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Posts Tagged ‘Backpack’

Wolffepack Capture brings unique swinging access design to a photography backpack

24 Jul

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Taking your backpack off once to grab your camera gear isn’t a big deal. Having to do it over and over throughout the course of a day is a royal pain. That’s why David Wolffe dreamed up the Wolffepack – a backpack designed so that the user can swing the main compartment in front of themselves while keeping the straps on their shoulders. With a few models already on the market, the company is now looking to produce the Wolffepack Capture, designed specifically for photographers.

Sling and messenger-style bags are easier to swing around and grab gear out of while keeping your bag on your shoulder, but they don’t offer the even weight distribution of a backpack. Hence, the Wolffepack Capture employs a release cable that attaches to one of the straps. Pulling and releasing the cord lowers the pack while the straps stay fixed – the wearer can then swing the bag around front and grab their gear. Wolffepack calls this its ‘orbital trapeze technology.’

The Wolffepack Capture includes a removable, padded ‘pod’ designed to hold a DSLR with lens as well as two additional lenses. The bag also makes room for a 15″ laptop and can hold a tripod in either of its two side pockets. The Capture is made of water-resistant polyester and a nylon waterproof rain cover is included. The cord attaching the main pack to the rest of the bag is made of Kevlar, carbon fiber and Dyneema, a combination that Wofflepack calls ’15x stronger than steel.’

The Wolffepack Capture has launched on Kickstarter, where the company is looking for funding before putting the bag into production. They estimate the Capture will ship to customers in November. Currently, a pledge of $ 152/£115 will get you a Capture with camera pod – full MSRP is expected to be about $ 225/£170. 

What do you think – a great idea or kind of wacky? Let us know in the comments.

Press release:

Wolffepack Capture: The Ultimate Backpack for Cameras and Access launches on Kickstarter

July 20th 2016

The award-winning team from Wolffepack have just adapted their unique Wolffepack access system for photography, and are now launching the Wolffepack Capture, the ultimate backpack for cameras and access.

This follows their successful Kickstarter in November 2014 with their first concept, Wolffepack, the world’s first Orbital Backpack.

Wolffepack Capture is a revolutionary new camera bag that allows you to swing your gear round to your front whilst still strapped to your back. It offers groundbreaking gains in easier access, better workflow and greater security.

This innovation comes with a unique set of features:

  • Rapid Access: Wolffepack’s unique system swings your camera bag swiftly round to your front without unstrapping, for rapid and easy access.
  • Padded Carry: a custom-designed and removable padded pod to hold camera, lenses and accessories that sits inside the top of the backpack. Removing the pod converts the Capture into an access backpack for everyone.
  • Ergonomic Workflow: the top of the bag opens in a clean one-handed single movement, allowing the pod entrance to naturally open in an ‘aperture action’. This presents the camera in the perfect position to grab, shoot and replace.
  • Hands-free Platform: Wolffepack’s system allows you to stow the bag on your front, creating an ideal platform to work cleanly and hands-free on shooting, lens changes, or reloading storage.
  • Customisable Loading System: with a moveable internal shelf, there are spaces for both camera equipment and everyday gear in 3 different configurations

Wolffepack’s radical new concept in backpack design has won an ISPO Award 2016 for product excellence, following its December 2015 Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Design, and its Good Design Award 2015 from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion in November. It has also been nominated for a prestigious 2017 German Design Council Award.

Wolffepack Capture takes camera backpack design to a whole new level. The custom-designed padded pod includes all the pouches and compartments you need to safely carry and organise your camera, lenses and accessories. The customisable loading system stores away your belongings exactly how you need them – the camera pod docked and locked safely in one section, your day gear and belongings tucked away in the other. Alternatively, the 2 compartments can be converted into one large space. Stowing the bag to your front means you can work cleanly and safely without ever needing to put your backpack down on wet or dirty ground.

The ingenious expetoSYSTEM®, a patented orbital trapeze technology that frees the bag to rotate around the body on a super-strong cord system, is now available to the world of photography. It incorporates durable, high-performance materials such as Dyneema cords (15 times stronger than steel), Kevlar and carbon fibre componentry, as well as the latest magnetic catches.

