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Test Report: MindShift Gear Impresses Us with Two New Outdoor Bags - BackLight 18L Photo Backpack and Exposure 15 Shoulder/Sling Bag

5/6/2018

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When it comes to outdoor photography, we’re used to seeing photo backpacks from MindShift Gear, but we usually turn to sister company Think Tank Photo for our shoulder bags. Think Tank does have some nice shoulder bags, but they’re really not optimized for the great outdoors, which is also true of their backpacks – great utility and construction, but aimed more at the streetshooter, than the nature photographer, which also applies to their shoulder bags.
 
Well, not surprisingly MindShift decided to divert a little bit of their attention to the shoulder bag, while not sitting idle where backpacks were concerned, and introduced a one-two punch in the new Exposure bag, practically alongside the smaller BackLight.
 ​

Where can I get more info, tech specs & order this product? (click on a bag)
BackLight 18L 
Exposure 15 
 
Manufacturer:
MindShift Gear
 
How much is it?
BackLight 18L: $199.99
Exposure 15: $169.99

A Quick Look at the New MindShift BackLight 18L
I’ve previously written extensively about the BackLight series, which, until now, consisted of two larger bags, first the 26L, followed by the 36L – the model number reflecting capacity, in liters. That makes this bag half the size of the largest version, at least in carrying capacity.
 
I still use the 26L, having gifted the 36L to a friend who routinely carries a load of gear, and when the 18L arrived, I thought it would be too small for my Tamron 150-600mm G2. I first tried the 18L out with my Nikon D500 attached to the new Tamron 100-400 (look for a review of this lens shortly). It was a perfect fit. Next came what I thought would be the impossible task.
 
On its own, the 150-600 settled in comfortably. But could I say the same when attached to the camera? Well, I did have to move a couple of the padded divers out of the way, but I managed a good fit. Of course, that shift in the partitions negated the use of the other half of the bag for a second camera with attached lens. Well, I could always carry a second body and lens separately – plenty of room for that.
 
In the backpack's factory configuration, when situating the camera with 100-400 attached (at the top of the bag, lens downward), there was plenty of room for that second body with attached lens (cradled from the bottom of the bag, lens upward). Long and short, I’ll still use my 26L for that monster glass and relegate the 18L for the D500/100-400 combo riding side-saddle with, say, a D610/90mm macro attached – and still have room for a Nissin flash.
 
You can read my earlier reviews by clicking these links:
 
BackLight 26L review 
 
BackLight 36L review 
 
I should point out that I was so happy with the BackLight 18L that I gave my trusty TrailScape 18L to a friend in favor of the new bag. I prefer the interior layout of the BackLight 18L, considering it will hold two cameras with attached lenses right from the get-go.

MindShift’s Exposure 15 Shoulder Bag
When it comes to shoulder bags, my preference runs to smaller bags. I find it more fatiguing when wearing even a small shoulder bag or sling bag than when carrying a fully loaded backpack. Still, a shoulder bag does come in handy on occasion. You won't carry a backpack to a formal occasion, or even when visiting friends. Not to mention, it's so much easier to stow a shoulder bag on the floor underneath  or alongside your seat when dining.
 
I already own and use the perfect shoulder bag, Think Tank’s Signature 13 – elegant styling, functional, and small enough to carry just what I need for streetshooting. So I wasn’t about to make that bag redundant with the Exposure 13. Besides, the larger Exposure bag sported more spacious pockets – and I love pockets.
 
Still, the Signature bag lacks one thing that, to my mind, would have made it perfect: a waist belt to take the weight off my shoulder. It would have been very easy for Think Tank to have fitted the bag with a removable waist belt, but that probably would have run counter to the fashion statement that bag makes.
 
Fast forward to the Exposure series. These bags don’t feature a waist belt, but they come with the next best thing: a security tether, or what MindShift calls a "cross-body stabilizer strap." This keeps the bag from slipping off your shoulder – or swinging around and in your way when you bend down to shoot something low to the ground. It also prevents someone from pulling the bag off your shoulder. You can also wear the bag sling-style, which is how I’d been using it, and how it was primarily designed to be worn. The neoprene shoulder pad is sewn in and runs much of the length of the strap, rendering the strap well suited to either mode of portage.
 
