p.2 #1 · Travel Backpacks (Oh no, not this subject again)
nineblade wrote:
So I find myself looking for a new travel backpack. Let me give some background:
I have been traveling with the following:
- Peak Design ZIP 21L
- Wandrd Prvke 21L
- Brevite Jumper 18L
- Lowepro Photo Sport 24L
What I discovered for some trips is that I found myself, surprisingly, liking the Brevite. The main reason was that it was light, and that I could get it on and off my shoulder without much of a fuss.
Peak Design: It's my go to backpack most of the time, primarily because it's so configurable and comfy on the shoulders. Where I found myself annoyed with it was in places where I'm frequently having to slip it on or off the shoulders.
Wandrd: I have an old one. No luggage passthrough is kind of annoying. It's also somewhat bulky and heavy.
Lowepro: I usually use this when hiking, but traveling with it has been good to - problem is that it really only holds 1 camera body and 2 lenses.
So I find myself looking for something like the Brevite, but better quality.
- Very lightweight (the Brevite only weighs 1.9 lbs)
- Easy to slip on or off the shoulders, not too many fussy things about it like waist straps that might impede a quick removal/donning
- Durable
- Half the bag holds camera gear, half of it holds other stuff (jackets, snacks, passport, etc.)
- Doesn't scream 'camera bag!!!'
Here's my travel camera backpack that I take everywhere - the Roots flannel collection RG30. I actually use the same as the backpack to take to the office.
Lightweight? Yes (2.4 lbs)
Easy to slip on and off? Yes. There are no fiddly waist straps.
Durable? Yes. Although it's not waterproof. Water-resistant to a point.
Half the bag holds camera gear, half of it holds other stuff? Yes, yes, yes! It has velcro straps that split the top and bottom half and can be converted to using the entire bag as a single space.
Doesn't scream camera bag? Yes!
Is it designed to hold a FF camera with multiple lenses? Maybe, as in the description, perhaps 2-3 small lenses. I have a m43 and have stuck in my Olympus EM1.2 with 100-400mm into the top half (the smaller half) without issue.
Here's a link to it, although you can usually find it much cheaper on sale at retailers.
Comes in that colour (more brown in real life) and also black. I've got both colours.
p.2 #3 · Travel Backpacks (Oh no, not this subject again)
OK, fellow addict/nut here.
First of all, they are all a compromise. Just like cameras. No one seem to be able to build the Goldilock one.
If money is of less concern, I would get a Evergoods CBT, either 20 or 26 (latter one for myself). Second choice would be AER - great bags, perhaps a bit too techie-looking IMO.
After that it becomes a blur. Too many to chose from. It all depends on if you want better straps, how you want to to sit (which also depends on your height and body), branding or no branding (if you can live with branding both Patagonia and North Face makes pretty good value packs).
I would go with clam shell design so you can pack it better. Top access or roll top is great in theory, but gets a hassle to get things in and our, or stay organized. If you want extra access, look at something with an expansion zipper or ability to store things on the outside via some type of pocket or cord.
Again, my money would be on the CBT26, in OD Green. So yummy. Extra space when you need it to stuff a rain or puffer jacket, double as a gym bag with shoes, bottle, and clothing change, etc.