David Wolffe, founder and inventor, said: “Since our Kickstarter success in 2014, we’ve been inundated with enquiries and requests to design a camera bag. As a photographer myself I always thought we’d produce a design for cameras. Now the Wolffepack Capture is finally here it has come out even better than I imagined.“

The Wolffepack Capture provides fast and easy access, comfort and convenience, not just for photographers but for everyone. It has been crafted with cameras in mind, but offers an innovative hands-free advantage for anyone on-the-go, from the commuter to the hiker, the parent to the traveller. With the camera pod removed, it’s the perfect backpack for access for everyone.

The Wolffepack story started with a seed in the mind of David Wolffe, a former Finance Director who quit his corporate career to develop the Wolffepack® backpack. A successful initial campaign on crowdfunding website Kickstarter to boost the first production run of the Wolffepack® reached 157% of its funding goal and generated preorders in 28 countries.

Some of the international acclaim the Wolffepack® has earned includes coverage on Channel 4 Television, in The National Geographic Traveller Magazine, The Independent, The Daily Express, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, Der Spiegel and in many technology reviews including Neuerdings and Gizmag.

Wolffepack Capture- The Ultimate Backpack for Cameras and Access

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design launches Everyday backpack, tote and sling bags on Kickstarter

14 Jul

Peak Design has launched four new bags in its Everyday product line: the Everyday Backpack in 20L and 30L sizes, the Everyday Tote, and the Everyday Sling. All four bags are offered in two different configurations, one Charcoal in color with black trim and red accents, the other Ash with black trim, blue accents, and leather accents. 

Peak Design says its new bags, while ideal for photographers, ‘ain’t just camera bags,’ hence the Everyday moniker. The array of bags are made from weather-resistant materials and integrate protective design elements including both ultra-thick felt and high-density compression-molded EVA materials. The Everyday bags can be customized via the removable FlexFold dividers, are ‘loaded’ with storage spaces, and offer expanding internal structures with a system for attaching items to the bags’ exteriors.

The new Everyday bags are currently being funded on Kickstarter where the campaign has reached nearly double its $ 500k funding goal with 58 days remaining. Peak Design estimates it will deliver bags to backers this coming December.

Via: Kickstarter

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Camera Lift-Strap eases camera weight by clipping to a backpack handle

07 Jul

A unique camera strap from PONTE Leather Co. called Camera Lift-Strap has surfaced on crowdfunding website Kickstarter, and it aims to ease the discomfort of carrying heavy cameras around the neck. Camera-Lift Strap features a clasp that is positioned behind the wearer’s neck. When a photographer is also wearing a backpack, the camera strap can be clasped to the backpack’s handle, moving the camera’s weight off the wearer’s neck and distributing it onto his or her shoulders.

The Camera Lift-Strap is presented in two varieties: the Canvas Camera Strap, which is made of weather-treated nylon, and the Leather Camera Strap, which is made from ‘top grain leather,’ according to PONTE Leather Co. The strap’s metal components are made of brass with an oxide finish. The company plans to offer two attachment types, as well as a custom steel ring for securing all types of cameras to the strap. 

PONTE Leather Co. is currently seeking funding for the product on Kickstarter where remaining pledge options include a canvas Camera Lift-Strap for $ 26, an early bird leather Camera Lift-Strap for $ 35, and various multi-strap bundle options at higher price points. The company anticipates shipping the straps to backers in November 2016.

Via: Kickstarter

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review of the MindShift BackLight 26L Backpack

12 Jun

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5844It sounded like another gimmick but I’ll give you the short of it: The MindShift Gear BackLight 26L works as a backpack that can rotate around your body, and give access to all your gear without getting muddy on the trail.

Mindshift has tried the rotating thing before (see my previous review of the Rotation 180 here on DPS) and this time they are trying to make the entire pack come all the way around your body for easy access. Sounds incredible, doesn’t it? Let me show you how it works, and some aspects that need attention.

An overview

The pack looks normal enough; side compression straps, just enough padding on the hip belt, zippers here and there, and good back support.

