4 back panel access bags reviewed

[@ezustnyar]

Finally a review for people who want to carry their tripod within their bag! I can`t tell how glad I am that I found your video.

[@mymisty7]

Good point about the back open panel. I have the Think Tank Airport Essentials and its the opposite. It's like carrying a suitcase on my back. I think Lowepro might be my next camera bag.

[@stevelink21]

Great summary review of these backpacks, Ben! I too, have a mirroless kit (Fuji X-System), and wanted a somewhat smaller backpack fir carry-on and hiking. So, I went with the thinkTANK Trifecta 10, which can accommodate 1 or 2 bodies and 5 or 6 lenses, depending on if they're zooms or small primes. I also agree that thinkTANK makes some very durable, high-quality products, and their YKK zippers are especially nice and robust. Thanks again sir!

[@tommihelich2613]

Nice review. Only a couple things to add for my part. The smaller 350 fits as carry on, onto planes. For me it is perfect as a Day pack. Plenty of room for my 4/3 equipment but I have to carry the tripod on the outside; the only way to get my small Gitzo in is to disassemble the head and center section from the legs. And leave the removable box home.I tend to leave the box home any way and wrap the lenses individually. The pack is VERY rigid without the box, probably why it is heavier than other comparably sized competitors.Finally, the included accessory straps are removable. Without them it is easier to get into the front pockets.

[@SoloVagant]

Great review Ben, certainly helped me in my search for a new camera backpack.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

+Dave Brown Glad I could help, thanks!

[@ShakeelNaim]

Great review. Love the look and design of lowepro. Just wish they did a smaller version for Fuji X system

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

there's a 350 version that's slightly smaller but still not small. for me I've gone with bigger bags since going mirror less as it gives me more room for other stuff. I'm also a big guy though (6'4") so larger bags fit me better.

[@martinjn2920]

Great review. I have been looking for a photo back pack for a while, it has to carry my gear plus clothes etc to cater for the UK weather, I was favouring the F-Stop range but you have highlighted a number of issues, as a result I will look at the Mindshift and LowePro bags. Thanks for an informative video.

[@JohnMFlores]

Good review. Thanks for taking the time. Are you still using the LowePro? I was never thrilled by their harness system. Not all-day comfortable...

[@jredziniak]

any opinions on the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 AW? I'm looking for something that can hold my d600 + 24-70, 70-200, tokina 11-16, small tripod on the exterior, and decent space inside for personal items like jacket/sweater, food, and a hydration pack. laptop compartment not necessary. also thought of going with a 50L+ osprey bag and using something like the tenba BYOB 10 camera insert.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I haven't seen one personally but it looks promising. I'm going to photo expo this week and I'll be sure to check it out. It seems like a similar bag to the whistler except the camera compartment doesn't go full length. The trade is for more dedicated room at the top for other gear. But with the whistler it's "thicker" which lets you have a full length compartment for other gear in the whistler (it's designed for an avalanche shovel and probe but anything will fit). Size specs are always hard to compare online but the trek seems thinner. It reminds me a lot of the old hatchback from lowepro I had for a while and really liked, just with 3 sizes (a new biggest size) and better strap options but worse colors?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

the other thought on the osprey and the BYOB insert. This is not a bad solution at all as you can tailor the insert to your needs. I've actually been using a think tank photo "change up" a lot lately as an active shooting out of bag because it's small and light and I wear it while shooting for switching lenses and using filters. I can then easily put it inside the backpack (still using the lowepro whistler) and this also leaves more room in the backpack for other things.

[@EcuadorLive]

Great information here, just what I was looking for, thanks!

[@DjTallyIndia]

Just the review i was looking for... thank you.

[@jimvoos]

Excellent pro's and con's. Thanks for the comprehensive review

[@edc5338]

I have the 26L and love it. Mindshift makes some great bags.

[@orjanjhmagnusson]

Ben Jacobsen Could you tell us what tripod you managed to squeeze inside the Lowepro. And what tripod could be fitted in the front compartment instead of shovel and such? Ok, I found your video "4 travel tripods reviewed" and watched that again. You did fit the Gitzo GT1545T or Feisol CT-3441S in the camera compartment. The Sirui N-1204X or Davis & Sanford TR654C-36 you couldn't fit. Also in your video "whistler450" you fit up to 3 of them toghether in the front. Could you fit an even bigger or taller tripod in the front compartment? You like the tripod in the main instead of the front because....maximizing space? What made you switch from Gitzo to RRS-tqc14? (I wonder if I can fit some Manfrotto Nano (flash) stands or similar in the front...)

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

That's the Gitzo GT1545T. Oddly the lowepro has less space inside than the smaller mindshift backlight 26l. You can actually fit the backlight INSIDE the lowepro, straps and all. So you need a smaller tripod if you want it to go inside. The gitzo is what I've got in it for this review.

[@wudaliabhinavprasad]

I am slated by your reviews. One question with regards to the incase dslr pro , the top access for the camera does it fit in with a gripped camera. I am having d750 Nikon + grip + lens . thanks a ton.

