Photo Bag News

Here’s a close look at an innovative camera bag design that provides the capacity and comfort of a backpack and simultaneously allows you to access your gear from a padded shelf-like pod that can be swung in front of your abdomen almost instantly. If you like the idea of rotating the bottom of a backpack to your front while keeping the top part of the bag on your back, the 30-liter Twin Lakes photo backpack from Paxis ($325) does it quickly and securely.

By definition, backpacks are worn—on the back usually—although sometimes they’re just slung over one shoulder or carried by the haul handle. Right? Well, forget that thinking for a moment and let’s explore the Viato photo backpack from Belgian sport optics brand Kite Optics. You wear it, yes, but so does your tripod. Let me explain.

Recently Cecilia, manufacturer of luxurious leather neck straps, wrist straps and other leather accessories, launched an impressive lineup of leather and leather-trimmed canvas camera backpacks and messenger bags. Available in chestnut or black leather, and water resistant charcoal cotton canvas with chestnut leather details, these are beautiful, durable and practical, and would be a very memorable holiday gift for someone you love or yourself.

In a world that can be frustrating when the undeserving are unduly rewarded, it’s refreshing to see a good company with good intentions and great products succeed. Peak Design makes truly outstanding photo bags, messengers and backpacks; they’re also one of the good guys.

Camera bags come in all sizes, shapes and prices. Reminds me of the selection in the ice cream freezer at my local ShopRite, only better for you. While all bags are designed to protect fragile equipment during transportation and storage, each of these five models has at least one unique characteristic of its own. Plus, all are name brands, and all are priced between $19 and $99.

The Rhake—a weather-resistant, roll-top backpack from Mission Workshop—accepts a custom-fitted capsule that converts it into a camera backpack. According to the manufacturer, Rhakes are “made by hand in small batches in the USA,” and judging from the workmanship, I’d say that’s an accurate statement.