Photographers have some pretty specific needs- heavy glass lenses, bulky batteries, optical viewfinders and LCD screens, high-speed storage. But one of the most important pieces of gear isn’t in your hands, and it’s not a tripod holding your camera up- it’s on your back, giving you a way to get everything from place to place. We’ve seen dozens of pieces of photography gear, including luggage and shoulder bag, but a backpack is the natural solution for most situations.
The Manfrotto Advanced Travel Backpack is carry-on sized, featuring a laptop compartment that can hold up to a 13-inch model, along with all of your critical gear- a DSLR with attached lens, two additional lenses, an external flash and your accessories like straps, batteries, memory cards. Unlike many camera-focused backpacks, the dividers here can be removed and it works pretty well as a regular bag. The upper compartment can fit your jacket or some snacks, and your tripod has a couple of different handy spots- the traditional pocket on the side, straps on the front, and even internally.
Weighing in at about three pounds, we’ve seen heavier and bulkier bags, and liked that this one felt well-balanced. Cinch straps and a chest strap help keep it all together, a grab handle makes it simple to pick up, and the nylon material is durable with some nice detailing. Shoulder straps could have been better-padded for comfort, and we would have liked a mesh pocket for a water bottle and a couple of loops for attaching other gear as need for convenience.
Available in four colors- black, brown, grey and blue- the Manfrotto Advanced Travel Backpack is an excellent additional to the gear collection of any photojournalist, amateur or professional. It’s available now, online and in stores, for around $149.