SUPERTEST
Spring is in full swing, so here are the bestbuy backpacks for getting back to nature with your Canon gear safely stowed
For outdoor photography, picture opportunities are almost limitless at this time of year. From landscapes to wildlife, architecture and beyond, there’s so much vying for your attention that it’s almost impossible to predict what photo opportunities will present themselves before you leave home. Pretty much the only thing you can be sure of is that the one lens or accessory you need to make the most of a situation will be the one that you left at home. It pays to hedge your bets and expect the unexpected.
When you want to keep your options open and be prepared for any eventuality, there’s no substitute for packing a range of different lenses and a flashgun. There are certainly plenty to choose from, as featured in our Super Tests over the past few months. But a sizeable camera kit is unlikely to fit in a shoulder bag, and carrying the weight on one shoulder can soon become uncomfortable.
Photo backpacks give much more room for expansion, while helping to spread the load. Both shoulders share the burden, and weight is also distributed to your upper and lower back. It provides a much more comfortable and secure carrying experience. Many backpacks add versatility by including additional pockets for personal items, a separate compartment for a laptop or tablet (or both), and attaching a tripod. Here are the best buys out there for a grand day out.
GOMATIC MCKINNON CAMERA BACKPACK 25L £270/$299
This backpack is the brainchild of Canadian photographer Peter McKinnon and is the smaller of two options branded as Gomatic in the UK and Nomatic in the US. It’s endlessly customizable. The key is a ‘ladder’ system that enables you to extend the top compartment of the split photo/daypack.
For camera kit, there’s the option of adding a set of dividers, either one or two small ‘cubes’, or one large cube. These fit into the main compartment, which is accessed from the rear via a zippered flap which also contains two mesh pockets. However, the dividers or cubes add to the backpack’s cost – at around £45/$45 or £70/$70 for small or large cubes.
Additional accessories sold separately include organizer cases for batteries, filters and memory cards. Unusually, the backpack is supplied without a waist belt or slip-over rain cover, these items again being sold as optional extras.
