Choosing the Right CAMERA BACKPACK For Travel & Wildlife Photography

[@PangolinWildlife]

Which camera backpack do you own? Are you happy with it and if not what features are you missing?

[@falcondoom9602]

Mindshift daylight 26l, I am very happy with my backpack, there is only one drawback: the empty weight is 1.8 kg.

[@PangolinWildlife]

@@falcondoom9602 yes that's hefty. Probably well built though which is good.

[@BradleyRautenbach]

F-Stop Tilopa from a shop in Cape Town.. Awesome Bag with soo many options.

[@benwiles7433]

To be honest, mine is so old that the name has rubbed off! Shows that it is a good strong bag to have lasted!

[@robertswanepoel4598]

My trusty Think Tank Airport Accelerator. I haven't found a better backpack for accommodating long lenses and still qualifying as hand luggage. It opens from the front but I haven't found that too be too much of a problem - rain covers make good dust covers too! I love the versality of my F-Stop gear bag as well but the Airport Accelerator just more carrying space for camera gear.

[@michaelhenighan5625]

The first thing I do to improve security is braid the zipper pull straps. Also put the bags rain fly on backward to cover the straps when putting the bag in the overhead bin.

[@ChrisFilshie]

Thanks Danielle, The Lowepro ProRunner 350 & 450 have zips that can have a lock passed through them. I also carry a bike cable lock to secure the whole bag to fixed objects in cars (seat frames) or hotel rooms (usually the plumbing) if I have to leave the back unattended.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hello, yes they have large zips for locks but can't seem to find a bag with a built in lock. Good idea about the bike lock! Danielle

[@scg565081]

Great to read the comments about the varieties of backpacks and the reasons why people have traded between types, size and other ideas. having spent several years in the military, I have still not learnt that the bigger the bag the more you find to fill it with. But, it’s packing for the occasion that counts and whether you’re wild photo camping or taking a boat ride, I’ve found that 1 bag in your inventory isn’t going to cut it.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Indeed! I agree with you. Danielle

[@raylander6329]

Excellent, very good info; thank you, Danielle. Yes, you can not get an ideal bag, so I have a few depending on what I need to take with me for that particular trip

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you Ray. Hopefully I can have a whole range at home one day! Danielle

[@NikCan66]

Always excellent video and suits a myriad of needs for different users needs

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks again! Danielle

[@NikCan66]

@@PangolinWildlife thanks for putting together a worthy video

[@hcura]

I used to own fstop backpacks but it was a struggle with a 600 lens (and within cabin size limits). Currently with a gitzo adventurer and it’s really good. Fits all my gear and provides very good padding. Wish it had a couple more small pockets for other things though.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Hugo, good to hear! Danielle

[@uwehoffmann9255]

Both the Tamrac Anvil 23, and the Tamrac Anvil 27 are great bags I use, sometimes when I take just one camera with a tele zoom then I just use a ThinkTank Digital Holster 150, for anything else the Anvil backpacks are excellent, comfortable, and come with the hip support belt, chest strap, tripod pocket and 3 retaining straps, as well as rain cover, and they will hold a 15 inch laptop, or tablet. Whenever I travel by plane I limit my gear to 3 lenses, either a 20mm or 35mm wide angle, a 70-300mm zoom, and an extreme tele zoom of 150-600mm. If a destination has tripods, or other mounts available great, if not I might just stick a monopod in the luggage, or a bean bag without the fill, or a platypod, or Skimmer groundpod and a gimbal. Beanbag fill is cheap and usually can be had anywhere in the world, anything easily available from beans, to rice, to corn, or buckwheat hulls will do. Always bring your Allen wrenches, extra screws and a multi tool, as well as some gaffers tape, and a mini flash light, and small headlamp (you can buy batteries for both once you arrive), you never know when you're going to need them, and make sure you pack them in your check in luggage. Personal tip: if you ever need to set your pack down in mud or dust and don't want to end up getting your straps and back muddy, or dusty, keep your raincover in one of the easily accesible front prockets and cover the back with the raincover before you set the pack down. Raincovers are easier to hose off than backpacks. Just one of the things I learnt over the years.

[@keithmonk4503]

Large bags for full frame camera's with large len's. Since moving to OM 1 this year all the issues of heavy large bags disappear. 2 OM 1 bodies, 3 lens. 3.1 kg and v small. Unless very late into evening as good as full frame.

