Camera backpack

[Prof7310]

Urban Explore 20




Side access. I keep this area large so i can simply grab and pull out my camera without having to wiggle it out, at the cost of efficiency of space



Hello all - would any GFX users be willing to share their preferred photo backpack, for travelling? I'm on the lookout for a bag with the flexibility of separate inserts, which can function as a holiday daypack for city or outdoors, and preferably has side access for quick camera access, and doesn't come in grey or black.

After trying and ultimately not liking Wandrd and Peak Design's lines, I'm now quite happy with a Shimoda Urban Explore 25. It has everything I need, and nothing I don't. However, it is a bit too small for travel.

I have a Nya-Evo 50c here, as well - still unused. It seems well sized, in a good colour (non-army green), comfortable with a solid optional hipbelt, and for an outdoor pack, not too outdoors-looking. However, while the company promises side access, it's not a very good implementation, the rolltop is not a quick access design, and the camera inserts are rather deeper than needed. I'm not sure I should keep it - without solid side access, it just misses something I use all the time, as I don't like my camera hanging on a peak clip or around my neck when I'm out and about.

 

[Bweber]

My current bag is a Temba Solstice V2 24L, I also have a Lowe pro Whistler 450 BP. Each bag will hold my GFX100S and the following lenses: 20-35, 45-100, 110, 250, 30, plus filters extra batteries etc. The will also hold a rain jacket and minimal clothing. I switched to the Solstice because it is much lighter than the Lowe Pro, and at my age (79) weight matters. Good luck.

 

[YaYoureAlright]

I'm a big fan of my Moment DayChaser 35L. The size and layout are great. Side access is easy. It looks like a normal backpack and comes in a nice shade of blue. Sturdy and comfortable too, but it's 5lbs empty which I know would be an issue for some users. It's a good size as carry on luggage too, fitting just under the standard dimensions in most countries.

Moment DayChaser Review | Pack Hacker

The Moment DayChaser has ample storage, fantastic flexibility, and a comfortable harness system, so it's perfect for carrying camera gear and daily essentials.

packhacker.com

 

[Prof7310]

I'm a big fan of my Moment DayChaser 35L. The size and layout are great. Side access is easy. It looks like a normal backpack and comes in a nice shade of blue. Sturdy and comfortable too, but it's 5lbs empty which I know would be an issue for some users. It's a good size as carry on luggage too, fitting just under the standard dimensions in most countries.

https://packhacker.com/travel-gear/moment/daychaser/

Looks great. Hard to get in Europe, apparently, but a few available on the second hand market - I've placed a bid, see where that goes.

 

[zorgtool]

I'm using Lowepro Protactic 450 II (not the III).

I can put everything I need for 3 week traveling (I'm traveling very light) with all my GF gear, laptop, power, ssd, etc.

I'm satisfy by the product, and I'm unable to tell you if other backpack would be better because I didn't test any.

Before this one I have the Protactic 450 I and I prefer the first one about the interior, but the strap was a nightmare for me, they where not width enough and hurt a lot. So that's why I change to the second version where they fix the problem.

Z

 

[Jeff Biscuits]

Hello all - would any GFX users be willing to share their preferred photo backpack, for travelling? I'm on the lookout for a bag with the flexibility of separate inserts, which can function as a holiday daypack for city or outdoors, and preferably has side access for quick camera access, and doesn't come in grey or black.

“Travel” has a hundred definitions, but when it comes to carrying kit and having ready access to a camera, then for my money there’s nothing that comes close to a Mindshift Rotation (I have the 34 and the 16, though the latter is small and certainly won’t fit most MF kit).

They only come in grey and black (which I like), but you can’t have everything The older models came in blue, if the colour bothers you enough to miss out on the features of the new ones.

 

[Prof7310]

Thanks all for your reactions. I’ve physically tried most of the recommendations in this thread, which reminded me how bags appear so much smaller when tried in the store, than in real life! Most 30l+ bags are too deep and bulky for me and would be awkward in an urban environment. For now I’ve decided to go with the bigger version of the Shimoda Urban. The bag is about as large as the 35l photo backpacks but thinner, and I already know and like the smaller version.