Camera bag review… sorta

I have been looking at the 15L Peak Design Zip Backpack for quite some time but resisting because I felt it was to expensive for my wallet. I have been using two backpacks: the TOPO Designs, in their older version that was 20L in size, and the Lowepro Flipside Trek 350. I was using these two because I haven’t found one that met all my needs/wants. I am very much aware there is no perfect camera bag/backpack and just wrote about it here but this one sure looked promising. I’m not sure if this seemingly lifelong obsession is GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) or indigestion. Anyway, I finally pushed the order button on Feb 5th. Here’s what I think after a few weeks with it.

The backpack is separated into three main compartments by dividers which makes it easy for me to adjust to my needs. In the top compartment I have been carrying an A5 size journal, a kindle paperwhite, a pen case that holds 3 fountain pens, sometimes a book, a spare mask, a checkbook, and the “old man’s reading glasses.” The A5 journal is about the largest journal a person could get in the bag. I can easily carry a cap, stocking cap, gloves, extra socks and my raincoat in there. I have access to this compartment from the top or side.

All my camera gear goes in the bottom two compartments with three primary carrying options. I normally carry the Fujifilm X-T3 with the 16-80mm zoom in the middle compartment and the 35mm f2.o prime in the bottom compartment. But, you could easily include the 23mm, and 50mm primes as a trifecta in this bottom compartment.

When I’m catching the bus I will attach the 35mm f2.0 to the Fujifilm X-T3, keep it in the middle compartment or carry it around my neck and place the 16-80mm zoom in the bottom compartment. These are my two normal everyday carries.

When I’m headed for the natural area to walk I will attach the Fujifilm 16-80mm to the Fujifilm X-T3 in the middle compartment and put the Fujifilm 70-300mm zoom in the bottom compartment. You could also easily carry the 10-24mm zoom instead in that bottom compartment. To carry all three of these zoom lenses you would need to use the top compartment for one of them which is easily doable. What I like is the versatility to adjust to meet my needs. With these three compartments it keeps me from moving all my stuff between the other two bags. All I need now is to swap a lens or two. I could also remove the divider and use it as travel backpack.

Because of the full 270 degree zipper with four pulls, it is very easy to access the camera, change a lens if needed and even access the top compartment while hanging the bag off my right shoulder. I really like the off shoulder access whether I’m on the streets or in the natural area. So far the zippers have worked flawlessly as they were my biggest concerns. There are pockets inside the bags sides for holding SD cards, batteries and lens pen. I even have a camera remote stashed in one of the pockets.

If I’m going to a coffee shop and want my laptop, I slide it in and off I go. The laptop slides in quite easily, but snug, and is well padded. I seldom carry my laptop so this is almost incidental for me. It also has a sleeve for a tablet next to the laptop. Access to the laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve and a pocket for my phone is from the top of the pack just behind the top handle. It is not as easy to access the phone compared to my other backpacks but I kinda like that because it keeps me from reaching for the phone so often. It also to the safety of those electronic devices. There is also a business card slot in this pocket.

It has three handles, one on top and one on each side. I am surprised at how often I use them. Easy to grab and go. The water bottle pockets stretch to their limits when I stuff my coffee mug in them. They probably would work well holding a small travel tripod. I am impressed with the shoulder straps. They are easy to adjust and the bag is easy to take on and off. There is a sternum strap which can be easily stowed out of the way. This size of bag is just about right for my body. Anyone taller or broader or wider and the bag may not fit. If that’s a concern then the 20L would be the better option. It is capable of adding a waist strap but I do not hike long distances with heavy gear anymore. At the present I’m happy with this bag, glad I purchased it and haven’t touched the other two bags since it arrived. My backup camera is the Fujifilm X-T10 with the XF18-55mm zoom lens and works just fine.

And, what do I not like about the bag? First, was the price but so far I’ve felt it has been worth my money. Another negative is the bag has not made me a better photographer. Go figure! Of course, I bought this in the ash color so maybe I needed to buy the bag in black or blue or even the 20L size. 😂 Nah, this bag is working fine for me right now. I like the color and I know practice makes me a better photographer!