Not sure the rain shower test simulates standing on a Welsh hillside for 6 hours, which my bag failed. Also need a fall backwards into a mountain stream test. Basically submerge the bags for 20 seconds and see what survives. Again this did prove to be a realistic scenario recently
You can't have lived long in Wales. Pro-tip, when strolling through a gentle Welsh wall of water, clip your backpack to the underside of the nearest friendly ewe. This thickly woollen cover will give it the extra protection needed in the local clement conditions. No abusing these friendly natives though.
First off, I truly appreciate how much time you guys put into this video and braving the heat for us. I was torn between the Atlas, Peak Designs, and Shimoda. Ultimately went for the Atlas Athlete because of the waterproof rain cover, 50/50 split, origami box, removable belt and sealed hydration pouch. I also like how their is a very safe and protected laptop pouch.
hey matthew, currently looking at getting a new bag myself, and curious do you use this bag for long term travel as well, and if so do you also carry a smaller bag or suitcase depending on your other carry needs? thanks.
Seeing the bags in the pool was painful, but thank you. This clarified what to look for in a bag as well as what characteristics these particular bags have.
I've had the Atlas Adventure for a couple of years, heavy regular use. Tough and comfortable. When I was looking it was the only one that would take my 500 f4.5 sigma lens. The challenge with all these bags is that they can carry so much stuff you need a sherpa. Great review, everyone has different needs.
I too kind of think in that way as I use Lowepro Whistler 450AWII to carry my birding and wildlife setup. Initially I thought the bag itself is little heavy, but once I started using it for my hikes I really appreciated how evenly it distributes the weight. Also it’s really waterproof and no complaints in that front as well. The rubber base gives me so much confidence to put my bag in any surface. Also if things really get messy you have a cover as well. The only minor gripe was that the waist belt is now fixed on the flaps not in the frame, (The 450 AW model came with the other way) which will affect turning the bag around your waist but as it hugs the waist so evenly, I can overlook that minor thing. I definitely think this bag should have been in the video.
Agreed. I can think of at least 3 bags from lowepro which would have fit their criteria and none of them would have been more expensive than that vowel-allergic wndrd@@swaroopsankarsivadasan
Got the shimoda. Love how comfy it is. Down side is the laptop sleeve. Their customer support is amazing shoutout to them because they replaced a soft shell. Ordered it from amazon and there was a tear on the soft shell. I asked for a soft shell and they ended giving me the whole set. I use the second medium dividers for another backpack.
The Atlas Athlete is an awesome pack, comfortable and carries a decent load. I regularly carry, 2 DSLRs and 3-5 lens as well as hiking camping gear. The one thing you missed is that it has a integrated rain cover in the tiny hidden pocket at the bottom as well to keep it even drier in the wet weather.
Not to mention the origami core (which is awesome) to allow for more or less space in the camera dept. And its ability be so low profile if you're not carrying excess and stuff is fantastic about it.
I actually just ordered the athlete. I have bought lowered tiered bags before, but like a tripod, you get what you pay for and I think this bag should last me a very long time.
Jeff yes, love the origami core, allows flexibility, I do wish the core was a little bit deeper though as fitting my DSLR’s in is a tight squeeze. I feel they are better for mirrorless cameras.
@@boardriderz I absolutely agree. If the core just had a few more inches of breathing room it would be absolutely perfect. I can still get my camera with two regular lenses and a 100-400. Which gives me just enough room to put in a few things like batteries etc. But that's why I have my Tenba. still nice and compact but it's deeper and has a little bit more breathing room when it comes to camera gear.
Best camera backpack for 2020 is your shelf. Since after 2 months of freedom we're back in lock down again. If you got LowePro ProTactic - you're golden for the next decade.
Aluminum frame and waist belt are a must for multi-day hiking trips. I’ve done a lot of hiking in sand and dunes which makes weight even harder to carry. Once I finally upgraded to a proper hiking bag it made such a difference. I went with the F-stop Tilopa, but the shimodas seem awesome too! I also own and have used the Wandrd Prvke 31L which is good for shorter day hikes with lighter equipment.
What about the Mindshift Horizon 180 ? It's rotating pouch makes it sooooo convenient when you are on the run and don't get much time to drop the bag, pull out the stuff, shoot, then pull it back in.
As a fly fishing photographer I can't even imagine a camera backpack that isn't very waterproof and as a consumer I can't believe how few good ones there are on the market.
I have the same Wandrd. Yes definitely for a small camera but it’s so compact and a joy to take out. It’s probably the most comfortable bag I’ve had on my back.
Bought a lowepro protactic 450 AW II which is also accepted by most airlines (I said most cuz I can't ascertain if all airlines allowed it but I didn't have any issue so far with big and small airlines). Used the first version, had no complaint.
I've been using the Manfrotto Mover 50 for the last 2 years and it's a beast. I am yet to find a situation where something doesn't fit in it and it still shows no signs of wearing. I manage to pack 2 camera bodies, 5 lenses, flash, case for cleaning kit and filters, laptop, mouse, charger for the laptop and the camera, 4 batteries, external hard disk, tripod and there is still a bit of room for smaller things and a compartment for my documents or a tablet.
Some nice packs there but one problem I find with these packs is they dont have enough padding at the bottom. Often after a full day and you get tired it is easy to put the pack down a bit hard and damage gear as it hits the ground. I like to put some closed cell foam across the bottom under the insert, as much as I can.
I bought a Peak Design everyday zip 15l and it is bloody perfect. The size limits you to only take the stuff you need while still having lots of pockets. It is amazing. After 6 months it has 0 scratches or loose strings, just like new. Very comfy even with scoliosis. I carry an APS-C camera, Gopro with accessories, batteries, filters, extra clothes and still have lots of extra space. Very nice!
