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Review: Peak Design Travel Backpack

03 Oct

Back in 2015, when my wife and I were looking for a bag she could carry her laptop and other work-related items in, we stumbled across a Kickstarter project for the Everyday Messenger from Peak Design. It wasn’t the cheapest option, but it looked like it would stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. And it looked like the company had put a lot of thought into making a solid bag that would meet her needs.

After a bit of research, and comparing it with other bags, we bought one. It was our first experience with Peak Design products. But it certainly wasn’t our last.

Photo of Peak Design's Travel Backpack

Photo courtesy of Peak Design

My wife, who is not a photographer, still uses it every day. In fact, we were so impressed with it that I bought their follow-up product – the Everyday Backpack – for myself.

I take it on my bicycle commute to work every day. I also use it to carry my camera gear when I shoot photos for clients. Its quality, usefulness, and thoughtful design touches are impressive, and illustrate how Peak Design made these products to suit photographers as well as everyday people.

When I found out Peak Design was expanding its offerings from everyday-style bags to a line of products that focus on travel, I was intrigued. The Messenger and Backpack bags have served my wife and I well over the years, and I was eager to see whether the Travel Backpack could live up to the legacy created by their other products.

Travel Backpack filled with camera gear.

The Travel Backpack isn’t specifically focused on photographers, but Peak Design has clearly kept photographers in mind with this bag.

Testing the Traveler

To thoroughly test the Travel Backpack I used it to carry everything I needed for a five-day, 1800-mile road trip up and down the midwest United States to see friends and family. I stuffed it to the brim with:

  • my camera
  • shorts, socks, shirts, and pants
  • my personal care items
  • a Nintendo 2DS XL
  • a host of chargers
  • an iPad for watching Netflix in hotel rooms.

It was tossed around in my car, loaded and unloaded multiple times, and hoisted up and down so many flights of stairs that I lost count.

It performed flawlessly.

I was immediately impressed at the level of design and consideration that went into the Travel Backpack. They’ve made dozens of tweaks and flourishes to every aspect of this bag that separate it from most run-of-the-mill carrying companions. It’s the attention to detail you’d expect with a bag of this caliber and price. The fabric is thick, the fasteners and clips are sturdy, and the zippers are easily accessible. It’s got pretty much everything I wanted in a travel container, as well as some things I didn’t even realize I was looking for.

Photo courtesy of Peak Design

When I returned my wife, who’d recently attended a work conference on the East Coast, said she wished she’d had the Travel Backpack instead of her usual carry-on suitcase. And I’d say the same would hold true for just about anyone. We have a nice set of luggage that works just fine, but having used the Travel Backpack I’d rather take it over our other travel gear.

Pockets, Pockets Everywhere

The Travel Backpack is big enough to hold everything from cameras and clothes to shoes and shower items, yet small enough to fit in an airplane carry-on cargo hold. Pockets abound in the Travel Backpack, with every nook, cranny, corner and flap having a cavity or pouch tucked away for all manner of trinkets, tchotchkes, memory cards and power cables.

The well-padded shoulder straps can be tucked away beneath thick flaps that snap shut with a satisfying magnetic click. When the bag is zipped up and read to be tossed into a trunk or overhead airplane bin, additional pockets on the sides let you get to your essentials at a moment’s notice.

Photo courtesy of Peak Design

Of course, all those extra are useless if you can’t get to them easily. Thankfully the Travel Backpack gives you plenty of ways to get to your cargo. The back of the unit (the part that you actually carry on your shoulders) unzips and folds back to reveal the entire contents of the pack, leaving nothing hidden or tucked away behind recessed side panels. In a nod to the Everyday Backpack, the sides unzip so can grab something quickly without having to open up the entire bag. And the front zipper lets you access a separate portion of the bag, which can be useful for stowing laptops, tablets, notebooks and other thin items.

One of the hallmarks of the Travel Backpack is how you can tweak and change it to suit your needs. Want more space? Gussets on the front unzip so you can stow significantly more cargo. Need less space? You can squeeze the bag down to a more manageable size by collapsing the top with two convenient snaps. Don’t need  the shoulder straps? Tuck them away behind the magnetic flaps to keep them out of your way.

A tall thin pocket runs from top to bottom on the inner back flap for stowing super thin items, with another pocket inside it. Or you can keep the pockets closed with the Velcro attachments and ignore them altogether.

Whatever you want to bring, there’s probably a pocket to hold it. Photo courtesy of Peak Design.

If you simply want a massive, cavernous, well-designed duffel bag, unzip the divider separating the small front portion from the spacious main portion to create a single massive chamber that can hold just about anything.

This illustrates the many ways the Travel Backpack would be great for just about anyone on the go.

Sweating the Details

Peak Design has incorporated a number of small details in this bag that make it ideal for travelers. Interlocking external zipper straps discourage unscrupulous tourists from swiping your gear. Attachment points on the inside give you convenient locations to strap down your items so they don’t move around. Handles on the top, bottom, sides and back let you carry the Travel Backpack in whatever way suits your needs. And the entire product is just the right size to fit neatly into an airplane overhead bin.

Photo courtesy of Peak Design

The all-round build quality is astounding, just as I’d expect after owning two other Peak Design bags for several years. And no, I’m not being paid to say this. I was a K-12 teacher for five years, and completely wore out several bags inthat time. Let’s just say I can tell a cheaply made bag when I see one, and the Travel Backpack is anything but.

The outer shell is made from thick Kodra fabric, which feels tough and sturdy while still having a degree of flexibility that lets the bag squish and stretch as needed. The main zipper is thick and chunky, and all zippers are hidden beneath long thin flaps that, presumably, providing a degree of weatherproofing and  a sense of security. A casual observer probably wouldn’t even see them.

