Camera backpacks have been a dime a dozen since the DSLR revolution. But backpacks that are just as good for carrying film or photographic equipment as safety equipment and all the junk you need on the mountain are rare. But they do exist. We have tested three of them for you: the Dakine Sequenze, EVOC CP 35L and F-Stop Satori EXP. For a long time, the situation was relatively clear for dedicated producers of frozen or moving images. If you were a snowboarder, you went for the Burton Zoom Pack, skiers tended to go for the Dakine Sequence. There was simply no more sensible choice on the market. Those who weren't satisfied left the camera at home or, in individual cases, resorted to home-made solutions or an arsenal of camera and lens cases. Fortunately, the market has seen some movement recently and some companies have made an admirable effort to fill this niche segment.
In addition to the Sequence, the well-known veteran from Dakine, we have sent the EVOC CP 35L and the F-Stop Satori EXP into the race. All three test candidates have one thing in common: they are designed for ambitious photographers who want to carry a certain selection of film or photo equipment with them on the mountain. This makes sense, because if you only want to take a compact, Micro-4/3 or DSLR with a mounted all-round lens, it is better to use the classic Top-Loader or Double-Beanie-Case©®™ and simply stow the camera protected in a normal backpack. Everyone has to decide for themselves how much "camera" needs to be in the camera backpack. And so that this decision can be made on a sound basis, we have written the test reports in great detail - as befits a niche, nerdy topic. In order not to lose the overview completely, here's a summary.
The models at a glance
Double-Beanie Case©®™
Simply inserted into two commercially available (or even handmade) caps in opposite directions, almost any camera including lens is protected well enough against knocks and scratches, provided it is stowed neatly in the backpack so that it does not slip or bounce around. And of course, the camera should also be easily accessible in the backpack. If you don't trust this option, it's better to use a standard top loader. Advantages:
+ lightweight & compact
+ inexpensive
+ can be used for other purposes Disadvantages:
- only moderate protection
- only useful for "minimal cutlery"
Dakine Sequence
The skater boy among the "Cäm-Päcks" has proven to be a good all-rounder for occasional use. The useful camera backpack with a good price-performance ratio is particularly in its element when the activities on the mountain are not too serious or do not require too much equipment and is especially recommended for freeriding close to the slopes. However, it has enough space for camera equipment and also cuts a fine figure in an urban environment. Advantages:
+ Relatively affordable
+ Good looks
+ Large camera compartment
+ Integrated rain cover Disadvantages:
- Little space for jackets/ski skins etc.
- De facto no separation of camera and mountain equipment possible
- Not very versatile Find the detailed test report
EVOC CP 35L
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The tank among the snow-suitable camera backpacks impresses with its space, workmanship and detailed solutions. It is clearly aimed at professional use, where the focus is on the photo or film yield. Without compromise, a fully-fledged camera backpack for professional use not only on the mountain, which also offers good functions and storage for everything you need for winter sports. For those who need less camera and more mountain backpack, the EVOC is certainly overdosed. Advantages:
+ Back protector
+ Large, well-organized camera compartment
+ Extremely good access via the back flap
+ Very good carrying system
+ Good detailed solutions for all the necessary mountain equipment
+ Integrated rain cover
+ Stable and robust Disadvantages:
- High price
- Little space for jackets/ski skins etc.
- very large
- weight For detailed test report
F-Stop Satori EXP
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The mountain backpack among the camera packs. The most complete and versatile backpack in the test impresses with its detailed solutions and alpine suitability as well as its customization options. Camera equipment from small cutlery to set shooting equipment is just as well accommodated in it as all the freeride junk. A wide variety of camera inserts, detailed solutions and an extensive accessory system probably offer something for everyone. In addition, the Satori EXP can also be used as a fully-fledged backpack without a camera insert if the camera is left at home. Advantages:
+ Good all-round backpack, with or without camera
+ Individually sized, well-organized camera compartments
+ Good access via the back flap
+ Plenty of space for additional equipment
+ Good carrying system
+ Lots of detailed solutions
+ High level of customization
+ Huge range of accessories Disadvantages:
- High price
- Possible availability
- RainproofingAvailability
- Rain cover only as an accessory (but already very weather-resistant without it) To the detailed test report
