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Gear

Gadget Bag: Photo Backpacks

When you want to take more than just a body and lens into the field, a backpack gives you the capacity and the comfortable means to carry everything

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Tamrac Adventure 10 5550

This time of year, just about every outdoor photographer is enjoying the late-summer weather and some quality time with nature and a camera. And why not? The days are long, the temperatures are warm, and there’s plenty to see and photograph. When you want to be out shooting for a long time, chances are you want more than just a camera body and a couple of lenses with you, and when you’re going to load up, a backpack is the best tool for hauling your camera gear, as well as a spare jacket and a granola bar or two. Photo backpacks offer protection, load capacity and redistribution of weight so that you can carry more gear a longer distance with less fatigue.

If you frequently carry a notebook computer with your photo gear (who doesn’t these days?), photo backpacks are a great choice because you can consolidate all of your equipment in one easy-to-carry bag. Backpacks are ideal for bicycle excursions, too, and they’re available in more sizes, configurations and material options than ever before.

Think Tank Photo Shape Shifter

Tenba Shootout

When selecting a backpack, start from the inside out. Think about what you plan to carry. Need extra space for rain gear and a survival kit? A pouch for your MP3 player or GPS? How many cameras and how many lenses? Computer? Once you’ve established the load you need to stow, consider your alternatives from the standpoint of comfort, accessibility and appearance. Make sure that the bag you select will fit you snugly but comfortably, otherwise you’ll feel as if you’re hauling a tree stump on your shoulders. And if getting to your gear as quickly as possible is more important than anything else, be prepared to investigate some of the hybrid shoulder-sling-type backpacks, as well.

From Think Tank Photo comes the Shape Shifter, the first backpack designed to expand and contract to fit D-SLR equipment. By flattening down to a three-inch thickness, the backpack can be collapsed and still carry up to a 17-inch laptop and accessories, but in a much smaller profile. Photographers who already use Think Tank’s belt system can integrate the Shape Shifter and support the weight of the backpack with the belt. Estimated Street Price: $249.

The Tenba Shootout backpack collection offers models in various sizes and shapes, so you’re assured to find the right one to meet your exact needs. The popular Shootout Daypack will fit a pair of D-SLRs, five to seven lenses (up to 70-200mm ƒ/2.8), plus the accessories, clothing and food you’ll need for an extended excursion. The Daypack is similar in size to the Small backpack, but instead of including a removable interior, tripod carrier and computer sleeve, Tenba provides its exclusive PackOUT pocket, which uniquely expands to provide approximately 240 cubic inches of additional storage space. This compartment will accommodate lightweight, non-breakable items like rain gear, MREs, boonie cap and the like. Estimated Street Price: $199.

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