Love this video. i'm on the hunt for a new bag in 2024, and after having the Atlas for several years, I'm considering the PRVKE 21L or 31L. What would you do? Keep rocking the Athlete... OR pick up the 21L or 31L PRVKE? Going to carry an A7siii, 14-24, 24-105, DJI Air2S and smart remote with 3 batteries.
Wandrd Access duffel is my favorite travel bag (replaced camera cube with tenba dna 11 for daybag carry). Also love Mindshift Backlight 26L for times I need to carry more.
The Mindshift backpacks are great for carrying photo gear with some space for clothing and extras. Very well made but no pull out cubes. I have 3 for my mirrorless and DSLR systems. Was surprised they didn't include a F-Stop backpack in their test they make decent gear. The Tenba DNA Messengers are an excellent bag for urban photography and don't scream camera bag.
Loved it. I'm not a Canadian, so north of 30lbs, urban style be damned, I'll take the CosySpeed and use the waist belt - especially if frolicking is likely to be a trip requirement
Which bag do you think would be best to include a gimbal? I have the Zhiyun Crane 2S and would prefer to carry it in the same bag as the rest of my gear without disassembling it. If anyone has any thoughts on that, it would be much appreciated. The bag would also have a mirrorless camera, three lenses, and a mavic pro.
The Atlas Athlete is an excellent bag. It's more my long-range one. 15+ miles. I can put my tripod inside of it too. No snagging on trees etc... Another is the Shimoda X30. It's my mid-range 10-mile pack or shorter depending on what's needed. My short-range or crawling through tight spaces pack is the Mindshift Backlight 18L. All 3 of these packs are comfortable and hold my gear perfectly. I had been using an F-Stop Tilopa for 8 years until it finally started falling apart. It went through a lot. I loved that pack's design but it never really fit me very well. All of my gear goes into 1-gallon freezer zip lock bags. Now that I'm older the pack has to fit comfortably first and foremost.
Hi, do you mind sharing what tripod do you have that fits to the Atlas? I like to do long-exposures while sightseeing thus I also prefer to put my tripod inside the backpack to avoid any issues on public transportation / going from one building to another / malls, caffees etc. Unfortunately I do not really see bags advertised/tested with this functionality (even if the bag is capable to do that physically).
@lavapix, how do you compare the back mesh panel of the Atlas Athlete & Shimoda X30 against proper hiking bags like Osprey Stratos and Gregory Citro? Those two latter bags have excellent tensioned and suspended mesh back panel which are better ventilated than most foam mesh. I noticed both the Athlete and Shimoda X are still using foam mesh, which usually translate to a sweaty back for me.
@@ezustnyar I have an old Dolica carbon fiber tripod that has a removable monopod leg. Removing that leg and stuffing the tripod inside of the inner bag on the front side of the camera pod works great. I'm not into those huge heavy tripods. My hikes are too long. I also do lots of long exposures.
@@akirahojo2 Weird. I replied hours ago but I guess it didn't send. The Atlas is more like the packs you're noting. The Shimoda has a nice adjustable shoulder harness. As far as a sweaty back, that really depends on how they fit on you. I prefer a pack that sits tight to my entire back and becomes one with my body with the bulk of the weight up high. I do lots of technical hiking. Both packs fit great on me. Sometimes it's hard to decide which one to use.
Shimoda actually has a newer design, you used the older design. The newer action x is even better! With still the same things you liked about this one.
@@Sam1986E I have had the X50 for about 3 months. Look on eBay lots will become up lightly used. It is a great bag as long as don't have it on you back for more than an hour. It's a big backpack with small backpack straps.
@@garrymcleod3334 Thank you for the update. So you wouldn't recommend the Shimoda then? Not even the X30?? What bag did you end up going with?? I need something i can take on longer hiking trips like the Narrows in Zion National Park and i have the Canon R5 and need something big enough to carry that and all filters tripods etc
Should check also Fstop gear bags. Out of all the bags I’ve bought (something my wife is starting to hate) it’s the only one that hits all the check marks when I need to carry a lot of gear or travel.
Great in-depth review - thank you for that! I do agree with the slogan for the Peak Design Travel Backpack: no two trips are the same. So I bought that PD backpack with a set of camera pouches and packing cubes. I absolutely love the modularity and have used it for several weekend trips with the small Peak Design camera sling bag inside, but also maxed out on a two week safari with several flights. The possibilty to tuck away the straps is phantastic for storing the luggage in an overhead compartment or on a dusty pickup bed. The easy access to a jacket in one of the compartments came in handy on brief stops. The 5 liter sling from PD fits perfect as small camera pouch for mirrorless cameras and we used it for walking safari or MTB safari. What I must admit: when fully packed it is heavy and not that comfortable to carry. Good enough for me for airports, reaching the hotel or tent - but I wouldn‘t use it for hiking tours. Still: love that backpack and the whole system from PD.
Great review Chris! Im in the market for upgrading and changing out my current bag. The water test was pretty revealing and moved me to choose one i wasnt really looking at. Thanks again! I currently have a Mindshift bag that is ready for the cemetery..but it has served well, lol.
I have the Atlas Athlete and love it. It is very comfortable and well padded and can carry a pro DSLR and lenses, but not attached. The camera needs to lay down. For me one of the best aspects is how condensed it becomes if not packed out. It can be very low profile.
So I am curious why you reviewed the Shiimoda Explorer 40 (still a great bag) instead of the 30L or 50L from the new Action X series that features the Expandable Roll-Top and removable belt and other enhancements. The Action X 30L with rolltop hold as much a the Explorer 40. Thanks for the reviews though.
