Our Gen III leather from Germany + weatherproof hybrid canvas from Scotland in the style icon of camera backpacks. Comfortable, practical, robust and with space for up to 16 inch Macbook Pro and plenty of equipment.
LEDER + MATERIALS GEN III
NEW MODEL GENERATION III
The compagnons Gen III breaks new ground while retaining the beloved features of its predecessors. In order to combine enjoyment and genuine environmental awareness even more, the compagnons of the new model generation III are breaking new ground. We have remained true to a purely natural tanning process, but our Gen III compagnon leather is now traditionally barrel-tanned, extensively processed and finished by hand not far from our headquarters in southern Germany. The German rawhide now has more character right from the start and shows the natural surface of the leather more clearly, even when new. To achieve this, we have reduced the 'pull-up' effect of the patina formation. This means that your compagnon does not need a longer period of use to develop a color and structure full of character. This adjustment also makes the bag even more durable and resistant. To achieve these qualities of the new compagnon leather, it still does not need any chemicals or harmful additives such as chrome. It simply requires more manual work, more time and more passion. From now on, we also offer better color stability so that the look of different compagnons of Generation III match each other as perfectly as possible. We were also able to improve the feel of the compagnon leather and once again achieve a smoother and yet very high-quality feel when wearing and using it.
The compagnon leather of Generation III is therefore not only a true, environmentally conscious companion in the first step, the production by hand with regional and traditional methods and raw materials, but also in the second step, through its many years of durability.
In the final production of our new model generation, we have also spared no effort to question our globally appreciated models and features and make them even better. For example, in order to prevent the fibers on the underside of some of our natural cowhides, the lid of our Generation III messenger models is now double-lined with leather, while weekender models feature Velcro velour for additional practical applications. We continue to rely on solid metal parts with a vintage gunmetal anodization, which can match the robustness of our Generation III. The dimensions and divisions in the interior correspond to those of the predecessors, so it is still possible to expand across all model generations and your equipment will fit into our latest models as usual.
Original compagnon Hybrid-Canvas is the improved successor to our classic canvas, traditionally made in Scotland. Since summer 2019, we have been using the new hybrid canvas for all compagnon products with canvas. The manufacturer's factory looks back on a long history of linen processing and follows standards that helped to establish the superiority of canvas sailcloth in the British Navy. The canvas with hybrid technology is also produced here.
We have documented our first visit to Scotland for you in this video. For the current model generation of the compagnon little backpack, the amazing, innovative canvas material is used, which is just as robust, abrasion-resistant and highly water-repellent as its predecessor, despite its lower material thickness and significantly lower weight. Hybrid canvas traps the wax in the fiber, eliminating the waxy feel of the material. In addition, the modern hybrid fabric does not bind dirt and therefore looks neat for a long time, even when traveling. What's more, the material does not require regular rewaxing to maintain its rain protection, even in hot weather conditions.
LEDER, FABRICATION + ACCESSORIES
NATURAL COMPAGNON LEATHER
Natural manufacturing processes with tradition and regional partners have been an absolute must at compagnon for years. For summer 2022, we are going a few steps further in terms of quality with our exclusive compagnon bull leather. Using selected German cattle hides, we create a robust yet supple material for our Heritage Line bags and backpacks using a local, strictly natural tanning process. Each hide, and therefore each bag, has an individual pore and structure that reflects the life of the animal. We do not support absolute uniformity at the price of pure stable husbandry. A species-appropriate and natural life of the animals is at the center of a beautiful and equally natural raw material.
compagnon leather is free of toxic + harmful additives and therefore harmless to health, even with intensive use. We do not use any chemicals or harmful additives such as chrome. Due to the traditional handwork of our family tannery, we achieve good color stability even without these additives, so that deviations in color tone between different raw hides are minimal and color nuances are very uniform. In Generation III, compagnon leather is an even more local, regional product that combines the know-how of small, medium-sized and family-run businesses from our region. As we cannot endorse any chemical care products for such natural leather, we exclusively recommend our own, personally home-made, organic-biological the beewax care product.
All compagnon leather products are handmade near Krakow.
