Choosing a camera backpack

Professional photographers often have to carry around a fairly rich arsenal of equipment and accessories. It is important to take into account that this portable photo studio requires the most careful attitude towards itself. Based on this, the relevance of the question of how to choose the right backpack for a camera and related devices is growing.

Versatile camera bags and backpacks have become an integral part of off-studio arsenals. At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the main differences between these two types of accessories for transporting cameras and other specialized equipment. The backpack allows you to comfortably and with maximum safety carry a fairly large number of items.

As practice shows, professional photographers have both bags and photo backpacks. It is important to bear in mind that the choice in favor of this or that option directly depends on the shooting conditions. But anyway the backpack, taking into account its operational properties, can be confidently called a universal device.

An overloaded photo bag, including the finest leather goods to carry over the shoulder, becomes a burden. In such a situation, not only a large, but even a small single-strand backpack will be the best solution. First of all, it should be borne in mind that such accessories are more roomy, and also evenly distribute the load, without hindering the movements of the photographer. The backpacks presented today in the respective market segment can be divided into the following main categories.

• Universal, which are ideal for long trips, as well as for fans of sports and outdoor activities. Hiking models, including mini-backpacks with additional compartments, are widely used by, for example, skiers and cyclists. Structurally, the bags consist of two parts: the lower one in the form of a conventional wardrobe trunk for photographic equipment and the upper one, designed for transporting gadgets, things and products. Also in this category can be attributed and protective backpacks for travel, characterized by maximum reliability and ergonomics.

• Direct, vertical access models, representing a wardrobe trunk with straps. By the way, there are also options on wheels. In order to reach the contents, the camera bag will need to be removed and placed horizontally. Such models are most often used by professionals. They are characterized by increased capacity and provide the fastest possible access to equipment.

• Slings - backpacks for photographic equipment with one strap, which differ from other varieties in maximum ease of use. At any time, the user can move the backpack on his stomach, while simultaneously deploying it to a horizontal position. If you are not going to shoot for a long time, then you can use a fixing safety belt, which is added to the main strap.

• Intelligent Backpacks Designed by Think Tank Photo and representing entire systems. The lower part is made in the form of a removable module, which is fastened with a waist belt.It provides the user with the fastest possible access to the main contents of the photo bag (cameras). All accessories are located in parallel in the upper compartment. An important point is the ability to use each module separately. In this case, the turnability of a single wardrobe trunk (lower) part is maintained due to the location on the already mentioned waist belt.

The ergonomics and functionality of smart backpacks deserve special attention. For example, a fairly wide belt allows you to fix a whole list of additional equipment. In this case, we are talking about cases with lenses, batteries, pockets for memory cards and more. The main advantages of the Think Tank Photo system include quick access to content and modular design.

Today, specialized salons, as well as online platforms, offer all photography lovers and professionals more than a wide range of related products. Wherein we are talking about bags and backpacks for both mirrorless and professional DSLR cameras... The second option, among other things, provides for the presence of a sufficient number of compartments for transporting additional equipment and accessories.

All manufacturers of backpacks for photographic equipment try to take into account the wishes of professional photographers and their regular customers as much as possible. However, it is difficult to create the perfect model. The world-famous Lowepro brand was able to get as close as possible to him. By the bags and backpacks of this brand, you can recognize a real photographer anywhere. One of the key competitive advantages in this case was the optimal combination of price and quality, which makes the term “photographer's bag” and Lowepro almost synonymous.

This brand has long been and is very well known in the Russian Federation. The company was founded in the United States back in 1977. In terms of quality, backpacks and bags of this brand are not inferior to more eminent brands. At the same time, in terms of democratic value, they can be compared with Lowepro. The main raw material for Tamrac accessories is high quality nylon. At the same time, the bags have a shock-absorbing layer made of foam rubber and metal carabiners. The backpacks have a classic design and maximum capacity.