This bag also features new materials that make it practically impervious to the elements, and the lid has flaps at either end to keep out dust, flying debris, and rain/snow. It does not have a zipped inner lid, a trademark of the Signature bags. However, the Exposure uses only a single plastic buckle for fast access. Some Velcro-type closure system wouldn’t have hurt, so you wouldn’t have needed to constantly snap the buckle shut. It’s a noisy prospect when you’re trying to remain quiet while focusing on birds or other wildlife.
 
As for the interior of the bag, it too lacks the finesse of the Signature bag, but, having said that, it does provide the needed protection. I was able to fit my D500 with attached 100-400, standing the rig lens downward inside the bag. With a shorter lens, the camera could have been supported by the dividers along both sides. Still, even with this long lens, the flap closed without any unruly bulge. BTW – carrying this combo was another reason, perhaps the main one, I’d opted for the larger Exposure 15. The Exposure 13 would have been too small.
 
I should also note that the Exposure 15 will carry a 15” laptop, along with a tablet. There are numerous other pockets, along with a luggage-handle pass-through so you can piggyback the bag on your roller luggage. A tripod is carried at the bottom – straps included. Also included is a rain cover, not that you’ll need it in a light rain, since the bag is sufficiently weatherproofed on its own. Oh, and if that’s not enough, there’s also a water-bottle pocket that will comfortably hold your average-size water bottle.

​Conclusions
One advantage a shoulder or sling bag has over a backpack is that it allows immediate access to your camera gear. That precisely is what drives me to use a bag such as the Exposure 15 on occasion. With a backpack, you normally have to find a place to lay the bag down when it comes time to access or stow gear.
 
Well, not so with the BackLight series. You can still wear the bag, open the rear (main) flap, and access your gear. On paper, at least. As I found out with the earlier iterations of this design, this doesn’t really fit my shooting routine – and a reader concurred vis-à-vis her style of shooting. I find it faster and easier to lay the bag down. And if the ground is wet or muddy, then I’ll simply stow the lenses and flash I may later need in accessory pouches or in the pockets of a photo vest. MindShift may not have a photo vest (why not, guys?), but they do have a full line of pouches for pretty much anything you need to access on the trails.

I found myself using both bags in a variety of situations, not least of which was for bird photography. Both bags are thoughtfully designed, practical and durable, to say the least. And each should easily fit in the overhead bin, if not under the seat, on most commercial aircraft.

Who Should Use the BackLight 18L and Exposure 15?
Travel, nature, and wildlife photographers.
 
Capsule Comments
When traversing rough terrain or for long, strenuous hikes, the BackLight 18L is the clear choice, with its extra-comfy backpack harness system. On public conveyances, crowded streets, and travel involving a lot of walking on sidewalks or dirt paths in city, town, or village, the Exposure 15 shoulder bag would be my choice, for fast access, along with added security thanks to the tethered strap.

A rain cover is included with each bag, and both bags will carry a tripod, as well as a laptop (13" in BackLight 18; 15" in Exposure 15), plus tablet. And for those hot days, don't worry - each bag holds a water bottle.

​And, they are very reasonably priced for the top quality you're getting.
​
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Field Report: MindShift Gear’s UltraLight Dual 25L Photo Backpack – Light in Weight, Heavy in Functionality

2/1/2016

2 Comments

 
PictureMindShift Gear's UltraLight Dual series: 36L (far left), 25L (middle), 16L. Courtesy MindShift Gear.
​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).
​Gear Profile (as determined by MindShift Gear)
UltraLight Dual 25L:
  • Holds one standard-size DSLR (5DM3 or D810) and one standard zoom lens or two primes
  • Holds one large (un-gripped) Mirrorless body and two to three lenses
  • Fits up to a 15” laptop or most 2.5 liter hydration reservoirs
  • Fourteen liters of capacity for personal gear
  • Maximum lens size attached to body/DSLR: 24-70mm f/2.8 (in my experience, a 15-30mm f/2.8 or a 70-300mm – both Tamron - attached to a Nikon D610)
  • Maximum lens size attached to body/Mirrorless: 70-200mm f/2.8 equivalents