Even though I wasn’t exactly gentle with the Travel Backpack on my road trip, five days isn’t nearly enough time to assess long-term durability. For that I look to my Everyday Backpack and Everyday Messenger which, after years of near-daily use, barely show any signs of wear and tear. I’d expect no less from the Travel Backpack. Admittedly some of the inner pouches and flaps don’t have the same degree of thickness, but it’s nothing I’m worried about. Peak Design products have a lifetime warranty, so if anything did fail it would be taken care of by the manufacturer. It’s nice to see a company willing to stand behind their products like this.

Photo courtesy of Peak Design

While the Travel Backpack itself is highly useful, customizable and durable, it really excels when paired with accessories such as the Tech Pouch, Wash Pouch, Camera Cube and Packing Cubes. These are optional, but highly recommended if you have specific use-case scenarios in mind, such as carrying cameras and lenses with your clothes and toothbrushes. These accessories are designed to fit inside the Travel Backpack and, in the case of the Camera Cube, include mounting points and special hardware to ensure minimal movement and shuffling around.

If you want to use the Travel Backpack for carrying camera gear, you will definitely want to get the optional Camera Cube. Photo courtesy of Peak Design

The Camera Cube is specifically designed to fit the needs of people who carry cameras and lenses. It comes in three sizes – small, medium and large – with each one using Velcro dividers to create spaces to hold your gear. While other bags use similar systems, the flex-fold dividers used by Peak Design can be folded and reconfigured to a greater degree than I’m used to seeing.

Apart from the Camera Cube, my favorite packing accessory was the Tech Pouch. It help every electronic item I brought with me (other than my iPad), and neatly stowed all my cables, chargers and game cartridges too. It stands upright when open, revealing the entire contents and giving you instant access to anything inside. The Wash Pouch is fine for holding toiletries for a single person, but if you’re traveling with a companion don’t expect everything to fit in a single pouch.

The Camera Cube is secured in place by sturdy anchors you can detach. But they’re a bit tricky to operate, and constantly inserting and removing the Camera Cube can be frustrating, especially if you have larger fingers.

More of a curiosity are the Packing Cubes, which hold clean and dirty clothes. They do a good job, but I’m not sure they’re worth the price when you can do essentially the same thing with a plastic bag. But to be fair, plastic bags aren’t made of lightweight breathable fabric, nor do they have zippers to close them up tight.

Travelers, Photographers, and Photographers Who Travel

At this point you might be asking what all of this has to do with photography. After all, Peak Design has been designing straps and clips and cases and bags for photographers since the company was founded.

But the Travel Backpack is unique in their lineup. While it’s certainly useful for photographers, particularly with the Camera Cube, it’s designed to fit the needs of anyone who finds themselves on the road and need a durable, versatile, customizable solution to carry their stuff.

The 45L Travel Backpack compared to my 35L Everyday Backpack, with a DSLR and 70-200 lens for scale.

If this sounds like you, and you regularly carry cameras, lenses, filters, spare batteries, small tripods and other items, you’ll be pleased with the Travel Backpack providing you also buy the Camera Cube. But if you need a bag specifically designed to carry camera gear to gigs, or just a versatile all-in-one carrying solution, the Travel Backpack may not be for you. For those situations you might want something smaller, such as the Everyday Backpack or another bag that isn’t quite so bulky.

And therein lies the rub. While the Travel Backpack is an outstanding product, it’s hard to unequivocally recommend this bag because its usefulness depends on your expectations and how you use its many features. If you’re frequently on the move and need to transport a lot of camera gear, clothes, electronics, or even everyday items then the Peak Design Travel Backpack will definitely suit your needs. It surpasses almost every other small suitcase, backpack and carry-on luggage – and then some. I can’t think of a scenario where the Travel Backpack wouldn’t be ideal if your goal  involves traveling.

Photo courtesy of Peak Design

As a daily multipurpose bag for schlepping cameras, lenses, lighting, clothes, documents, laptops or anything else of that nature, another product would more likely suit your needs. It’s sheer size precludes it from being a solid solution for students. And even though the top snaps to reduce its overall size, it’s still too big for photographers who need to transport a few cameras and lenses around town. But if you have a lot of camera gear the Travel Backpack, combined with a large-sized Camera Cube (which almost takes up the backpack’s entire available packing space), could be the solution you need.

Another issue is the price, and I’d be the first to admit the Travel Backpack isn’t the cheapest option on the market. The MSRP for the backpack alone is $ 300, and that doesn’t include any pouches, camera cubes or even a rain fly, all of which can drive up the cost significantly. If you’re used to carrying your clothes and camera items around in a $ 30 duffel bag, you might balk at the idea of spending ten times as much for something that, in some ways, isn’t much different.

Snaps at the top allow the bag to shrink in size, but it’s still pretty large and cumbersome for everyday usage.

But when you see how the Travel Backpack is so much more than a duffel bag, along with the quality of the materials, the care and attention to detail, and the way it’s designed specifically to meet the needs of busy people on the go, you might think twice. When I think about the ways my Everyday Backpack and my wife’s Everyday Messenger have come through for us over the years while showing hardly any signs of wear, and compare it to our many bags that have disintegrated, broken or fallen apart, the price of a Peak Design product starts to make more sense.

I’m a big fan of the Travel Backpack, and I hope you can see why. If you’re frequently on the road or in the air, this bag will suit your needs impeccably, especially when used in tandem with the Camera Cube, Tech Pouch, Wash Pouch and Packing Cubes. I have a closet full of duffels and suitcases to carry things on trips. But if I had to pick one bag for my travel needs, it would certainly be this one.

Durability: 5/5

Flexibility: 5/5

Cost: 4/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

 

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NYA-EVO launches Kickstarter for its new Fjord 60-C expandable camera backpack

02 Oct

Photography bag manufacturer NYA-EVO has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new camera backpack, the Fjord 60-C.

Designed to be a larger version of NYA-EVO’s Fjord 36, the Fjord 60-C is an expandable backpack that fits 60 liters worth of gear in full ‘Expedition mode’ while packing up to a more manageable carry-on size of 44 liters (the ‘C’ in Fjord 60-C stands for carry-on).