Yet another entertaining *and* informative clip. Some other "reviewers" in this field fail miserably when they attempt either, let alone both. Just one thought: Australia moved to the metric system many years ago, and though I grew up using archaic measurements, it takes me a bit to convert back and forth: maybe you could put a conversion overlay on the clip for when you mention one metrological system in lieu of another? I have a much-loved friend in America and if I tell her it's 33 degrees outside she gets thoroughly lost, so a conversion might benefit a lot of people. One other thing: I have an inherent distrust of airline baggage handlers and insist on carrying my camera and laptop ontp the plane myself - maybe a review of bags that are a size suitable for carry-on luggage would not go astray? Please though, keep up your excellent work - I look forward to every clip.
I was tempted by the Atlas but I got the new Shimoda Action X 50l bag which has a roll top and allows me to carry a good balance of camera gear and clothing. You couldn't get hold of one? However for comfort with heavyish loads I'd say my Mindshoft Backlight 36l beats the Shimoda just not as good balanced storage in the 45l Backlight version so I excluded it from consideration when looking for a bigger bag - it's also not as waterproof without the raincover on as the Shimoda.
Now, I always had an issue with finding a good backpack, because most of them did not fit the mirrorless small camera Systems such as Leica M, m4/3 or Fuji because they HD DSLR sizes in mind and had not really the capacity to carry food, clothing, drinking, hygiene etc for trip of 2-4 days or a longer outdoor sessions. Long story short, the best backpack for the small camera user that does travel and hike after a long search for me is Wandrd. The PRVKE is the perfect compromise between city and hike and fits a lot of gear. I have a Leica M plus 35mm Cron, 50 Lux, Olympus EM1MKIII with 12-100, 7-14 and 300mm, EC14, Rode Mike, GoPro 8, Peak Design Travel Tripod with space for stuff for a 3-4 day hike. Their new Fernweh improves so much on the PRVKE for Hiking... once they have another color for that one (like the green or blue for PRVKE) I‘ll be first in line.
At 30+ pounds any pack will become very uncomfortable after a few minutes unless you have transferred the weight to your hips. That is what the hip belt is for. A good pack has minimal weight resting on your shoulders. Shoulder straps are ONLY to prevent the pack from falling backward.
i have the manhattan mover and the messenger bag and i cant understand those side things why cant be a bit bigger, only a few centimeters would make it fine for a water bottle...
Nice review! 👍 But no words about the question: is attachment of tripod on the side of backpak so convenient? As for me - it is uncomfortable for rather long walking (if at all). In this case weight is not evenly distributed and my back back gets tired quickly. It's much more reasonable to attach tripod along the spine as in some old backpacks like Lowepro Flipside 300 (1st version) etc. After all, nobody takes an unequal weight on shoulders when doing sit-ups in gym if doesnt't want to have backache. Here is the same principle. The Manfrotto backpack has a better design from this point of view.
Hopefully you guys will make a 2022 edition of this same video.. considering both wanded and shimoda released v2 versions of the prvke and explore respectively
Nice video. Yet I think by far the perfect bag for me is Think Tank Photo Urban Access 15. It got styles, customizability, and comfort. I was really surprised that not much review over it in youtube, and curious how would professionals feel about the Access 15.
Great review video. So thorough and covered all the bases that I was asking about to myself but no one was listening.....I think i'll get the new(?) Wandrd Prvke 41L and they supposedly upgraded a few things on all their bags since this review. Again, thanks!
@@sidbrun_ I did and I returned it. It was a little too tall and stiff and didn't fit my needs. I tried a ton of these bags including the Shimoda Action X30, and others. I liked the Shimoda but too heavy without ever putting anything into it. Oddly, I settled on the Tenba Fulton 16L. Much smaller but I'm going lighter and lighter each trip. It fits my Nikon Z7ii, 24-120 and 100-400 zoom which is large and enough room for filters, etc. If you have questions on others, I think i've tried them all. Not easy.
@@gerryphilpott9766 thanks! I ask because I got the 21L last week, and it's actually very uncomfortable on my body after 15 minutes or so. It somehow makes my little Canon M6 with lenses feel like a brick, let alone putting my Canon R in it. I took the cube out and tried using it as an everyday backpack too but that's still not great and my shoulders have a dull ache today. So I'm wondering why so many reviewers have called it the "most comfortable" camera backpack. I'll be returning it and I think I'll just go back to using my normal backpack and use one of Tenba's "BYOB" cubes instead. You're right, it's definitely not easy, I've watched too many reviews at this point.
@@sidbrun_ I felt the same way. Good choice. I have an Osprey regular hiking backpack for when i need more and it's lighter, more comfortable and i have an old ICU I put in if needed. Good luck.
Happy to see that Cosyspeed did such a good job! For me, It looks like the best choice if you ever have to carry your gear for more than just a few hours.
The audio is excellent, even with Chris running around - but where is the lav mic? I can't see it, but it must be there. By the way, I chose the Lowepro ProTactic, because I want a quick access for the 2nd camera with the long lens. If I got it right, only the Peak Design has a similar option.
Good Review, but one key Item what is missing is the weight topic. How much does the backpack weighs by itself and how much can I add until you reach the Airline limit for carry on (usually 7KG to 10KG depending on the Airline)? Or Ergonomically how much should you carry when e.g. walking around / hiking all day?