​MATERIALS
Exterior: For superior water resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has high-quality YKK Fuse zippers, 100D nylon shadow rip-stop, 420D high-density nylon, 210D velocity nylon, 320G UltraStretch mesh, 350G airmesh, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
 
Interior: 200D poly, velex, high-density closed-cell foam, belly-o mesh, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
 
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS, VOLUME & WEIGHT
UltraLight Dual 25L
Exterior Dimensions: 10.2” W x 19.5” H x 6.7” D (26 x 49.5 x 17 cm)
Camera Compartment: 9.1” W x 7.5” H x 5.1” D (23 cm x 19 cm x 13 cm)
Laptop/hydration compartment: 10.2” W x 15.7” H (26 x 40 cm)
Weight: 2.8 lbs. (1.3kg)
Volume: 25 Liters
 
Where can I get more info?
MindShift Gear
 
Manufacturer:
MindShift Gear
 
How much is it?
Direct: $169.99 l ($169.99 at B&H). 
Who Should Use This?
Travel photographers who like to travel light, hikers, nature enthusiasts, street shooters.
 
Capsule Comments:
Superbly designed, practical and lightweight, highly durable photo backpack.
 
Conclusions:
You won’t pack the kitchen sink into this photo backpack, but, then again, it wasn’t meant for that. Photo gear mainly goes into the bottom section (which, on the two larger sizes, the 25L included, consists of a padded, removable shoulder bag), while personal items fit in the spacious top section. More than that, the pack offers quick side-panel access to photo gear, which for me is essentially a full-frame DSLR with attached f/2.8 zoom or longer lens (up to 70-300). There’s plenty of room in the top section for my flash in its padded case and a MindShift Switch Case with one or two extra lenses (or one lens plus one flash, if I want to condense things even further). Not surprisingly, MindShift’s UltraLight Dual 25L rides comfortably on my back. By the way, I chose the black (over the blue) version – the color scheme just seemed to have a classier feel to it.
2 Comments

Field Review – MindShift Gear’s BackLight 26L – A Photo Backpack with a Difference

12/14/2015

3 Comments

 
​I’ve made a few things clear in past reviews of photo backpacks and in magazine features I’ve written on the subject. One is that I favor a backpack over a shoulder bag for most of my photography. Second, I’ll only use a backpack that’s a good fit – feels comfy and rides well on my back, holds the gear I need to carry securely and in an organized fashion, and lets me get at my gear relatively easily and quickly. Third, I prefer a backpack that lets me carry a water bottle and a few extras, such as a light jacket – in other words, has pockets where and in a size I need them.
 
All of which has led me in recent years to MindShift Gear photo backpacks. I’ve become increasingly enamored of these products. And the fact that this company continues to innovate without compromising the integrity or functionality of their bags speaks volumes.
 
However, when MindShift Gear announced the BackLight 26L, my first thought was: I have enough photo backpacks already. I’ll skip this one.
 
Glad I didn’t. But I also had to reconcile where this new photo backpack stood in relation to my other backpacks, especially the FirstLight, which had previously moved to the front of the pack, so to speak.

​Fast forward, from the day it arrived, the BackLight has become my go-to photo backpack – and for good reason. 

