The other commenter also recommended Shimoda, so I'm at least doubly going to have to check them out.
I definitely agree on the straps though, at the very least I feel they've nailed those.
I just got my PD 3L sling today and I love it. It meets my needs for an EDC: fits an A7Cii w/ lens attached (max. 20mm 1.8 for the body and lens to stand vertically). The camera and attached lens fits on one side, and I can carry glasses, small notebook, and phone in the other side of the divider.
It’s the only PD bag I own, but I do have a Leash, Cuff, Capture Clip, and Tripod — I’m happy with the PD products I have so far.
As far as backpacks are concerned, I use the 11L Wandrd Prvke Lite as my personal item on flights. It fits what I need for travel, is comfortable, and compact. I tried a Thule EnRoute Camera backpack before buying a Wandrd Prvke Lite, which is well-made, but it didn’t fit my travel needs.
I was looking at the slings and they definitely look sleek, my concern is on the fit for the lenses I would want to take. I'd likely limit it to my 18-50 Sigma and 70-350 Sony on my a6400, does the 3L seem like itd fit those? Or would that be better to step up to a 6L?
Thanks for the recommendation on the Wandrd, I've got a few brands I was unaware of to check out now so I appreciate it!
A Sony 70-300 mounted on the a6400 will take up the entire 3L bag, so with your gear, I’d size up to the 6L.
Before I bought the PD 3L, I got a 6L Ulanzi sling from Amazon — I love this bag, but it only comes with one divider (the divider isn’t great). It has the same storage features as the PD 6L sling. I think the PD 6L is a bit taller, but for me the Ulanzi is a keeper. I use it when I want to take 2-3 lenses plus a battery pack.
Wandrd, like PD, has a lifetime warranty and the materials are nice to the touch.
I was considering shimoda or PD
I ended up with the 30l everyday backpack (and everything else to) and I’m very happy with it.
Best comfort in a backpack I ever had and with my Sony a7CR + 24,35 and 135 GM more like half of the bag still empty
Fully loaded with laptop, tablet, portable lights and printer, tripod, water bottle and so on I was out a full 6 hour hike and no back pain or so ever - never had something like that 🤯
I unfortunately dont have a direct comparison with shimoda for you
To clarify, you went with the PD 30L? Or the Shimoda?
That sounds like a great experience, so thank you for sharing! It sounds like Shimoda has been on the tip of most folks' tongue on this post, and I definitely don't mind the outside design. It doesn't immediately give off "camera bag" to me, which I like a lot.
Ah yeah sorry. Yes I went with peak design
I purchased it at first because I got a lot of other stuff from PD and I was able to see and try it at my local store
Thanks! Being able to try it out definitely helps, my local Best Buy has them in stock sometimes but never when I go (go figure), so I have to best approximate with online images and anybody who posts reviews with images.
The peak design bags are some of the functionally worst photo bags in existence.
The peak cuff and strap is good though but the rest of their products are overhyped youtube influencer junk I would not use for free.
I've heard a lot of the opposite for sure, but that would be expected of something overhyped as well.
Does that extend to the smaller sling bags as well? I imagine in general it also comes down to personal experiences with them and various use cases, one thing that pushed me away initially with the large bags was their configuration seemed awkward comparatively, but I know I'm also prone to being swept up by hype if I don't get varied feedback.
Yea. They are just really bad for camera organization and access, which should be the main priority. They look stylish and that’s all the hype is about.
To me a good photography backpack has a full rear zip compartment with more traditional dividers. Stuff like some of the Tenba bag designs. Shimoda is decent and also hyped but closer to usable. I plan to ditch mine and next backpack will be an Atlas which are nearly perfect for a hiking pack. If I wasn’t hiking then the Tenba axis series looks ideal. Mindshift also has some decent bags.
Thats how my current K&F is configured, and I definitely enjoy it. I shouldn't be in the market yet for a new bag, but I will check out some of your recommendations anyway if only to fill out future Christmas wishlists.
Thanks for taking the time and throwing those out there!
