One lift of the Wandrd PRVKE backpack and you'll immediately notice something that sets it apart from different backpacks. It's extremely light. I was recently sent the 31-liter version of the PRVKE, a backpack that is not only light, but extremely comfortable and customizable. I've reviewed several backpacks in the past, but have really yet to find one that struck me as much as the PRVKE when I first saw it at WPPI. Needless to say, the PRVKE is now my go-to backpack for daily, weekend and travel adventures with my camera gear. Finally … [Read more...] about Wandrd PRVKE backpack offers extreme comfort, customizability
backpack
First Look: Tenba Axis and Fulton camera bags
Like most photographers, I have a closet full of camera bags. My wife often asks me why I need so many and my simple answer is because each one serves a different purpose. I purchased a Tenba messenger bag quite a number of years ago because it specifically had two pockets on the front flap that held my wallet and my mobile phone. Since I frequently travel domestically and internationally, I wanted a camera bag that allowed my wallet and phone to be quickly accessible. Since then, I’ve closely followed Tenba’s products and recently talked to … [Read more...] about First Look: Tenba Axis and Fulton camera bags
Wandrd offers modular solutions to a common problem
Every photographer needs a bag to carry their gear. Whether you choose to use a messenger bag, roller bag or backpack, carrying solutions are oftentimes uninspiring and more of a hassle than anything else. One of my goals at WPPI this year was to find a new backpack. I was happy with my messenger bag and roller bag, but my backpacks left something to be desired. Mind you, I’ve tried several backpacks, ranging from Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack to LowePro’s Flipside Trek. And while these all have their strengths, none of what I’ve used is … [Read more...] about Wandrd offers modular solutions to a common problem
Cecilia Humboldt 14L backpack offers stylish, customizable storage
I've got a lot of camera bags. Some small, some large. But none that are quite as stylish as the Humboldt 14L backpack. I was sent the bag for review, and I have to say — it's one of my favorite bags yet. The Humboldt is on the smaller end in terms of a backpack, but it can hold a surprising amount of gear. It's a perfect option for a mirrorless or small DSLR photographer. First impressions and specs The Humboldt 14L comes in a stylish black leather exterior, and features an interior that's surprisingly similar to my ThinkTank roller bag. … [Read more...] about Cecilia Humboldt 14L backpack offers stylish, customizable storage
Gear Review: Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Peak Design has done it again: The company has broken Kickstarter with its new product. I think these people get together and say, "What can we make that will cause people to lose their minds and buy it with wild abandon?" The company makes quality stuff and designs it very well. The latest offering is the Travel Line, and it I think it'll meet the expectations of all the people who funded the Kickstarter with $5,206,611. Yeah, five-point-two million dollars. The Travel Backpack There's no doubt that this is a well-made backpack. It's got … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Gear Review: K&F Concepts Small DSLR Camera Backpack for Travel Outdoor Photography
K&F Concepts was incredibly nice and sent me their Small DSLR Camera Backpack for Travel Outdoor Photography. Now I know what you're thinking, "You are not an outdoor photographer." This is true, however, this backpack has been such a great addition for me and my tiny gear. At the beginning of 2018 when I made the switch to mirrorless, I was struggling to find a bag to replace my VEO 37 from Vanguard. I had used that bag for a couple years and really loved it, but I felt like it was too big for my mirrorless system. I was getting … [Read more...] about Gear Review: K&F Concepts Small DSLR Camera Backpack for Travel Outdoor Photography
Pelican MPB35 provides space for mom essentials, camera gear and then some
I was recently sent the Pelican MPB35 mobile protect backpack and guys it’s a keeper! First, let me say this, it is not a photography backpack. It’s not fully protected and doesn’t have a lot of compartments or dividers that we usually like when it comes to holding our gear. With that being said, it is a fantastic backpack and might I say... diaper bag? Yes, you heard that right, diaper bag. I am a mom to two biological kids and also a foster parent, so at any given time I could have 3-5 kids with me in a variety of ages. Life becomes very … [Read more...] about Pelican MPB35 provides space for mom essentials, camera gear and then some
How to travel light AND have your camera gear too!
B&H Photo provided Photofocus the Pelican MPD40 40L Duffel bag in return for a review. I was one of the first authors to volunteer — thinking it was a camera backpack. Imagine my surprise when I learned it was, well, er... a backpack. My views changed after a visit from my cousin Mary Ann. Here are my thoughts on how a photographer can use this backpack to travel light and have their camera gear too. Her overseas trip to Paris meant packing light As I mentioned to my cousin Mary Ann — who happen to stop by to borrow a camera bag for her … [Read more...] about How to travel light AND have your camera gear too!