Good one.... thanks. I like: A Backpack that doesn't fry your back on a hot day A Backpack where you can put a small padlock on the zips, as I'm not taking it to an Aircraft loo with me. Something that is simple to get into. I have a Manfrotto bag that you need to "solve" to open up in some ways. Able to fit long things inside it, so not totally separate areas. A nice padded base in case you put it down too quickly. High quality zips that look like they will last some time. Not that heavy, as it's all added weight. Comes with plenty of dividers. Not stupidly expensive (a lot of photo backpacks are crazy expensive). Actually my favourite backpack for a Day's simple photography (so limited gear) is the ThinkTank Glass Taxi. I have one with a big lens and another configured for non-long-lens use (they come with a ton of dividers). I tried other solutions but always found them annoying in comparison, so thought, hey just get another Glass Taxi. However that's not a hiking trip solution.
They all look very good though I think I would need a lot of Gym training to get one on and off my back / send me some muscles 😂 great vid Chris and Jordan as always. 🤓
I have the Wandrd prvke, but the 21 not the 31, mistake on my part. But it my absolute favorite still, and I'm still able to fit my EOS R, c100, two microphones, 5 sometimes 6 lenses, batteries, cards, and a 15 inch laptop. I could only imagine what I could fit in the 31.
As an America, the imperial measurement shade in these videos is perfect. :D Also I have a Prvke and use it as a daily driver when I don't need it for photography. Damn good bag.
I bought the PRVKE 31 but found it actually a bit too big for my use as a daily and/or travel bag so I ended up buying the smaller PRVKE 21 as well 😅 The 21 is the perfect size for me as it fits a couple of Leica Ms + lenses + Ricoh GR1, a Macbook Pro 15" (and accessories) and an iPad Pro + essential travel stuff that I don't want to check-in. Also, the killer feature for me is that it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane!👌 I use the 31 if there's a need to have more things with me, and without the camera cube, it works great as a motorcycle travel backpack with plenty of space to pack clothes, etc. For longer rides, the waist straps + rainfly are a good addition.
I have the PD 45l travel back pack with several cubes and pouches. Love it for weekend travelling but would not recommend it for long hikes because you get really sweaty on your back.
Very few packs give you everything accessory wise in its price. Look at the shimoda which is not the new version out by the way, you want a rain cover, pay extra, camera cubes, pay extra.
Looking for mtn bike backpack that can house a hydration bladder and center mount a full sized tripod. Some bike gear and Nikon d7200 / extra zoom lens / other small camera accessories. Any suggestions?
I'm happy as cats with my Protactic 450 AW II but I still enjoy watching these videos for the fun. I laughed out loud at the machete New York joke. The manfrotto bag doesn't look good at all for the price.
36.6 lbs or 16.6 kg - makes my kit at 6.6 kg a feather weight and even that is too much for me to go hiking around but works for walking to the right gate at Healthrow Airport when also carrying 7 kg of clothes. Looking for a suitable sized insert (~28x15x8 cm) so I can quickly swap between a daily backpack and a larger travel one.
Can’t speak to the prices, but the Peak Design bag does not come with camera inserts. You need to buy those separately, so they add significantly to the price
This video has an extremely impressive “pouch” per minute rate.
Not sure the rain shower test simulates standing on a Welsh hillside for 6 hours, which my bag failed. Also need a fall backwards into a mountain stream test. Basically submerge the bags for 20 seconds and see what survives. Again this did prove to be a realistic scenario recently
You can't have lived long in Wales. Pro-tip, when strolling through a gentle Welsh wall of water, clip your backpack to the underside of the nearest friendly ewe. This thickly woollen cover will give it the extra protection needed in the local clement conditions. No abusing these friendly natives though.
Which bag do you have?
First off, I truly appreciate how much time you guys put into this video and braving the heat for us. I was torn between the Atlas, Peak Designs, and Shimoda. Ultimately went for the Atlas Athlete because of the waterproof rain cover, 50/50 split, origami box, removable belt and sealed hydration pouch. I also like how their is a very safe and protected laptop pouch.
hey matthew, currently looking at getting a new bag myself, and curious do you use this bag for long term travel as well, and if so do you also carry a smaller bag or suitcase depending on your other carry needs? thanks.
My wedding clients are just going to have to get used to the machete.
You use it to guard your gear?
Weddings? You're gonna need space for riot gear.
"Chris, are you sure about this?"
"YES! JUST TAKE THE DAMN THUMBNAIL PHOTO!"
And this how review should be made, with the right amount of information, jokes, and tests.
Seeing the bags in the pool was painful, but thank you. This clarified what to look for in a bag as well as what characteristics these particular bags have.
I've had the Atlas Adventure for a couple of years, heavy regular use. Tough and comfortable. When I was looking it was the only one that would take my 500 f4.5 sigma lens. The challenge with all these bags is that they can carry so much stuff you need a sherpa. Great review, everyone has different needs.
Just curious...why nothing from lowepro? IMO they offer the best price/quality/features ratio...
That's probably why. lol
The whistler series are really good though not as cool as some of the bags here.
I too kind of think in that way as I use Lowepro Whistler 450AWII to carry my birding and wildlife setup. Initially I thought the bag itself is little heavy, but once I started using it for my hikes I really appreciated how evenly it distributes the weight. Also it’s really waterproof and no complaints in that front as well. The rubber base gives me so much confidence to put my bag in any surface. Also if things really get messy you have a cover as well. The only minor gripe was that the waist belt is now fixed on the flaps not in the frame, (The 450 AW model came with the other way) which will affect turning the bag around your waist but as it hugs the waist so evenly, I can overlook that minor thing. I definitely think this bag should have been in the video.
Agreed. I can think of at least 3 bags from lowepro which would have fit their criteria and none of them would have been more expensive than that vowel-allergic wndrd@@swaroopsankarsivadasan
@@sleepylamp i think the whistler is right up there with the shimoda and atlas
“because travel is such a big thing in 2020” 💀😂
Still not a big thing in 2021-2022
Got the shimoda. Love how comfy it is. Down side is the laptop sleeve. Their customer support is amazing shoutout to them because they replaced a soft shell. Ordered it from amazon and there was a tear on the soft shell. I asked for a soft shell and they ended giving me the whole set. I use the second medium dividers for another backpack.
The Atlas Athlete is an awesome pack, comfortable and carries a decent load. I regularly carry, 2 DSLRs and 3-5 lens as well as hiking camping gear. The one thing you missed is that it has a integrated rain cover in the tiny hidden pocket at the bottom as well to keep it even drier in the wet weather.
Not to mention the origami core (which is awesome) to allow for more or less space in the camera dept.
And its ability be so low profile if you're not carrying excess and stuff is fantastic about it.
I actually just ordered the athlete. I have bought lowered tiered bags before, but like a tripod, you get what you pay for and I think this bag should last me a very long time.
@@haroldcarlson2775 Correct. I have used many bags, my only two remaining are the Athlete, and my Tenba Solstice. Another great bag.
Jeff yes, love the origami core, allows flexibility, I do wish the core was a little bit deeper though as fitting my DSLR’s in is a tight squeeze. I feel they are better for mirrorless cameras.
@@boardriderz I absolutely agree. If the core just had a few more inches of breathing room it would be absolutely perfect. I can still get my camera with two regular lenses and a 100-400. Which gives me just enough room to put in a few things like batteries etc.
But that's why I have my Tenba. still nice and compact but it's deeper and has a little bit more breathing room when it comes to camera gear.
Best camera backpack for 2020 is your shelf. Since after 2 months of freedom we're back in lock down again.
If you got LowePro ProTactic - you're golden for the next decade.
Agreed, I love the Pro tactic series so much I bought both the 450 and 350 😊
For sure , I have the 350 and I’m about to get the 450 !
Aluminum frame and waist belt are a must for multi-day hiking trips. I’ve done a lot of hiking in sand and dunes which makes weight even harder to carry. Once I finally upgraded to a proper hiking bag it made such a difference. I went with the F-stop Tilopa, but the shimodas seem awesome too! I also own and have used the Wandrd Prvke 31L which is good for shorter day hikes with lighter equipment.
What about the Mindshift Horizon 180 ? It's rotating pouch makes it sooooo convenient when you are on the run and don't get much time to drop the bag, pull out the stuff, shoot, then pull it back in.
As a fly fishing photographer I can't even imagine a camera backpack that isn't very waterproof and as a consumer I can't believe how few good ones there are on the market.
Shimoda Action X50
I have the same Wandrd. Yes definitely for a small camera but it’s so compact and a joy to take out. It’s probably the most comfortable bag I’ve had on my back.
I wish I wasn’t super skinny. I have the Prvke and it isn’t that comfortable on me. It’s alright overall though.
I love the Wandrd too
When manfrotto is the budget option, you know you're gonna need to take out a reverse mortgage on your house
So now it's ok to use pounds as a measure of weight?
Just because it makes it sound like he can carry twice as much. As we all know in kilos those bags will fit just half of what they do in pounds. 😉
@@pergunnareriksson The bathroom scale only shows pounds.
@@thatjordandrake The Horror! The Horror! :)
No it’s immoral to use any form of measurement besides the one you approve of. 🤷♂️
Canadian secret; we are metric, but use pounds all the time.. and inches.... and cubits... the works.
Bought a lowepro protactic 450 AW II which is also accepted by most airlines (I said most cuz I can't ascertain if all airlines allowed it but I didn't have any issue so far with big and small airlines). Used the first version, had no complaint.
Wayne Low Lowe pro makes the best bags they get a lot of flack/ignored because Peak Design pays more in kickbacks.
I've been using the Manfrotto Mover 50 for the last 2 years and it's a beast. I am yet to find a situation where something doesn't fit in it and it still shows no signs of wearing. I manage to pack 2 camera bodies, 5 lenses, flash, case for cleaning kit and filters, laptop, mouse, charger for the laptop and the camera, 4 batteries, external hard disk, tripod and there is still a bit of room for smaller things and a compartment for my documents or a tablet.
Great video... but why no Lowepro bags in the lineup?
Some nice packs there but one problem I find with these packs is they dont have enough padding at the bottom. Often after a full day and you get tired it is easy to put the pack down a bit hard and damage gear as it hits the ground. I like to put some closed cell foam across the bottom under the insert, as much as I can.
No lowepro? Whistler, pro trekker, powder?
The strider - LowePro is “Hors concours”
I bought a Peak Design everyday zip 15l and it is bloody perfect. The size limits you to only take the stuff you need while still having lots of pockets. It is amazing. After 6 months it has 0 scratches or loose strings, just like new. Very comfy even with scoliosis. I carry an APS-C camera, Gopro with accessories, batteries, filters, extra clothes and still have lots of extra space. Very nice!
Love this video. i'm on the hunt for a new bag in 2024, and after having the Atlas for several years, I'm considering the PRVKE 21L or 31L. What would you do? Keep rocking the Athlete... OR pick up the 21L or 31L PRVKE? Going to carry an A7siii, 14-24, 24-105, DJI Air2S and smart remote with 3 batteries.
Wandrd Access duffel is my favorite travel bag (replaced camera cube with tenba dna 11 for daybag carry). Also love Mindshift Backlight 26L for times I need to carry more.
I'll second this - I wish they had included the Access Duffel, as I've been contemplating it
The Mindshift backpacks are great for carrying photo gear with some space for clothing and extras. Very well made but no pull out cubes. I have 3 for my mirrorless and DSLR systems.
Was surprised they didn't include a F-Stop backpack in their test they make decent gear. The Tenba DNA Messengers are an excellent bag for urban photography and don't scream camera bag.
I just picked up the PRVKE 21. thanks for the review!
Literally the best thumbnail I’ve ever seen
For me the big issue is Telephoto lenses. You missing an evaluation for wildlife photography. These lenses are easier to store...
Loved it. I'm not a Canadian, so north of 30lbs, urban style be damned, I'll take the CosySpeed and use the waist belt - especially if frolicking is likely to be a trip requirement
Which bag do you think would be best to include a gimbal? I have the Zhiyun Crane 2S and would prefer to carry it in the same bag as the rest of my gear without disassembling it. If anyone has any thoughts on that, it would be much appreciated. The bag would also have a mirrorless camera, three lenses, and a mavic pro.
The Atlas Athlete is an excellent bag. It's more my long-range one. 15+ miles. I can put my tripod inside of it too. No snagging on trees etc... Another is the Shimoda X30. It's my mid-range 10-mile pack or shorter depending on what's needed. My short-range or crawling through tight spaces pack is the Mindshift Backlight 18L. All 3 of these packs are comfortable and hold my gear perfectly. I had been using an F-Stop Tilopa for 8 years until it finally started falling apart. It went through a lot. I loved that pack's design but it never really fit me very well.
All of my gear goes into 1-gallon freezer zip lock bags.
Now that I'm older the pack has to fit comfortably first and foremost.
Hi, do you mind sharing what tripod do you have that fits to the Atlas? I like to do long-exposures while sightseeing thus I also prefer to put my tripod inside the backpack to avoid any issues on public transportation / going from one building to another / malls, caffees etc. Unfortunately I do not really see bags advertised/tested with this functionality (even if the bag is capable to do that physically).
@lavapix, how do you compare the back mesh panel of the Atlas Athlete & Shimoda X30 against proper hiking bags like Osprey Stratos and Gregory Citro? Those two latter bags have excellent tensioned and suspended mesh back panel which are better ventilated than most foam mesh. I noticed both the Athlete and Shimoda X are still using foam mesh, which usually translate to a sweaty back for me.
@@ezustnyar I have an old Dolica carbon fiber tripod that has a removable monopod leg. Removing that leg and stuffing the tripod inside of the inner bag on the front side of the camera pod works great.
I'm not into those huge heavy tripods. My hikes are too long. I also do lots of long exposures.
@@akirahojo2 Weird. I replied hours ago but I guess it didn't send.
The Atlas is more like the packs you're noting. The Shimoda has a nice adjustable shoulder harness.
As far as a sweaty back, that really depends on how they fit on you. I prefer a pack that sits tight to my entire back and becomes one with my body with the bulk of the weight up high. I do lots of technical hiking. Both packs fit great on me. Sometimes it's hard to decide which one to use.
I have serious doubts that the CosySpeed would get on an Air Canada plane.
A couple of those brands are not sold at all where I live (Europe). The most popular brand here is Lowepro.
This thumbnail might be the best one you guys ever did!
That thumbnail is a work of art.
Shimoda actually has a newer design, you used the older design. The newer action x is even better! With still the same things you liked about this one.
MrJRon115 I’m thinking about getting the X30 for my LUMIX G9 and Mavic 2 Pro🤔?
I have ordered the Action X50, cant wait to get it
@@leef3167 How active will you be with the bag?
@@Sam1986E I have had the X50 for about 3 months. Look on eBay lots will become up lightly used. It is a great bag as long as don't have it on you back for more than an hour. It's a big backpack with small backpack straps.
@@garrymcleod3334 Thank you for the update. So you wouldn't recommend the Shimoda then? Not even the X30?? What bag did you end up going with?? I need something i can take on longer hiking trips like the Narrows in Zion National Park and i have the Canon R5 and need something big enough to carry that and all filters tripods etc
I love your dry humour! What a great review. Thank you :)
Should check also Fstop gear bags. Out of all the bags I’ve bought (something my wife is starting to hate) it’s the only one that hits all the check marks when I need to carry a lot of gear or travel.
Pgytech OneMo 👍 But what this episode was filmed on?
I wonder how long this video was after the first round of edits
43 minutes on the first pass. It's been a long week.
Great in-depth review - thank you for that!
I do agree with the slogan for the Peak Design Travel Backpack: no two trips are the same. So I bought that PD backpack with a set of camera pouches and packing cubes. I absolutely love the modularity and have used it for several weekend trips with the small Peak Design camera sling bag inside, but also maxed out on a two week safari with several flights. The possibilty to tuck away the straps is phantastic for storing the luggage in an overhead compartment or on a dusty pickup bed. The easy access to a jacket in one of the compartments came in handy on brief stops. The 5 liter sling from PD fits perfect as small camera pouch for mirrorless cameras and we used it for walking safari or MTB safari. What I must admit: when fully packed it is heavy and not that comfortable to carry. Good enough for me for airports, reaching the hotel or tent - but I wouldn‘t use it for hiking tours. Still: love that backpack and the whole system from PD.
Great review Chris! Im in the market for upgrading and changing out my current bag. The water test was pretty revealing and moved me to choose one i wasnt really looking at. Thanks again! I currently have a Mindshift bag that is ready for the cemetery..but it has served well, lol.
I have the Atlas Athlete and love it. It is very comfortable and well padded and can carry a pro DSLR and lenses, but not attached. The camera needs to lay down. For me one of the best aspects is how condensed it becomes if not packed out. It can be very low profile.
