MindShift Backlight 26L Review

[@edcuervoreyes]

You showed exactly what I was looking for: a way to arrange the divisions that would allow me to carry five lenses, including the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 (similar in size to the 70-200 f/2.8), and store the camera with any of them mounted. Thanks.

[@tandkplus4]

James, thanks so much for a really informative video! I, too, have tried the F-Stop bags (in my case the Sukha, one size larger than the Tilopa), and this Mindshift bag or the newer Backlight 36L look much more practical for flying, certainly. I resort to the Sukha only when I need to pack for contingencies involving weather or meals on the trail, but I'm right with you on your assessment of the Backlight 26L. Again, thanks so much; your entire video was very pleasantly delivered and well-articulated!

[@JamesBrandon]

Thanks so much Todd! I just did a blog post about my upcoming trip to Germany. Still using the same bag but the gear has changed a bit. www.jamesb.com/whats-in-my-bag-for-germany/

[@tandkplus4]

James, just read your blog post, and found it very helpful--especially your packing philosophy. One aspect of my F-Stop bag I've really wearied of is the items above the ICU either intruding into the space below or simply making removing ICU-stashed items a bit burdensome due to misshapen compartments. I'll use it until it drops, but for air travel, I'm really loving the look of this bag. Truly appreciate your thoughts, James.

[@jonny-dn]

Thanks James, a very informative and honest review.

[@jawaunneal]

Looking at the dimensions of the bag listed I had thought it wouldn’t fit under the plane seat, and I woul have to buy the 18L . Hoping I can have a chance at a bigger bag. Thanks for the review!

[@braddahbill8131]

Awesome backpack, super comfortable. I like it so much I also bought the smaller Backlight 18L and love them both.

[@kelikirn3923]

THANK YOU for telling us (me) about the bag fitting under the plane seat. I travel A LOT and am looking for a bag big enough for my gear but small enough to fit under the seat.

[@mpimpaophoto2075]

Good review. Personally, I don't think you went too far astray with the what's in my bag bit :-) I kind of fancy the f-stop bags and I've had my eye on them for a while, but you raised an important point with that part regarding the access to your laptop. Anyway, thanks for the video mate!

[@JamesBrandon]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! The laptop part is huge for me. I love being able to just slide the backpack under the seat in front of me, then just slide the laptop right out the top zipper when I need it. On the f-stops, as you know, you have to unzip the entire top, then the laptop is buried beneath all your gear in the ICU. Not an easy feat when you have around 3 inches of leg room, haha.

[@aldente2011]

Hi James, thank you this review, which I watched with great interest. I would like this backpack, and it is presented in a way which helps you to have a fair idea quickly of what and how you can put things in. As a bonus to me, a nice gadget GPS logger appeared just when I was wondering about some nice way of tagging digital photos. What model is the GPS logger by the way? Is it still available in the market?

[@msenquiz]

Hi! He mentioned Sony Oregon 600 GPS, but it is actually the Garmin Oregon 600 GPS. www.amazon.com/Garmin-Oregon-3-Inch-Worldwide-Handheld/dp/B00AXUXRUC Hope this help!

[@JamesBrandon]

Yes that was the Garmin Oregon. I don't use it anymore though, I'm using a Garmin Fenix watch now. Check out my newest blog post for more info: www.jamesb.com/whats-in-my-bag-for-germany/

[@bw162]

Very well done review. I have nearly the identical Sony line-up. What travel tripod do you use and does it cause the bag ‘tilt’ when in the side pocket? Thanks.

[@UncleRopp]

Nice review but too much about your equipment and not enough about the bag

[@swoop7777777]

exactly

[@timjenkins8943]

Only problem is you can possibly crush your laptop screen in the sleeve when you flip the bag over to access equipment. I have the Trailscape and want a slightly bigger bag but do not want to crush my Macbook Pro 14". Do you have any issues with laptop being crushed by 20-30 pounds of gear?

[@PhotoNERDsUnite]

I like that little orange battery bag. Mind sharing who that's by? Nice vid, you definitely hit some points that are totally valid.

[@JamesBrandon]

It's actually from a Lowepro rolling camera bag that I haven't used in years!

[@rogerhuston8287]

I have this bag - don't like it as there are no load lifters on the straps. When you shift the weight to the belt, the top falls away from your back with no way to pull it closer to your shoulders. Of course, they learned their lesson and the 36L has them, but that doesn't help those of us with the older one.

[@reshamthapa1889]

can we fit pro body like 1dx or d5 in it sir.

[@swansong007]

If you don't care about your gear cause it's just tools. Then why not put it all in a supermarket plastic bag and save your money for a new jumper to wipe your delicate glass with.

[@claudiuroman3161]

I was expecting a bag review....this is more of a ''what's in my bag'' type of video. Maybe you should change the title...