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Field Report: SidePath Photo Backpack for Fun Outings and Short Hikes with Your Camera

10/26/2016

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PicturePhoto courtesy MindShift Gear.
MindShift Gear first came on the scene with rough-and-tumble photo backpacks. If you wanted to go into the wilderness with your camera gear, this was the way to go.

But with time, the company has mellowed in its direction, it seems, and has started producing photo backpacks with more mass appeal. Is this a good or bad thing? Well, it depends on which side of the fence you’re leaning.

I, for one, like some of the more city-slicker-oriented designs for those of us who don’t spend days trekking into the great outdoors. But, then again, I lament that the company feels a need to trim down their packs at the expense of all-around utility.

​Enter the SidePath.


The SidePath – On the Outside
Don’t get me wrong. When it comes to materials and workmanship, MindShift doesn’t skimp. Granted, a bag such as the SidePath doesn’t share the same go-anywhere body of this company’s heftier backpacks. After all, this bag was designed to be light on your back for light hikes, walks around town, and sightseeing. Toward that end, the materials are also lighter weight.
 
Where I feel MindShift has gone wrong with this lightweight pack is in the shoulder straps. They may be comfortable over several layers of clothing, but, as the day wears on, you may begin to feel it, especially if all you’re wearing is a t-shirt under those straps.
 
OK, granted, I did go ga-ga over the previous lightweight pack, the UltraLight. And I had used that bag for much of the year. But over time, I did notice a difference, especially after testing Think Tank Photo’s ShapeShifter V2.0 and MindShift’s Moose Peterson V2.0, with their heftier, more substantial backpack harness systems. And that made me long for those stockier backpacks.
 
But, then again, I’m a stocky person. Someone with a more slender frame will likely appreciate and prefer the lighter-weight of the SidePath. And, by extension, would be very happy with the existing shoulder harness.

​On the Inside
This is a twin-tier design. That means that there’s a roomy upper compartment and a lower level. Traditionally, the lower level is where camera gear goes. Which is the case here. So you can expect the required padding and the customizable interior.
 
The upper level is where your personal stuff goes. It has a tent-like zipper flap. The front flap has an inside mesh pocket, which is quite spacious. There’s also a thinly padded sleeve to hold a tablet. Alternately, you can fit a hydration bladder in this sleeve. I personally avoid inserting a hydration reservoir inside a pack, for fear of leakage.

In Use
I spent several hours on a nature hike in the woods on a chilly Illinois day, so I was wearing a photo vest and light jacket. With this outerwear, the bag felt comfy enough and the straps didn’t need constant adjustment, pretty much staying in place on my shoulders. Which is a good thing. I really dislike the annoyance of adjusting shoulder straps every few minutes.
 
Since I was carrying my Nikon D610 with Tamron 70-300mm zoom attached for grab-and-go shooting, I had to remove the dividers and store them for later use, setting up one divider in this compartment to hold lens and body caps or other small items (to the right of the lens, which also helped keep the lens from shifting position). With a SpiderPro Hand Strap and 70mm BlackRapid QR plate (for the BlackRapid sling strap) attached to the camera, it was a snug fit, but manageable. On the plus side, that meant the camera wouldn’t be bouncing around. Later on I realized that my sling strap would also fit in here, making for an even tighter fit.
 
Originally I’d kept the strap in the upper section. That section also held a Tamron 90mm macro in a MindShift Lens Switch Case (which I’d customized with my own padded dividers), the Nikon SB-700 flash (in its original soft case), and some odds and ends. All that pretty much precluded squeezing in a light jacket, but a rain poncho would be no problem.
 
One important note: access to camera gear is via the back of the pack. That means that the access panel rests against your back and away from potentially prying hands. Nice touch. It also means, you don’t want to noticeably bulk out this section. The bag should rest flush and comfy on your back. Adjust the straps so the bag ends at your lower back, with the lumbar pad (in this case, the padded camera section lid) resting against your lumbar region.
 
You can attach a lightweight tripod to either side using one of the stretch pockets. I personally didn’t carry a tripod attached to this bag. Really, it didn’t feel like a natural fit, although in testing after my nature walk, I was able to attach my compact 2.5-lb. Sirui with an Acratech head attached.

The outer stretch pockets were too tight for any of my water bottles, so I used one of the lash points on the shoulder harness to attach a water bottle (as well as a small LED flashlight). That worked out even better, giving me quicker access to these items. Had I stowed smaller gear in the camera section, it likely would have afforded more room for that water bottle. But with a long lens attached, no way that was happening.
 
