that you reviewed, its called the Explore V2 and comes in 3 sizes - highly recommended
I like the roll top idea, so I can add a tent, stove and sleeping bag for overnight nature or astro photography. Haven't found the right bag yet. Thanks for this review.
Good review Matt. I have six different bags that I use. The one that is getting the most use right now is the F-stop 80 liter because I need to haul a whole bunch of equipment into the back country. I also cheat and just load the bag into a wagon to move it around within a couple of miles if the ground isn't too steep.
I use couple of different manfrotto bags and they are excellent.
Fantastic video Mat, no faffing about, just clear, honest thoughts about these bags. Its either going to be the Nomatic or the Peak Design for me. Nice one!
I love my Think Tank Hard Drive v2. Taken it all across the world.
Matt you have this amazing ability of reading my mind. I’m in the market for a new backpack. Thanks for the video.
Hope it helps
FYI on the Shimoda, you have the ICU in upside down. Not only does it allow side access, it also has a taper that fits your back better when installed properly. Also, the dust cover is intended for covering the ICU when removed from the bag, not when installed in the bag. HTH. Cheers!
Yes. The manual is useful (to read) for some...
Does the side access accommodate say a Canon 6D with grip?
@@Hunter.ohmann That would be tight, but might work with the DSLR ICU
I've been interesting in getting a larger bag, since my arsenal has been growing, so this is a nicely timed video. None of these really stood out to me, but I think you did a great job of exhibiting them well enough so that I could get a sense of whether I thought a particular bag was what I was looking for. Thanks, Matt!
My favorite new bag is Nomatic's McKinnon Everyday 25L - it's the most versatile backpack I've ever had. I have his 8L sling which I love as well, such an ideal set. I also recently grabbed Gura Gear's new Kiboko City Commuter for a good price via their Kickstarter campaign - super cool bag for lighter EDC with many cool features. Then there's my trusty Lowepro BP 150 AWII. So I'm down to 4 bags, that's my new limit. 🤓
Another great video! Thanks Matt! I've lost count of the number of bags (I think at last count I had at least a dozen) that I own. At the moment, I'm favouring the Peak Design Travel Backpack (switching between the various camera cubes - large for the bigger events and medium for others, which also lets me compress the top of the backpack to a more manageable size). For the really big events, I roll out the Pelican Air 1615 with the TrekPac dividers. And for everyday carry, I'm considering the Nomadic Everyday Backpack or the Compagnon Element Backpack - the divider system in the Peak Design Everyday Backpack just isn't very efficient for getting gear in and out all the time. I really wish they would make an everyday version of their Travel Backpack instead.
My fave camera back pack is the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW. It's got those modular Molle straps so you can add pouches and straps if you need to. Has a rain cover, space of a laptop/tablet and has a 'armoured' quick top access and side access points. Plenty of room for my D810 & F5 plus a few lenses, filters, flashes etc. I like my 10L Peak Design Sling for EDC but never fancied the Messenger or Back Pack, bit too simple and can't carry everything.
Mine too !! I have the Shimoda 70 litre and I just keep going back to the Pro Tactic 450. Gonna sell the Shimoda because I never use it
Great video. Enjoyed this very much, Matt. That last bag is great. Good looking and it’s got great utility.
I recently bought two Nomatic bags. The 25L camera bag holds 4 lenses, a camera, and a few other things. The interior color looks great, as you say, and the dividers allow me to design the space to my needs. It doesn’t have a side quick access compartment but the top one functions similarly (even if it means taking the bag off); it’s fast enough for me. That compartment is so large; enough for my Nikon mirrorless, the FTZ adapter and my largish 105mm lens. Right now, I use that pocket for my 3 speed lights with room to spare for a 4th!
The other bag is my Nomatic messenger bag. This bag is the sleeper! It has 2 inserts that can be swapped out. The one is a 3-slot compartmentalized camera insert. I can drop in a camera with a lens, plus another large lens, and use the third a lot for holding my external SSDs plus cables. Plus the bag has a lot of smart compartments for cables, notebooks, etc. The bag is so awesome that I pretty much use it as my daily office-on-the-go-especially with a slot for my 17” MacBook.