Specifically, the Fjord 60-C features three different size configurations that can be adjusted using zippers and the expandable top compartment: Carry-on, Adventure mode and Expedition mode. They offer 44 liters, 52 liters and 60 liters of storage space, respectively.

Like the Fjord 36 backpack, the Fjord 60-C will use NYA-EVO’s removable camera inserts that come in small, medium, and large. The Fjord 60-C will also come in the same colors as the Fjord 36: Midnight Blue, Powder White, Pine Green and Graphite Black.

The backpack is constructed of nylon 210 denier fabric with a water-repellant coating, features YKK aqua guard zippers and has an aluminum internal frame to help keep its shape. The shoulder straps have three adjustable configurations for a more precise fit and there’s a new waist belt to help distribute the weight when the pack is full.

The Kickstarter campaign started today, so there’s plenty of time to secure your pledge. €280 (approximately $ 324) will get you a single Fjord 60-C without any removable camera unites, while a €350 (approximately $ 405) pledge will secure you a single Fjord 60-C with all three removable camera unites.

To find out more and make a pledge, head on over to the Kickstarter campaign. As with all crowdfunded campaigns, proceed with caution. Although NYA-EVO has proven in the past that it’s capable of shipping a Kickstarter project, there’s always the risk of unforeseen circumstances from happening.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

24 Sep

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish camera backpack, look no further than the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. Peak Design is well known for supplying photography accessories that not only look good but function extraordinarily well. The Everyday Backpack is no exception.

Despite being designed for photographers, the Everyday Backpack doesn’t look like a camera bag. This acts as both a deterrent to potential thieves, but also makes the backpack great for use even if you’re not intending to fill it with camera gear.

There are many reasons to use the Everyday Backpack, but unfortunately, it’s far from perfect. In fact, there are some quirks that could make an unideal bag for you. Read on for my take on what’s great about this bag, and what needs to be improved.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag - woman with backpack on

Why the Everyday Backpack?

First off, here’s how this backpack ended up in my camera bag collection. I’ve spent 7 years carrying my camera gear in a Think Tank Retrospective Messenger Bag and hauling a separate laptop bag. It was a lot to carry, and I wanted to consolidate my gear into a single bag. A backpack was key to balance weight, but most backpacks are too bulky.

Until recently, the InCase DSLR Pro Backpack had been my camera and laptop backpack of choice. It’s incredibly comfortable and spacious and was great when I was shooting primarily with Canon DSLRs. But when I switched to Sony mirrorless cameras, I wanted a smaller backpack. Enter Peak Design!

Here’s a quick video overview.

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Pros

Stylish Design

True to its name, this backpack is full of stylish design touches that truly stand out. Composed of several different materials including leather handles, anodized aluminum clips, and weather-resistant fabric, there is lots of visual appeal to the Everyday Backpack.

During my one month of traveling with this backpack from California to Florida, I’ve had multiple people stop me on the street just to inquire about the bag.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Sturdy, weather-resistant material

The Everyday Backpack is composed mainly of a weatherproof nylon canvas shell. It’s a nicely textured fabric, and it’s available in four different colors (black, tan, ash and charcoal). The two zippered side pockets are also reinforced with weatherproofing material, preventing liquid from entering. As a result, this bag is reasonably weatherproof without having to put a protective coat on it.

Flexible dividers for safely stowing gear

Inside the backpack are three of Peak Design’s FlexFold Dividers. These unique dividers aren’t flimsy like the ones you find in most camera bags. Instead, the FlexFold dividers are quite rigid, giving you peace of mind that your gear is being protected and not rattling around when being transported. Best of all, these dividers can also fold down to secure your gear and give you an added layer of space for stowing extras such as a small monopod or tripod.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Side zippers for easy access to gear

Unlike conventional backpacks that only give you access from the top, the Everyday Backpack gives you three points of entry. You can access your stuff from the top via the MagLatch flap, or from the two zippered side flaps.

This helps you better organize your gear and find it without having to rummage through the entire bag.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Lots of pockets for stowing gear

Besides the main compartment, the Everyday Backpack has several extra internal spaces. Each side flap is lined with a spacious internal pocket for storing small accessories like batteries and memory cards. Within the MagLatch flap, there’s also a small magnetized pocket that’s the perfect size for sticking your keys or wallet (be careful you don’t demagnetize your bank cards though!) for quick access.

On the outside, there’s a separate laptop compartment and two expandable side pockets. Finally, the back panel slightly detaches to allow for the backpack to slide easily onto a luggage handle, but I like using this area to secure bulky items like a reflector.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Discrete carrying straps

Thankfully, the Everyday Backpack comes with straps to help you carry heavy loads or bulky items. Specifically, there is a chest strap, waist strap, and tripod straps. All the straps are quite thin and easily tuck into the bag’s external pockets when not in use.

In practice, the chest strap does come in handy, but the waist straps are too thin and not padded, making them uncomfortable. The tripod straps are quite sturdy and reliable, but I find very few instances when I want to add the weight of a bulky tripod to this bag. More on that below.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Zippered pocket inside the side panels, very handy for small items.

Cons

All in all, the Peak Design backpack looks great and functions really well. But there are some problems that arise mainly when the bag is packed to capacity.

No wiggle room for extra gear

If you’re like me, your camera bag is often stuffed to the seams with gear. Most camera bags are built with expandable sections so you can add a few extra items to your bag. This is not the case with the Peak Design bag. It’s designed to snugly hold a set amount of gear.

From then on, there’s really no room to throw in extras. This is due mainly to the fact that the bag’s material is really rigid, probably to add support and protection to your gear but at the expense of flexibility.

The backpack is really uncomfortable when too heavy

At the expense of looking pretty, the Everyday Backpack fails at one basic thing: making the back panel and backpack straps consistently comfortable. Both the back panel padding and straps are rigid and they cut into your back and shoulders when the bag is heavy.

