BackLight 36L

I had done my research on camera bags and pretty much knew what I was looking for. The key thing, apart from lots of space for camera gear and additional "stuff", there had to be the facility to carry two large tripods. This bag can carry three large tripods, very securely, and very comfortably. If I am doing tracked night photography, I often take two cameras, requiring two tripods (one is doing tracked exposures, and time-lapses; the other is doing single shots). Both the side pockets and straps will easily support a large tripod (I have a Benro Mach3 TMA38CL, and an older and heavier Manfrotto 055 Pro), which leaves the central tripod carrying facility available for a further tripod if my back is ever able to take it!!. The bag is roomy, deep and cameras can be stored on their side or in the conventional position, with an L-bracket attached, and still do not stand proud of the side of the storage space. There is enough space for a lot of camera gear as well as additional supplies / clothing for a day's hiking. in fact, the challenge is not to overfill it!! The waist strap is excellent and fits me perfectly. I am a regular 6'2" chap, and the waist strap on this bag sits perfectly on my hips, removing virtually all weight from my shoulders. Previously, I had only ever experienced this with a proper hiking rucksack. Shoulder straps are well padded and comfortable. I had been using a Lowe Pro Trekker AW for 15 years, and this has served me well, but the construction of the LowePro, compared with the Mindshift Backlight 36L is looser and shallower and soon filled up. The Mindshift Backlight 36L is significantly more comfortable and more robust. Others have commented that this bag is too "boxy", but for me, it is this very feature that is one of its key USPs, as the construction is capable of handling up to 3 heavy tripods without distorting the sides of the bag, nor compromising the security of the contents. The Mindshift Backlight 36L has proved to be a sound investment, and is certainly proving to be a bag that is made for me and my style of photography. Yes, there are cheaper ones out there, but this one stands up very well to the specifications of significantly more expensive ones, too.

I've been using the Tamrac Adventure 7 for several years and decided it was time to treat myself to an upgrade. After a lot of research I opted for the Mindshift 36L. Wow what a bag these guys have thought of everything. When empty the bag feels lighter than the Tamrac but very sturdy. Love the back entry to access photo gear and I can fit in my Nikon D5200 with grip and the 120/400 zoom lens attached. also the Nikon 18/135 along with a nifty 50. A Nisi filter pouch with 9 filters and holders, This pouch just wouldn't fit in the old Tamrac but slotted in here with ease. Nikon Speedlight 960. Nodal Rail and Tripod levelling base along with remote release cable and 3 spare batteries, yet there is still room to spare. The secret pocket is perfect for a folded kneeling pad. The see-through pockets (2) are ideal for slim things like survey maps , camera rain cover etc. That's just the gear compartment there is still 11L of space at the front for extra clothing along with handy little pockets for pen and notebook or anything else. Dedicated pockets for laptop and tablet although I never carry these items the pockets are very handy for other gear like sandwiches etc. The bag is very comfortable even fully loaded and it sits on the hips perfectly after minor adjustments. Loads of features for add-ons. I opted for the Woodland Green and it is very pleasing. You just cant go wrong with this bag. I expect it will last for many years.

If you have a lot of gear to carry this is the bag for you. It will easily hold 2 bodies and a 600mm f/4 prime. It is a lot bigger than I thought. Very sturdy, good quality and will last many years.

Got this specifically to fit my Sony 200-600 lens, and it fits perfectly. Really high quality bag with plenty of space in the 36L model, to be also used as a backpack for small hikes

Llego una semana antes de lo esperado. La mochila es justo lo que buscaba.

Is great I really like it, had a Lowpro backpack but, I simply out grew it and need to upsize my kit

I have been a pro photographer for 25+ years. I love this bag! It is over the top excellent for hiking and shooting. It is almost as good as an Osprey hiking pack, really close. The snaps and straps are maybe better quality than Osprey. Excellent. (Osprey doesn't make camera bags) The whole swing around thing really works and it allows you to get to all of your equipment while standing. You can even get to the tripod and never put the bag down. Nothing gets snagged just in the wrong spot inside the bag. It is like a table almost. Amazed. I carry two 5D Mk4s, 100-400mm Canon, 15-35mm Canon and a 2x extender. There is still extra room for flashes or extra jackets and that is just the camera section of the bag. I used this in deep snow and regular hikes deep in the forest going all over mountains. I carry a 6lbs tripod and head on the back portion of the backpack. It carries really well. The weight distribution is correct. I get back from 10 mile hikes and I am not fatigued because my camera equipment was dragging me down. It feels like a good hike. The comfort of this bag is so unbelievable that I am tempted to use it on my city hikes. There is no fatigue in carrying all of my extra equipment. When I am in Asia or Europe in cites, I walk all over the place all day and night. This bag would make it a dream. You would have to take it off on a subway not to be obnoxious to other riders. It is a larger bag but perfect size for keeping cameras and computers safe. You could carry your computer when staying in those hotels that don't have safes big enough for your computer. The added weight wouldn't be uncomfortable most likely. Watch the owners/developers of this bag. They have a youtube channel. They really thought this bag out. Their enthusiasm was refreshing and obviously since this bag is awesome, they were genuine. Cons: 1) When you use the area designed for an extra layer or jacket on the back of the bag, it throws the middle tripod set up on the back of the bag off a bit. It is still usable but not as slick. You have to put the bag down to get the tripod. It is the reason I keep my extra layers in the camera section. 2) It could use some secure hidden pockets like ThinkTank bags. I found this bag on the ThinkTank site which is why I mention it. I own a city bag from ThinkTank that was perfect before I purchased the 100-400mm. Now that bag is a little cramped. What is nice about the ThinkTank bag are the little pockets that are hidden for SD cards and a seperate hidden section for a passport and money. They have sections for these things but they are not secure if you were in a crowd. (I travel overseas a lot.) THESE CONS ARE REALLY, REALLY MINOR. Buy this bag if you are thinking about it. IT IS AWESOME!