Lastly, both bags look awesome and the matte black finish makes these look premium. Quality materials throughout. I’m a happy camper.
Sorry for the long comment but I thought it might be useful to others. Take care. Love your channel.
Thanks for the feature Matt. Just an FYI, the Skin/Dust cover on the Core Unit is not intended for use in the bag on the Core Unit. It is a dust cover or used as a packing cell. With out the skin on, you can put the Core Unit side access door - in the packs side access sleeve (theres a little velcro sleeve to tuck into). That will speed up your access. Also, our Action X series is definitely designed for mountain and action sport use (not really a street bag) but of course you can use as you need too. Explore v2 might be a little more friendly for the streets. Lucky you are quite tall so the 50L pack doesn't look to big on you :) Regards Ian
Thanks for the info Ian 👍🏼
I’ve been watching Bevis Gear from the start. I followed them from the start because they changed the bag game. The door that opens with a button and doubles as a table top is thinking outside the box. So far with my experience using the Top Shelf bag none of the camera gear falls out of my bag when closing the button door. I feel like the zipper is just extra security for you if you feel you want it. I like this brand because they listen to photographers and make bags with new kick but features we want. As far as the material used. I shoot with three different seasoned photographers and they all commented on the materials of the bag feeling like really high quality. Of course v2 will get better but I’m really enjoying the features of this bag right now… 🤙
I own a Shimoda Action X 30 and Action X 50, and I don’t consider them street bags. I do a lot of hiking into remote locations, and they are very good for that. They make some other bags that would be better for street work. Peter McKinnon/Nomatic also offers a smaller, more street oriented backpack. I have an older LowePro backpack that I use mostly as a storage bag for keeping gear in the car. I use a Peak Design 6L sling for light street work.
I bought just one bag, a lowepro protactic 350 v1, served me well and it‘s also usefull for non camera stuff. I still have several satchels like ones, but they were mostly gifted or handed down to me and are now used as storage containers :p
take a look for the Tenba Fulton backpack. I've been using it for three years, it's perfect for everyday use with reduced equipment. besides being very practical, it is also very resistant and discreet.
really nice video, thanks for your share, Shimoda Design looks like the most to me. I am struggling between Shimoda and Compagnon Element now, both seems pretty expensive. But THANKS again, great video.
Great Video due to them all being 300+ this definitely helped me rule out options thank you for this
Great video Matt. This is why photographers have so many bags. Personally I have a messenger type bag that I can put a cube in for street (although mostly I just use an extra layer or 2 to pad instead of a cube). I have a Packsafe V17 as a small backpack with side access for a camera with a couple of lenses. I have a hiking backpack (Osprey Stratos 36) which fits my big 3 (16-35, 24-70 and 100-400) with enough space for hiking gear... but its not super accessible. Recently I bought a bag as an "all rounder" or "travel bag" and it is working well. It's the Wandrd Prvke 31.... and its good for travelling. Fitted my big 3 plus a 55mm prime, backup body, Sony RX100 VI, and 1.4.x teleconverter along with a laptop and the bits I needed for the flight (Bose 700 headphones, powerbrick etc.).... and I carried it as my personal item (backpacks often if you wear them and don't overpack... they tend to be allowed). When travelling it was flexible and fitted everything comfortably. Lastly I have an XL FStop Camera cube that I take if I need to just transport a lot of gear (3 or 4 bodies and about 9 lenses, TC etc.). When taking that though I typically am taking another bag as a day bag (I guess thats what the mckinnon bag tries to do). I don't know how anyone lives without a range of bags.... especially if they have a bunch of kit and use it in different ways.
now i know which bag to buy. I just need a camera.
and you will need a strong back!