The following are some of the images I shot while wearing the BackLight 26L. As you can see, this pack lends itself nicely to a wide range of situations.
Picture
BackLight 26L (green version). Courtesy MindShift Gear.
BackLight 26L: Key Features
These are features outlined by MindShift Gear in a press release (with my comments and observations).
  • Includes tripod/monopod mounting system on front or side. (I love having choices, and these work well.)
  • Padded waist belt for all day comfort on the trail, with webbing rail for attachment of additional MindShift accessories. (I always prefer a padded to an unpadded waist belt when it comes to a pack of this size/carrying capacity or larger.)
  • Quick fit waist belt adjustment for rapid and convenient fitting. (A properly fitting waist belt can make the difference between a comfortable hike and a tortuous journey. This one is on the money. When not needed, the waist belt wraps around the front, a feature MindShift introduced with the FirstLight series. However, this means you can’t access the bag while wearing it, because the waist belt must be cinched. So use this wraparound feature when transporting the bag in a vehicle and restore the waist belt to its intended function once you hit the trails or the streets.)
  • Adjustable neck strap keeps the back panel against your chest, providing unencumbered access to your gear. (This is for when you keep the bag on your person as you access the back panel. I removed this bungee cord – it kept coming undone - although I should perhaps learn to tie a better knot. Besides, I found it just as easy to hold the bag open with one hand. But try the bag with the cord and see for yourself. More on this below.)
  • Integrated insert with customizable dividers allows you to maximize the space for photo gear, personal gear, or a combination of the two. (Nothing beats a well-organized interior. Keep batteries inside in extreme temperatures, since the bag acts as an insulator.)
  • 2 large water bottle pockets with cinch cord fit a 32 oz. Nalgene. (I can appreciate a good-size water bottle pocket such as found here, although I still may attach a separate insulated pouch in hot weather. You can use one of these pockets for a tripod, or alternately carry the tripod over the front of the bag – everything you need for the tripod is built in, although an optional mode of tripod transport is also available.)
  • Side compression straps with locking SR buckles for additional lash points. (These come in handy when securing a tripod to the side of the bag.)
  • Air channel and lumbar support on rear-panel for all-day comfort. (Yup, agree whole-heartedly. Comfy! I should point out that I started working with the bag in warmer weather, so this feature definitely helped.)
  • Ergonomic zipper pulls are easily gripped with gloves or chilled fingers. (I love these zippers!)
  • Highest quality YKK RC Fuse zippers, 420D Velocity and 420D high-density nylon for long lasting durability and strength. (Highest quality materials and workmanship are important to this type of bag, and that’s what you get. The bag is made to last and should endure numerous adventures.)
  • Front stuff pockets for trail essentials: headlamp, gloves, and chargers. (I keep the outside front pockets filled with lightweight stuff, such as a light jacket. I don’t like keeping a laptop or anything heavy in the front pocket – throws the pack off balance.)
  • Top zippered pocket for quick access to essentials. (It’s small, but you can keep a pack of lens tissue or a lens cloth and a small screwdriver kit in there. When the temperatures are moderate, I may keep spare batteries in this pocket.)
  • Seam-sealed rain cover included; folds flat for use as a ground cover. (Haven’t had to use it yet, but glad to have it included. On its own, the bag is water-resistant – just not to a drenching downpour, hence the rain cover.)
BackLight 26L vs. FirstLight 20L
  • Going green. I was getting tired of black and gray backpacks, so I welcomed the green BackLight. I figured this color would blend in fairly well in woodland environments. Yet, at the same time, this pack would be easily spotted by cyclists on bike paths that traversed some of the woodlands I frequent – so far, so good. (In the evening, I attach a strobing LED flashlight to the pack as a precaution).
  • Bigger volume, not overall size, is important. The BackLight 26L adds nearly a full inch to the depth, which means you can store some lenses on end, making room for more gear while letting you more easily get at the lenses you need. With the 20L, that was not the case. (Of course, you could move up to a FirstLight 30L, but for me, that was too spacious).
  • Large water bottle pockets on the BackLight. I had to use an accessory water bottle pouch on the FirstLight 20L.
  • Spacious front pocket on the BackLight. Big enough to carry a light jacket comfortably, in place of a laptop, which I never carry into the field.
  • Less complicated can make a difference. The BackLight is a simpler bag to use overall. Unlike the FirstLight, there’s no torso length adjustment on this pack (yes, this could make a difference to a very tall person). Also unlike the FirstLight, there are no compression straps on the shoulder straps and waist belt of the new BackLight (that should only make a vital difference for a really rugged outdoor excursion – and even then, it’s arguable). MindShift also got rid of the whistle on the chest strap, but I can see the reasoning behind this: Put the bag on the ground and the whistle lands there as well. I leave the rest to your imagination. The airflow back panel is also different on the new pack, but I didn't see any practical difference while wearing either pack.
  • A simpler carry handle. The carry handle, while not a key feature, can make a difference. The BackLight uses a more basic, flexible loop-like carry handle, which I find eminently satisfactory and easy to grab when needed. The FirstLight has a substantially padded handle that adds to the height and makes it feel as if I’m carrying a suitcase – you can’t just quickly slip a couple of fingers into it; you need to grab it.
  • Gear access panel. The gear access panel affects the way you work and how secure you feel. The new BackLight features a rear access panel – away from prying fingers. The FirstLight uses the more conventional front panel. But what MindShift Gear is mostly touting about the BackLight is that you can wear the bag while accessing gear and changing lenses on the fly. I tried it, and my assessment follows below (see In the Field).
​In the Field
I loaded the bag (not fully) with a Nikon D610 and several lenses, including a Tamron 15-30 f/2.8, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro, and Tamron 70-300mm, plus Nikon SB-700 flash, and had plenty of room to spare. I could easily have carried a 300mm f/4 attached to my trusty old Canon EOS 5D, together with other Canon lenses instead. There was even a special space for my Giotto’s Rocket Blower and room to store a sling strap. And there was definitely space for a second camera body.
 