This isn’t a problem if the bag isn’t weighed down with tons of gear. But it’s unwearable for long periods of time when filled with too much gear.

Compromise – use this backpack with a belt pack

Since the backpack is comfortable when not packed to the brim, my compromise has been to use the backpack in conjunction with the Think Tank waist pack. The belt pack is typically what I’ll wear during shoots anyway, so I stick my extra lenses and flash in the belt pack.

My camera body, laptop, and computer accessories go into the Peak Design bag. I simply carry them both to shoots. So far it’s been a much more comfortable way to carry my gear without feeling too bulky or weighed down.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Zippers tend to slide open if not secured

Another problem that results from the backpack being too full is that the side zippers tend to slide open. Luckily, Peak Design did supply a solution. All zippers are equipped with little black loops that can connect to each other and prevent accidental spills.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Not possible to lock or secure bag when not in use

One of the key points of the Everyday Backpack is the “revolutionary closure system” called the MagLatch. According to Peak Design, it is the only bag closure system that is “no-lock, one-handed, quiet, and secure.”

In practice, the MagLatch is a unique way to quickly access to the top section of the backpack. But the fact that the MagLatch doesn’t lock makes the bag questionably secure. I wouldn’t leave this bag unattended since there’s nothing to prevent a thief from reaching in.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Camera Laptop Bag

Expensive

At $ 259.00 a pop, there’s no denying that this a pricey purchase. Compared to the myriad of comparable camera laptop backpacks out there, this backpack might seem too expensive. However, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack truly has a standout design and high-quality design touches that could justify the price.

In Conclusion

The Peak Design Everyday backpack is a truly stylish bag with some great features. I use the backpack often when carrying mirrorless camera gear around and absolutely love it. But if you plan to carry heavy camera gear or stuff this bag to capacity, consider another backpack such as the Incase DSLR Pro Pack for a more comfortable experience.

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Review: The Wandrd Prvke Backpack is one of the best multi-use camera bags you can buy

28 Jul

Wandrd Prvke 21L Backpack with Camera Cube
$ 264 | www.wandrd.com

The quest to find the perfect camera bag is never-ending. It’s not unusual for a photographer have a closet jammed full of various packs that work pretty well for most situations, but are not ideal for others. The classy looking packs often don’t hold enough gear while the ones with ample space often end up being too bulky for travel.

For my typical shooting needs the Prvke has proven to be nearly perfect, which is an incredible feat for a camera bag.

At first glance, I liked the design of the Prvke bag (pronounced Provoke) from Wandrd, but was concerned that it would be yet another backpack with understated urban looks that simply isn’t functional as a camera bag. But I can happily say that Wandrd won me over – for my typical shooting needs the Prvke has proven to be nearly perfect, which is an incredible feat for a camera bag.

Specifications

  • Exterior: 17 x 11 x 6.5in / 43 x 30 x 16.5cm
  • Interior Volume: 25L with roll-top expanded
  • Camera Cube Insert: 9 x 11 x 5in / 23 x 30 x 13cm
  • Laptop Sleeve: 14.5 x 9.5 x 1in / 37 x 24 x 2.5cm
  • Tablet Sleeve: 13 x 9 x 5 / 33 x 23 x 13cm
  • Weight: 2.8lbs / 1.3kg

Design & Construction

A look inside the Wandrd Prvke from the back entrance: The area where the camera gear is (called the Camera Cube) can be completely removed.

The Wandrd Prvke bag is designed to be multi-functional for carrying both camera gear and personal items – something lots of packs try to do, but ultimately fail. The design was conceived by three photography-minded brothers and their attention to detail makes me think they too were tired of the ‘almost there, but not quite right’ camera backpacks.

The Prvke has an understated roll-top design with a fairly slim profile – it’s constructed from water-resistant tarpaulin and woven nylon and has a rain-fly with a dedicated pocket at the bottom of the bag. The roll-top opens and closes with high quality Velcro and is secured with a large metal hook. The removable Camera Cube comes with the Photography Bundle for $ 264 (or can be purchased individually for $ 39) and fits nicely into the bag’s back compartment. Velcro is used to secure it into place.

You can access the Camera Cube from a zipped entryway on the side of the pack. The roll-top is secured closed with Velcro and a big metal hook.

The Prvke has three points of entry: the roll-top, a left side pocket for camera access into the Cube while on the go (shown above) and a back entrance to completely open the pack. Above the Camera Cube there is a mesh zipper compartment that allows you to access anything that may have been stashed through the roll-top. On the left side of the bag you will find a small zipper pocket for memory cards and a separate Velcro pocket for other small camera accessories.

An internal laptop/tablet compartment keeps these devices flush against your back when wearing the pack. Two straps ensure the compartment doesn’t fly completely open when unzipped.

Once the bag is unzipped there are dedicated sleeves for both a laptop and a tablet (see above). And on the back of the Prvke there is a dedicated passport sleeve with a small mesh pocket (see below).

I was able to fit a 5D Mark IV body, a 70-200mm lens and a 24-70 lens in the cube without issue.

Although the removable Camera Cube was designed with a mirrorless system in mind (a body, plus a large and medium sized lens) the molded dividers make it possible to carry a full frame DSLR with lenses as well. I was able to fit a 5D Mark IV body, a 70-200mm F2.8 lens and a 24-70 F2.8 lens in the cube without any issues.

A small compartment on the back has space for a passport and other items, a nice touch for photographers on the fly. Magnetically-connecting carrying straps (located on top) are just one of many handy features of this pack.

Behind the roll-top there is a fleece lined pocket for a phone and on the side of the bag a small pocket with a clip for your keys. A large flat pocket runs the length of the bag’s front side – a great place for a notebook, magazine or other paperwork. On the right side of the bag there is an expandable pocket for a water bottle or a small tripod.

The Prvke has lots of pockets and areas to store both personal items and camera gear. The side pocket can be used to carry a water bottle or small tripod. And a zippered area on front is perfect for storing magazines, notebooks or a book. The other side of the pack offers a small storage pocket with a connector for keys. Camera gear can be accessed through the zippered area lower right.