Just got tge Vanguard Veo Range T48, it is fantastic!! It even took my 200-600 and had a lot of room left
Great video as usual Matt...thanks for sharing. How about the F-Stop and Tenba bags? I have them and they are great, and I also really like my Shimoda Designs and Mindshift bags. I don't much care for the Peak Design bags because you have to spend a lot to make it what you need. Again, great video...I look forward to the next one.
This is a great video Matt, REALLY glad you made it... You were right on point about the Top Shelf bag; I bought it during their Kickstarter campaign, only to receive it and realize it was a lot smaller than I realized or than it appeared in their videos. Also, for someone very tall like me, it simply did not function that well; in fact I gave up trying to use it and bought the Peak Design. I'm hoping to sell my Top Shelf bag.
Hello there, I’m looking around at my first camera bag and the top shelf from bevis had caught my eye so I wanted to ask if you still had yours or already sold it
Since the bag came out a year ago and a v2 may or may not be on the way I want to get my hands on one so lmk please 🙏🏽
For big wedding days I use a tenba roadie backpack that they don’t make anymore.
My fav everyday bag is the Sal Cincotta bug out bag. Also good for travel.
I have a lowepro 250 that I use sometimes when I travel for the day job and need to pack my camera and work kind of stuff
Overall I have 6 bags.
Have another tenba messenger bag, small low pro one cam bag, and an x brand one cam bag.
Freebies with camera purchase from BH kind of deal.
Too many bags in my storage, about 5 or 6, mostly backpacks or slingshot bags. My favourite is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L, it's simplistic and sturdy and doesn't try to fight the laws of physics like many other brands I've tried.
I still use my Think Tank Change Up v2. For me it’s the best bag. I usually carry it as a chest pack so I always have immediate access, and so that the risk of theft is greatly reduced. If I need to travel or hike I can carry a backpack at the same time and I still have my camera gear in front of me. The only real downside I’ve found is that that setup isn’t ideal for, say, jungle hikes, where you may have to use hands and feet every now and then (while descending Mount Rinjani I ended up putting it inside my backpack). But it’s multi-purpose nature works well in most cases.
Thanks!
Nice review! And thanks for using Hong Kong as the backdrop 🇭🇰📸
I only use gitzo and fstop bags for outdoor shoots and for travel or moving studio to studio i have 2 hard cases with foam cutouts.
costly but very effective and safe.
The city street bags all seem big and heavy for all day carry. My personal favourite is the discontinued Think Tank Perception 15, lightweight at 900g, slim profile and superb padded straps. I'm in a hot/humid climate and shoot Fuji so no real point in losing the weight advantage of a lighter system by carrying the gear in a heavy bag. I add a lightweight Tenba BYOB insert if I want to carry and organise extra cameras and lenses.
17 camera bags. The oldest in service is a 1999 LowePro Orion AW II. In 2022, I added four bags, a Bagsmart DSLR, Shimoda Explore V2 35L, NYA-EVO Fjord 36, and NYA-EVO Fjord 60-C. Like Matt, I have two Nikon Z9 bodies.
What do you shoot?
Shimoda is definitely for packing in for a week
Still with my Lowepro Fastpack 350. Fits my gear + a big mac burger.
Shimoda is and does great bags. Not for street or travel though. Typically hardcore outdoor shooting and hiking. Peak Design (except small backpack), Wandrd and Tenba do great travel and street bags.
Note: Shimoda also makes a "duffle" style designed to take their larger inserts and smaller ones as well like the Peak Design you included.
I have two small camera bags, one is an old lunchbag that holds my Nikon D3200, 1 lens, and some accessories. My other bag is a Nikon proper camera bag that is segmented. Since Nikon designed it, my Nikon D700 with my Nikkor 70-210mm F4-5.6 attached to it does fit in the bag. However, I have 4 other lenses in that bag, so I have to take the lens off to fit all of it in there. It also only has one divider, so that allows a full sized camera and 5 lenses to fit in a small bag.