Gear Review: Ruggard Thunderhead 35 Camera Backpack
Everyone needs a camera backpack, and this one from Ruggard is a good choice. It's well made and will protect your gear. It's a medium-sized bag with room for lots of tools. The carry straps and belt are well padded. It'll even carry your laptop. It's not a stylish bag, but it's a straightforward simple design that has proven effective. More specs and details right here. https://youtu.be/eyiHLezwhu4 … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Ruggard Thunderhead 35 Camera Backpack
Getting Ready to Photograph in the Rain
Mother Nature doesn't always play in our favor. Being in Michigan, I've dealt with all the different elements there are. Last weekend, I had the privilege to photograph the MSU Gran Fondo, a bike race organized by the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine to support skin cancer awareness, prevention and research. And with an eight-hour shoot ahead of me, and gloomy weather in the forecast, I decided it was necessary to pick up some weather-necessary supplies. I wasn't totally worried about my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, with … [Read more...] about Getting Ready to Photograph in the Rain
Gear Review: Vanguard’s Alta Sky 66 Super-Telephoto Pack
Vanguard's Alta Sky 66 is designed to carry super-telephoto lenses, like 400mm or 600mm lenses, spotting scopes and other long stuff. It is well-made, comfortable, and has a lifetime warranty. There are few bags that feel as comfortable carrying heavy stuff as this bag does. It manages sweat very well and is made of durable materials to protect your tools. Highly recommended. More details and specs right here. Photos follow the video. https://youtu.be/UU3x79OYlgY … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vanguard’s Alta Sky 66 Super-Telephoto Pack
In Depth Gear Review: Vanguard Alta Sky 51D Backpack For Drones!
Vanguard's Alta Sky 51D is a spacious backpack for camera gear. It'll carry a laptop in addition to cameras, including the largest DSLR's, but its special characteristic is that it can be configured to carry a quad-copter drone, like a DJI Phantom. Even loaded very heavily, it is comfortable to wear and manages sweat well. It's a heavy-duty backpack for carrying and storing your gear, and it has a lifetime warranty. Highly recommended. More specs and details right here. Photos below the video. https://youtu.be/EYulL9MLbDk … [Read more...] about In Depth Gear Review: Vanguard Alta Sky 51D Backpack For Drones!
Peak Design Everyday Backpack Provides Minimalist and Clean Design with Function
For a while now, I’ve been on the lookout for a backpack that will provide me both comfort and ample room for my gear, while looking professional. I do have a few different backpacks that check off some of these boxes. I had yet to find one that met all my requirements. The Peak Design Everyday Backpack (30L) is the closest (so far) in terms of finding a perfect backpack for my situation. Design I was lucky enough to receive an Everyday Backpack. I was impressed by the super clean and minimalist design. If you’re familiar with Peak … [Read more...] about Peak Design Everyday Backpack Provides Minimalist and Clean Design with Function
Cold Weather Photography Essentials
While it might not officially be the winter season yet, it's still a great time to start preparing for when the sub-zero degree temperatures hit. As photographers, it's of the utmost importance to keep our gear safe and secure in the colder temperatures, not to mention ourselves. Having grown up in Northern Michigan, I know what the frozen tundra feels like. And despite having moved a few hours south, I still know how winter can take its toll on my love of photography. A few years ago I invested in a few pieces of gear that I know consider … [Read more...] about Cold Weather Photography Essentials
Ruggard Thunderhead 35 DSLR and Laptop Backpack Review
A photographer is always looking for new camera bags, but there always seems to be a new one on my mind. I was looking for a camera backpack that I could keep a camera body and lens attached while carrying a few extra lenses and accessories. I don’t use a backpack often, but I have the ThinkTank Shape Shifter and it works well, but I can’t fit a body with a lens attached into that backpack. I had the chance to try out the new Ruggard Thunderhead 35 DSLR & Laptop Backpack courtesy of B&H. The Ruggard Thunderhead 35 is a small camera … [Read more...] about Ruggard Thunderhead 35 DSLR and Laptop Backpack Review
Gear Review: Vanguard Veo Discover 42 Backpack
I've long been a fan of Vanguard's bag offerings, as I'm the owner of The Heralder 38 messenger bag as well as The Heralder 46 backpack. Both have long offered me suitable room for my Nikon DSLR body and lenses. But when I switched to a Panasonic mirrorless system earlier this year, I knew I needed something smaller. When Vanguard's new Veo2 series of products came out, I knew that this could potentially be the solution I was looking for — something small and lightweight, but that would still hold my gear. The Vanguard Veo Discover 42 is … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vanguard Veo Discover 42 Backpack
Gear Review: Udee Backpack–Surprisingly Good
This bag is simply called Udee, and the simplicity carries through the entire design and delivers a fine bag that will be very good for many photographers. It Looks Good The outer appearance of the Udee is pretty good. It's minimal and the fabric is very nice. Everyone who sees it asks me if it's a Peak Design bag: it has a similar kind of fabric and the slim design is reminiscent. The bottom of the bag is a little blunt, but overall it's a good looking bag. The gray fabric is highlighted with the orange grab handle and one orange … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Udee Backpack–Surprisingly Good
Camera Bag Review: Borealis Backpack, from Mountainsmith
Let's cut straight to it: the Mountainsmith Borealis is a very fine backpack, and it's a very fine camera bag. It's exceptionally well made, logically designed by people who clearly know what photographers need, and I think it'll last a lifetime. I've got just a few caveats, but this is a good backpack. Lifetime Construction I've owned Mountainsmith bags since I was a young mountaineer in Colorado, which is where Mountainsmith are headquartered. I've been using one of their bags for 20 years, and it's still going strong. The reason these … [Read more...] about Camera Bag Review: Borealis Backpack, from Mountainsmith
PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
Back in October during PhotoPlus Expo I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of a new Bag Company that had just been funded on Kickstarter, WANDRD. The two adventurous brothers were displaying a prototype bag called the PRVKE (Provoke), and it caught my interest pretty freaking quick. At the time I had been coming from several months on the road traveling and shooting, and getting pretty frustrated with my bag selection. Albeit huge, I was still lacking in that perfect travel kit bag that fit all my gear, felt comfortable, and looked better … [Read more...] about PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