[@bobuk5722]

Hi Danielle, just had you informative channel pop up. No chance of me travelling in Africa any longer but your videos have a much wider relevance. Very useful to hear what you had to say both about hard cases and dividers. Useful for cine video as well as still/hybrid cameras. Subscribed. BobUK.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Bob, thanks a lot, welcome here! Danielle

[@janokenka7929]

Very informativ video , Danielle 👍👍👍 I actualy never use Camera backpacks. I use only tactical (army) backpacks with self-cutted foam pads for my D500 with Sigma 120-300 2,8 Sports . For shorter trips, I use usually the slingback Hazard 4 Plan-B , for one day trip I take Brandit assualt pack 50 and for mor days trips is the Tasmanian Tiger Pathfider II just perfect. They all are robust, comfortable for carrying and nobody knows what is insiede. Best regards from Europe :-)

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Jan, thanks. Sounds good. I'll check out those ones online! -Danielle

[@johannlouw7347]

Stunning video Danielle. I carry cable ties with me all the time. Works great. I must say that the Lowepro Pro Trekker was my go to bag on all my trips. But.... Then I started using a F Stop Gear Tilapia 50l and that fits what we do perfect. Lost of space and very well made. And the Zipps lasts. The fact that you could take the ICU out if need be on an international flight gives you a bit of inner peace. It is worth every Dollar!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Haai Johann, baie dankie. Always been a fan of the Pro Trekker, will check out the F Stop one. -Danielle

[@greggchristensen8524]

Nite Ize makes a carabiner that works great to keep your bag somewhat secure. I say somewhat because it makes getting into the bag more difficult. They are called S biners. I keep them on my bags while traveling to far off lands. I work for the airlines and travel frequently.

[@andrewbatchelor5498]

Good presentation. Thanks for the sound advice.

[@i18nGuy]

Great tips. Nice thought about opening from the back to keep your back clean. Good stuff throughout.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks a lot! -Danielle

[@iscoguy]

Great input. I have to admit to owning a small collection of camera bags (don't we all?). As for security, take a look at the Pacsafe Venturesafe X 40L. It is my primary backpack coupled with a Fstop large ICU cube. Great security features, very comfortable, nice internal frame that distributes the weight probably better than any other bag I own and extra space for gloves, hats, coats, etc. Perhaps the best "security" feature is that it does not look like a camera bag. The Kiboko 22L used to be my primary bag. Love the organization you can achieve for so much gear. But the Pacsafe is more comfortable, has better security, and is better designed to hold non-photography gear.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Brant, thanks a lot, will have a look. We have to import all of those brands except Kiboko, which gets quite pricey but probably worth it! -Danielle

[@iscoguy]

@@PangolinWildlife Let me know if you want any pictures or something to help.

[@2008kgv]

Thank you for the very informative video. 😊

[@ArtisanAvalon]

Very good video! Thank you, Danielle! The only manufacturer that I know which provides sound safety protection against pickpockets and against knife cuts is "Pacsafe". All their bags come with a lockable steel net and RFID protection. Unfortunately, these bags come with lots of other shortcomings, such as missing waistbelts, limited flexibility and compfort, etc. So, as far as I'm concerned there is not a "complete" travel until this day!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Yes indeed, they're great but don't yet make a bag that fits all my wildlife camera gear in unfortunately. Maybe one day! Danielle

[@ProfMary]

Very informative video, Danielle! You covered all the important features necessary.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you! -Danielle

[@SAZTravel]

Thank you for this! Such a good help

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful! Danielle

[@sergioguillen1037]

Very informative video. Thank you very much Danielle.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hey Sergio! You're welcome. -Danielle

[@paulgibbings9553]

I like your comment about back opening backpacks, I've never used one, but that does look like a good consideration. Personally I use a Lowepro Mini Trekker aw most of the time, as it's relatively small, but big enough to fit a camera with my 150-600 lens attached, and room for another 3 or 4 smaller lenses. It doesn't have a pouch to carry a drinks bottle, but I just put my bottle in a neoprene pouch and clip this to the outside of the bag. It's about 15 years old and might look a bit dirty now, but the dividers are still in perfect condition and I find it comfortable for a full days wear. I also own a Dakine Reload 26 which is still small enough to fit in most airline lockers, and will hold a lot more gear, but I find it a bit heavy, if full to carry all day. The best thing is I got it secondhand off Ebay for £30, and it's like new 😊