Thanks for the mention. That rain looked fun, just sorry we don't make a full-sized 'Matt' cover. :D
I'm using a Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II that I like because there is a LOT of room.
I manage to hike with my :
- 200-500
- 300mm 2.8
- 24-70 f4
- Z7ii
and have enough space left for a first-aid pouch a snack and an external water bottle.
and your back will be gone within a few years!
@@gosman949 Ive got both version 1& 2 and still using and loving both.
Not the most comfortable bag out there, but it can take a hell of a beating! Great to strap on a bike or throw somewhere in a boat. Not appropriate for hiking long distances.
I have the compagnon element bag..some things to consider...the shoulder support straps have to be unbuckled each time you want access to all your gear, so basically every time you open it up. You shouldn't put anything "camera" related in the front pouch b/c it's difficult to access when the back panel is open. The straps are not very good. It carries as much as the lowepro 450 AWII but feels MUCH heavier when loaded up.
You may want to check out the Nya-Evo bags - they do a deeper camera cube/insert - they don't have side access so maybe not what your looking for. - but I love mine as they fit the z9 much better due to the deeper insert.
I bought a very nice TAMRAC camera bag in late 2020 that was 65% off (deep discount). I think it had something to do with the company's rebranding strategy and desire to clear its sales channels of old inventory. Why?...because the product range was named "Corona". I bought the Corona 20 for pennies on the dollar! Perfect size and design for my needs.
Thanks for the mention, Matt. Mindshift is now a product line of ThinkTank, we did away with the whole 'other company' thing. You got it good and wet, well done! Hope all is well over there. (There's also a camera insert for the top of the R180 series if you're into that)
Hey Simon, nice to hear from you. Thanks for the info!
@@mattgranger always welcome
The trick is to use a bag that doesnt look like a camera bag. Thanks for the videos.
Right on! I'm thinking about that Compangnon Duffel but it's true what he says.. they're sold out 😭
Wow really creepy 😐
@@aulddug3634 bruh…
Just bought a Mindshift 34L to use on a trip to Scotland 🏴. I hope it does its job well.
@@aulddug3634bruh it's to not get robbed wtf
I have 4 actual camera bags. Three are SLR era shoulder bags, one leather 1960s vintage the other two from the late 1970s or early 1980s nylon. The main bag these days is an inexpensive Amazon Basics backpack style bag that I'd describe as barely adequate as there's no provision for carrying food, water, clothing, first aide, etc. but it gets most of the gear into the field for me.
Thank you for the video. Do wish you included one of the Shimoda Explorers V2 bags at either 30L for mirrorless without a grip (or maybe one like the Sony with one) or a deeper 35L that works for gripped bodies like the Z9 or EoS R5 with grip. The X50 is nice but for a different audience.
Thy X50 looks like you only have the Mirrorless insert and not the DSLR deeper insert.
Hey, Matt. Thanks for the comparison and nice array of camera bags. It would've been nice if you included some camera slings too, as not everyone cares to go around an entire day with their entire kit. Slings that carry a mirrorless and 1 or 2 lenses are quite the rage now and, while I get that this isn't really your style, your access to B&H would give everyone an opportunity to see the pros and cons of these types of bags compared to each other. Actually, maybe you could ask B&H to provide you with some slings for a new video. I would recommend slings from Peak Design, Moment, PGY Tech, WANDRD, Lowepro, Boundary Supply, and Nomatic, to name a few. I'm sure there are a lot more companies that I've forgotten to mention.
I love watching camera bag videos but I still haven’t been convinced to change mine. Mine isn’t a camera bag, it’s a tech bag so it has so many pockets for things like filters, batteries, portable chargers, laptop, cables etc. I have a 24-70 constantly attached to my camera on a peak design clip on the strap, the 70-200 in the case it came in slotted in the main compartment and a nifty 50 just thrown in
I think I have 8 bags with three being specifically for one lens and camera. One is for the NIkon 200-500 & the Z6. I've been looking for the best camera bag for rmy needs and I'm still looking. One I tend to use is a $5 closout bag from BestBuy.