One thing I hadn’t noticed when I requested the bag for review. There’s no waist belt. There is a sternum (chest) strap, however. Did I notice? Nope. I didn’t even bother using the chest strap – simply, no need. As I said, the shoulder straps remained in place and the load didn’t shift as I moved around or bent over. So, despite my earlier complaints, the shoulder harness did do its job, and quite nicely, I might add.
FEATURES (per MindShift Gear)
  • Soft-sided design looks like a daypack and not a bulky camera bag
  • Integrated tripod/monopod/trekking pole mounting system on sides
  • Two oversized stretch water bottle pockets
  • Fits a DSLR, compact DSLR, and Mirrorless camera systems
  • Adjustable dividers enable multiple camera case configurations
  • Seam-sealed rain cover included for downpour conditions
  • High quality YKK zippers, 420D high-density nylon with reinforced stress points for long lasting durability and strength
  • Zippered interior pocket to organize small items
  • Highly breathable three-layer shoulder straps for all day comfort
 
GEAR CAPACITY (per MindShift Gear)
  • Holds 1 large (un-gripped) Mirrorless body and 1-2 standard zoom lenses or primes
  • Holds 1 compact DSLR (Rebel, 3300 or 5300 series) and 1-2 lenses
  • Holds 1 DSLR (5DMIII or D750) with 1 standard zoom or 2 primes
  • Fits up to a 10” tablet
  • 8 liters of capacity for personal gear
  • Maximum lens size: DSLR: 24-70mm f/2.8 attached to a D750 or 6D

MATERIALS (per MindShift Gear)
Exterior: For superior water resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. The backpack also has high-quality YKK RC-zippers, 420D Velocity nylon, 600D poly, 320G UltraStretch mesh, 350G airmesh, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
 
Interior: 200D poly, high-density nylex, high-density closed-cell foam, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
 
SPECIFICATIONS (per MindShift Gear)
  • External Dimensions:  10.6” W x 19” H x 5.9” D (26 x 47 x 15 cm)
  • Camera Compartment: 9.1” W x 6.7” H x 5.5” D (24 x 15 x 14 cm)
  • Tablet Slot: 8.3” W x 9.8” H x 0.6” D (22 x 25 x 2 cm)
  • Total Volume: 14L
  • Weight: 1.6 lbs (0.7 kg) (includes rain cover)

Where can I get more info?
MindShift Gear (order direct).

Manufacturer (ordering info):
MindShift Gear
​ 
How much is it?
$99.99 (available in Cardinal Red or Charcoal)​


​Who Should Use This?
Anyone out for a light hike, a walk around town, or sightseeing, or simply enjoying a fun outing with friends and family.

Capsule Comments
Despite my complaints about the lack of padding in the shoulder straps, they did manage to do a nice job. I would have liked a roomier top section, so I could fit a jacket in there with my extra gear, but I’m sure I could find a way to do that when push comes to shove. The lower section was a perfect size for my D610 and attached 70-300mm zoom. Alternatively, it would also carry my D610 with Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 attached just as snugly. If you don’t mind carrying camera body and lenses separately, you could fit more gear in here, provided none of the lenses were long or of wide girth.
 
Conclusions
I found myself liking this bag. Of course, when MindShift sends over their TrailScape, I may shift my attention to that roomier bag. Still, the SidePath does have a place among my other packs, but, more importantly, on my back. It’s compact, lightweight, and is the perfect solution for a day out with my camera.
 
Still, MindShift, you might consider coming out with a slightly larger version, with a heftier shoulder harness. That would be my perfect bag for sauntering about town.
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Field Report: Think Tank Photo Airport Security V3.0 – The Ultimate Photo Roller Case

10/21/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
​They may seem bulky, but rolling cases are a necessary evil for the traveling photographer and location shooter. While I prefer to carry my gear in a backpack, that doesn’t work for everyone, in every situation. And even I find myself switching to a roller when needed. Think Tank’s Airport Security V3.0 would be a top contender in such situations.
 
Rollers vs. Everything Else
I like to be flexible, and I prefer my portage gear to bend to the occasion. When I moved from New York to Chicagoland, roller cases saved the day. When I later moved again, from burb to burb, I used my rollers to move glassware (a padded case is better than those boxes movers sell you). I brought the gear over to the new digs in my photo packs, then transferred the gear to the rollers for storage. Rollers let you see everything when you open the lid. That’s the beauty of a roller. They’re also ideal for lighting equipment.
 