The hybrid canvas of Generation II and III no longer requires regular waxing for weather protection. With our canvas wax, a more waxy patina finish can be applied to the surface of these models if desired.
What fits inside
FITTINGEQUIPMENT:
BODIES
Depending on the number of Lens + body size, several cameras can of course be transported
compact mirrorless cameras such as Leica M11, Nikon Z5, Olympus E-M10 Mark IV, Fujifilm X-S10, Fujifilm X-T4, Panasonic Lumix S5 and many more.
compact APS-C DSLR bodies such as Canon EOS 80D, Nikon D500 etc.
Mirrorless full-frame systems such as Sony A1, Sony a7R IV, Canon R5, Nikon Z9 etc.
Full-frame DSLR bodies such as Canon EOS 6D Mark II, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Nikon D780, Canon EOS 1Dx Mark III, Nikon D6 and many more.
medium format cameras such as Fujifilm GFX 100s, Hasselblad 907X 50c, Hasselblad H6D-100c, Fujifilm GFX 50S II, Leica S3, PhaseOne XT etc.
*bodies with a total height of 15-16cm may not be able to carry a laptop
LENSES
Lenses with a maximum length of approx. 40cm can be transported in the main storage compartment
For even longer telephoto lenses, the divider to the roll-top can be removed to free up additional space. This means that in exceptional cases, lenses up to approx. 70cm can still be stowed
Common, fast zooms such as a 70-200 f/2.8 can be transported individually or directly on the camera across the backpack
This also applies to a wide range of fast fixed focal lengths such as Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4, EF 85mm f/1.2, 135mm f/2, 14mm f/2.8 etc.
ACCESSORIES
A laptop up to 16 inches in size (e.g. 2020 Macbook Pro or similar) can be stowed in the laptop compartment
Depending on the size of the camera (equipment), a compact drone kit can be transported with, for example a DJI Mavic
The storage space can be expanded at any time using the roll-top to create room for an additional jacket, lunch box, water bottle, bicycle helmet, drone kit, etc.Documents, notebooks, filters or other items can be stored in the flat slide-in pocket on the front
GEN III UPDATE
Our new compagnon leather, produced in an even more original, natural tanning process with even more manual work, achieves an even higher quality class, offers more character, more durability and characterizes the feel and look of our Generation III products. Created not far from our home in the Black Forest in the Black Forest, we continue to use southern German raw hides. More details on the new compagnon Gen III leather in the Material and craftsmanship section
In the past, our leather developed a patina full of character over time, darkened and changed with use. Generation III leather no longer develops and changes over time, but has a distinctive look and feel right from the start.
The Generation III backpack has two integrated, functional side pockets that can hold water bottles and/or tripods. Closable with a zipper, the pouches do not take up any space when not in use
the attachment points for the optional waistbelt 2.0' (sold separately) has been optimized for more ergonomics and practical attachment/removal of the belt
the laptop compartment of the backpack Gen III is now particularly suitable for use with the current Macbook Pro (from 2020) in 16 inch size
based on your wishes, we have given the backpack an even more reduced look and dispensed with belt loops at the bottom, which could get in the way when you put it down and travel
After many successful years, we have used feedback to find out where we can improve our Generation III even further and have done just that. With optimized production techniques and even higher quality materials in the fine details, our Gen III compagnons will remain your perfect companions for even longer
FEATURES + FUNCTIONS:
MATERIALAND CRAFTSMANSHIP:
Tradition and modernity, natural and progressive. The stylish but innovative hybrid canvas looks like a historic waxed canvas and is just as waterproof, robust and durable.