Great range of bags.
I have the Vanguard Heralder 46 (no longer available)
I travel for work (main job) so this becomes my carry on luggage and on my recent trip (last week) packed in:
- D850, 24mm, 50mm and 105mm lenses, spare cards, battery and charger
- Bronica ETRS + spare 120 back + 4 spare rolls of film
- iPad + Laptop + phone (phone pocket is on the strap, close to your ear so easy to hear, and find.
- Travel wallet (passport, cash, Covid Cert), change of shirt and underthings for Changi
It was 10.6kg fully loaded and I had no hassles with planes (flight I was on allowed 10kg carry on)
The side access for the laptop, and quick access for phone and iPad are great at airport security.
When I get to my destination I take the whole lot to the office (not leaving my camera in the hotel) but on weekends, drop out the laptop when I go for a photowalk.
It's also got side access for the camera, a rain cover for really wet days, and an outside pocket on the top for simple things small amounts of cash or Ventolin, if you need them without digging through the bag.
This bag has traveled the world with me :)
thanks for the insights, now im even more confused what to get hahaha not easy to choose right, specially if none of those bags are in your country... but I guess I have some ideas of what to start looking for... def a laptop compartment that does not go in the top to prevent pointy stuff from poaking it. thanks
I’ve been using a ThinkTank Streetwalker Pro for years. I carry 2 pro bodies and the holy trinity of lenses, plus a few accessories. And that’s with the 24-70 Attached to a body with hood in place, ready to go. You do have to take it off, but it’s been great for what I do.
I also have 2 other ThinkTank bags for smaller outings.
Thanks, Derek
I think the Bevisgear is a great idea as it's first of its kind. I hope the inventor of it will take the things you mentioned and improve on it for the next one.
I got the Peak Design everyday packpack (30L) and whilst its a very nice bag, i would prefer it to have a different arrangement for holding the lenses. The folding modular compartments open up and move too easily. Overall though enjoy the bag and the material on the 1st generation bags are just so awesome (much nicer IMO vs the newer non waterproof materials uses). I also have the PD Duffel bag but dont use this for photography and just as a everyday gym bag/weekend travel bag, for this use its overkill but very nice to use. No signs of use on either (besides some minor abrasion to the backback lower back padding) after a few years of use.
One area i have found the PD backpack fail miserably is carrying larger tripods. The rear straps just dont work well for a weighty tripod, if you stick to their own or lightweight trpods its all good.
I love backpacks that stand upright. That don’t lean and fall
What kind of watch are you wearing ?
Great video Matt. With the mindshift rotation bag I would have liked to understand how easy, or hard, it is to get the fanny pack back into it's little cubby hole when you have a loaded backpack.
I have and love the Mindshift Rotation 35l and have hiked with it a lot. The system works perfectly. The fanny pack glides easily back into its hole.
Same for me. Using it for over a year and I love the backpack. So easy to turn, so comfortable. Maybe I will buy the smaller size for city trips. The 34 ist a bit large, but I will choose it every time over my other backpacks because it's so comfortable.
I stick with my ole good loyal bag - Lowepro 450 AW II!
I have 3 bags
1. Lowepro Sling bag, the problem is, it doesn't fit my Tamron 35-150 on the Sony R5 so I had to replace it with bag number 3 below... But I will sell this one now
2. Lowepro Protactic 450 AWII, This is a big bag. I use it when traveling
3. Manfrotto Advanced2, it is a light bag and can carry my camera with the 35-150 installed on it and 2 extra lenses for light travel
I have three camera bags at the moment. The most used is the Everyday Peak Design Backpack V1 20L. I also have a Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II which I mainly use when I drive to locations to shoot landscapes or cityscapes. And for when I just need a camera and one or two lenses and no need for a tripod, I have a Tenba 638-362 messenger-type bag. Are there better bags out there? Maybe. But I have had the PD backpack for 5 years now and I have it configured in a way that perfectly suits my needs and I am used to it so for me, that is my choice for the "perfect backpack". I usually just watch these videos just to see what's out there, but thankfully I have no need to buy another bag.
