{"id":11255,"date":"2019-02-14T18:46:19","date_gmt":"2019-02-14T18:46:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apogeephoto.com\/?p=11255"},"modified":"2019-02-14T18:46:19","modified_gmt":"2019-02-14T18:46:19","slug":"best-camera-backpack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apogeephoto.com\/best-camera-backpack\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Camera Backpack of 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"bestMost people spend hours, days, or even weeks deciding on what camera body or lens to add to their collection. But when it comes to backpacks even professional photographers cheap out on their selections. Much less research goes into this decision since most people assume that the pack will wear out in a few months anyway. Unfortunately, this happens a lot, especially if you do choose the cheapest backpack you can find on Amazon that looks somewhat cool.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking cool is definitely an important factor; but what about materials, durability, and water resistance? How much gear do you plan to carry to shoots? Do you want Nylon or cotton canvas? Choosing the right camera backpack is an important decision, but it does not need to be a difficult one. Here are some guidelines you can use to help decide on what\u2019s the best camera backpack for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

What features do I want in a camera backpack?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Material Construction and Durability<\/b><\/h3>\n

Packs nowadays tend to be made of Nylon, a synthetic plastic. Nylon is so popular because it\u2019s highly resistant to tearing and shearing forces. This will come up fairly often if your pack stands a chance of catching on branches or rock in the outdoors. Ripstop Nylon, in particular, holds up nicely to abuse. The threading is not only thicker, but interlaces at regular intervals for greater strength. Lastly, Nylon packs are waterproof and great for outdoor photographers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Occasionally Polyester and Polypropylene are used as well, but both are inferior to Nylon. Polyester is inexpensive and holds color nicely thanks to its high UV resistance, but isn\u2019t nearly as durable as Nylon. Polypropylene is naturally waterproof and has insulating properties, but will degrade with sufficient UV exposure. <\/span><\/p>\n

Leather is one of the most quality materials you can have for a pack. It\u2019s heavier than synthetics, but durable and far more attractive looking. Leather does require some care to ensure it lasts, with regular cleaning and applications of leather conditioner to ensure it remains supple. Leather also forms an attractive patina on the surface over time that changes the color and texture into something soft and supple. Leather can be treated to make it water resistant or even waterproof, but leather is innately porous and not a waterproof material.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cotton canvas is the last of the most common backpack materials you\u2019ll find. It\u2019s attractive and durable and usually midway in price between leather and the synthetic plastic materials. Cotton canvas can be treated or blended with other fabrics to make it water resistant, but it\u2019s not innately waterproof like Nylon or Polypropylene. <\/span><\/p>\n

If the material has a D (denier) rating, it can be used to gauge approximately how thick (and therefore how strong) the backpack will be. Keep in mind that the rating only applies to backpacks of the same materials. A 500D canvas pack is not comparable in strength to a 500D Nylon one. For most users, 400-800D is more than sufficient strength. But if you\u2019ll be putting your pack through rugged conditions, you should seek something with at least an 800D rating or more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carrying loads up to and exceeding the maximum rated load capacity of your bag should be avoided as much as possible. Micro tears and stress on the joints, seams, and the material itself will add up faster than you might expect. Double-stitching is best if you tend to put your gear through the wringer. <\/span><\/p>\n

Inspect the shoulder straps and corners in particular for reinforcement, even the zipper matters when it comes to quality. Japanese-manufactured YKK-brand zippers are well known for being the toughest and most reliable in the world, thanks to rigorous testing and quality control.<\/span><\/p>\n

Compartment Design<\/b><\/h3>\n

When looking at a potential backpack, it pays to know which of the compartments you intend to use. While the overall design may be pleasing, if the backpack has components that are poorly laid out for your needs it may be a waste of money.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, many camera backpacks use a divider-based storage design for at least one major compartment. This style works nicely for photographers needing to carry around a large lens selection. But if you have a fixed lens camera, it may be wasted or even a hassle. <\/span><\/p>\n

And even if you remove the Velcro-secured dividers, the Velcro itself will be a magnet for lint and can potentially damage any cloth items. Many, if not most, camera backpacks also include a laptop sleeve; all the better to operate as all-purpose electronics carriers. But is that something you intend to use? A single large compartment may suit you better at the cost of gear organization. <\/span><\/p>\n

Many models also include pockets on the access flaps, and several even get creative with the access points. The access point on top of the pack is the traditional design, but rear access packs are becoming increasingly common, as are side access models. Each style has its pros and cons and really depends on your storage needs; how quickly you need particular items and how large, small, or numerous those items might be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Backpack Size<\/b><\/h3>\n

How big of a backpack you need is dependent on both the amount of gear you plan to carry, as well as your own body. 18\u201d packs are considered to be small, while 18-22\u201d is a medium-sized bag. Anything over 22\u201d at maximum dimension is a large backpack. <\/span><\/p>\n

Small and medium backpacks are usually small enough to fit as a carry-on item with airlines, while large backpacks will always need to be checked in. Small packs may also work as your \u201cpersonal item,\u201d depending on airline regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re buying a medium or large backpack, you may find it uncomfortable when it is full of equipment, unless it includes a hip strap. Hip straps are secured by buckles around the waist and allow the weight of the pack to not just sit on your shoulders. Otherwise, you risk neck and shoulder fatigue after a long day\u2019s haul.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Top 5 Camera Backpacks<\/b><\/h2>\n

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20 & 30L<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Peak<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Peak Design was a Kickstarter company that became successful enough to start their very own brand of premium backpacks. There are two size options,\u00a0the Everyday Backpack 20L<\/a> and the Everyday Backpack 30L<\/a>, and both offer an incredibly well-designed suite of options catering specifically to digital photographers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pack uses a 400D Nylon outer shell treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) spray coating. DWR coatings do eventually wear out with frequent abrasion and washing, but you can reapply as needed via spray coat or DWR additions to a wash cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Flexfold Divider + Integrated Storage Design<\/b><\/h4>\n

The very heart of the design of this backpack centers around the Flexfold or \u201corigami divider\u201d design. Sometimes in-pack dividers can be a pain or of limited use, but Peak Design uses compression molded EVA foam in the construction of these dividers. <\/span><\/p>\n

They can fold into the exact orientation that suits your gear storage needs, including cubbies and shelves within the pack, and then secured with Velcro. They\u2019re also completely removable, in case you need all 20 L for something substantial.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are other storage modules of the pack integrated into the body. The two side flaps not only double as access points for the pack, but also have a pocket secured by a zipper. Another zipper pocket exists under the top access flap. And the laptop sleeve provides storage for laptops up to 15\u201d in size.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional Features<\/b><\/h4>\n

At 4 lbs. (1.81 kg), this backpack is incredibly lightweight and provides a lot of storage in a rugged yet minimalist package. Especially important for the frequent traveler, the Everyday 20L is also carry-on size, and can even fit under a seat if needed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes zippers are a weak point for water-resistant packs<\/span><\/a>. But the zippers of the Everyday 20L are well designed to ensure that water can\u2019t penetrate at all when sealed. Lastly, the seams are reinforced even further with Hypalon, a synthetic rubber that\u2019s resistant to chemical weathering and degradation from UV exposure. <\/span><\/p>\n

While the price puts it at one of the more expensive models, the Everyday Backpack 20L<\/a> is both stylish and functional.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\n Sale<\/span>\n
\n \n \"Peak\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L (Black Camera Bag) <\/a>\n
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