Photo backpacks

Advice on backpacks

Photo backpack - what is it anyway?

This is a backpack that is specially designed for transporting photographic equipment. It is usually equipped with various compartments that provide optimum protection for your equipment, even in the event of shocks.

Why should you buy a photo backpack?

Of course, conventional photo bags are also designed for storing cameras and their accessories. However, a backpack offers you a major ergonomic advantage in comparison: as the often heavy weight of the equipment is distributed over both shoulders thanks to the two straps, it is much more comfortable to carry the equipment on your back, especially on longer hiking tours, for example. This prevents one-sided strain on the shoulders and intervertebral discs and supports good posture. In this way, photography remains a pleasure even on longer tours and does not become a strain.

In addition to the health aspect, it should also be emphasized that a backpack optimally protects the equipment from damage with special compartments and materials.

What should fit in a photo backpack?

A good photo backpack should offer enough storage space for the following items:

• Camera bodies
• Lenses (2-3 lenses on average)
• Camera spare batteries
• Filters (ND + polarizing filters)
• Flash units
• Memory card / memory card case
• Cables such as charging cable, wired remote trigger - use bags for cable sorting, for example

Important tips when buying a photo backpack

When choosing a model, it always depends on what you want to use your backpack for. Some aspects to consider when buying are listed below.

Size and weight of the backpack

The size of the backpack is an important factor. Do you want to carry two cameras or just one? Do you have large telephoto lenses that require a lot of space? You should choose your backpack according to these criteria. Some backpacks offer the option of adjusting the size of the compartments to your individual requirements using fabric panels with Velcro fasteners.

This is very practical, as the backpack can be adjusted to suit different equipment requirements. Some manufacturers such as Lowepro or Evoc offer this option. Please note: The larger a backpack, the heavier it usually is. However, as the equipment itself often weighs a considerable amount, you should make sure that your backpack is not too heavy when you buy it.

Carrying comfort

As you will be carrying the backpack over longer distances, it is particularly important to ensure that it is comfortable to wear. It is important that the shoulder straps are well padded and breathable so that your back is sufficiently ventilated. This is particularly advisable if the photo backpack is used for sports such as hiking or cycling. Some backpacks have an additional chest and lap belt as well as position adjustment straps. These straps distribute the weight even better across the body, making it more ergonomic to carry. Chest and lap straps are particularly advisable for larger equipment with several telephoto lenses

Access to the equipment

When buying, you should make sure that you can access your equipment as easily as possible without having to open too many zippers. The size of the openings should be such that you can easily remove your accessories, preferably with just one hand. Some photo backpacks also offer quick access. This means that a single compartment, for example on the front or bottom of the backpack, allows you to remove your equipment quickly.

This is particularly advantageous if you want to take a spontaneous photo on a hiking tour, for example, without having to take off the entire backpack every time. This not only makes it possible to quickly capture beautiful motifs, but also protects the backpack as it does not have to be placed on a wet or dirty surface.

Photo backpack with laptop compartment

If you want to take your laptop with you on your photo tour, you should also make sure that your backpack has a laptop compartment. Please note: Pay attention to the inch measurements so that your laptop actually fits in the backpack.

Tripod holder

If you often use a tripod, a tripod holder on the backpack is a great advantage. This keeps the tripod firmly and securely stowed away, prevents it from slipping and does not damage other photo accessories. It is best to place the holder as close to the body as possible, for example on the side of the backpack, to ensure that it is carried as ergonomically as possible.

Taking photos while cycling

If you are using your photo backpack on bike tours, we recommend models where the backpack can be taken in front of your stomach when the waist belt is closed and can therefore be opened easily. This means you don't have to stop every time and awkwardly operate the backpack. The manufacturer Evoc, for example, tailors its models very much to sporty photographers who want to take day touring equipment as well as their camera. It is also advisable to choose a waterproof backpack for longer bike tours. Pay attention to the manufacturer's "waterproof" rating. Otherwise, many models include a rain cover.

Tip: If you use a normal or hiking backpack, you can of course also use a photo backpack insert, with which you can turn any bag into a photo rucksack. The only disadvantage is that you have to limit your choice of equipment if you want to take other non-photo items with you.

Photo backpack for street photographers

Are you a street photographer looking for a camera bag? You should make sure that the camera bag offers sufficient access options so that you can get to the camera quickly at the moment of the event, which has the disadvantage that the risk of theft is particularly high here, as the thief naturally has an easy game here. One idea here would be to use a waist belt / hip bag.

Photo backpack for studio photographers

Photographers who work a lot with artificial light are a special target group who usually transport a large and particularly heavy amount of equipment. We recommend using a trolley in this case. Otherwise, the backpack should have enough compartments for the various Lens and space for a flash. A trolley can carry considerably more flash heads. Another criterion here should be a sturdy back so that the back is well supported, and the rucksack should also have appropriate relief features such as a lap belt and a chest strap.

Photo backpack for mountaineers

A photo backpack for mountaineers is an essential piece of equipment that must meet the needs of photographers and mountaineers alike. Here are some important aspects to look out for when buying such a backpack: robustness and durability; carrying comfort with padded shoulder straps, adjustable chest strap and hip belt to distribute the weight evenly; attachment options for climbing rope, ice axe, carabiners and other utensils. The rucksack should be as flexible as possible and also be suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities and allow hiking poles or skis to be attached to the backpack.

Photo backpack novelties 2018 - WANDRD, NYA-EVO and Co

In this article, we introduce you to two new photo backpacks that you can now find in our range. Included is a photo backpack for frequent travelers from WANDRD and a brand new outdoor backpack from NYA-EVO. Read now