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5856

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5847

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5845

It has loops on the back for securing ice axes, trekking poles, and other miscellaneous whatnot. Inside the main compartment on the back is space for a laptop, a tablet, and even a book. Just not a thick book. There is an organizer for pens, cards, and the top section has a small pocket with a hook for car keys. Kind of the normal items we expect from a photography backpack.

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5850

But there is one key difference in the shoulder straps. They are attached, and cut in such a way, to enable full removal with the hip belt still attached. The pack is then rotated around so you can access all your goodies inside the camera compartment. You can see how it works in the sequence of photos below.

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5861 PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5862

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5863

Inside you can store a fully gripped DSLR and big old 70-200mm lens. You will need to modify the highly customizable storage space, but as you can see, not only will the camera and lens fit, but there is room for a second body, secondary lens, all kinds of filters, batteries, flash, cards and even a hat.

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5867

My personal configuration above is meant for a DSLR with a grip. The standard images below from Mindshift are without a grip on the camera. You can technically fit the gripped camera upright, bit it will poke into your back a little.

Mindshift-Backlight26-22 Mindshift-Backlight26-21

The main flap has a loop on it, that I think is a little goofy, but I see why they added it. It is meant to go around your neck to hold the flap up and out of the way, as seen here.

Mindshift-Backlight26-20

Great in concept, but I found it annoying in practice.

What About the Other Features?

Some features I like on the pack:

  • Just the right amount of space for two DSLR bodies and my gear (as seen in the photos above).
  • Organizer inside has room for what I need: iPad, pens, business cards, note pad, dental floss.
  • Comes with a rain cover.
  • Ample attachment points.
  • Hipbelt is easy to adjust.
  • Deep water bottle holders.
  • Seven months of constant use shows little wear and tear. Zippers are great.
  • Fits under a typical airplane seat. Great for taking aerial shots on commercial flights.
  • The sternum strap goes low enough! This is a big one for me. It’s been a bane of most bags that for a taller torso, the sternum strap rides too high, sometimes at my neck. This strap goes extra low, or as I like to call it, just right.
PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5849 PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5859

Then there are some things I can see that need improving:

  • Just not enough space for a sandwich. Makes a day hike harder, as bananas and other squishables don’t work as well.
  • To get into the main back compartment fully, the compression straps need to be removed. Minor annoyance.
  • That neck loop thing used when opening the pack? It often sticks out and gets in the way of the zipper.
  • My wife doesn’t like the color, but I do (it also comes in charcoal, which hides even more dirt and use).
  • There is a mount for a tripod, but it hangs below the bottom of the pack. So it works (and is great how it hides away on the top and bottom of the pack) but it means you can’t easily set your pack down.

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5852

Mindshift-Backlight26-23

Testing it in real life

This has been my travel, and around town pack for the last seven months. This is why the pack you see in the photos here looks a little worked in. I’m trying to give more of my review items a solid, semi-lengthy test. How better to tell how a pack rides on your back than to wear it 50+ times?

One of my gripes with the pack is the overall amount of usable space inside. When I place my iPad in the sleeve, I can’t imagine fitting an actual laptop behind it. Even sliding in a legal pad of paper takes some pushing. I think it’s built for one or the other. A thin laptop could work, I suppose.

The same goes for fitting in a couple smaller books. Fitting one book in the very back pocket works just fine, but when I try to place a second book inside, I have to wiggle it in. This isn’t the end of the world, by any means, and it does keep the unit nice and compact for fitting under a plane seat. It’s something to be aware of if you normally carry lots of planners, books, and bulkier items.

Now then, about that spinning around thing this pack is built for.

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5863

I know, it looks goofy that way, but once you get accustomed to NOT taking off the hip belt to get to your stuff, the system works quite well. NOTE: If the pack is filled with lots of heavy glass, as in the stock photos above, it will tip far forward and feel odd in the wrong places for some of us.

I’ve mentioned in other reviews that I often travel with my family, and they are prone to leaving me behind when I stop to take a photo. This pack has seen me be left in the dust far less. Its ease of swinging around and getting into the pack, has me taking more shots than I would with a pack that I have to fully remove for my camera.