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks Paul, I'll check it those out! Danielle

[@sgmartin3008]

Danielle, I agree with Gregor below about Packsafe. Having tested the 360 eXomesh® locking system my self their equipment is is top notch. A bonus was watching the face of a would be thief when he hits the end of the cable! I thought his criminal mistake was funny, he didn't seem agree as the gendarmerie hauled him off!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Great to hear! But they can still steal the whole bag right? Danielle

[@sgmartin3008]

Danielle, Yes that is true. The entire lot could be hauled unless attached to something immobile which in this case was a park bench bolted to concrete. I was taking some bird shots and was not straddling my backpack so, looping the cable around the leg of the bench seemed a good option and I was about 15m away. As with most thefts like this they are snatch/grab and run opportunities. The looped cable gave me the time to close on the perpetrator who was promptly contacted by the cops who fortunately I guess had watching him. Most anything can be stolen but the goal is to make it harder and add time delaying their escape which is the enemy of these hooligans. Not that I need to tell you but these situations can become dangerous and personally I would rather have to buy some new gear than spend the night in a hospital getting stitches or worse. Making your gear harder to steal often forces these bottom feeders to look for easier prey! Stay safe and healthy.. SG

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks, appreciate the comment! True, the harder it is or them the better... Danielle

[@johnpearsesafaris9524]

Another great video, well done, most helpful, reminds one of the important factors while adding new info

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hello John, you're welcome! -Danielle

[@jeremymalley-smith7241]

Interesting video Danielle - thanks. Over the years, I’ve used several different Lowepro rucksacks that have worked well. However, for my trip to Botswana a couple of years ago, I bought a very cheap rucksack from an outdoor shop, large enough to carry all my photo gear and laptop placed loosely inside. I then bought a large block of high density foams down cut this into random small pieces (about as large as my fist), placed each block into small polythene food bags and tied each handle shut. These foam bags were then wedged between then equipment to prevent damage whilst in flight or on safari. Why go to all this trouble when I have a choice of backpacks at home? Two reasons: one is it doesn’t look like it contains expensive gear inside so isn’t a potential target for thieves and two, when going through customs, you’re more likely to get through with the heavier load without being checked because it again doesn’t scream heavy camera bag! My bag was 18kg and this bothered no one. Regards, Jeremy

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Jeremy, clever thinking! Hope to see you in Botswana again. -Danielle

[@jeremymalley-smith7241]

It’s thinking outside the box 😃

[@Picplosions]

Really helpful video thank you :)

[@lokhincheung1344]

I am satisfy with my Lowepro Flipside 400AW which used for over ten years , it can easily fit in a Sony A6100 with 200-600 lens .

[@PangolinWildlife]

Great!

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Wonderful information that I hope to put to good use as my kit expands. Thank you so very much! You guys evoke my imagination and fuel my dreams with the prospect of such exotic destinations.

[@PangolinWildlife]

That's great, we are dreaming too! -Danielle

[@ce8091]

I have the Gura Gear Kiboko 2.0 22L Backpack for traveling in Africa. It's been great since it can hold a lot of gear, is relatively light and extremely durable and well made.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Sounds ideal. Will check it out.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Good brand! -Danielle

[@scg565081]

I’ve recently gone down the F-Stop Sukah route which has lots of flexibility and oodles of storage capacity. The only limiting factor is the person carrying out........ me. The security and ease of use are the standout thing but also the ICU options that come with the brand. Great video again but, from the UK, I’ll not be visiting Outdoor Pro anytime soon with the Covid restrictions.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hello, thanks for the ideas. Lol - you're excused for not visiting the store ;-) -Danielle

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing.. great presentation/comments...I don't have a preference as it depends on my journey/destination & what gear I intend to use... love your accent..😀

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Robert, yep exactly. Haha - apparently the South African accent is quite popular :-) -Danielle

[@davidsherman3462]

useful information in this video!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful! Danielle

[@ralphdiaz9726]

Excellent edition 👏

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks Ralph! -Danielle

[@faithrigolosi1028]

Hi Danielle, great video. Can you please tell me what the name of the bag you showed that you can open from top and back ? Thank you

[@benwiles7433]

I would also say buy a bag a size bigger than you need if not too pricey so that when you buy the inevitable extra equipment, you don't have to buy a new bag.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Ben, very good point. -Danielle

[@michaellustbader7848]

Thank you, Danielle. Would just mention that the Gnarbox is no longer being manufactured and service/parts also unavailable.

