Find a backpack or messenger bag you love, and use an insert instead. I don't like advertising I have equipment.
this post was submitted on 15 Aug 2024
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Photography
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That's what I do. I have a very plain backpack and I just keep my camera in there with some clothes as padding. I do have a dedicated DSLR bag but that's more for days specifically for photography and I carry it on a shoulder sling, in addition to my backpack.
Take a look at the wandrd prvke. The name is stupid but the bag is well built and really comfortable.
I have been looking at the wandrd prvke, both the 21 and the 31 L versions, but my concern is that even the essential camera cube takes up to much space for my needs.
All I need is my camera with 1 lens attached, 2 lenses and a couple of filters really. I would like to have the rest of the bag be for clothes or whatever I’d like to pack with me for a weekend trip.
What is your experience on this? Does the roll top expand the capacity a lot? How does it look when fully rolled out and packed to capacity? What have you managed to fit in it when packing it to its capacity?
Thanks for helping with my desicion :)
The roll top does expand nicely and fits quite a bit of stuff. The aesthetics of a filled roll top isn't great, but I'm not the most stylish person, so take that with a grain of salt.
I've mostly packed a jacket, beanie, some snacks. Nothing too much.
If all you have is one camera and two lenses, you might consider just getting a camera insert that you can throw into any bag. It'd be way cheaper. I have a few from Tenba and they're quite nice.
The roll top expansion will only be needed every now and then, so aesthetics for those times are not critical.
The problem I see with a camera insert in a small bag is that the access to the camera will still be inconvenient. Especially when packing stuff other than camera gear.
I like the look and features of the prvke, but the camera part might be a bit overkill for my gear. At least for the time being. I am considering upgrading to a Sony full frame mirrorless though.
the prvke smaller camera cube does not look that big... I don't think you're going to find a bag with side access where the cube is significantly smaller than the one in the prvke.
The problem I see with a camera insert in a small bag is that the access to the camera will still be inconvenient. Especially when packing stuff other than camera gear.
Put the bag at the top?
Or get one of those holster style cases for the camera, so its outside of your main bag, and just put the lenses in some protective thing.
I like the idea of insert + backpack. For me, I don't want to compromise on the backpack comfort and usability, so I use an Osprey Radial backpack and I plan to use a Boundary MK-1 camera cube with it, but I have yet to purchase it.
I have a camera bag from F-stop Gear. They match your criteria with the camera inserts that can be removed and also have easy pack access to either the camera gear or other gear compartment. They also have a side pouch and some have a pocket for a water bladder. I think they are quite nice, just wouldn't use them for backpacking as there is no proper frame for support over miles of trekking. I mention that because they market a lineup for extreme outdoor activities.
https://fstopgear.com/lotus-4-core-pack-only/ This one is similar in size to the one you referenced.
Edit: as per your question of do I like your item, I think if it doesn't have all the features you want then you shouldn't get it as there are options that do have all the features you would like. A removable insert is really convenient but having instant access to your camera gear is critical, luckily you can have both. Also water like you said is an essential. Unless price is a constraint definitely get something that has what you want.
https://www.boundarysupply.com/collections/prima-system-1
Best backpack I've ever owned for EDC and camera.
I've also added the mk1 camera cube for trips where I take a lot of camera gear.
Just be aware the company is REALLY slow to ship... Like, TRAGICALLY bad... I had to wait months each time I've bought stuff.. That being said though, I'd wait again... And I'm about to buy a new prima system as this one is getting old (after many years of EDC) and I'm looking at the XPAC version.
Look at evoc packs, I have a commute 22 and a few bike hip/backpacks myself and they have really good design and the durability is unbeatable. My commute 22 that I've had for 2 years still looks new. They have some Camera packs and also options you could use with inserts.
I personally use the peak design everyday 30L with a medium camera cube.
I can 1 bag all of my 4-5 day trips.
Medium cube, and a medium clothing pack, and one toiletry bag.
It does get heavy. I'm a smaller person. 69 inches and 150lbs.
The waist belt helps a lot.
Took it hiking on Faroe a few weeks ago. Definitely gone through some sketchy hikes but the backpack did fine. I thought it was comfy enough.
Bad is that your lenses are harder to access through the side pockets. Smaller cameras are fine for the most part.
I have a Z8 and that was a bit big to get through the side panel.
I also have the large camera cube and I'm thinking of getting a smedium cube for longer trips. I've been trying to one bag longer trips like 7-14 day trips.
I do cheat by bringing a sling like a 6L sling so I can tuck lenses I'll use a lot in there for ease of access.
Sorry for my rambling. Took me 5 bags to get into a setup I'm comfy with.
A lot of photographers seem to like the Peak Design bags, that’s what led me to them. They don’t really have a water bottle solution but the quick access is definitely there and I like the organization setup a lot - very easy to customize. There wasn’t a price listed on the link you shared but I think the Peak Everday bag is about $260 USD.
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/everyday-backpack?variant=29743300771884
The peak design straps a horrible, they cut into you and are really uncomfortable when the bag gets heavy.
I like a lot of Peak Design stuff, but their backpacks are designed for small people and are pretty heavy at the same time. I'm 6'4" and a bit barrel-chested, and the padded part of the straps stops right at my armpits, which is extremely uncomfortable.
Really? I'm 6'5" and I have the large one (I think 30L vs the smaller 20L?) and I don't have any problems with it. Fits very well.
I did use the 20L. I have a similar issue with the 5L cross-body bag. I dunno, maybe it's not just my height, but my shoulders, arms, and chest. It's not a problem I have with the other backpacks I use from Timbuk2, Osprey, or Arc'teryx.