Of course you could choose a shoulder bag. However, I’ve stopped using large shoulder bags a long time ago, finding them too unwieldy and uncomfortable. They cause some photographers to become stoop-shouldered after years of use. And I don’t see shoulder bags as being an easy fit on an airplane. That said, a shoulder bag is the easiest means of carrying and accessing gear on the fly, especially if you’re hesitant to set a bag down someplace, or need to work quickly. And, yes, Think Tank has lots of shoulder bags as well. But we’re getting off track.
 
Once you step out of the vehicle with your luggage at the airport, a roller affords you the comfort of making your way from the front door of the terminal all the way to the gate without feeling any strain. But, sadly, many rollers are not very quiet or designed with travel in mind. Enter the latest iteration of Think Tank Photo’s definitive airline-friendly roller: Airport Security V3.0. Airport Security was designed primarily for domestic air travel. For international travel, Think Tank also introduced the smaller Airport International V3.0. And if you’re thinking commuter jets and regional airlines, Think Tank also debuted the more modestly sized Airport Advantage.

​Inside the Airport Security V3.0…
Any way you slice it – but please don’t slice it; it’s luggage, not pizza, the Airport Security V3.0 was designed with the photographer in mind. It’s fully modular and fully padded on the inside. In fact, Think Tank throws in a number of extra dividers so you have total flexibility in how you configure the interior.
 
As it comes to you, the bag is divided into three long channels, with numerous dividers running up and down each lane of camera traffic. In fact, you can stow two DSLR bodies with attached lenses, and, provided these lenses are not overly huge, you’ll have plenty of room for the rest of your camera gear. On a whim, I decided to see if my compact Photogenic monolight, standard reflector, and ION inverter would fit, along with cables and cords, a flash meter, plus some extras—and it all fit comfortably.
 
Then I switched it back to a camera configuration. Let me tell you, it takes a lot longer to restore an original configuration (or something approaching the original) than to reconfigure it.
 
There are also several see-through pockets inside the lid. And unlike a hardshell case, which provides eggcrate foam inside the lid, soft cases don’t have that luxury. So securing loose items is that much more important. That said, I haven’t found or heard anything bouncing around inside. More to the point, the many flexible dividers ensure a snug fit for everything inside this case.
 
…And Outside
Speaking of the lid. Frankly, this is the only feature I’m not thrilled with. It opens lengthwise, vertically – not like a typical suitcase. That’s a bit cumbersome, seeming to require more ground space when fully opened. Unless you lean the lid against something conveniently nearby, such as a chair or bench.
 
Technically, this is a hybrid design, neither hard-shell nor soft-sided. The walls are fairly rigid, reinforced, protected by a durable, water-resistant nylon shell on the outside. The handles are secure, but again nylon and heavily padded, and very comfy. There’s one handle on top, another on the front. There are also two grab straps (opposite the handles) to help you maneuver the case in the overhead, or retrieve it. Never carry the case by these grab straps – that’s not their purpose.
 
Outside Pockets
There’s a small stretch pocket on the side. That’s not really designed for a water bottle, though it could hold a small one. The real purpose for this pocket is to secure a tripod, using the included straps.
 
There’s also a large stretch pocket on the front, where you could keep that water bottle. More importantly, behind this stretch pocket is a large pocket. Here you’ll find organizer pockets, a padded tablet sleeve, and a much larger padded sleeve for a laptop.
 
There’s one more little pocket on top, leading to a pleasant surprise.
 
Security Is a Top Priority
That little pocket? It holds a reinforced cable tether with TSA-compliant combination lock, so you can secure the case to any immovable object in your hotel room or wherever you happen to be. (Always exercise caution before leaving gear unattended. Better yet, don’t leave it unattended.)
 
But what’s to stop someone from simply opening the case? To show you how well conceived this case is, just look at the two main zippers. They’re each tucked into a TSA-approved locking mechanism, which is governed by a combination lock. I don’t know who came up with this idea originally, but it’s ingenious! Even the laptop pocket uses interlocking zipper pulls. You’ll have to buy a separate lock for this, and make sure it fits the tiny aperture.
 
One more nice security feature: each case comes with a serial number. Take a picture of it with your phone and keep it handy for a worst-case scenario – one you never hope to encounter.
 