The Prvke features a number of optional add ons too: a removable chest strap, a removable waist belt and an accessory strap system that can attach to six different points on the bag for carrying a larger tripod, lighting accessories, a jacket or even minimal camping gear.

The bag comes in three colors (classic black, wasatch green and aegean blue) and two sizes (21L and 31L). Our review bag is the 21L in wasatch green.

A removal waist belt adds another place to store small items. And accessory straps allow one to easily connect even bulky items, like camping gear, to the bottom of the pack.

In Use

I’ve used this bag in a variety of different situations and I’ve yet to notice anything major that I didn’t like about it. While it may not be the ideal bag for traveling with multiple camera bodies (although it isn’t impossible), for a one body, two lens shoot that requires me to bring a laptop along, it’s the closest to a perfect bag that I’ve found.

The lay-flat design of the bag makes it ideal for traveling through airport security – the Camera Cube and the laptop sleeve are both checkpoint friendly, so in theory, you won’t need to unpack your gear bag when flying.

For a one body, two lens shoot that requires me to bring a laptop along, it’s the closest to a perfect bag that I’ve found.

And the three different access points make this bag particularly user friendly. You can grab a camera body from the left side without removing the bag fully from your back, lenses and accessories are quickly accessed by unzipping the back panel and you can even access items in the roll-top through the back. The expandable roll-top on the bag is great for stashing any odds and ends that you might pick up.

The zippers were easy to manipulate and none of the dedicated sleeves or pockets suffer from the stiffness that new camera bags sometimes have. Everything fits where it’s supposed to and does so with ease.

The straps are a comfortable amount of thickness and the bag distributes weight nicely – even when fully loaded with gear it didn’t hurt my shoulders. The waist belt and chest strap are nice touches, and might be appreciated if you were taking the Prvke on a long outdoor adventure.

The Prvke is the best camera bag I’ve used in a long time.

I found the various small pockets within the Prvk very useful: the fleece lined top pocket was a great place for storing my shades and that side key pocket gave me peace of mind as I traveled away from New York City with the bag.

We’re big fans of the removal Camera Cube.

My complaints about this bag are minor. The zippers around the Camera Cube can occasionally get tangled with the zippers within the back compartment that cover the cube – a minor annoyance, considering sometimes it just took a few additional seconds to zip everything together. Some might say that the second zippered flap might be unnecessary, but the additional layer of protection of my lenses gave me peace of mind while using the bag.

The bag was also a little snug when traveling with two bodies and two small lenses – although it should be noted that I was testing out the 21L version and I’m guessing these issues would be resolved if I’d been using the 31L model.

What’s the Bottom Line

The Prvke is the best camera bag I’ve used in a long time. It has a durable build, it is functional as both a camera backpack and an everyday backpack and it looks nice. It hits the trifecta of sought-after qualities in a camera bag. Also important, it feels like it will hold up over time. And for the quality that you are getting, the $ 264 price tag (which includes the Camera Cube, waist strap, accessory straps and rain-fly) it doesn’t feel excessive. We also like that the Camera Cube can be removed and used in a different bag allowing you to use The Prvke as a place to store clothing and personal items while you are on the road.

What We Like:

  • Durable build
  • Functional as a multi-use bag and a dedicated camera bag
  • Removable Camera Cube
  • Utilitarian design
  • Small organizational pockets
  • Back mesh pocket with entry to roll-top
  • Nice weight distribution, comfortable to carry
  • Holds the gear necessary for an average shoot

What We Don’t Like:

  • Zippers around the Camera Cube and the zippers within the back of the bag getting tangled together
  • The, at first glace, difficult to pronounce name of the bag

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design announces 45L Travel Backpack and new system of ‘Packing Tools’

24 Jul

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Peak Design has announced a fresh travel-oriented product line that centers around a 45L carry on-sized Travel Backpack that can be yours for a reduced price through Kickstarter (starting today). Also in the line is a set of set of ‘Packing Tools’ to help keep your gear and personal items organized on the go.

The 45L Travel Backpack has all the bells and whistles of a high-end pack: a weatherproof nylon canvas shell, a rugged bottom liner, a luggage pass-through, full rear and side access, a laptop compartment, luggage handles and tons of organization pockets. It can also be expanded or contracted to fit 35L or 45L worth of stuff.

The 45L Travel Backpack officially hits stores this holiday season for $ 299.95 and will be available in either black or sage

The Packing Tools bring a nice level of versatility and modularity to the 45L Travel Backpack (though could easily be used in any pack). They come in a variety of forms including general packing ‘Cubes’ – useful for items like clothing (available in two sizes) – and ‘Camera Cubes’ for your precious gear (available in three sizes). There are also packing tools specifically for tech odds and ends, toiletries and shoes.

The 45L Travel Backpack is projected to officially hit stores this holiday season for $ 299.95 and will be available in either black or sage. The Packing Tools range in price from $ 24.95 – $ 89.95 and will also be available for the holidays.

Look for a full review of the 45L Travel Backpack on DPReview soon. In the meantime, read our review of the Peak Design Capture Clip V3.

Press Release

Peak Design’s Travel Line Reinvents One-Bag Travel

Travel Backpack 45L and Packing Tools Offer Infinite Customization

San Francisco, CA (July 23, 2018) – Peak Design, the leader in crowdfunding and best-in-class carry solutions, is proud to unveil the first products in their Travel Line: the Travel Backpack 45L and complete system of Packing Tools. With a focus on versatility, organization, and access, the Travel Line aims to satisfy a simple design directive: no two trips are the same, so the best luggage should adapt to them all.

Peak Design was founded during a trip and has grown into a team of prolific travelers who understand life on the road. The Travel Line combines Peak Design’s travel experience with their expertise, innovation, and design philosophies honed through their massively successful photography and everyday bag lines.

