I wasn’t a backpack kind of person, up until my friend Matt nagged me into trying one. I still wasn’t convinced, but you do a lot of things in name of friendship. However, when I started going for photography trips, I started to realize the value of backpacks, except that most of the bags targeting photographers are like hiking boots — long on comfort, short on style. Being “aesthetics first” kind of person, I have settled for a Tumi Arrive backpack which is an ideal blend of rugged and aesthetically pleasing. While it is good for carrying a camera and a lens with some accessories, it isn’t really a true camera bag.
However, the new Peak Design backpack seems to be the kind of camera backpack I might buy next. It is big, rugged and is designed for comfort and ease of access to all the gear. Since it is designed with the help of an actual photographer, my good pal, Trey Ratcliff, it has all the right pockets. I have one of their camera-oriented messenger bags and that is so amazing, except I don’t like carrying messenger bags anymore. I wish the new 30 liter backpack version was available today, so I can load it up and go for a photo adventure this weekend. I will have to wait for the Kickstarter to get wrapped up and then wait….