The hybrid wax technology puts an end to waxy fingers, susceptibility to soiling or a damp feel to the surface. The wax, which provides the enormous weather resistance, is now inside the fiber and does not penetrate to the surface
the Hybrid Canvas offers a significant weight saving of about 10% (compared to backpack 1.0) with identical strength
the new Hybrid Canvas continues to be made by our traditional manufacturer in the UK and is amazingly robust, durable and requires less maintenance than conventional canvas
Hybrid Canvas forms only a minimal patina. If you want this traditional look, you can apply our "Canvas Wax" from the outside to create the look and feel of classic canvas
Fair, responsible manufacturing with an appropriate environmental footprint is essential for us. The raw hides for our famous leather come from pastures in southern Germany, sometimes even directly from our home country. We do not support complete stabling, which is why our leather has individual pores and certain irregularities that reflect the free life of the animals
All compagnon leathers are tanned by a small southern German manufactory according to family tradition, in a purely natural way, without the addition of chemicals for color or texture. With Generation III, we are also going down the path of almost complete processing by hand; the hides are even expertly oiled by hand during the process to make them weather-resistant and particularly durable. A new dimension of care
the natural tanning process works natural oils and waxes into the pores of the leather. Thanks to the purely natural tanning process, the leather can even be turned in the barrel by hand without protective gloves. Even the tanning liquid, a traditional recipe from the family tannery, can be tasted on request. Although it is not tasty, it is harmless to health. We therefore also recommend a completely organic leather care product such as our 'the beewax' for regular care. With this care, the weather-repellent nature of the Gen III leather is maintained year after year
compagnon leather products are made by our skilled seamstresses and craftsmen in our workshop near Krakow.
FEATURES OUTSIDE:
Expandable roll-top storage area for additional volume with embedded magnets at the top. The roll-top closes itself easily and can be rolled up and closed in just a few simple steps
The fascinating closure on the roll-top - which can be opened in seconds with two fingers - originates from climbing sports and is manufactured by AustriAlpin in Austria. The solid metal construction is an example of robustness, durability and tangible safety and quality
The shoulder straps on the backpack have been consistently further optimized, offering a wide contact surface, comfortable padding and optimized shaping to provide even more carrying comfort and load distribution. The chest strap is attached to the shoulder strap, is always to hand when you need it and ensures an ideal belt fit, even with sloping shoulders
with the detachable waistbelt 2.0 (sold separately), additional stability can be achieved if required. This can be easily attached and removed in seconds and offers extra support, more relief, especially for long distances on foot and/or heavy loads
for water bottles, tripods or bulky equipment, the backpack Generation III offers two fold-out side pockets. Fastening straps made from military nylon with aluminum hooks allow you to securely fasten your equipment
The front and base of the backpack are reinforced in addition to the all-round padding. This means that the backpack Gen III always retains its shape, provides particularly effective protection and does not fall over even when unevenly loaded, but always stands upright when set down
the back panel made of compagnon leather is lined with comfortable and durable foam padding, which contributes to pleasant carrying comfort and has been incorporated into the padding channels, to prevent heat and moisture build-up
There is a narrow pocket on the front for additional utensils + small items
All fastening hooks and eyelets on the backpack Gen III are made of high-strength yet lightweight aluminum
All exterior zippers are made by the premium world market leader YKK. This ensures unparalleled robustness, durability and ease of use
The backpack Gen III continues to offer 'passive theft protection', as it is not recognizable as a camera backpack and can only be opened via the back or the roll-top. Unnoticed access is therefore virtually impossible
Zippered access to the main storage compartment allows access to the laptop compartment without having to open the backpack completely and expose the other contents. When traveling by plane, the backpack Gen III can pass through the X-ray checkpoint without being completely removed
FEATURES INSIDE:
the bottom of the roll-top storage area features a new Velcro construction that allows the bottom to be removed and the main storage space to be extended upwards, but can still be positioned securely so that the roll-top luggage can be easily carried and separated from the camera equipment
all-round padded main storage compartment for secure, flexible transportation of your equipment in total flexible transport of your equipment
A total of 14 versatile Velcro pads for adapting the storage space to any type of load (including two particularly long, foldable pads to adapt precisely to your camera and Lens combination if required)
8 Velcro leather fastening straps for small or particularly heavy equipment that needs to be additionally secured
Internal zipped pocket in the roll-top for theft-proof transport, ideal for cash, bank cards, travel documents or similar.Etc.
Additional padded laptop compartment up to 16 inch device size (e.g. 2020 Macbook Pro and similar)
Three additional zipped mesh pockets that can be positioned freely using Velcro and placed anywhere in the storage space if desired
