What makes the RPT P3 Camera Backpack the best of this type of equipment is Photobackpacker’s commitment to designing “the only camera backpack in the world with a Premium Technical Suspension System.” Seasoned backpackers and mountaineers demand this kind of system because they need the total load they are carrying to feel lighter than its actual weight. Only a technical backpack design set up to fit the photographer can remove the feeling of weight from your shoulders and transfer it to your leg muscles.
Photobackpacker’s RPT P3 Camera Backpack achieves this in two ways. First it is built with the Air Current suspension system, which was the Outdoor Product of the Year and Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s Choice. Second, a RPT P3 is customized for each individual photographer with any of 240 unique configurations of 8 different belts, 3 shoulder straps, 2 torso frames and 10 torso length settings. You choose the right sized belt and shoulder straps, provide a torso length measurement and select the camera protection needed. The RPT P3 Camera Backpack is shipped, often same day, assembled according to your body specifications and the kind of photography equipment you carry – DSLR, 8 x 10 view camera or video.
Learn more about Photobackpacker’s RPT P3 Camera Backpack at www.photobackpacker.com.
2. Rover Pro 45 L AW from Lowpro
This top-of-the-line backpack has been designed with all the features and comfort to trek into the wildest country with personal and photographic gear. The Rover Pro 45 L RW makes it easy to pack the exact equipment you need with its two modular, removable camera cases. The adjustable padded dividers, removable accessory pouch, interior zippered pockets, outer mesh pockets and webbing grab handles not only protect your gear, but also put it within easy reach.
Other must-have features for the dedicated landscape or wildlife photographer include a tripod attachment system, a pocket for a 2-liter hydration container, trekking pole or ice axe attachments, sleeping pad straps that also accommodate a small tent and the All Weather AW Cover for protection from all the elements of sky and earth.
The Lowpro Rover Pro 45 L RW can be ordered at store.lowepro.com.
3. Shape Shifter Camera Backpack from Think Tank
Your confidence will soar when you’re carrying your photography equipment in Think Tank’s Shape Shifter Camera Backpack. It can “shift its shape” from what looks like just another laptop carrier (which is also an excellent use for it) to an expansive backpack with a total depth of 7 inches. Combined with its other dimensions – height 20 inches and width 12.5 inches – the Shape Shifter can accommodate two DSLR bodies with small lenses attached, as many as three separate lenses, as large as a 17-inch laptop and a full assortment of accessories.
The Shape Shifter is also designed for comfort, with well-padded shoulder harnesses, a sternum strap and a contoured harness and airflow system to circulate air between you and the backpack. Replace the standard waist belt with Think Tank’s Pro Speed Belt (sold separately) and you can attach many of the company’s general-purpose and lens pouches for additional equipment carrying capacity.
Explore more of the features of the Think Tank Shape Shifter Backpack at www.thinktankphoto.com.
4. Adventure K5 Backpack from Naneu
Versatility is the best word to describe the Adventure K5 Backpack. Because of its removable camera compartment, it can serve as both a camera equipment carrier and standard hiking pack. The compartment will easily accept and fully protect a pro-level DSLR, as much as a 70–200mm f/2.8 lens attached, 3 to 4 additional lenses, flash and mobile device.
If you need the backpack interior for personal gear, then the camera compartment can be attached to the shoulder harness to be worn on the chest or folded empty against the back panel. If your photography expedition is working from a base camp, you don’t need to carry the entire Adventure K5, but utilize the camera insert as a separate and smaller daypack.
Discover much more about Naneu’s Adventure K5 Backpack when you visit www.naneubags.com.
5. Satori EXP Photography Equipment Pack from f-stop
You’ll benefit from the Satori EXP Backpack even before you set foot in your favorite backcountry shooting location. Its footprint is smaller than the legal limits for major airlines, so you can carry it onboard and store it in most overhead compartments; and it won’t be subject to potential damage from standard baggage-handling systems. When you do strap the Satori EXP to your back, your body will immediately feel the comfort, with the adjustment of the padded hip belt and shoulder straps.
What distinguishes the Satori EXP from so many backpacks is f-stop’s Internal Camera Unit (ICU) system. Select from many ICU sizes to customize how your photography and personal gear is stored. The small ICU is the perfect choice for a camera and a few lenses while the largest ICU accommodates a 500mm or larger lens for wildlife photography. The Satori EXP also has room for a 17-inch laptop or other devices. You can also integrate the backpack with the universal MOLLE system, so you can carry more equipment on its exterior and waist belt.
You’ll find everything you need to know about the Satori EXP Backpack at shop.fstopgear.com.
6. Kinray 53PR from Vanguard
Vanguard’s Kinray 53PR Backpack puts the gear you need for immediate capture of wildlife on the move in your hands quickly with its large front opening. That’s one of the reasons this backpack is such a favorite with birders. In addition, the removable interior dividers not only securely store and hold DSLR cameras and lens, but also a spotting scope and binoculars. Remove the thick cushion and other dividers and the Kinray 53PR converts from a daypack to a backpack. Remove all the dividers and you have a versatile backpack for hiking and camping trips.
The Kinray 53PR also has the versatility to hold a tripod; and the two lower front straps have enough capacity for a sleeping bag. The interior dimensions of 12 5/8” x 7 1/8” x 20 7/8” have adequate space for 1 to 2 DSLRs; 4 to 6 lenses, as much as 300mm f/2.8; a flash unit; and all the photography and personal accessories you’ll need. Plus, the Kinray 53PR is made from weather-resistant materials and includes a rain cover for even more protection.
Take a closer look at the backpack on which many photographers rely at www.vanguardworld.com.
7. Volt Backpack from Clik Elite
With the Volt Backpack, the people at Clik Elite have designed more than an equipment carrier; it’s also a portable photo studio. The bottom of the pack frame becomes the company’s ClikStand, so the Volt will sit sturdy and erect above the ground, so you can mount lights, reflectors and a camera to it. In this configuration, it is also a stable platform on which you can use an iPad, which the spacious interior space will accommodate in addition to multiple DSLR camera bodies, lenses and as many as 3 Speedlights.
As a studio platform, the interior has room for a DSLR and smaller lens, battery pack, studio strobe and Pocket Wizards. Keep the strobe head mounted to the ClikStand and stored in the main compartment, then open the top pocket for instant access wherever you need additional light. The Volt Backpack also has front and side attachment points for a tripod and the rain fly will protect all your gear.
For more information about this unique backpack from Clik Elite, please visit www.clikelite.com.
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