For the most part, I didn’t notice I was wearing the bag. However, I did find that the FirstLight 20L did ride a bit better on my back, without me having to readjust the position of the shoulder straps as I was walking about. That said, this was not a concern when shooting while wearing the BackLight 26L, which remained firmly and comfortably on my back. (I should point out that everyone will have a different experience with any backpack, so you’d do well to try it on, preferably filled with gear, and walk around a bit – something more easily done at home, when ordering online.)
 
Now, as to that thing about accessing the interior while wearing the pack. Okay, here’s the unvarnished truth. It’s doable – but mostly if you’re not wearing an open jacket or open photo vest, which tends to get entangled or snarled in the process of shifting the pack around. When I wear a vest as the outer layer, it’s always open. Ditto for a jacket as the outer layer, with an open vest underneath (or the other way around – depends on the situation). Open outer garments just make a mess of things, and I'm not about to zip up and then unzip afterwards, which only wastes time.

But when I did successfully manage to access my gear while wearing the pack, I found it best to position one knee under the pack for added support (set your foot on a step or mound). You can also try leaning the bag against a wall or tree. I didn’t feel entirely comfortable allowing the pack to float tethered to the waist belt, although I’ve done it with a light load.
 
And as I mentioned, I didn’t like using the neck tether. I should add the reason for that is, my hat kept getting in the way. (I keep the neckband in the pack in case I change my mind, or in the event I might need it to tie off something.)
 
I did try attaching a spare, lightweight, clip-on shoulder strap (a camera strap can also be used) to the carry handle as a means of supporting the bag. But again, my hat got in the way, and since this became such a production, hence counterproductive, I gave up on the idea. Besides, it also meant that I ended up with something dangling off the pack when the added strap was not in use. Still, you might try it. Just don’t wear a hat.
 
So, in the end, I found myself using the bag more conventionally. It just meant I had to find a convenient spot to lay the bag down. Which is not as easy as it sounds in many situations. Still, I expect that I'll go back and try using the pack as intended. Whenever I hit a stumbling block, I always try and try again. It's who I am.
Special Usage Note
Make sure to keep the waist belt securely cinched before attempting to rotate the bag around your waist.
 

The waist belt should tightly hug the waist, but not so tight as to hinder the bag’s movement.

On the other hand, if it’s too loose, like loose-fitting trousers, it will start sliding downward as you remove the shoulder straps.

​The process can get a bit tricky, which is why you should practice with a fully loaded pack until you’re confident you’ve got it.

​
​Conclusions
You may be asking, what about the Rotation180 Horizon 34L you gushed about in an earlier review? Clearly, any of the Rotation180 packs will give you fast access to your gear, much more so than the BackLight. However, the Horizon won’t fit long lenses in the rotating section. And it is bigger and bulkier overall. Plus it’s clearly intended for rigorous excursions.
 
The BackLight is tamer, by comparison. It lends itself to a wider variety of environments, from city streets to woodland and is less of a nuisance on a crowded subway.
 
