Mindshift Backlight 26L: two-minute assessment
Discovering the fitting outside backpack for panorama and journey images isn’t straightforward. Positive, there are many choices accessible which isn’t any unhealthy factor, however the best camera bag for you finally depends upon what you must carry and what options you are searching for. For me, the Mindshift Backlight 26L, which is made by Suppose Tank Picture, has proved to be among the best non-modular choices accessible.
This backpack has been round for fairly a number of years now with no updates in design aside from the provision of extra colours. The place many digicam bag producers continuously produce new variations to entice further gross sales, Suppose Tank Picture has saved the religion within the Backlight 26L’s strong design. I picked one up round seven years in the past, it is coated many miles, and it’s nonetheless holding sturdy, with what I anticipate to be a few years of life left in it.
Because the identify suggests, it is a 26-liter backpack, with the primary part being for digicam gear; sufficient house for a day’s capturing within the hills or on the coast; plus the house wanted to hold important outside objects comparable to waterproofs, a big bottle of water or two, a laptop computer and a pill, if required. There’s additionally a method to connect a tripod, plus a water-proof cowl so all the pieces has been thought-about, to not point out it has a trick or two up its sleeve.
Mindshift Backlight 26L: value and availability
- The Mindshift Backlight 26L prices round $299 / £289 / AU$440
- It is accessible in 4 colours
- Nonetheless accessible new regardless of being on sale for a few years
The Backlight 26L definitely is not a brand new backpack and has been accessible for someplace round 10 years. It isn’t the least costly bag of its sort both, however it’s definitely not type over substance like many trendy digicam backpacks.
The Backlight 26L prices $299 / £289 / AU$440, however it is a cut price when you think about how robust it’s and the numerous years of trustworthy service it has the potential to offer. There are additionally 4 colors accessible; Charcoal, Slate Black, Woodland Inexperienced and Montane Inexperienced.
Mindshift Backlight 26L: specs
|
Capability |
26L |
|
Weight |
3.9lbs / 1.8kg |
|
Laptop computer sleeve |
Sure, as much as 16-inch fashions |
Mindshift Backlight 26L: design
- Comfy to put on
- Helpful options for the outside
- Mounted reasonably than modular design
Many outside backpacks nowadays are modular with the flexibility to make use of completely different digicam inserts, comparable to Peak Design’s Camera Cubes; that is to range the ratio between photograph gear and non-photo gear relying on what you are doing. The Backlight 26L follows a extra conventional rear-entry design with a set, but configurable digicam part, alongside two extra pockets on the entrance of the bag.
The principle entrance pocket presents a laptop computer part for as much as 16-inch laptops, a 10-inch pill part and sufficient house to pack a water-proof jacket, waterproof pants and different objects, whereas the smaller entrance pocket is right for objects comparable to a flashlight and gloves. The house for non-photographic objects is 9 litres, which is ample, though that is a lot lower than the extra house you possibly can get pleasure from with some modular outside backpacks.
On the edges, there are two massive water bottle pockets with cinch cords that may carry 32oz / 1 liter Nalgene water bottles – I personal one they usually match completely. Plus, the aspect pockets, at the side of the adjustable compression straps, may also be used for carrying a tripod. There may be additionally a tripod carrying system that packs away neatly on the entrance of the bag.
It is a mid-sized backpack that meets airplane carry-on necessities, however it solely weighs 3.9lbs / 1.8kg. It is extremely snug to put on and the padded rear panel has an air channel and a lumbar help. The air channel could assistance on scorching days, however it definitely doesn’t cease your again from turning into scorching and sweaty. With all of this in thoughts, it is clearly a bag that is designed for day hikes and shoots as a result of you possibly can solely carry important extra objects for the day reasonably than in a single day tenting equipment.
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The producer says that the bag can accommodate as much as two mirrorless cameras, 5-7 lenses and a flashgun. From my expertise that is true, however it after all depends upon the lenses you are carrying and whether or not or not telephoto lenses have to be laid down within the bag reasonably than stood up. My commonplace configuration was a full-frame digicam and 16-35mm lens, a second APS-C digicam and lens, a 70-200mm f/4, a filter system and equipment, which collectively crammed the digicam compartment.
One among my favorite options of the bag is that with the waist belt in use, you possibly can launch your arms from the strap and rotate it to your entrance laid out horizontally. The rear entry then permits you to entry your equipment with out placing the bag down, which is unbelievable in muddy places and when standing in water. The again part even has a strap you possibly can hook over the again of your neck to carry the bag open, though you will not usually require it.
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Extra options embrace robust water-repellent materials that I can let you know from expertise will stand the check of time. The water resistance is totally high-quality for mild rain reveals, however in heavier downpours you have to to make use of the included rain cowl. There are additionally loops to hold two ice axes or strolling poles alongside daisy chain connection factors for attaching different objects with karabiners or smaller Molle-compatible baggage.
I personal the Backlight 26L, however there’s additionally the smaller Backlight 16L and the bigger Backlight 36L. All three sizes observe the identical design however are, because the names recommend, completely different capacities; the 36L is deep sufficient for skilled cameras with a built-in or connected vertical grip. Nonetheless, I feel the Backlight 26L is probably the most helpful measurement as a result of it permits outside photographers to have the ability to carry all the photographic gear they usually want alongside extra outside objects.
Ought to I purchase the Mindshift Backlight 26L?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
How I examined the Mindshift Backlight 26L
- I am a very long time proprietor, over 7 years
- I’ve examined all its options rigorously and tailored the bag to varied use instances
- It is journeyed with me many miles and for a number of kinds of places
Having owned the Mindshift Backlight 26L for round seven years alongside different baggage I take advantage of for various functions, I’ve examined it over an prolonged interval the place all of its strengths and weaknesses have been uncovered. It has been utilized in all climate situations within the hills, mountains, on the coast and within the metropolis, in addition to being taken on flights as carry-on baggage.
First reviewed February 2025