With the Peak Design part in this video, seeing Matt trying to fit his Z9 into the PD 30L was hilarious because I don't know if he was aware that the shelves are adjustable.
Well done.
Really wish the Wotancraft Pilot 20L was part of this.
Nice review of bags. I have the Compagnon bag v2, and the only thing I don't like is that the rolltop closes with scratch. It seems in your version 1 the rolltop closes with a rigid horizontal "ruler" kind of rigid structure. Is that right? Would easily change that rolltop to v1 and have no idea why they changed it for somethings that feels less durable, as Compagnon is a company that looks for sustainability.
You missed a lot on the Shimoda bag. Also, there is a larger camera insert to get. Watch the review of the Shimoda bags. I bought a X 50 for $ 295. -- on sale .... includes the larger insert in this price. I have 4 different bags and this is for me the best.
Do these bags fit as a carry-on?
In the Street category I strongly recommend checking out the PGYTECH OneMo 25L.. I've been using that for almost a year and it's fantastic. For slings Peak Design wins though, their Everyday Sling bags are great, I've had all 3 sizes but ended up selling then 10L because I only use the 3 and 6L.
Hi Luke
I've been considering that one. In you experience, does it get uncomfortable when fully loaded, with the lack of a belt strap?
Thanks.
@@newnastyn I haven't really gone on long hikes with it fully loaded. It does have pretty comfortable thick straps and its fine for not-too-long hikes but if you're doing all-day hiking and you're carrying tons of weight I would go for a more specialized backpack. If you're just hiking a few miles occasionally and also use this bag for other stuff then its fine.
@@Lukaz1989 thanks for getting back to me. I agree with you. The shimoda explorer is very tempting and a bit bigger, but the price...
@@newnastyn If it helps.. I can tell you in my experience if you gonna go for a cheap(er) backpack you gonna end up buying better ones later anyway so you might as well bite the sour apple now and get the one you actually want/need. Just buy it from a reputable seller that accepts returns - in case it doesn't work for you after all.
@@Lukaz1989 thank you, yes I agree. I've learned that lesson the long (and ultimately more expensive) way with tripods.
Besides it is stupid to have thousands of dollars in gear and skimp on the one thing that carries it all.
Still, it's quite the bullet to bite...
Realise you can’t review every backpack out there but I think you missed this WANDRD PRVKE 31. I bought this just over a year ago and find it very comfortable. It just about takes all my gear and you can put some clothes in for a weekend if you’re travelling light. My only complaint is the inside is all black, you can’t see black gear in low light. But overall I think it would be better than most?
Who does not love a camera bag comparison video! I currently have two bags a shoulder bag which never leaves the house and is a store for my overflow kit and a very old Lowepro LP 152 which is good, has quick side access but the annoying thing is does not have back access, which means you get a wet back if you want full access and the ground is wet. The quest for the perfect camera bag is as difficult as the quest for the perfect pillow and a single bag will not be suitable for every scenario.
haha, I know what you mean. I am on the quest for perfect bag - my wife is searching the perfect pillow. Having said that, when I find what i like, I just keep using it for years.
I have a z9 with 200-400mm f4 and 70-200mm f2.8 and canon r7 witz 24-70mm F2.8L and 70-200mm f4. What do you recommend for my whole gear. The 200-400mm doesnt fit in the PK 35L.