Which brings me back to my earlier comment: The BackLight 26L has become my go-to photo backpack. It carries what I need and in a fashion that is protective, makes my gear readily accessible, and it's smart-looking. I simply and utterly refuse to look at another photo backpack. That is, at least until MindShift Gear comes up with yet another winner.
 
Once you’ve got the hang of using the BackLight 26L, you can be assured of retrieving the camera and grabbing that shot when the opportunity to photograph a 10-point buck presents itself or ducking the camera back in the bag when that buck starts eyeing you suspiciously. There are definitely times when you do not want to put a pack down on the ground and turn your back on an animal just to get inside the bag.
 
So, the next time I find myself ankle-deep in mud or knee-deep in fresh powder, you can bet I’ll figure out a way to work around the hat, vest, and jacket I’m wearing and keep the BackLight 26L on my person as I retrieve the camera, change lenses, or return the camera to the bag. 
Capsule Comments
Sturdy, well crafted, stylish yet practical, does a great job protecting my gear.

Where can I get more info?
MindShift Gear BackLight 26L
 
Manufacturer:
MindShift Gear
 
How much is it?
Direct: $249.99 (same price at B&H, Adorama). 
 
Specifications
Exterior Dimensions: 11.4” W x 20.3” H x 7.9” D (29 x 51.5 x 20 cm)
Interior Camera Compartment: 10.2” W x 19.3” H x 5.9” D (26 x 49 x 15 cm)
Laptop Pocket: 10” W x 15.3” H x 1”D (25.5 x 38.8 x 2.5 cm)
Tablet Pocket: 9.3” W x 10.2” H x 0.6” D (23.5 x 26 x 1.5 cm)
Total Volume: 26L
Weight: 3.9 lb (1.8 kg)

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Field Review - MindShift Gear's FirstLight 20L and rotation180° Horizon 34L & Think Tank Photo's StreetWalker - Photo Backpacks Worth Owning & Using

8/10/2015

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I'm a big fan of photo backpacks, and always have been. I find them eminently suited to practically every type of shooting I do away from my home base. In fact, I keep specific gear packed in individual backpacks so I'll be ready to go, with just minor tweaks, as needed. 

Over the past few years, I've grown to love packs from Think Tank Photo, and more recently from their affiliated younger sibling, MindShift Gear. In fact, packs from these two companies have been my go-to bags for practically every photo outing and are the only backpacks I trust to do the job these days. Think Tank has packs geared more toward travel and location photography, whereas MindShift directs its efforts primarily toward the great outdoors, as well as travel. Bags from the two companies are distinctly their own - there's nothing else like them on the market. And each company's packs are easily distinguishable from the other.

Now, with regard to the packs we're reviewing, the newest are (with the latest first), MindShift's FirstLight 20L and rotation180 Horizon, followed by Think Tank's StreetWalker. The FirstLight series is geared toward DLSRs with physically long lenses attached, whereas the rotation series aims at instant readiness in any environment, with considerably shorter lenses on the camera, to put it simply. The StreetWalker has been around for awhile. As the name implies, it's primarily designed for use on the street, but is so compact and utilitarian, you'll want to take it everywhere. 

These three packs are water-repellant and constructed with an ultra-strong, ultra-durable nylon shell.  The MindShift packs in particular are designed to weather the harshest of conditions. All these backpacks are fully padded, with customizable interiors. What's more, they're relatively lightweight without compromising construction or their ability to protect my valuable gear.
FIRSTLIGHT 20L (Click highlighted text for more info.)
I loved this bag from the moment I laid eyes on it. First, it's sleek in appearance, with nice, clean lines. Second, there are two ways to carry a tripod built in--over the front or on either side. I carried a compact Sirui carbon-fiber pod, but my larger Giotto's would also have made a good fit. The side that's free can hold a water bottle (something in the order of a 16 oz bottle). The FirstLight 30L and 40L (L = internal capacity, in liters) will also hold a hydration bladder (optional), as well as more and bigger gear. Third, it comes with its own seam-sealed (translation: keeps water out) rain cover.