When swinging the pack to return to my back, I find my shirt tends to bunch up, but that’s a minor thing. On the dusty and wet hikes I have been on, I have greatly appreciated this pack’s ability to stay off the elements and keep my gear clean. It comes with a rain cover that does not need to be removed to get to your camera. Bonus!

I like the way the pack rides for my height (6’1″ or 1.8m). I also appreciate the dual water bottle holders of ample size, so an extra large bottle does not tip out easily.

PWC-Mindshift-Backlight-26-5860

Conclusion

I wouldn’t have kept testing the MindShift Gear BackLight 26L backpack for months on end if I didn’t like it. It’s a great size for two cameras and the essentials, while allowing me to carry the basics of my mobile office.

It’s not perfect for a day hike, in my opinion, because there isn’t enough space in the back to pack things like apples, bananas, or sandwiches, without them getting a little scrunched. If I don’t fill the main camera area with gear, I can fit food in there. So it can get the job done if you have space. There is space on the top for keys, headphones, and charging cables, which makes them easy to get to on a plane when the bag is under a seat.

The bag retails for $ 249.99 in the US and can be found on Amazon.

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The post Review of the MindShift BackLight 26L Backpack by Peter West Carey appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Think Tank Photo launches Helipak backpack for DJI Inspire drone

11 Jun

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Bag manufacturer Think Tank Photo has announced a new backpack designed for users of the DJI Inspire drone and other quadcopters of a similar size. The Helipak is capable of holding a single DJI Inspire craft as well as its gimbal, three lenses, spare propellers and six batteries, according to Think Tank Photo. There are also compartments for a 17in laptop and a pair of 8in tablets.

The idea of the Helipak is that it makes transporting the drone to ‘scenic’ locations much easier than via a hard flight case as it features shoulder straps that allow the whole thing to be carried on the user’s back. The backpack straps can also be stowed away to make the Helipak into a normal case with top and side handles.

While the case is made with soft materials it uses ‘twinwall’ reinforcement via a pair of ABS plastic shields within the outer construction that add extra rigid protection for the drone. The exterior is made with nylons and polyester that the company says provides a hardwearing and water repellent barrier, while zips are YKK RC Fuse and feature metal ‘hardwear’. In a promotional video Think Tank Photo claims that DJI’s own $ 200 case for the Inspire has poorly made zips that are prone to failing.

The bag is available now and costs $ 339.75. For more information see the Think Tank Photo website.

Press release

Think Tank Photo’s Helipak™ for DJI Inspire Backpack

Offers Superior Organization, Comfort, and Travel Portability

SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA –Think Tank Photo has released the most well thought-out, comfortable, and protective backpack for users of DJI Inspire or other similarly sized quadcopters. The Helipak for DJI Inspire easily holds a DJI Inspire (parked with gimbal and rotors detached), Zenmuse gimbal with 3 lenses, 6x batteries, 2x controllers, 2 x 8” tablets, lots of extra propellers, and a 17” laptop and charger.

Movable dividers allow users to customize the fit of their gear in this fully featured backpack. The contoured tuck-away harness with lumbar support, cut-away air-channel, the adjustable sternum strap, and the removable padded waistbelt allow for extreme comfort while trekking into remote areas or simply pulling it from the car.

“The backpack’s ABS twinwall reinforcement provides a rigid shell that protects sensitive gear from impacts, bumps and scrapes,” said Think Tank Photo’s president and
lead designer, Doug Murdoch. “It also features YKK™ RC Fuse zippers, 1680D Ballistic nylon bottom panel, metal hardware, and nylon webbing that are the most durable, longest
lasting materials on the market. The last thing drone users want to worry about is if their backpack will hold up in rigorous outdoor conditions.”

