I’ve been hunting with Stone Glacier packs for years and haven’t found a system that does a better job balancing light weight with load-hauling capability. Another unique feature is F-stop’s ICU system – once you get used to it it actually works really well, and I like being able to pull the entire ICU out to store my gear. Unique graphite colour/texture makes the Tenba DNA 15 backpack stand out from the crowd, without it being too flashy. While being large enough to hold all your best small travel backpack necessities, this packable duffel backpack has the unique ability to collapse and tuck neatly into your roller luggage or larger travel bag when not needed. You should pack your duffel bag in such a way that important items stay dry during rainstorms. Constructed from 600 denier polyester with a durable PVC backing for the side panels, Oceanic’s mesh duffel is designed to transport gear between dive sites, before dunking it in the rinse tank and hanging the whole lot up to dry. The only downside here is that there aren’t a lot of places to stow smaller things like SD cards or lens cloths. It is easier to be swayed by a lot of features at once in a convertible backpack, but you have to know that more features without proper design might also be a huge inconvenience for you.

Many people prefer to use the leash attachment on the front because some dogs tend to pull more when the leash is closer to the dog’s tail. Also comes with gatekeeper mounting points and internal and external MOLLE webbing for even more attachment points. I know a few middle schoolers whose interest in anime has taught them about Japanese culture, made them want to learn the language and even inspired them to suggest a family visit to Japan. Initially, I didn’t think much of it, but after using it for a few days, I found myself reaching for it over the others tested. Its thoughtful components and contributions to stellar organizations mean you know you’re giving back when using this thing (if you purchase certain colorways). I’m using the bag every day! Not bad at all for the quality and features of this bag. The bag itself is waterproof and the waterproofing on the zippers is high quality. At around $200, it’s a good quality backpack at a mid-range price which I feel is totally justifiable.

The main con is the price. Main front clip fastens via a slide/magnet mechanism which is another first – works really well and is fun to operate. Side and front clip straps are useful to secure misc items. While the straps and waist belt are a bit thin on the padding, the pack fits surprisingly comfortably. The Nasturtium is F-Stop’s signature colour, which would certainly turn heads, and is probably a good thing for safety (increased visibility) while hiking. Nothing to report, although the woodland green does look really nice when you’re out hiking. However, there’s no water bottle pocket so if you’re not into hydration bladders (or don’t want to risk it leaking all over your gear) you’re a bit out of luck here. Find more Kelty Ardent Hiking Daypack information and reviews here. Need more space for hiking essentials? I like the F-Stop branding and this certainly doesn’t look like a regular hiking camera backpack. Available in heather grey and black, the Lowepro Freeline BP 350 Aw is smart enough to use in the city and doesn’t scream camera backpack.

The optional hip strap is a little less substantial but stows tidily when not in use. If you plan to use it on a bike, you’ll want something sturdier than if you were traveling on a plane with your dog and need something smaller that fits under the seat. Obviously black and aloe are far more practical for everyday use. The Ajna is available in Nasturtium (bright orange), Anthracite (black), and my personal favourite, Aloe (seen above). The camera-carrying portion of the F-Stop Ajna uses removable ICUs (Internal Camera Units) and can hold up to a Large Pro. Depending on how you configure it, the Pro can hold 1-2 camera bodies and 4-6 lenses (a couple of long lenses plus smaller ones), plus other goodies. Organizational Amenities: As backpacks that are designed to hold all of your daily gear and essentials, an EDC backpack’s organizational amenities are also of extreme importance. “Potatoes are so profitable, they can’t afford not to grow them in the sequence,” says VanderZaag. Zippers are buttery smooth.