[@gordonholtshausen4383]

Hi Danielle If you are looking for a really good bag that provides security for the zipper openings then look at the Peak Design Camera backpack. These bags are amazing and highly recommended.

[@Phaedarus]

On security, keep in mind that South Africa is the second most dangerous place on Earth. The average tourist photographer coming to Africa carries equipment that exceeds the yearly salaries of the typical Afrikan. That makes photographers a tempting target for those who are desperate enough to kill you for what you have. Recall that a couple of Chinese photographers during the Olympics were held at gunpoint and forced to hand over their gear in Brazil, a country that is wealthier than most African nations. It's not just thieves you have to worry about but poachers too. Someone with a camera (or even a smart phone) that could potentially possess evidence of their crimes is to poachers a grave a threat as coming across a military patrol. Basically, don't bring a camera bag that screams "steal me!" while on Safari and stick with a tour guide group/security detachment like your life depends on it - because it probably does.

[@PangolinWildlife]

True!

[@arlenesterling6782]

What is the make of these you did not mention that..I'm looking for the butterfly one

[@nektariosdroulos1852]

Hello Danielle. Nice video. Regarding opening from the back, in that case the waist belt puts most of the stress on the zipper of the back door (I use the waist belt to hold most of the weight). Have you considered that as a disavantage? Did you or any other had problems with that? I would like to have your opinion on that issue (or from anyone else reading this). Thank you in advance.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hello. I haven't had any issues with that but I can imagine it being a bit of a problem...Maybe someone else has had the same issue? Danielle

[@Private19783]

I travel with 2 Full-frame cameras and 3 lenses - a 600mm f4, a 400mm f2.8 and a 70-200 f2.8. Use an iPhone for the near animals. I am planning to buy the Think Tank Airport Accelerator, but the butterfly design of the Gura gear seems attractive. What backpacks (apart from these 2 is also ok) do you suggest, based on your experience with guests? Primary use will be for wildlife and bird photography in Africa

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hello. I think it will be tricky to fit all of that in one bag - or the 600 you will need its own bag and then you might be able to fit the rest into a Lowepro ProTrekker (largest one). The butterfly design for large lenses might be an irritation - if you're in a rush to get the lens out. But probably safest to check it out in store :-) -Danielle

[@arupian666]

I'm just going through and watching all Danielle's videos, not only is she really pretty, but I could listen to her all day, even if she was just reading the phone book.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Lol, funny, thank you! Danielle

[@GuillermoARP]

Hi there!! I'm looking for a travel backpack that allows me to carry 2 bodies, 2 small lenses.... and a LOT of non photography related stuff, souvenirs, maps, papers, maybe sweater.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hello, I always suggest taking your gear into a store and trying bags out if you can. Buying online can be tricky! Danielle

[@johnhorsfall9623]

Best backpac for me (in South America) is a $50, comfortable, ventilated support, simple bag that I fill with individual padded bags for gear and, most importantly, doesn't scream "EXPENSIVE STUFF INSIDE" to the local criminals. IMO $500 camera bags are a gear-head's vanity purchase. Spend it on going somewhere .....

[@lawrielittle9722]

Hello Danielle once you have your photo bag it is important to keep it clean inside! Lawrence UK

[@PangolinWildlife]

:-) Thanks Lawrence, important point! Danielle

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Backpack Vlog, thanks for sharing

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks Tony, appreciate it. -Danielle

[@rickmeyer7582]

Do you sell the Caracal Foldable Lens Hood for telephoto lenses?

[@irfanbabar8471]

Hi what are the names /makes/model Nos of all three bags that you had. I guess the bag on your right most side was Lowpro if I am correct. Kindly let me know the other ones along with prices...if possible thanks

[@xxrainxfallxx]

The bags are linked in the description of the video. From our left to right, Lowepro Protactic 450AW II -> Gura Gear Kiboko 22L -> Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 550 AW II

[@arianta72]

Thank you.