Extremely disappointed that Jordan wasn't trying to steal them this time
You know you are a dad when you label 'condoms' as 'other secret things'. 😂
I thought he should have went with "other protective gear"
You should add travel to the title. These are huge! Even my huge Lowepro protactic 450 II was smaller than most of these.
umm..not gonna include F-Stop bags?
So I am curious why you reviewed the Shiimoda Explorer 40 (still a great bag) instead of the 30L or 50L from the new Action X series that features the Expandable Roll-Top and removable belt and other enhancements. The Action X 30L with rolltop hold as much a the Explorer 40. Thanks for the reviews though.
Yet another entertaining *and* informative clip. Some other "reviewers" in this field fail miserably when they attempt either, let alone both. Just one thought: Australia moved to the metric system many years ago, and though I grew up using archaic measurements, it takes me a bit to convert back and forth: maybe you could put a conversion overlay on the clip for when you mention one metrological system in lieu of another? I have a much-loved friend in America and if I tell her it's 33 degrees outside she gets thoroughly lost, so a conversion might benefit a lot of people. One other thing: I have an inherent distrust of airline baggage handlers and insist on carrying my camera and laptop ontp the plane myself - maybe a review of bags that are a size suitable for carry-on luggage would not go astray? Please though, keep up your excellent work - I look forward to every clip.
I was tempted by the Atlas but I got the new Shimoda Action X 50l bag which has a roll top and allows me to carry a good balance of camera gear and clothing. You couldn't get hold of one? However for comfort with heavyish loads I'd say my Mindshoft Backlight 36l beats the Shimoda just not as good balanced storage in the 45l Backlight version so I excluded it from consideration when looking for a bigger bag - it's also not as waterproof without the raincover on as the Shimoda.
Now, I always had an issue with finding a good backpack, because most of them did not fit the mirrorless small camera Systems such as Leica M, m4/3 or Fuji because they HD DSLR sizes in mind and had not really the capacity to carry food, clothing, drinking, hygiene etc for trip of 2-4 days or a longer outdoor sessions.
Long story short, the best backpack for the small camera user that does travel and hike after a long search for me is Wandrd. The PRVKE is the perfect compromise between city and hike and fits a lot of gear. I have a Leica M plus 35mm Cron, 50 Lux, Olympus EM1MKIII with 12-100, 7-14 and 300mm, EC14, Rode Mike, GoPro 8, Peak Design Travel Tripod with space for stuff for a 3-4 day hike.
Their new Fernweh improves so much on the PRVKE for Hiking... once they have another color for that one (like the green or blue for PRVKE) I‘ll be first in line.
At 30+ pounds any pack will become very uncomfortable after a few minutes unless you have transferred the weight to your hips. That is what the hip belt is for. A good pack has minimal weight resting on your shoulders. Shoulder straps are ONLY to prevent the pack from falling backward.
Sticking with my Crumpler but this was fun. Do I have to get a machete now?
I shoot Olympus so I don’t need to worry about size,of the bag or if the gear is well protected or bag is waterproof.
i have the manhattan mover and the messenger bag and i cant understand those side things why cant be a bit bigger, only a few centimeters would make it fine for a water bottle...
Nice review! 👍
But no words about the question: is attachment of tripod on the side of backpak so convenient? As for me - it is uncomfortable for rather long walking (if at all). In this case weight is not evenly distributed and my back back gets tired quickly. It's much more reasonable to attach tripod along the spine as in some old backpacks like Lowepro Flipside 300 (1st version) etc. After all, nobody takes an unequal weight on shoulders when doing sit-ups in gym if doesnt't want to have backache. Here is the same principle. The Manfrotto backpack has a better design from this point of view.
Hopefully you guys will make a 2022 edition of this same video.. considering both wanded and shimoda released v2 versions of the prvke and explore respectively
Why no thinkTANK bag?
ATLASPacks are the best. So configurable and comfortable.
Nice video.
Yet I think by far the perfect bag for me is Think Tank Photo Urban Access 15. It got styles, customizability, and comfort. I was really surprised that not much review over it in youtube, and curious how would professionals feel about the Access 15.
Great review video. So thorough and covered all the bases that I was asking about to myself but no one was listening.....I think i'll get the new(?) Wandrd Prvke 41L and they supposedly upgraded a few things on all their bags since this review. Again, thanks!
Did you get the Prvke in the end? What do you think of it?
@@sidbrun_ I did and I returned it. It was a little too tall and stiff and didn't fit my needs. I tried a ton of these bags including the Shimoda Action X30, and others. I liked the Shimoda but too heavy without ever putting anything into it. Oddly, I settled on the Tenba Fulton 16L. Much smaller but I'm going lighter and lighter each trip. It fits my Nikon Z7ii, 24-120 and 100-400 zoom which is large and enough room for filters, etc. If you have questions on others, I think i've tried them all. Not easy.
@@gerryphilpott9766 thanks! I ask because I got the 21L last week, and it's actually very uncomfortable on my body after 15 minutes or so. It somehow makes my little Canon M6 with lenses feel like a brick, let alone putting my Canon R in it. I took the cube out and tried using it as an everyday backpack too but that's still not great and my shoulders have a dull ache today.
So I'm wondering why so many reviewers have called it the "most comfortable" camera backpack. I'll be returning it and I think I'll just go back to using my normal backpack and use one of Tenba's "BYOB" cubes instead. You're right, it's definitely not easy, I've watched too many reviews at this point.
@@sidbrun_ I felt the same way. Good choice. I have an Osprey regular hiking backpack for when i need more and it's lighter, more comfortable and i have an old ICU I put in if needed. Good luck.