To further ensure your comfort, the pack comes with an aluminum stay. The backpack suspension system is especially noteworthy. Unlike most photo backpacks, this bag is adjustable for torso length. This affects how you carry the pack and your comfort level for the long haul. The only pack in recent memory that was arguably a better fit is the rotation180 Pro. To further ensure your comfort, the pack comes with an aluminum stay.

In addition to the heavily padded, contoured, breathable shoulder harness, the pack comes with airflow back padding with lumbar support, a fully adjustable sternum (chest) strap - with a whistle, no less, and fully padded and fully adjustable waist belt. In fact, the waist belt was designed to wrap around to the front so that it takes up less space in storage and to keep the padded wings (flaps) out of the way. There are also compression straps to further secure the bag and add to its comfort: load lifters attached to the shoulder straps on top, stabilizers on the waist belt. Remember, the basic idea behind all these adjustments is to take the weight off your shoulders during long hikes and to keep the bag stable on uneven terrain. The sternum strap also helps keep the shoulder straps from sliding off the shoulder. On city streets, you can make do with just the shoulder harness, as I did - makes removing the bag that much quicker. 

The only way they could have made this a more pleasurable experience is with an instructional video illustrating the torso adjustment and overall fit of the pack (I had to play around with it to get it just right). There is, however, a set of instructions inside the bag.

The pack has two roomy front pockets, plus one small one on top (I would have also liked an organizer pocket for a pen, pad, and other small stuff). The largest of these pockets will hold up to a 15-inch laptop, but you'll have to provide your own padded sleeve. I'd normally carry a light jacket in that pocket. There are additional see-through pockets inside. 

Now to the key feature of the FirstLight series. These packs are designed to hold a DSLR (HD-SLR) with long lens attached. For the FirstLight 20L, maximum lens size attached to the camera body, according to MindShift, is a 200–400mm f/4 or 300 f/2.8, with room to spare for additional lenses, shoe-mount flash, and accessories. Because of the bag's shallow depth, some lenses that I would have stored vertically (upright) in another pack had to be stored horizontally (lengthwise). Still, what I particularly liked is that the bag holds the camera snugly in place. I had to adjust one of the vertical (long) partitions to accommodate the width of my Nikon D610, but that was it.

The limited depth did have one other consequence: I had to detach the sling strap that I normally leave attached to the bottom of the camera (this may vary with sling strap design). The 30L should have no problem dealing with sling straps or with standing some lenses on end. That should be even less of a problem with the much more spacious 40L.


Street price/FirstLight 20L: $229.99 direct; $229.99 @B&H
PicturePhoto courtesy MindShift Gear.
ROTATION180 HORIZON (Click highlighted text for more info.)

There isn't that much more to say about this version of the rotation180 other than it's bigger than the Panorama (read that review here). 

Well, concomitant with that larger size comes a roomier rotating waist-belt camera pack. Aside from that, the Horizon accepts the same optional camera insert as the Panorama, but leaves room to spare, which is a big plus in my book. With the insert, the Panorama left practically no room for anything else. Now, with the Horizon, you can store that light jacket, some snacks, and a guidebook or two, and even make room for a tablet, plus additional pockets give you added space. There is a pocket on the side that will hold a water bottle, but it's not mesh, meaning the bottle could slip out on a rugged trail. To counter that, this pack will also hold a hydration bladder (optional). Rain covers for the main pack and belt pack are optional.

While not on the same level as the rotation180 Pro, the shoulder harness and related straps on this pack make for a comfortable and secure carrying system. Inexplicably, I found the waist belt release mechanism that governs the rotating belt pack easier to use on this backpack than on either the Pro or Panorama.

Suffice to say, this pack has replaced both the rotation Pro and Panorama packs. I do wish it stood on its own (which is true of the Pro, as well as the other packs reviewed here). Still, it awaits the next snowfall, when I won't need to put the pack down on a wet or muddy surface to get at my camera with lens attached - that's what the rotating belt pack is for. And if I do set it down, I'll know I can access the remainder of my gear through the top panel, without laying the bag flat on the ground.

Street price/Rotation180º Horizon: $259.99 direct; $259.99 @B&H

PicturePhoto courtesy Think Tank Photo.
STREETWALKER (Click highlighted text for more info.)

The StreetWalker proved the ideal choice for a recent trip to Hawaii. I wasn't initially certain whether I'd be checking any luggage or not, but, in case I didn't, I wanted to be sure my camera bag would be big enough to hold the needed gear yet would fit comfortably and unquestionably underneath the seat in front of me on each flight, going and coming. And all this without compromising the security of the gear or my comfort. What I didn't know at the time is that the bag would have to fit in the storage compartment on a helicopter and a storage locker on a boat.

Prior to this trip, I'd been using the StreetWalker Pro when tooling about town, but found it too spacious for my Nikon D610. Plus, as I mentioned, I wanted something small - something that would accompany me onboard as a "Personal" item if need be. When the smaller StreetWalker arrived, I inserted my D610 with a Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 lens and Nikon SB-700 flash. That left room for the Samsung NX500 and any additional Samsung lenses I'd be receiving (on loan) during my Hawaii stay. And it all fit uncrowded yet snug enough so nothing would be bouncing around (I generally make use of unused dividers to ensure a snug fit, or add a couple of spares from an old bag).

Several pockets, including an organizer pocket, keep you organized, with additional pockets for a water bottle on either side. Carrying a tripod with this pack is not as convenient as with the larger StreetWalker Pro, but is certainly doable and without any major inconvenience. And it comes with a rain cover.

So, not only did the StreetWalker fit nicely underneath the seat on the plane, but it had no complaints when relegated to the storage area of either the sightseeing helicopter or the whale watching boat. And I was a happy camper - er, photographer.

Street price/StreetWalker: $169.75 direct; $169.75 @ B&H and Adorama

In Conclusion
I can't say enough good things about MindShift Gear's newest FirstLight 20L as well as the rotation180 Horizon and Think Tank Photo's older StreetWalker. They're all comfy, do a great job keeping my gear well balanced on my back and protecting my gear, and are a perfect fit for my various needs, whether it's communing with nature, walking the streets of Chicago, flying in a helicopter, or whale watching in a motorized inflatable craft. I always felt assured that my gear was secure, and I never felt worn out after any shooting experience with these packs.

(Click highlighted text for more info.)
FIRSTLIGHT 20L 
ROTATION180 HORIZON 
STREETWALKER
Which Backpack Should I Get?
Listed in order of preference under each criterion...
- If you carry a long, fast lens attached to the camera: FIRSTLIGHT 20L
- If you carry a short, fast or short zoom lens attached to the camera and need it ready to go at a moment's notice: ROTATION180º HORIZON
- If you're a wildlife, landscape, or travel photographer: FIRSTLIGHT 20L, ROTATION180º HORIZON
- If you expect to be on foot for long periods at a stretch: FIRSTLIGHT 20L, ROTATION180º HORIZON
- If you expect to be negotiating rugged terrain or spend extensive time in wilderness areas: ROTATION180º HORIZON, FIRSTLIGHT 20L
- If you expect to be on snowy, wet, muddy terrain (especially anywhere you can't conveniently put the bag down to access gear): ROTATION180º HORIZON**
- If you need a backpack that is airline-friendly*: STREETWALKER, FIRSTLIGHT 20L, ROTATION180º HORIZON
- If you carry a tripod: FIRSTLIGHT 20L, ROTATION180º HORIZON, STREETWALKER 
- If you carry a laptop: FIRSTLIGHT 20L 
- If you carry a tablet: FIRSTLIGHT 20L, ROTATION180º HORIZON
- If you want a backpack that's compact and cozy yet capable of carrying a small DSLR outfit comfortably: STREETWALKER
- If you want a backpack for light travel photography: STREETWALKER

*Subject to individual airline carry-on allowances.
**The FirstLight 20L has a ruggedized bottom panel, but does require it to be positioned on the ground for access to gear, whereas you can grab a camera and lens out of the Rotation180º rotating hip belt on the fly while still wearing the pack.

(Click highlighted text for more info.)
FIRSTLIGHT 20L 
ROTATION180 HORIZON 
STREETWALKER
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