[@PangolinWildlife]

You're welcome!

[@AjaySingh-228]

Nice bags ..I like it

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks Ajay! -Danielle

[@russellwood8750]

Interesting video enjoyed it a lot however in my experience I would never leave a camera lens attached to a camera body in a bag over a period of time or in one certain hard knock you can do damage to the amounts. My friend works for Canon and it is a lot more common than you would imagine as his job is to repair cameras and there’s an issue he has told me about. Ha ha you make me laugh I’m not worried about getting dirty. My camera doesn’t even come with a flip screen so I have even lie down in puddles , mud and even slushy snow in order to get the shot I want so I’m not worried about a little dirt on my back but that was quite funny.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Russel, yes good point, probably only for shorter periods of time but definitely when out in the field as I wouldn't want to be opening up my camera out in the field to put on a lens :-) Danielle

[@falcondoom9602]

Долго думал какой выбрать и для города и для путешествий, и выбрал Mindshift daylight 26l а так 36л для походов будет самое то, если прям больше размера надо

[@PangolinWildlife]

I'll check those out! -Danielle

[@doudou7241]

Quels sont les marques et références des 3 sacs ?

[@WINDSHEAR-STUDIO]

I honestly can’t understand why some of these manufacturers design the bags to open from the front (the side that faces outward when on your body). I cringe at the thought of placing my expensive bag in the dirt or muck with the backpack straps under the weight of all my gear, then proceeding to place it back on my person, soiled. Ok, I could bring a soft brush and cloth with me to give it a wipe, but really? It would make me want to consider bringing the clothes I use around the house when I do outside dirty jobs so as not to ruin an everyday comfortable sweater. Now I’m not a hardcore outdoor photographer but isn’t this a basic issue if you have a bag that opens the way I described? I lament that there are a few really nice bags I would purchase in a heartbeat if they just opened the correct way. I know there’s some out there, but in turn, it limits my options.

[@askme5111]

Good Day I've been following your outstanding you-tube video's for some time now...... Thank You. I have a question, i am considering getting a tablet & pen for my photo editing however i have been using ONLY my mouse + keyboard for years, To be frank i have no idea how to use a tablet & pen Do you use a tablet & pen ??? ..... Would you consider posting a video showing how you use our own tablet & pen during an image edit? The very kindest regards :-)

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi there, I have seen the tablet and pen but i have never used it and neither have any of my colleagues, we tend to edit on larger screen to see the finer details. :-) Danielle

[@caseylandrum785]

One little math mistake I believe? 7kg is much closer to 15 lb not 2.2!!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Indeed, thought I checked that many times, obviously mistake slipped through me and reviewers. But the world works in metric now so we should just stick to that ;-) Danielle

[@timothylinn]

Excellent video, Danielle. It never occurred to me that I should bring a backpack which is able to fit my camera with telephoto zoom attached. Makes sense though. As far as security goes, a US company called PacSafe makes a stainless steel mesh cover that is designed to fit around a bag or backpack (like a rain cover) and prevent theft. It is secured with a padlock and can be attached to a pole or other stationery item to not only prevent the theft of items from inside the bag but also theft of the bag itself.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Timothy, thank you. I actually own one of those! Have used it while backpacking. I did find the holes a bit big, if someone has time they might be able to wangle a hand in there and pull something out but definitely not a lens or camera. Cheers! -Danielle

[@timothylinn]

@@PangolinWildlife I agree about the size of the mesh. What I’ll do when I know I won’t need to access the bag’s contents is to put on the rain cover under the mesh just to make it more inconvenient for a thief to explore the pockets. So far, so good. Another thing I do is use Nite Ize S-Biner Microlocks on all the zippers. They don’t require a key or combo; you just have to know how they work. Anyone who studies them can figure it out but a pickpocket, for example, or anyone in a hurry is going to find them a hassle.

[@labchuyennghiep2693]

Rất hay.

[@bricecanon]

After 15 years always come back to my Kiboko from Gura Gear. For travelling especially to Africa their is no better bag

[@PangolinWildlife]

Seems to be a popular one! Danielle

[@albawitt]

Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hello, it's too small for wildlife gear unfortunately, but a great backpack for the smaller things definitely. -Danielle

[@NeluCiorba]

Gitzo Century traveler

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks!