In my opinion MindShift Gear makes the best camera bags, bar none. In the last year I have personally used the Rotation 180 Trail pack probably 300 times. The larger Rotation 180 Horizon 34L makes a great mountaineering pack for longer days. I have been using the FirstLight 20L when I have to take my laptop and camera with me. Every one of these bags has made me think I would never need a new camera bag.
But then MindShift Gear released the UltraLight series of packs. These are a series of packs designed to be lightweight and durable, while still providing quick camera access to your camera. In fact these are the lightest photo daypacks out there. The Sprint 16L is a scant 1.9 pounds.
Now I never thought my Rotation Trail was a heavy pack and I still don’t think it is very heavy. But this pack is light as a feather! It’s lighter than you can imagine. It provides camera access through a side port, I swing it around to the front by taking it off my shoulder, and dare I say; it is just as quick as the Rotation pack! It is incredibly fast, but unlike the Rotation packs you don’t have a handy spot to put your lens cap in without zipping the pocket back up. Not a big difference, just something to note for the sake of a complete review.
Inside the pocket my Olympus OMD EM1 fits like a glove. It appears as if the pocket was built around the OMD. It has room for two spare lenses and a body with a normal zoom on it. Or the 40-150 2.8 PRO with one spare lens.
The velcro is moveable and in face the whole camera pocket can be removed to use it as a backpack. Rarely do I think I would every do that, but this pack is so nice I would use it as a day pack. Although why hike if I don’t have my camera ?
Lens storage shown below.
And the last piece is where the rain cover comes shipped in, I just leave it there unless I am using the 40-150 2.8 PRO.
And to keep water, snow and dirt from ruining the zipper there is a rubber flap on the bottom.
On the outside of the pack is a hide away set of straps to hold your tripod, trekking poles or ice axe.
The pack is a top loader, unlike the the front loading design of the Rotation packs. Beyond the expandability of a top loader it also looks great, very similar to my old klettersack.
The lid closes with two 3/4″ quick releases, the inner pocket has a draw cord and internal QR strap.
The top part of this pack while it may look small can hold an enormous amount of gear. This is helped by the snow collar which can be used to cram extra gear in, I mean for additional gear capacity.
An internal quick release keeps your gear stable.
Just as a point of reference, in the bag right now is a Patagonia Down vest, Millet Gore-Tex shell, wool gloves, CAMP Windmit’n and Soulrun Tool Roll. But note how much room is left over. As a data point this will more or less fill the top of the Trail 180.
There is a zippered pocket I use for my wallet and keys.
On the back is a padded area for a tablet or a hydration sleeve. Top tip; I keep my spare battery here, so the heat from my back keeps it warm.
You can see the hole to route your hydration tube through.
The back is lightly padded, but still padded in all the right places. There is an adjustable sternum strap on the contoured shoulder straps.
The waist belt is 2″ wide webbing and removable. Which is a big change from the Rotation packs. The only way to access your camera on the Rotation packs is to use the waist belt, which are a bit thicker and comfortable on a day long hike. But if you are just out hiking for a few hours with the pups or want something a bit more inconspicuous this pack fits the bill. I would not hesitate to take this pack out on the town to take my camera and some other odds and ends. Where the Rotation pack would look a bit out of place in the coffee shop.
There is also a pocket on the side for a water bottle or other small items.
Now how about how it works on the trail? Well I can honestly say this pack is a dream. I barely notice it is on and when I need access to my camera it is super quick.
Bottom line, if you want a light weight camera bag that can be used on the trail, for travel or on the town then get the MindShift Gear UltraLight Sprint 16L. They also make it in larger sizes for different bodies and carrying capacities. But seriously I don’t know which pack I like more now, the Trail 180 or the UltraLight Sprint.
I mean look at my smile, of course this bag is great.
MindShift Gear says : http://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/ultralight-sprint-16l
MindShift introduces UltraLight, the lightest photo daypack series ever. Designed for convenient access to gear and spacious capacity for personal items, all accessible without removing the pack. The UltraLight™ Sprint, with 16L capacity, easily converts from a photo pack to a daypack.
Exterior Dimensions:
(25 x 47 x 15 cm)
9.4” W x 5.5” H x 4.7” D
(24 x 14 x 12 cm)
9.6” W x 10.6” H
(24.5 x 27 cm)
16 Liters
1.9 lbs. (0.9kg)
Materials
Nice article! So which bag do you favor right now?
Nice article! So which bag do you favor right now?
I have a similar side-loader pack (no longer made by Clik Elite) that I have used for about 7 years when cycling or XC skiing. It is heavier and more rugged with more accessory pockets but otherwise works the same and is great for trail photography with MFT camera gear. However, I find it less convenient than the Rotation 180. As you describe, there is no place to quickly put a lens cap or sunglasses. Also, with the pack balanced on one shoulder it is awkward to move around to frame the shot. I have to zip up the side compartment and swing the pack on my back to get it out of the way–repeat when returning the camera to the pack or changing lenses. Still, I thought it was a great improvement over a standard top or rear-loading pack until using the Rotation 180 which is simply more stable and convenient when shooting. The problem with the Rotation 180 is that it is a pain to use when not wearing such as in a car or coffee shop; for that the side loader is better. Heh heh, must have two packs.
Thx for the advice. This should match what I have been looking for!