The hero of the Travel Line is the Travel Backpack 45L, a carry-on-sized backpack that boasts a collection of best-in- class travel functionality. In addition to full rear access for easy packing, the bag features dual side access, top access to laptop/tablet, and a dedicated front-access organization panel for smaller items. Beefy shoulder and waist straps stowe instantly beneath a magnetically sealed back pad. Expansion zips allow the bag to grow to 45L check-in size, while an innovative compression snap system shrinks the bag down to a 35L daypack. Thoughtful details include 360-degree grab handles, a duffle/luggage carry handle, theft-deterrent zips, hidden passport pockets, a soft- lined sunglasses pocket and tuck-away external carry compression straps. The Travel Backpack comes with a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell made from 100% recycled plastics and available in black or sage colorways.

Peak Design Founder and CEO, Peter Dering, rarely stays in any one place longer than two weeks: “From day one, travel has been a primary inspiration to us as photographers, designers, and adventurers. Living on the road is part of our DNA as a brand, and we couldn’t be more excited to have built a set of travel gear that truly adapts to the endless variety of trips we take.”

Accompanying the Travel Backpack is a feature-rich system of Packing Tools that provide endlessly customizable organization and protection of clothes, shoes, toiletries, tech items and photo/video gear. Designed to fit perfectly in Peak Design travel bags, each cube or pouch offers easy access, thoughtful organization, durable materials and a consistent aesthetic cleanliness.

Each Packing Tool was designed from the onset as a standalone product, intended to push their respective category forward with unique patterns, features and innovation. Art Viger, Lead Designer at Peak Design, commented on the system: “When you travel, the things you carry become your home on the road. Each and every one of the pouches and cubes are designed to work as a fluid ecosystem that can be easily re-configured for any type of trip.”

The new Travel Backpack (MSRP: $ 299.95) and Packing Cubes, will be available on Kickstarter (peakdesign.com/ks) for a pre-sale discount beginning July 23, 2018. The system will then be available for purchase online at peakdesign.com and through major retailers in time for the 2018 holiday season.

About Peak Design

Since 2010, Peak Design has been building innovative carry solutions with a simple overarching design directive: make the best things. The idea for our first product was born on a motorcycle trip through Southeast Asia and has since expanded to include a cross-functional ecosystem of bags, pouches, slings, straps, and clips. We’ve won applause along the way, but we’re most proud of the fact that we’re 100% crowdfunded and 100% employee-owned. We’ve raised $ 15.6 Million through 8 Kickstarter campaigns, allowing Peak Design to stay investor-free and focused on the things that matter most: designing great products, fostering happy employees, and taking care of our customers and the natural environment. Learn more at peakdesign.com.

45L Travel Backpack

MSRP: $ 299.95
Available on Kickstarter for a Limited Time: $ 235

Access

  • Full back panel-load access for packing
  • Dual zippered side hatches for instant camera access
  • Quick tablet & laptop access
  • Dedicated front organization panel
  • Soft-lined sunglasses pocket
  • Hidden passport/document pockets
  • Bag sits upright on floor when packed or empty

Expansion & Compression

  • Maximum international carry on size in normal 35L state
  • Expansion zip gives additional 10L of storage (45L max)
  • Compressible down to 30L day bag size
  • Expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods
  • Tuck-away external carry compression straps

Organization

  • Rigidly supported sidewalls for easy packing
  • Zippered dividing panel separates bag into 2 compartments, or stows away for 1 large volume
  • Front organization panel contains 4 zippered mesh pockets for smaller items
  • Mount Camera Cubes (sold separately) internally for back or side access to photo, drone, or video gear
  • Protected luggage tag holder

Comfort & Portability

  • Magnetic strap storage system
  • 360-degree grab handles
  • Full-size padded hip belt with additional pockets and attachment points for Capture & Range Pouch (sold
    separately)
  • Axial strap attachments for shoulder & hip straps give constant comfort for all body types and carry loads
  • Proprietary sternum strap
  • Luggage pass-through and duffel grab handle
  • Back panel folds under for increased ventilation & comfort

Security

  • 400D weatherproof 100% recycled nylon canvas shell
  • DWR impregnated, PU-coated interior for water resistance
  • Oversized #8 (front, side) and #10 (back) main zips are weatherproof and lockable
  • Rugged 900D weatherproof bottom liner
  • Ultralight padded foam provides security, structure, and aesthetic cleanliness around entire bag

Packing Cubes (sold separately):

Packing Cubes (MSRP: Sm – $ 29.95, Md – $ 39.95) – Compressible, easy to access, and dividable, Peak Design Packing Cubes are available in 2 sizes. A tear-away main zip lets you access contents instantly, and an internal divider allows separation of clean and dirty clothes. An expansion/compression zip doubles available space or compresses clothes so you can fit more in your bag.

Wash Pouch (MSRP: $ 59.95) – Dedicated, easy-to-clean pockets for toothbrush and razor. Hangs or sits upright on sink for easy access in tight spaces. Unique folding pocket layout keeps toiletries neatly organized and easy to find.

Tech Pouch (MSRP: $ 59.95) – Designed to store small items like cables, cards, batteries, and travel essentials, Tech Pouch’s unique origami-style pockets create enormous spatial efficiency. Pack more into a smaller space, yet keep all items organized and easy to find.

Camera Cubes (MSRP: Sm – $ 49.95, Md – $ 69.95, Lg – $ 89.95) – Camera Cubes provide protection, organization, and instant access to camera, video, and drone gear. Securely mount Camera Cubes inside the Travel Backpack and access your gear via the rear or side zips. Tuck-away lids let you access camera gear from outside of the bag via a single zip, while a system of intelligently designed dividers allows for endless organization and customization.

Shoe Pouch (MSRP: $ 24.95) – An ultralight, durable, weatherproof pouch for shoes or additional clothing storage.