In Use
What’s a roller without a good set of wheels? First, the wheels and related components are all user-replaceable.
 
Now, the wheels themselves are quiet as the proverbial mouse. I wheeled this baby over carpeting, tile, cracked and bumpy pavement, cracked asphalt, and grass. It was quieter than speaking in hushed tones at the library. And it handled all impediments with aplomb. Yes, grass did slow it down a bit, but not by much.
 
The telescoping handle was comfy enough and remained extended despite leaning down on it. I didn’t find the case straining to twist and turn at every opportunity when using the handle fully extended. I should also add that the handle reached a comfortable height. (Advisory: never drag the case up stairs or lift it by the telescoping handle. Always hand-carry it in such instances.)
 
​Who Should Use This?
Commercial and editorial photographers; travel photographers; nature and wildlife photographers (provided you’re switching out your gear to a photo backpack when you reach your destination, or carry the gear in the backpack, inside the case).
 
Capsule Comments
Thoughtfully designed; durable; quiet; holds one or two pro-grip DSLRs with attached lenses plus numerous additional lenses, shoe-mounts, accessories; also holds a 17” laptop, 10” tablet, and tripod; airline-friendly - obviously.
 
Conclusions
This is the best photo roller to come my way. Everything about it spells quality workmanship. The design is pragmatic. There are no cute touches that have no practical value. You have only to look at the security locks alone to realize what a great value this is. The wheels provide effortless and quiet transport; the interior keeps gear snug enough so it doesn’t rattle around, and well-cushioned against bumps in the road. Simply stated, the Airport Security V3.0 is made to last. All in all, this is one sweet ride and clearly made with your gear’s security in mind!
​Materials (per Think Tank Photo)
Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, plus underside of fabric has a polyurethane coating. The roller bags are also constructed with 1680D ballistic nylon, YKK RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, custom designed extra tall skid plates, high performance 80mm super quiet wheels with sealed bearings, SpanKodra front pocket, rubberized laminate reinforcement, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
 
Interior: 210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane backed Velex liner and dividers, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, closed-cell foam and reinforced
 
Specifications/Airport Security V3.0 (per Think Tank Photo)
  • Interior Dimensions: 13” W x 21” H x 7–8” D (33 x 53.3 x 17.8–20.3 cm)
  • Exterior Dimensions: 14” W x 22” H x 9” D (35.6 x 55.9 x 22.9 cm)
  • Tablet Compartment: 9.4” x 10” x 0.5” (24 x 25.5 x 1.3 cm)
  • Laptop Compartment: 11.4” x 16.1” x 1.2” (29 x 41 x 3 cm)
  • Weight: 11.1–12.9 lbs. (5–5.8 kg)
 
Where can I get more info/order this product?
Think Tank Photo (order direct).
 
Manufacturer:
Think Tank Photo

​Key Features (per Think Tank Photo*)
  • *Specially designed interior to maximize gear for carry on: the Airport Security meets U.S. domestic and most international carry on size requirements. (Author’s note: The website ebags.com covers airline regulations for many carriers. The website shows that 45 inches is doable with practically any airline, with a few exceptions. They also show weight limits for many airlines - and that in itself may be more limiting than the size of the bag.)
  • Dedicated padded laptop and tablet compartments located in a lockable pocket
  • TSA-approved zipper locks for the main compartment, and high-strength coated cable and combination lock for the laptop compartment and securing your bag to an immovable object
  • Custom designed retractable handle with inset channel on aluminum tubing for added strength and durability
  • Quick and easy access to the retractable handle
  • Tripod mount pocket on side (additional straps included for larger tripods)
  • Expansive top compartment cradles large camera bodies for the perfect fit
  • Unique serial number for Lost & Found registration
  • Interior zippered pockets for batteries, memory cards, filters and accessories
  • User-replaceable retractable handle, wheels, wheel housings, feet and kick plate extend product life
  • Extra tall wheel housings protect your bag from scrapes and scratches
  • Seam-sealed rain cover included
  • Stretchable front pocket
  • *Padded handles on two sides with grab straps ensure rapid and easy retrieval from overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
  • Reinforced dividers support heavy gear and maintain strength over time
  • Hypalon reinforced rear corners for increased durability
  • Business card holder on top for easy identification
*Indicates statement modified by the author.

​How much is it?
$429.75
  
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