[@gsansoucie]

Thanks, very helpful. I’ve had the mindshift 26L on my mind for a while along with the whistler. Your summary of the padding taking up the difference in space between the two points me to the mindshift. I’d rather carry less for my backpacking landscape trips. Since I are doing medium Format with a Hasselblad 500cm, it means I might leave one lens at home.

[@aronmatthias3400]

Sorry to be off topic but does anybody know of a way to log back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot my password. I love any assistance you can give me!

[@marcusnikolai9072]

@Aron Matthias instablaster =)

[@aronmatthias3400]

@Marcus Nikolai Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@aronmatthias3400]

@Marcus Nikolai it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you really help me out !

[@marcusnikolai9072]

@Aron Matthias glad I could help xD

[@michaelreed649]

Thank you for the in depth review Between this one and the travel tripod review, I have subscribed. There is one part that perplexes me. Why did you choose the Backlight over the FirstLight? The first light looks like it would fit your needs better. Plus as I am 6'4" as well, I like the idea of an adjustable back. I can't see the advantage (other than looks) of the Backlight over the FirstLight. Please advise.

[@michaelreed649]

I get it now. The harness system is better and the back ventilation is better with the FirstLight but that is in trade of the opening system. FirstLight is opened in a "traditional" style, where the BackLight is opened from the back. So, I must ask, How uncomfortable is the BackLight?

[@steivenpoh1831]

Great review Ben, helped me search for a backpack for my adventure trip.

[@AndrewBenbow]

I like the LowePro but the lack of internal space for a coat and the lack of side pockets for water puts me off. FStop looks great but their supply chain in really really bad, so many complaints about missed delivery dates. In the end I went for a Clik Elite Luminous (40L) and I'm loving it.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

There's enough space in the small outer pocket for a jacket and snacks. Water bottles are an issue but I've added a thinktank water bottle holder to the belt strap. It's actually a better place for it but it's a bummer I had to add it myself.

[@tandkplus4]

I just recently bought the F-Stop Sukha despite a real concern that the delivery would be delayed, but their website now clearly details when an item will ship, and this was true to form; I received the bag and associated items within two weeks. I will say, too, that Ben's review was a great one, but in my mind, the flexibility of the F-Stop in packing different items was the deal-clincher. It's a beautiful bag that wears really well and comfortably when weighed down and in tough conditions.

[@paulrobinson492]

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[@Don-md6wn]

Good move to stay away from F-Stop. Reputable companies charge your credit card when they fill your order, not months ahead so they can use customer funds for working capital and put the customer at risk of getting stiffed should they go under. I had to threaten them with going to my credit card company and disputing the charge before they would credit me with a refund for a bag that was weeks past the delivery date they'd promised.

[@starrshine5976]

Thanks for review. I'm 6'5" and find that many bags don't sit comfortably on my frame.

[@jiaenkao]

Hi Ben, great review! What do you think about the evoc CP26L or 35L backpacks for skiing?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

Haven't seen one myself but they look promising!

[@ytano5782]

Is the harness of the Mindshift Gear Backlight comparabel good to Deuter or Osprey hiking backpack?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

André Adami it's a nice setup but I don't have the others to compare. I prefer the lowepro as it's got 2:1 belt straps and a slick sternum clip that you can do one handed.

[@esgee3829]

Did you ever consider bigger Mindshift bags for multi-day backpacking trips?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I don't like the rotations. They're perfect for shooting out of but a PITA to access when they're not on your body. I've had two sizes. I thought I'd love it when they first announced it and tried it on at photoexpo too... I also don't like rear panel access packs so their firstlight series is out (It's basically a clone of their thinktank bags with a different look). So that rules out all their bigger bags for me personally.

[@Don-md6wn]

To each his own. I find the rotation feature very useful, particularly when it keeps me from having to find a place to lay down my bag in a wet, muddy area to access my camera body and a lens. I like being able to stop, shoot, and put my gear away without ever taking off my pack. And I don't find them hard to access when they're off your body - just pull the rotation insert out, then shove it back in place when you're done. The only issue I have is that if I carry more than 2 lenses (and I usually carry 3), I have my camera gear in 2 different places, with a 70-200 lens in the insert that is accessed from the back of the pack and the rest of the gear in the rotation insert. But it's not that big an inconvenience to me.

[@kevinleague]

Have you checked out the Mountainsmith Parallax by any chance?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

Hadn't seen it before but just checked it out. Very interesting. Love the back panel access. Top access is interesting as is the side access. It even has side straps that while thin look like they could maybe carry skis when needed. I'll have to check one out in person, thanks!

[@kevinleague]

Yep and you can try one out for $127 afer a once a week %25 off coupon at Sierra Trading Post where it is currently in stock.

[@kevinleague]

I think the ability to harness a tripod only on the side is a killer for me. It would create an off balance load. I am contemplating replacing my Mindshift Rotation 180 pro - great bag, but I find the access to the hip pack frustrating.