ADDITIONAL KEY FEATURES

  • Large front pocket fits auxiliary items for the day’s outing: light jacket, 17” laptop pocket or a large tablet
  • Lockable zippers
  • Internal see-through mesh pockets for small accessories: propellers, screwdriver, cables, etc.
  • Deluxe organizer for smart phone, wallet, pens, keys, business cards, etc.
  • Water bottle pocket on side
  • Height adjustable sternum strap
  • Elastic pockets on shoulder straps for phone, energy bar, etc.
  • Robust handles on three sides ensure rapid and easy retrieval from airline overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
  • Seam-sealed rain cover helps to protect gear and stows away inside backpack when not in use

MATERIALS
Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, 1680D ballistic nylon bottom panel, 600D polyester, 420D velocity nylon, 3D air mesh, ultra-stretch pockets, Y-buckles, antique finish metal hardware, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 6mm ABS twinwall, removable closed cell foam dividers with PE board reinforcement, 200D polyester, polyurethane-backed 3-layer velex liner, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, Belly-O mesh pockets, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior Dimensions: 19.3” W x 24” H x 9.4” D (49 × 61 × 24cm)
Interior Dimensions: 17.3” W x 21.7” H x 7.9” D (44 × 55 × 20cm)
Laptop Compartment: 12.6” W x 16.9” H x 1.2” D (32 × 43 × 3cm)
Weight (with all accessories): 8.5 lbs. (3.9 kg)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Manfrotto launches secure backpack with concealed rear opening

11 May

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Accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has launched a new backpack that hides the opening of its main camera compartment between the bag and the person carrying it. The Advanced Rear backpack’s main compartment zipper is between the shoulder straps on the back side of the bag, so that when it is being carried no one can open it from behind.

Manfrotto says that the lower part of the bag is big enough for a professional DSLR along with three wide aperture zooms as well as accessories such as flash units. The camera compartment in this lower section is removable and comes with its own zipped cover so items can be stored when the rest of the bag is being used for something else.  The top section can be used for more accessories or personal belongings.

An additional pocket is suitable for a 13in laptop, a tablet and documents up to A4 in size. A tripod can be attached via the tripod pocket, and a cover is built-in to protect against rain and dust. The company says that the pack is a suitable size to carry as hand luggage on most airlines.

The Manfrotto Advanced Rear backpack costs $ 159.99/£119.95. For more information visit the Manfrotto website.


Press release:

MANFROTTO PRESENTS: Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, announces the launch of the new Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack.
The Advanced Rear Backpack can be used as a camera backpack, a laptop backpack, or just as a protective camera case.

Protective for photographers
Featuring the Manfrotto Protection System, the lower part of the bag is dedicated to holding photographic equipment, and will safely hold a professional DSLR camera body with up to 3 lenses. The zip for the camera compartment is hidden on the back of the bag, giving maximum security to your equipment. The camera compartment is completely removable, meaning the bag can be transformed into a spacious daypack.

Practical for travellers
The new Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack features plenty of space for personal belongings when you are travelling. The front pocket can store a 13” laptop, A4 documents, 10” tablet and small book and can be opened separately without affecting your camera equipment. The side pocket is suitable for a notebook and water bottle and the upper compartment can contain other documents and personal items. The zips can also be locked for further security.

The bag comes with a dedicated tripod compartment, a side pocket perfect for a small tripod and a branded rain cover to keep equipment protected in all weather conditions.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ona launches Clifton leather backpack

08 Mar

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Luxury camera bag manufacturer Ona has launched a new leather backpack that is its first bag to feature a completely removable insert as well as removable dividers. The Clifton is designed to hold a DSLR with a lens attached along with up to six other lenses or accessories, as well as a laptop or tablet of up to 13in.

Made with Italian leather on the front facing and air mesh on the back and under the shoulder pads, the bag weighs 1.7 kg/3.8 lb and measures 44.5 x 29 x 12.7 cm/17.5 x 11.5 x 5 in on the outside. The interior is only half an inch smaller all the way around, and is padded with soft material and accommodates the Velcro-ended dividers. The whole insert can be taken out to make way for larger items or items that don’t need so much protection – such as clothes. The insert has its own zip too, so kit can still be stored in it even when it isn’t in the bag. A front zipped compartment is suitable for memory cards, pens, notes and the like.