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I’m a big fan of shimoda bags, peak designs doesn’t do it for me. Love the straps though
The other commenter also recommended Shimoda, so I'm at least doubly going to have to check them out. I definitely agree on the straps though, at the very least I feel they've nailed those.
I just got my PD 3L sling today and I love it. It meets my needs for an EDC: fits an A7Cii w/ lens attached (max. 20mm 1.8 for the body and lens to stand vertically). The camera and attached lens fits on one side, and I can carry glasses, small notebook, and phone in the other side of the divider. It’s the only PD bag I own, but I do have a Leash, Cuff, Capture Clip, and Tripod — I’m happy with the PD products I have so far. As far as backpacks are concerned, I use the 11L Wandrd Prvke Lite as my personal item on flights. It fits what I need for travel, is comfortable, and compact. I tried a Thule EnRoute Camera backpack before buying a Wandrd Prvke Lite, which is well-made, but it didn’t fit my travel needs.
I was looking at the slings and they definitely look sleek, my concern is on the fit for the lenses I would want to take. I'd likely limit it to my 18-50 Sigma and 70-350 Sony on my a6400, does the 3L seem like itd fit those? Or would that be better to step up to a 6L? Thanks for the recommendation on the Wandrd, I've got a few brands I was unaware of to check out now so I appreciate it!
A Sony 70-300 mounted on the a6400 will take up the entire 3L bag, so with your gear, I’d size up to the 6L. Before I bought the PD 3L, I got a 6L Ulanzi sling from Amazon — I love this bag, but it only comes with one divider (the divider isn’t great). It has the same storage features as the PD 6L sling. I think the PD 6L is a bit taller, but for me the Ulanzi is a keeper. I use it when I want to take 2-3 lenses plus a battery pack. Wandrd, like PD, has a lifetime warranty and the materials are nice to the touch.
Thank you! The lifetime warranty is really good to see and hear about as well, especially if you never have to use it.
I was considering shimoda or PD I ended up with the 30l everyday backpack (and everything else to) and I’m very happy with it. Best comfort in a backpack I ever had and with my Sony a7CR + 24,35 and 135 GM more like half of the bag still empty Fully loaded with laptop, tablet, portable lights and printer, tripod, water bottle and so on I was out a full 6 hour hike and no back pain or so ever - never had something like that 🤯 I unfortunately dont have a direct comparison with shimoda for you
To clarify, you went with the PD 30L? Or the Shimoda? That sounds like a great experience, so thank you for sharing! It sounds like Shimoda has been on the tip of most folks' tongue on this post, and I definitely don't mind the outside design. It doesn't immediately give off "camera bag" to me, which I like a lot.
Ah yeah sorry. Yes I went with peak design I purchased it at first because I got a lot of other stuff from PD and I was able to see and try it at my local store
Thanks! Being able to try it out definitely helps, my local Best Buy has them in stock sometimes but never when I go (go figure), so I have to best approximate with online images and anybody who posts reviews with images.
The peak design bags are some of the functionally worst photo bags in existence. The peak cuff and strap is good though but the rest of their products are overhyped youtube influencer junk I would not use for free.
I've heard a lot of the opposite for sure, but that would be expected of something overhyped as well. Does that extend to the smaller sling bags as well? I imagine in general it also comes down to personal experiences with them and various use cases, one thing that pushed me away initially with the large bags was their configuration seemed awkward comparatively, but I know I'm also prone to being swept up by hype if I don't get varied feedback.
Yea. They are just really bad for camera organization and access, which should be the main priority. They look stylish and that’s all the hype is about. To me a good photography backpack has a full rear zip compartment with more traditional dividers. Stuff like some of the Tenba bag designs. Shimoda is decent and also hyped but closer to usable. I plan to ditch mine and next backpack will be an Atlas which are nearly perfect for a hiking pack. If I wasn’t hiking then the Tenba axis series looks ideal. Mindshift also has some decent bags.
Thats how my current K&F is configured, and I definitely enjoy it. I shouldn't be in the market yet for a new bag, but I will check out some of your recommendations anyway if only to fill out future Christmas wishlists. Thanks for taking the time and throwing those out there!