[@pgsanta]

I picked up a LowePro Whistler last year, the construction turned out to be crap. I had problems with stitching, it was horrible in even light rain, and the suspension system was bad for longer hikes. Recently switched to an F-Stop Tilopa for my back country pack, and it is head and shoulders above the Lowepro. It is MUCH better made, more in line with a hiking bag with its aluminum internal frame, and way, way more water resistant.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

pgsanta interesting either you got a bad Lowe pro or I got a bad f-stop. I will say the shimoda feels more comfortable than the lowepro though, now that I have both. But the lowepro works amazingly with skis.

[@bigsurhippy2639]

brilliant review!

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Realize this review is a little dated. Just curious. Did you consider help the Mindshift Gear Backlight 36L or did it come out after you did this review?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

It came after the review. For me it's too big. I'm a mirrorless shooter so I don't need a ton of space.

[@christianbender7563]

how much room for supplies is left in the lowepro?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

I'll assume your mean beyond the camera compartment? There's a small top compartment for accessories that I've easily put my a6000 in with a 10-18mm on it with another lens loose in there. The compartment furthest away from your back is designed for snow tools (avalanche shovel and handle and probe) and is nicely done but it can also easily hold a laptop when traveling (BYO padded sleeve) or layers etc. It's the full length and width of the bag and there's even an expansion zipper on that compartment so it's got room.

[@christianbender7563]

Sweet, thank you very much!! Just ordered it!

[@Deep-Travel]

Great review. Thanks

[@tripleceas]

Good stuff glad i bought the lowe pro

[@AravindTheTimelapseGuy]

Excellent location to make a video

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

+aravind A Thanks! This is at fort Wetherill in Jamestown RI with Castle Hill in the background.

[@karoloskoutsogiannopoulos9481]

Sorry but a 350,00 + cost bag of this class with no waterproof zippers is disappointing.

[@Geronimo1104]

i am looking for a new backpack, so i found your review. very nice, and thanks for the information. subscribe to your channel.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

thanks!

[@SuperKit1991]

Why would you want to put a tripod inside the bag? You will end up with a load of mud / water / dirt / sand / snow etc inside the bag with your camera...?

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

Tripod in the bag is more for the traveling to the destination. IE flying or a long drive. Once I'm there it comes out and stays out for the most part. I typically hike/walk with my tripod in my hands anyway and don't use and of the external straps either if I'm going to be shooting a bit.

[@bartjeuhh790]

Finally I found someone with common sense! I too like to travel with my tripod INSIDE the bag. I don't know anybody who does that, but for me personally I see a lot of advantages. Only downside is my backback broke down and now I'm looking for a new one. I got a Sirui that's folded 46,5cm. Do you know of any backpack that will fit Ben Jackobsen please? i only found the Lowepro 500AW 'til now. But it's kinda expensive :-/

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

Bartjeuhh that should fit in any of the bags in this review if my metric to us conversion is accurate. Double check your tripod with its head and the bag specs but it should work. Good luck! Ben

[@bartjeuhh790]

Thank you, I'll look for it!

[@McDonaldPhotography]

The f Stop bag is far more capable that you've given it credit, in fact you spent 90% of the time on Lowepro which i'm guessing is a sponsored bag. If you're going to review be fair and allocate time equally and also fit the ICU's properly, i can assure you than they don't rattle around if installed correctly. Good spectrum of bags on offer here however a wasted opportunity to review objectively.

[@benjaminbjacobsen]

actually I paid for three of the four bags in the review. The thinktank/mindshift backlight is the only bag I was given. The others were all paid for by myself. I don't pull punches with my reviews either. If I don't like something it'll either get a bad review or no review at all. The lowepro is the better bag. It might be heavier but it's better in every other way. F-stop had a great concept but they've executed it very poorly IMHO as the ICUs aren't built well at all. They sit in their bags fine but the ICU itself is poorly constructed and doesn't hold it's shape well and dividers move around too easily (because the fabric isn't stitched to the foam divider nor is it tight). I've owned my f-stop that's in this review for over a year and hiked with it plenty. It replaced the loka which is just a smaller version of the same bag. I owned it for years and gave it a great review. But then I saw the lowe pro at photo expo and ordered one to try and was VERY impressed... The lowe pro has replaced my f-stop as my hiking and especially skiing bag. The mindshift has stayed only because it's the smallest of the lot (ignoring the incase) making it very nice for flying. So yeah, I've spent almost a year now and 6 months then with the mindshift, the same with the lowe pro, over a year with that specific f-stop and ~4 with their bags in general (loka then satori). And the incase is at least 2 years old. Not quite sure how you'll find more objective than that?

[@McDonaldPhotography]

thats objective... your video wasnt. thanks for the reply.

[@mymisty7]

Good point about the back open panel. I have the Think Tank Airport Essentials and its the opposite. It's like carrying a suitcase on my back. I think Lowepro might be my next camera bag.