The Ona Clifton will have an Antique Cognac finish, and is priced $ 499. For more information visit the Ona website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review: Incase DSLR Pro Pack Backpack

13 Dec

As a freelance photographer, my office while on assignment is, more often than not, whatever I can carry on my back. Everything from my multiple pieces of DSLR camera gear and laptop, plus its accessories, must fit in a bag (or two) to be ready to whip out at a moment’s notice. This presents a constant dilemma of figuring out the most efficient, yet safe, way to carry and store very expensive electronics while on the go. At this point, there are a myriad of DSLR laptop bags out there, but I’ll show you why the Incase DSLR Pro Pack is my new favorite travel companion.

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

Lightweight and sturdy

The first thing you’ll notice about this bag is that even when it’s empty, it’s super light. Weighing in at 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg), this bag won’t weigh you down while on the go. It’s also made of sturdy 840D nylon material that will protect your gear from the elements.

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

Thick padding for lots of gear

First, let’s take a look at the most important part of this bag: where it stores your camera gear! Out of the box, this bag comes preconfigured with soft, thick, padded dividers (also fully adjustable). Don’t tend to carry that much camera gear? You could likely come up with a configuration that can hold other things, like clothes or shoes if you’re traveling. You will likely need to customize this grid of padding to yourr own liking depending on how much gear you’re looking to carry.

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

On a typical freelance photography assignment, I’ll bring loads of gear, and I was impressed with how it all fit into the backpack. My kit below includes the following:

  • (1) Canon 6D DSLR with 100mm f/2.8 macro lens attached
  • (1) Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens
  • (1) Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens
  • (1) Canon 24mm f/2.8 prime lens
  • (1) Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens
  • (2) Canon 580 EXII flashes
  • A bag of accessories including: remote release cable, extra batteries, and remote flash triggers

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

Unique design for easy access to gear

Perhaps the best feature of the Incase DSLR Pro Pack bag is the unique way it stores your gear. Instead of opening from the outside, you actually unzip the camera compartment from the bag’s backside. This can make it tough to access all of your gear at once, but here’s the genius part – the bag’s design allows you to easily unzip the top of the camera section and take out a couple pieces of gear that are stored closer to the top. In the demo photo below, you can see how it works.

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

Speaking of the back of the bag, check out that thick, mesh material lining the back and straps. They feel as comfy as they look, keeping your back and shoulders protected as you haul your gear around.

Side pocket for tripod or monopod attachment

If you travel with larger items such as a tripod, monopod or umbrella, you could also tack that on to this bag with the buckles, and extra pocket located on the right-hand exterior of the bag.

Extra room up front for more office accessories

Since the bag’s backside provides primary access to photo gear, that means the front pockets provide very easy access to the rest of the accessories you choose to pack. In this case, that could include a laptop (up to the size of a 15″ MacBook Pro), a notebook, pocket-sized point and shoot camera, and important documents like your passport.

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

Incase DSLR laptop backpack

Two things I wish were included

Ergonomics are a top feature to look out for when selecting a new backpack. While this backpack is ergonomic in many ways, including the mesh back padding and a secure chest strap, I wish there were also waist straps. This would make me feel a bit more comfortable if I were hauling my full camera and laptop kit around on my back.

Another feature I’d like to see (especially as a Seattle resident) is the inclusion of a rain jacket. While I have no doubt that the bag’s durable 840D nylon would protect my gear from a light sprinkling, I’m not so confident about it handling a downpour very well.

Overall a high rating for this bag. Have you tried this one or any other camera/laptop backpacks out? Please share your favorite in the comments below.

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The post Review: Incase DSLR Pro Pack Backpack by Suzi Pratt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Manfrotto launches D1 backpack for photographers using drones

21 Nov

Accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has introduced a new series of backpacks designed for photographers who fly drones. The Aviator D1 Drone Backpack holds a medium sized quadcopter such as the DJI Phantom 3 along with all the accessories that go with it, as well as a DSLR, a laptop and a tripod. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Think Tank Shape Shifter Backpack Review

12 Aug

Finding the perfect camera bag is a challenge in today’s world where every bag style is possible. From messenger bags to belt packs to purses, there are many different camera bags out there to tickle your fancy. While the trend recently may be minimalist and compact, I’d like you to consider for a moment the exact opposite – a large, yet highly versatile, camera backpack known as the Think Tank Shape Shifter.