Rain Fly (MSRP: $ 29.95) – Provides complete waterproof protection to an already weatherproof bag. Rain Fly is made of durable, ultralight 200D rip-stop nylon, adjusts via cinch cord for snug form-fit, and stuffs into a convenient storage pocket.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The 5-in-1 ‘One Backpack’ wants to be your do-it-all bag

21 Apr

Design company ITR Studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its The One Backpack, a 5-in-1 modular backpack that can be used as a camera bag, work & gym pack, suit carry backpack, travel pack or tech-backpack, doing away with the need for multiple single-purpose bags.

A magnetic system is used to attach modules to the base pack and adjust for different purposes and loads. Five modules are available to configure the pack: a camera module, a sports module, a sling module, a suit carry module and a pouch module.

The padded camera module is designed to carry a DSLR and two lenses or a DJI Mavic Pro drone with extra battery. The sports module comes with a portable and washable shoe bag. All modular components can be used individually or in combination, depending on your requirements.

The base pack has a capacity of 30 liters and is available on Kickstarter at an early bird price of $ 140 USD. The individual modules will set you back between $ 53 USD for the camera module and $ 85 USD for the suit carry module. For more information, check out the product video below or head over to The One Backpack Kickstarter page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Inrigo is a waterproof camera backpack with bluetooth humidity monitor

19 Dec

If you do a lot of your photography in wet or humid conditions, a new crowdfunding project on Kickstarter will definitely pique your interest: The Inrigo is a waterproof camera backpack that comes with an integrated Bluetooth humidity monitor that alerts users via smartphone alert if moisture is detected inside.

Here’s an intro to this ‘intelligent’ backpack and everything it can do for you and your gear:

The pack features double-sided TPU material and a re-sealable-bag style zipper which allows for an IP78 rating, keeping your equipment dry in heavy rain or even with the pack floating on water. According to the makers of the Inrigo, the zipper design allows for very quick opening in less than a second through a hard yank, giving the Inrigo a distinct advantage over roll-top bags or other waterproof zipper systems that typically take considerably longer to open.

But even if humidity somehow makes it inside the bag, at least you’ll get a warning on your smartphone, thanks to a Bluetooth humidity monitor. This should give you enough time to deal with the problem before any equipment is damaged. Plus, that same monitor will let you know if you walk too far away from your equipment (or your bag decides to do the walking…) so there’s some added security benefits.

On Kickstarter, you can currently pledge for two different packages: the Inrigo Litepak is available for $ 160 and targeted at photographers who want to insert their favorite carrying case in the Inrigo. The Inrigo Propack includes camera bags that are specially designed to fit the Inrigo pack, and will set you back $ 180. There is also an early-bird offer that saves you a few bucks.

Press Release:

The Inrigo: Intelligently Waterproof

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Humidity alerts to your phone and a re-sealable-style ‘zipper’ combine to make the ultimate waterproof camera backpack.

Main points

  • Kickstarter-project Inrigo is a waterproof camera backpack with a Bluetooth humidity monitor
  • Users receive smartphone alerts if moisture is detected
  • The re-sealable-bag style zipper opens in less than a second with a hard yank
  • Inrigo launched on Kickstarter in December

Overview

Moisture kills lenses and camera gear. To battle moisture and humidity, photographers turn to dry boxes – often large, safe-like containers – but storing and removing camera gear for each trip is a hassle. That’s why we invented Inrigo, a mobile dry box with novel features not on the market yet.

Double-sided TPU and a watertight zipping system (think a resealable bag on steroids) push Inrigo up to IP78, almost the highest waterproof rating. Through the rain or even floating on water, Inrigo will protect your gear.

The better ‘zipper’

Let’s look at the Dryzone 200. It sports a waterproof zipper, which is, according to multiple reviews, very hard to open. In the time spent opening the bag you might miss a shot.

Inrigo avoids that with a seal similar to a re-sealable bag, closing in about a second and opening immediately when folded and given a hard yank.

Other brands have you roll the top of the bag to create an airtight seal – yes, it works, but it’s also time consuming.

Humidity monitor

But simply closing your camera bag isn’t the end of the battle against moisture. Even the top watertight camera bags on the market struggle with internal humidity. Inrigo avoids this problem by keeping you informed.

Inrigo’s Bluetooth monitor sends alerts to your phone before your gear is exposed to high levels of humidity. This warning allows you to air out the bag or adjust your moisture absorber.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design unveils limited edition Leica Backpack Capsule

23 Nov

Peak Design has teamed with Leica to launch the Peak Design Leica Backpack Capsule, a combination Peak Design Backpack, Cuff (wrist strap) and Leash (neck strap) designed specifically for lovers of that expensive Red Dot.

This limited edition version of the company’s backpack includes subtle Leica trim including the camera maker’s iconic red dot, as well as red stitching.

Peak Design’s Backpack is designed for everyday use by photographers who need to safely transport their gear while traveling or undergoing their daily commute. The bag sports a pair of expandable external side pockets, padded internal accessory pockets, a sleeve for laptops up to 15in, a pair of weatherproof side zips for dual side-loading, a MagLatch top access point, and customizable FlexFold dividers.

Here’s a closer look:

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The Leica Backpack Capsule is currently listed for preorder online at a price of $ 300, but visitors to Leica stores and Boutiques in North America can get one for free (while supplies last) if they purchase a Leica SL before December 31st.

The backpack’s specs are as follows:

  • Weight Empty: 1350g (2.9 lbs.)
  • Capacity: 12 L min to 20 L max
  • Max laptop dimensions: 15″x9.75″x1″ (38x25x2.5cm) – Designed to carry up to a 15 inch Macbook Pro Retina, 2009 or later.
  • Max Tablet Dimensions: 14″ X 8.5″ X 0.4″ (33X22X1CM)
  • Outer dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 6.75” D (46 H x 30 W x 17 D cm) (These are unpacked dimensions. Actual size will expand/contract depending on load.)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Bye bye backpack: The Pixentu photography jacket lets you carry your gear ON you

21 Oct

An intriguing set of photographer-specific jackets just popped up on Kickstarter. Dubbed Pixentu, these jackets have been designed to meet the gadget-toting needs of photographers, providing an extended hoodie for the rain and a large number of pockets intended for items a photographer is likely to carry around, including memory cards, film, lenses, cards, a camera, and even a travel tripod—bye bye backpack.

