Photo Travel Review Magazine

By Claire

I had to go back through my images to work out when I bought this backpack and realised it was when I got my Canon 10D in 2003.  It still looks like new and has been on every trip with me in the last 5 years. When I bought it I thought it was expensive but this was an investment that paid off. It has been totally engulfed by incoming tides and kept my kit safe.

Size(Interior):
11W X 4.9D X 14.6H in./
28 X 12.5 X 37 cm

Size(Exterior):
12W X 12.6D X 15.9H in./
30.5 X 32 X 40.5 cm

When packing for a trip this backpack comes onboard the plane and carries all my valuables, from filters to camera. I can live without my clothes arriving but my camera gear stays with me. On one return flight my luggage was “lost” and in a fit of forgetfulness I’d put my downloader in it. Yes, all my photos for a trip were on it. Fortunately my case arrived a week later but it was a lesson learnt.

When flying to Inverness recently my hold luggage had a weight limit of 15kg (not much for a winter trip) and I got 9.96kg in the backpack (10kg being the limit). It easily passes the “it must fit inside this cage” test that some airlines have.

During this trip I carried on board my Canon 5D, a 100-400 lens, a 100mm macro, a 17-35 2.8L mm and a 28-105mm. All my Lee filters and accessories and a downloader were in there too. There was room enough left for a paperback. All paperwork and the stuff us ladies carry goes in the quick access front pocket.

For day trips my tripod fits on the back in the integrated quick-release tripod holder.

It is very comfortable to wear. The ergonomic harness features wide, padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap. With heavy loads I find the sternum and hip straps invaluable.

There are attachment loops for optional accessories.

I can’t envisage ever having to buy another backpack for landscape work (I do have the lowepro SlingShot 200 AW for travel in cities).

Filed under: Gear Reviews, Claire Carter, Gear Reviews