Complete with full resolution test images.
By Jack Neubart • Posted: Feb 1, 2016

Without telling us why, Olympus ferried a number of the photo press to Austin, Texas last week, myself included. As it turned out, the purpose was to debut the new Olympus Pen-F Micro Four Thirds digital mirrorless camera ($1199.99, body only). We got to test out the new 20-megapixel Olympus Pen-F for several days in Austin, and all I can say is: Wow! 

Read the full review here: Olympus Pen-F.

​I've had a love affair with MindShift Gear photo backpacks from the first. Over time, with the introduction of newer packs, I’ve had to displace older ones – not because I disliked those older packs but because the newer packs more closely addressed my needs and style of shooting. Not to mention, I just didn’t have the space for all of them.
 
The Rotation180 Panorama pushed aside the Pro size pack, but was in turn replaced by the Horizon because this pack was of the right size to hold the camera/lens combos I often use stored ready for fast retrieval in that built-in rotating waist pack.
 
Then along came the FirstLight 20L, which I really liked, but it did not meet my needs for a pack I could use in the snow or in muddy conditions without laying the pack on the ground. So the Horizon stood its ground, even though I found it (and the Panorama) a bit on the heavy side.
 
More recently, MindShift Gear introduced the BackLight 26L, which lets you work out of the bag while still wearing it – hence a workaround when negotiating snowy or muddy terrain. But that pack wasn’t enough to push the Panorama and FirstLight out of contention. I still wanted a pack that would only carry a limited amount of gear while I was running around Chicago yet would also let me carry some extras - more than would fit in an outside pocket, as spacious as the one on the BackLight is.

Specifically, I often challenge myself to make the most of a one-camera-one-lens combo, which usually means my Nikon D610 with attached Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 primarily for landscapes and architecture, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 for landscapes and street shooting, or Tamron 70-300mm for wildlife, or sometimes the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro for the obvious, but also for wildlife and scenic views with a different perspective.
 
Enter the UltraLight Dual 25L. Would I now being saying goodbye to my Horizon and FirstLight packs as well?

Light Weight But Not a Lightweight
The UltraLight Dual is not MindShift Gear’s first dual-tier system, since technically the Rotation180 series would also fall into that category. Then again, the Dual is not your typical two-tier pack either.

Two-level packs traditionally have separate top and bottom compartments – the bottom compartment thoroughly padded to accommodate a variety of camera gear, including one camera with attached lens; the top compartment unpadded for personal items (lunch, books, jacket, etc.), as is true here. Often, and applicable in this pack, the partition separating the two sections opens to let you extend one compartment into the other, for whatever reason (converting the entire pack to a daypack, for example).

Traditional two-tier packs feature either a clamshell camera section (opens like a clamshell) or a camera section that opens from the front. I used to like either design until I realized that opening a clamshell can become rather inconvenient if it’s top-heavy. And when the camera section opens from the front, the view or access inside was often obstructed in some way. And both designs required you to put the pack down.
 
MindShift’s UltraLight Dual builds upon a combination of two concepts: the dual-tier combined with a side-access panel. The side-access panel means you don’t have to put the bag down to get at your camera. Instead you sling the bag off the left shoulder, lift the bottom up so the bag is level, and reach over with your right hand, unzip the panel, and grab the camera. And to make things even sweeter, that camera compartment is actually a removable bag that comes with its own shoulder strap. You can even loop a belt through the back so it doesn’t shift as you’re moving about. The internal bag has its own zippered lid as added security (I usually leave this zipped only partially for faster access to the camera, unless negotiating rough terrain). If you keep the removable bag inside the pack, which makes more sense to me, rather than toting it on your shoulder, make sure to keep the outer panel zipped. 
 
How I Use the UltraLight Dual 25L
First, I begin with a lens attached to my D610. That really doesn’t leave room for an extra lens or flash, so I do the next best thing. The Nikon SB-700 came with a nice, semi-rigid, padded pouch, which I now use so I can store the flash in the upper compartment. When I get where I’m going, I can transfer the flash to a pocket in my photo vest.
 
Now, with regard to extra lenses. That’s where the MindShift Switch Case comes in handy. I added some extra padding on the bottom of the Switch Case. This also goes into the top compartment. I can transfer this pouch to the outside of the backpack when needed. And if I need more lenses, I’ll find a workaround. For now, this is fine. As I said, I don’t usually run around with a slew of lenses. If I’m traveling, then I’d likely use one of my other backpacks. Which pack? Depends on where I’m going (Think Tank's StreetWalker is often my go-to pack for travel). Then again, I may just decide to take this one. You have to remain flexible, and owning more than one photo backpack allows me to do just that.
 
Features (my comments in parentheses)

• Dedicated compartment for laptop, tablet or hydration reservoir. Fits 2.5L hydration or 15” laptop.
• Large capacity for personal gear: extra layers, a light jacket, food, etc. (ya gotta love this – don’t forget maps, guide books, instruction manuals for gear or functions you don’t use often).
• Removable camera compartment converts to a chest pack with the optional Tripod Suspension Kit (I prefer keeping this inside the pack, but don't forget that it can also be worn as a shoulder bag with the included shoulder strap).
• Integrated tripod/monopod mounting system on front (since this pack doesn’t open from the front, no fear of the pod getting in the way).
• Trap door platform allows you to use the entire bag for personal gear (in other words, you have two packs in one - daypack or photo backpack, although I'm keeping this as a photo backpack).
• Seam-sealed rain cover included (nice touch).
• High quality YKK RC Fuse zippers, 420D high-density nylon reinforced stress points for long lasting durability and strength (MindShift build quality is second to none and better than most).
• Highly breathable three-layer shoulder straps with daisy chain for additional gear (they’re comfy).
• Internal compression strap and drawstring collar maximize capacity and minimize bulk.
• Stretch side pocket (fits a standard-size water bottle).
• Internal zippered mesh pocket for small items.
• Zippered lid pocket and zippered waist belt pocket for quick access to small items (I would also have liked a pleated, outside front pocket).
• Accessory loop for mountain axe or hiking poles mounting.
• Lid closure doubles as a lash point for a large jacket or other bulky items (adds to capacity of pack).
• Ergonomic zipper pulls are easily gripped with gloves or chilled fingers.
• Adjustable dividers for different camera gear configurations (doesn’t apply to the way I carry my gear, since I just carry the camera with sizable lens attached – a configuration that completely fills this compartment; I can comfortably fit a Nikon D610 with attached Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 or Tamron 70-300mm).
• Adjustable sternum strap.
• Camera compartment lid tucks into side opening lid for quick access.
• Nylex LCD protector provides a place for your camera strap while covering your LCD (I even managed to squeeze a BlackRapid sling strap in here, with a hand strap attached to the camera as well; the camera's hot shoe may catch on this lid where it attaches to the bag, but you can simply nudge the obstruction out of the way).
• Compatible with the Filter Nest/Hive and Switch Case, Tripod Suspension Kit and Panorama/Horizon photo insert (snug fit with photo insert).