I'm in the bag a month club; more than I care to count. Mostly like to wander around the woods, so I prefer more outdoorsy type bags. Peak Design- I found the straps were the most uncomfortable with no padding. The water bottle pocket pushes into the inside and reduces internal volume. The waist strap is flimsy. If you give it a 'bounce', the origami dividers can flip open so things roll around inside. I think it's more geared to the fashion crowd, not the woods. Gave it away. Peak Duffel- the internal cubes were a nuisance for camera access. If it's a plane to hotel kind of thing, it's OK. Gave it away. Top Shelf- yes, it's a great shelf. As you point out, the straps get weird. I'm a Geezer, so weight is important. Didn't fit my larger bodies. It was too heavy; gave it away. Shimoda 30L. Lots of straps. Side pockets are more for show- they suggest glove storage, but that didn't work for me. I'm not a fan of camera cubes- adds weight and side access doors become fiddly. The strap adjustments and waist belt are great. For me, it's by far the most comfortable. Rotation pack- I had the V1 and gave it away. The V2 is much better- magnetic clasps on the rotating cube, and more importantly the cube is larger- but not giant. Yes, you can keep lenses in the pack, but longer ones won't fit in the cube. It shines if you pack some clothes (I do) and just walk around and want good camera access with the pack on. When swinging the cube around, it can get caught in some jackets, but the pros outweigh the cons. Here's a tip. I carry a tripod. Mindshift has a scheme where straps come down from the front of the pack, and the legs go horizontally through a ring on the Rotation pack. Works fabulous, is quick to set up, and is a much better weight distribution. Plus you can rest your arm on it while walking, and really doesn't get in the way with walking poles (surprise). I modified the Shimoda to work the same way, I added a 'stiff' bungee loop off the straps on the bag rear, and added the front straps from the Rotation (you can buy them separately).) and I find it's the best way I have found to carry a tripod. Now the caveat- the Rotation works best if you pull the tripod out, set it up, and then swing the cube around. If you take the pack off and then try to access your camera while the pack is on the ground, it gets complicated; there's a definite order that you need to burn in. I use the tripod carry on the Shimoda because I prefer to set the tripod up, take the pack off, and then pull out the camera. It you try that with the Rotation, you get tangled up in the straps pretty quick. In short, walking around and keeping the pack on, the Rotation is very convenient. If you are a pack off type, then the Shimoda with the 'tripod mods' is great. I also ordered the Compagnon Element pack in tan last Jan; hasn't showed yet. I think the boat sunk.
The Shimoda Explore v2 is a better comparison to the others as the Action X pack is not designed as an urban type bag.
Lowepro for my gear. I’m not fussy about looks, just performance. If necessary, I will throw the Lowepro in my old Army Alice pack and move out.
Please do Tripod and Gimbal !
Done!
Two points: most of us including many pros aren't going down Mirrorless street sometime soon with so many D810/D850 options around and the huge investment needed to junk in F lenses for Zs. 2nd, buy anything you need second hand including bags. Personally, I've never needed anything other than Lowpro. A cheeky 3rd point: Try MPB photographic for all secondhand goodies.
Don’t think the stats back up point 1 my friend
Shimoda Xplore v2 35 is my candidate
Matt, what focal length is being used in the street follow behind shots here? I like the look.
Thank you for this very useful review! I like the golden-brown background a lot more than the red one. The current one is more gentle to the eyes!
I know it’s kind of an ancient video in internet standards, but thank god there’s links to at least the manufacturer lol
In Nomatic McKinnon, the straps don't look strong enough to hook anything.
for me the best of all time backpack is the Manfrotto BumbleBee 130 ... I have 8 kilos in it, I can have it all day, walking an average of 14km per day... really the best.
Hey Matt!
Thanks for the comparison, I digged a lot of videos like this one to find my camera bag and it’s always a pleasure to watch honest and detailed reviews :)
My first bag was a Tenba Shootout, if you got the chance to try one, there are very good for urban environnments.