In general, many bags suffer from giving off the feeling and appearance of too much bulk, while at the same time not having nearly enough space for all of one’s camera gear. The Think Tank Shape Shifter is ingenious in that it is designed specifically to go from thin and skinny, to large and expansive, whenever you need it to. Top that flexibility off with fantastic padding and back support, as well as lots of pockets to hold all sorts of gear, and you have what I deem to be the perfect camera bag.

Think Tank Shapeshifter Backpack 2

Flexible sizing

The Shape Shifter’s key feature is its flexibility in sizing, thanks to its rather simple zipper system. Similar to how luggage works, you simply unzip a section of the bag when you need it to expand, or zip it up to minimize the size. At its most compressed, the Shape Shifter measures 3 inches in diameter, and 7 inches at its maximum expansion.

Think Tank Shapeshifter Backpack

Sturdy build

As you can expect from all Think Tank bags, the Shape Shifter is built tough, despite having a minimalist profile. Featuring a black water-resistant exterior fabric, it also comes with a seam-sealed removable rain cover, just in case of a sudden downpour. The straps and back padding are made of 3D air mesh with a breathable air flow system, making the bag extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time. There are also strong waist and chest straps to help equally distribute the bag’s weight across your upper body. The ergonomic value here is especially high, since backpacks already do a better job of equalizing the weight of heavy gear, as opposed to a one-sided messenger bag.

Think Tank Shapeshifter Backpack 4

Pockets galore

There are several main pockets in the Shape Shifter including a compartment for a laptop, up to 17″, and a huge compartment full of stretchable neoprene pouches for holding lenses and camera bodies. Alternatively, you could also stuff about four size small t-shirts in the pouches if you wanted to use the bag as a makeshift suitcase. There are also smaller zippered pockets on the bag’s exterior, where smaller items such as batteries and memory cards can be stored. Larger items such as tripods and lighting stands can also be strapped to the backpack if needed, using two sturdy straps that come with the bag.

Think Tank Shapeshifter Backpack 6

I took the Shape Shifter on a trial run while photographing the USGA U.S. Open at Chambers Bay recently. Needing to take along a majority of my photography equipment, I managed to fit all of the following into the backpack:

  • (2) Camera bodies (Canon 6D and 5D Mark III)
  • (3) Lenses (Canon 40mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8)
  • (1) Flash (Canon 580 EXII)
  • (2) Flash Triggers (Yongnuo)
  • (1) Laptop (Apple 15″ MacBook Pro Retina Display)
  • Camera accessories (memory card wallet, spare batteries)
  • Laptop accessories (card reader, external hard drive, charger)
  • Other goodies (sunscreen, sunglasses, mints, credentials holder, notebook)

The resulting bag was admittedly pretty heavy, but the comfortable back padding and straps made the bag much easier to carry despite the added weight.

Think Tank Shapeshifter Backpack 5

Versatile, despite shortcomings

One of the biggest challenges that the Shape Shifter has is in its ability to carry your whole photo studio. You can indeed do just that, but the bag gets extremely heavy, and some gear is difficult to reach without stopping to unzip and lay out the entire bag. Additionally, the structure of the bag makes it hard to carry preassembled cameras (lens attached) in it, meaning it is meant to have the lens and bodies in separate pouches rather than attached as one unit. The best way around this is to simply wear your cameras while shooting, and keep items you don’t need regular access to in the Shape Shifter.

Alternatively, you could also convert the Shape Shifter into a more functional daypack or suitcase, since its pockets and design don’t restrict it from being used as solely a camera bag. Say you’re travelling by air and trying to meet the two bag carry-on limit. You could put the majority of your camera gear that you need to be readily accessible in a smaller bag such as the Think Tank ChangeUp, and use the Shape Shifter to carry your overnight travel items and excess gear. Again, the big benefit of the Shape Shifter is its ability to shrink or enlarge depending on your needs.

Have you tried out the Think Tank Shape Shifter? Did it meet your expectations? Let me know in the comments below!

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