This Israeli company initially specialized in the production of army helmets and body armor. At the moment, Kata, as a manufacturer of high-quality photo backpacks, is one of the main competitors of the renowned Lowepro brand. It is worth noting that the products of the Israeli brand are more expensive, but at the same time they wins in terms of the quality of materials and ergonomics. Kata's trademark is the active introduction of advanced technologies, as well as the use of Yeloop material.

In this case, we are talking about one of the oldest representatives of the market. The company began operations in the United States back in 1977. Backpacks for cameras of this brand have a classic design and boast the quality of materials. One of their key competitive advantages is their increased capacity in a relatively compact size. In Russia, Tenda products are not as widely represented as many would like.

This is an independent model line of the Kata brand, which at one time became a separate brand. These backpacks are made exclusively from natural materials, including cotton and hemp fiber. All fabrics have an effective moisture-repellent impregnation.

Under this brand, there are American military-style photographic backpacks on the market that belong to the premium segment. Made of ballistic tarpaulin, they are distinguished by their harsh appearance and brutal design. Some models, in addition to metal elements, have genuine leather inserts. Speaking about the advantages of the brand, one should focus on the quality of materials, spaciousness, as well as the anti-slip coating of the belts. At the same time, the compartments of the backpacks are separated from each other by soft partitions. It is worth noting that some users attribute insufficient equipment protection to the disadvantages.

The company, which represents "Foggy Albion" on the modern market, began its activities in the 73rd year of the last century. At the moment, her model line includes sophisticated retro-style photography bags and backpacks. However, some regard this approach to design more as an original marketing technique. Billingham backpacks, like models of the National Geographic and Domke brands, are made on the basis of high-quality neoprene, and the fasteners are made of genuine leather.

This German company once became famous for the release of drawing accessories of the same name. Now, under the Cullmann brand, a wide range of high-quality backpacks for photographic equipment is presented on the world market. The manufacturer was able to harmoniously combine classics in design with innovative solutions. One of the most interesting models is the Faro backpack, which can be easily transformed into a business briefcase.

The products of this company will be most relevant for those who prefer bright colors and modern, urban style. You can easily recognize Crumpler backpacks by the emblem in the form of a dancing hairy character. The products stand out against the background of most competitors for their ergonomics and a high level of content protection. At the same time, the main disadvantages of users include the absence of external pockets and the poor ratio of the weight of the product and its spaciousness, due to the peculiarities of the shape of the backpacks.

This renowned manufacturer of briefcases and suitcases also offers its customers a model line of bags and backpacks for storing and carrying photographic equipment. All products are made of PVC-based multilayer polyester. Elegance is a key feature of the brand. Such a design of backpacks will be the optimal solution for photographers who visit and work at various social events.

It is no secret that the end result largely depends on a number of little things. As practice shows, in non-studio photography, one of those is a bag or a backpack for carrying a camera and additional equipment. To choose the best option, you need to pay attention to the following important points.

• The quality of materials and their protective characteristics, ensuring the safety of equipment. This is most important for travel and outdoor enthusiasts. The emphasis is on the rigidity of the backpack, the durability and water repellency of the fabric, as well as the quality of the fasteners and zippers.
• The number and location of internal compartments and additional pockets. Now on the market there are models designed to store not only cameras, lenses and other accessories, but also personal belongings of the photographer. Special attention is paid to compartments for small items, which include batteries, filters and memory cards.
• Backpack volume. It is sometimes difficult for beginners to decide on the displacement before buying. Experienced users are advised to place all equipment on the floor or table as if it were in a bag.Such a technique will allow you to visually determine what kind of wardrobe trunk is required in each specific case. As a rule, photographs in catalogs and on specialized sites do not provide such an opportunity.
• Ergonomics and ease of access to all content. Many backpack models are equipped with additional zippers. They are usually located on the sides and provide quick access to the camera and lenses. In order to reach the camera, in such situations, you only need to remove one strap. In addition, there are so-called swivel backpacks on the market, which can be easily moved forward and, after unbuttoning, turn into a hanging table.
• Additional options, which include, for example, tripod mounts, compartments for laptops and other gadgets, as well as drones and other equipment.

The Billingham 25 backpack is presented in the video below.