Pixentu exists in three different iterations: as an outdoor jacket, a travel blazer, and a street photography jacket.

While the three varieties mostly offer the same pockets, there are some small differences. The travel blazer, for example, is a 2-in-1 combination unit that can be used as a jacket or as a vest, but lacks compartments for a tablet, travel tripod, and camera. The outdoor jacket, in comparison, doesn’t transform into a vest and is a lighter option than the street photography jacket, which is better for cold temperatures.

Neither the blazer nor the outdoor jacket have the extended hoodie featured on the street photography jacket; with that hoodie, photographers can shield their camera from rain while taking a shot. Pixentu says its jackets are made from unspecified durable Japanese material, while the lens pockets are water-resistant and feature a soft lining.

The Pixentu jackets are currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, where they’ve very nearly reached their goal. The super early bird units are offered for pledges starting at £99 / $ 132, and shipping to backers is estimated to start in February of 2018.

To learn more or pledge for your own, head over to the Pixentu Kickstarter page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review of the new Agua Versa Backpack 90 by Miggo

09 Oct

Photography is an expensive hobby, and yet still we love doing it whether be it professionally or as a passion. Owning costly camera bodies and lenses is one part of our job, and making sure that they are stored safely in a camera bag is an equally important responsibility. As a street and travel photographer, I am always on the go carrying a camera body, a zoom lens, and a flash. I make sure that I am not carrying all this gear in a heavy backpack.

The Agua Versa Backpack 90 by Miggo is one of a kind. It’s a versatile storm-proof backpack that can be used as a camera bag as well as a normal day-to-day use bag. When it comes to choosing the right camera bag, I am very particular about its quality, comfort, and weight. Now let’s find out if this classy looking backpack comes out as a clear winner or not.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 2

What you can store in the Agua Versa Backpack 90

  • DSLR with attached lens (such as Canon 5D Mark III or IV with 24-70mm f/2.8),
    or medium size DSLRs / large size mirrorless cameras
  • Extra lens (such as 70-200mm f/2.8)
  • Flash unit
  • Up to 14.5” laptop (but I am able to store my 15.6-inch laptop)
  • iPad / tablet
  • Memory cards
  • Cables
  • Extra battery
  • Extra personal belongings

Appearance

Cover Photo

Trust me when I say that this backpack could make you fall in love with it at first sight, and I am saying this from my personal experience. It’s not just me but my fellow photographers have been asking me about this bag as I have been carrying around for weeks now.

The matte black kind of finish that this bag has is the reason that you may get attracted to it. That is the storm-proof material (tarpaulin) that has been used to create the bag. The combination of black and blue colors makes this bag look elegant as well as stylish at the same time. By looking at the bag you can tell how light and convenient this bag would be to carry on your back.

Inside the Bag

The Agua Versa Backpack 90 has three pockets in total. One on the front side which can be used to store accessories such as lens filters, memory card holder, a mobile phone, etc.

The second pocket is on the right-hand side of the bag which is the main compartment where you can store your laptop (I was easily able to store my 15.6-inch laptop), iPad, pen drive, Gorillapod, etc. You also get a removable padded insert in which I was able to carry my Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 lens mounted, a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens and the Godox TT685C flash. The best part is that you can carry this padded insert as a standalone camera case during shoots. Once the insert is removed, you can use the backpack as a day-to-day bag as well or store your clothes while you are traveling.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 5

Agua Versa Backpack 90 7

The third pocket which is placed on the left-hand side is a secondary storage space where you can securely store the card reader, important cables, some accessories, and anything that fits inside the pockets.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 4

3 Different Carrying Options

The Agua Versa Backpack 90 allows you to carry the bag in three different ways. The first being the basic backpack position, which is the most comfortable in situations when you are walking a long distance carrying heavy gear. The second way is the X position, in which you can customize the straps in a cross pattern which could be helpful if you are trekking or hiking. The last way is the sling position which basically converts your backpack to a sling bag. By using it as a sling bag, you can easily and quickly draw the camera out of the bag and avoid missing any important moment.

 

Agua Versa Backpack 90 1b

My personal favorite is the sling position as I do not have to constantly take the bag off my shoulders to take out the camera. Simply swing the bag forward, open the side zip and draw the camera swiftly.

Agua Versa Backpack 90 3

Comfort

One of my favorite things about this backpack is the quality of padding that it has on the back as well as on the straps. I have been using this Miggo bag for weeks now, sometimes for hours at a stretch, and not once did I have any kind of shoulder or back pain despite carrying a camera body, two lenses, a flash and other accessories. Be it the backpack or the sling position, the bag sits comfortably on my shoulders and the lower back padding is just perfect.

Dual-Port Charging Connector

Agua Versa Backpack 90 6

How this backpack by Miggo stands out from the rest is the external USB connector that it features on the lower right-hand side. The USB connector unit has two ports which allow you to use a power bank stored in an internal dedicated pouch inside the bag. This means that using one port you can charge your smartphone or any other USB connected device and by using the second port you can charge that power bank too without taking it out of the bag.

Final Verdict

At a price of $ 169, the Agua Versa Backpack 90, come sling bag, is a good value for your money if you are a frequent traveler or if you shoot in extreme conditions.

Cover Photo

You may be thinking that I am only highlighting the positives of this bag, but there are few negatives as well. This bag lacks a side pocket which can hold a tripod/monopod or a water bottle. The straps are way too long, they roll up and there is a band which holds them up but on some occasions, it comes off.

You can get your hands on the Agua Versa Backpack 90 and a couple of more bags in the Agua series of Miggo brand on Indiegogo.

The post Review of the new Agua Versa Backpack 90 by Miggo by Kunal Malhotra appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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