Now I got a Shimoda Action X50, I choose this one on a purpose and, if I may suggest, I highly recommand if you can include the Explore series at different size/capacity. Because Shimoda bags are specifics :
- Action series can compete with Atlas or Mindshift bags, it’s mainly a bag designed for outdoor exploration, trekking, etc. and that’s why there’s a lot of straps and customisation (like skis, snowboard, camping stuff and so on). And a good metal framing, after a long journey your back will thank you :)
- Explorer series can compete with the McKinnon and other urban bags because it’s a more hybride approch for travelers. Like a mix between outdoor capabilities (a lot a stuff are coming from the Action) and what an every day bag can do. So for exemple there's better access points.
Of course any Shimoda can be uses for any purposes (I’m using it every day, it work well), but that’s why the X50 get an Ice Pick loops and not the McKinnon nor a Lowepro Tactics ;)
(side note about the fabric, as you mentioned at the begining I confirm it’s not as thick as others but is very durable : falling in dirt and mud approval!)
Nice intros, Matt. However, I'm seeking a somewhat smaller backpack, and currently torn between the Shimoda Explorer V2 25 L, and the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II 25L. Do you have an opinion on which is better quality/comfort for hiking with a medium-sized mirrorless kit, i.e., 1 or 2 Nikon Z bodies and 3 or 4 lenses, nothing longer than 300mm. Thanks!
Update: Matt, first, since I never carry more than 3 or 4 lenses at a time, and 2 Nikon Z bodies, I tend to gravitate towards the smaller capacity bags (22-30L). I've now tried the MicKinnon 22L and agree that it's quite well-made and comfortable. (Mine didn't have that "chemical smell" when first opening it.) My main gripe was that it has no external small pockets for quick access to batteries, filters, etc. I also have the WANDRD PRVKE 21L backpack, which frankly, is the most comfortable bag when fully loaded. The issue is that even with the large "Pro" camera cube, it won't accommodate longer telephoto lenses (i.e., 180-600 f/5.6-6.3). It is however, also extremely well-made. I plan to be testing the Gura Gear Kiboko 22L Camera Backpack soon, with its unique "butterfly" design. Another very good, spacious and highly customizable bag is the PGYTECH OneMo V2 25L backpack. It has a unique "expansion" feature that adds 5L additional storage space, and is of a high quality as well. In fact, it's the only bag I've tried so far, that lets one insert/remove a Nikon Z8 with attached Kirk L-bracket, from the side access flap. All the other bags I tried have side access flaps that are just too small for easy access to a decent-sized mirrorless camera. Thanks again for this great video!
“It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
bags are a real hate/love subject ... 😂 Personally I always want a ton of small pockets with zips inside. 😊
You used the Peak Design backwards. You must swing around left shoulder, then grab camera with right hand.
What happened to his z9? is it dead?
Why?
They're all so expensive, including one two budget-friendly options would have been great
This was a high end comparison. I’ll aim to make a budget version soon
LowerPro Protactic 450 >
I have been out of the business for quite some time, however I have been looking at BREVITE bags , are you familiar and any opinion on them? (I used to shoot weddings with an RB67 and a Mamiya 645, 2 1/4 format ) I carried my stuff in an anvil case. Therefore I could stand on it if needed. I lived in Center City Philadelphia at the time so when I would travel back-and-forth from home to Philadelphia, I used to put my clothes in the anvil case & my camera equipment in my suitcase!
Haven’t heard of them sorry
The pgytech bag, is an amazing bag that you 100% missed out on.
I have had most of the bags in this video. The Nomadic bag was ok but really uncomfortable for long hike with anything heavier than a 50mm 1.2 and body. The side access will leak in a slight rain and you absolutely need a cover in a tropic downpour. I will say this tho, after a year of heavy use the zipper broke and they sent me a new bag right away, great customer service. The Mindshift again good bag but really uncomfortable for the long haul hiker. IMO the Shimoda design has been the most comfortable with any kit arrangement, the core options are great (Matt wasn't using a DSLR core but commenting on it anyway) and has been stellar on long 5+ days in the bush hikes and very tough. The one draw back is they really are not for city use, but you don't buy that bag for that reason anyway. Good video.
What do you think of Peak Design Totepack, stylish and practical too?
Never used it sorry