Happy to see that Cosyspeed did such a good job! For me, It looks like the best choice if you ever have to carry your gear for more than just a few hours.
THX Stefan :-)
The audio is excellent, even with Chris running around - but where is the lav mic? I can't see it, but it must be there. By the way, I chose the Lowepro ProTactic, because I want a quick access for the 2nd camera with the long lens. If I got it right, only the Peak Design has a similar option.
Good Review, but one key Item what is missing is the weight topic. How much does the backpack weighs by itself and how much can I add until you reach the Airline limit for carry on (usually 7KG to 10KG depending on the Airline)? Or Ergonomically how much should you carry when e.g. walking around / hiking all day?
For hiking... Shimoda is really hard to beat!
whats up with the focus in this time? Looks like Jordan was shooting with panasonic autofocus on ...
I'm curious as to why you did not deploy the built in rain cover that is zipped into the bottom of the Athlete...
Another great video, in fact I just ordered my Atlas Athlete bag!
Good one.... thanks.
I like:
A Backpack that doesn't fry your back on a hot day
A Backpack where you can put a small padlock on the zips, as I'm not taking it to an Aircraft loo with me.
Something that is simple to get into. I have a Manfrotto bag that you need to "solve" to open up in some ways.
Able to fit long things inside it, so not totally separate areas.
A nice padded base in case you put it down too quickly.
High quality zips that look like they will last some time.
Not that heavy, as it's all added weight.
Comes with plenty of dividers.
Not stupidly expensive (a lot of photo backpacks are crazy expensive).
Actually my favourite backpack for a Day's simple photography (so limited gear) is the ThinkTank Glass Taxi. I have one with a big lens and another configured for non-long-lens use (they come with a ton of dividers). I tried other solutions but always found them annoying in comparison, so thought, hey just get another Glass Taxi. However that's not a hiking trip solution.
They all look very good though I think I would need a lot of Gym training to get one on and off my back / send me some muscles 😂 great vid Chris and Jordan as always. 🤓
Shimoda's newer bags are even better. The Shimoda Action X50 is the best bag I know of for camera gear!
Hoping to see the Brevite Scout II on here since that's the bag I'm currently looking at..
I have the Wandrd prvke, but the 21 not the 31, mistake on my part. But it my absolute favorite still, and I'm still able to fit my EOS R, c100, two microphones, 5 sometimes 6 lenses, batteries, cards, and a 15 inch laptop. I could only imagine what I could fit in the 31.
I own the atlas athlete and it's fantastic
Cool video. Why no fstop or lowepro?
I sympathize you guys having to go thru these tests packing unpacking ! But probably one of the most useful-unique video year. Thanks!
well review, I choose F-Stop.
if i have a cube i wonder if they just suggest any hiking backpack then?
As an America, the imperial measurement shade in these videos is perfect. :D
Also I have a Prvke and use it as a daily driver when I don't need it for photography. Damn good bag.
You didn’t mention that all of the Peak Design straps fold up into the back when not in use.
Good timing on this. I’m looking for a replacement for my old Tamrac which is finally starting to have issues.
I bought the PRVKE 31 but found it actually a bit too big for my use as a daily and/or travel bag so I ended up buying the smaller PRVKE 21 as well 😅 The 21 is the perfect size for me as it fits a couple of Leica Ms + lenses + Ricoh GR1, a Macbook Pro 15" (and accessories) and an iPad Pro + essential travel stuff that I don't want to check-in. Also, the killer feature for me is that it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane!👌
I use the 31 if there's a need to have more things with me, and without the camera cube, it works great as a motorcycle travel backpack with plenty of space to pack clothes, etc. For longer rides, the waist straps + rainfly are a good addition.
My best camera bag is still my north face recon. Key feature is it doesn’t look like a camera bag
I like the looks of the "backpack" style bags over the square Urban look bags. Keep thinking Ninja Turtle with those lol
why didn't you add PM bag in the comparison?
I have the PD 45l travel back pack with several cubes and pouches. Love it for weekend travelling but would not recommend it for long hikes because you get really sweaty on your back.
Doesn't folding pieces/covers help to vent your back?
Виталий Игнатов no not really.
Lol somebody’s backyard in Tampa hot. It has been hot here. If you’re ever in the area come say hello!
Very few packs give you everything accessory wise in its price. Look at the shimoda which is not the new version out by the way, you want a rain cover, pay extra, camera cubes, pay extra.
Would have loved to see the Peter mikanon bag but great video will be buying one soon
How come all the bags except the Shimoda had a price in their description?
Looking for mtn bike backpack that can house a hydration bladder and center mount a full sized tripod. Some bike gear and Nikon d7200 / extra zoom lens / other small camera accessories. Any suggestions?
And the new Action line of Shimoda is even better than the explore series in my opinion. Leaves nothing to complain for me!
Don't Worry. You have the E-M1 Mark III with the 300mm F4 Pro. It will handle the water.
I'm happy as cats with my Protactic 450 AW II but I still enjoy watching these videos for the fun.
I laughed out loud at the machete New York joke.
The manfrotto bag doesn't look good at all for the price.
I bought that manfrotto bag for roughly 105 USD.
How about the Löwepro bags? AW - Series?
Cosyspeed ist great! 💪🏼
36.6 lbs or 16.6 kg - makes my kit at 6.6 kg a feather weight and even that is too much for me to go hiking around but works for walking to the right gate at Healthrow Airport when also carrying 7 kg of clothes. Looking for a suitable sized insert (~28x15x8 cm) so I can quickly swap between a daily backpack and a larger travel one.
Can’t speak to the prices, but the Peak Design bag does not come with camera inserts. You need to buy those separately, so they add significantly to the price