Home MacProf Digital Photo ,,,,,When you start looking for a bag to carry your reflex camera, you have to keep in mind that there are now thousands of solutions on the market ranging from the cheapest and lightest, designed for sporadic use, to larger, sturdy and bulky ones, capable of accompanying the photographer in full-day photo sessions.
Of the many, Cyber Layman recently had a closer look at an Andoer backpack which, for the price for which it is proposed, is worth taking into consideration not only for the robustness of the fabrics and padding, but also for the versatility offered by the system that combines an area dedicated to the transport of reflex cameras, lenses and accessories, with a second section where it is possible to house tablet, mobile phone, wallet, keys, sweatshirt and other commonly used objects.
handle 
front pocket 
tripod straps 
belt 
mini back pocket 
top pocket, side 1 
top pocket, side 2 
the inside the upper pocket 
a second inside pocket, there is space for iPad Air 
one handle to open zippers together 
side pocket 
this is how the photographic section looks like 
Speaking first of all of aesthetics , were it not for the side openings that facilitate access to the reflex section, it could easily be mistaken for a common backpack due to its shape and structure. Monochromatic type (in our case dark gray, but it is also available in light gray, violet and electric blue), externally it is characterized by a sturdy nylon fabric resistant to tear, wear and water.
Against the latter, in the case of long walks under the storm, a waterproof rain cover is included rather light (40 grams) that simply embraces the whole backpack, shoulder straps excluded, through an elastic, thus protecting completely all the photographic equipment and the rest of the content.
The writer has a minimum of experience with products of this kind having already tried several. With that, Andoer's backpack seemed to us slightly heavier than others . The kitchen scale tells us that the completely empty backpack, including the rain cover, weighs 1,290 grams, not a few if we think that the content alone, in a more common combination of reflex cameras and other objects, could easily exceed 5 kilograms.
However, the greater weight is reflected in the robustness of the product. The only removable compartment for reflex, which we will learn more about later, weighs 350 grams, the rest of the backpack is rather rigid and hardly deforms even when fully loaded. The hinges are very good and the velcro closures are very resistant.
Excellent then the shoulder straps which, unlike other cheaper backpacks, are more padded. This is one of those characteristics that we believe should have some importance in choosing a backpack, especially the photographic ones that can also carry several kilograms of equipment. A thin or lightly padded shoulder strap will certainly create discomfort after even only half an hour of carrying the backpack on your shoulder, and from this point of view the Andoer backpack does not disappoint. As we said, the shoulder straps are almost two centimeters thick and the inner half is covered with a breathable fabric, thus helping in the management of sweating especially at high temperatures.
From this point of view, a similar solution is missing in the backrest , practically absent both from the point of view of the padding, just one centimeter thick and the same that we also find on the sides or on the front facade . However, it remains quite rigid, especially on the bottom, where the compartment for the photographic equipment is located, so even when full it is still quite comfortable to wear.
On the base, flat but thick enough to avoid damage to the equipment stored on the bottom, there are two adjustable straps closed with two clip buckles that can be used for the attachment of a tripod . On the opposite side, however, there is a double handle which can be more comfortably closed in one with a snap button, helping to carry the backpack by hand. Then there is a belt (this is also adjustable and opens and closes through a clip buckle) which helps distribute some of the weight around the waist; on the other hand, a similar system is missing on the upper side of the shoulder straps, which based on our experience we consider particularly comfortable during long walks, especially in the mountains, where they move more easily and tend to slip away.
bands for the tripod handle belt
Compartments, Andoer's backpack is well stocked. Specifically, there are three pockets (with mini-pockets inside) for accessories of various kinds, distributed as follows:
mini pocket on the back front pocket top pocket, side 1 top pocket, side 2 the inside of the top pocket a second inside pocket, there is room for iPad Air
Then there is the photographic section which represents the lower half of the backpack. This is accessed through two openings on the sides, closed with a velcro strip on the upper side and two zips on the sides, easily controlled by a single handle. Most photographic backpacks equipped with a similar side access use this arrangement to put reflex cameras and lenses at hand by crossing the shoulder straps: simply undo one and the backpack becomes a one-shoulder bag that slides on the front (we have had experience in this regard with an old Kata).
The use of Andoer's backpack in this sense is much more intuitive. First of all, the shoulder straps do not unhook and should not be worn crossed. When you have to access the photographic section, either because we want to extract the reflex, or replace a lens or simply put it back when the photographs are finished, simply remove a shoulder strap, slide the backpack on the side and open the side pocket, removing the inside as if it were a drawer.
The camera bag can also be completely removed completely , a very practical solution especially indoors, at home or in the studio, always having reflex and lenses available without having to open and close the main pocket.
side pocket
a handle to open the hinges together here's how it looks the photographic section
As for the space, the bag provides two removable separators that allow you to organize the various pockets according to your equipment. We have about 25x10x14 centimeters available, enough to contain the camera body and two lenses, even zoom lenses that are not too bulky, or by removing a separator there is space for SLR with lens already attached on one side, and lens / zoom on the other. It is therefore a certainly convenient solution for “Sunday photographers” who do not want to weigh down their shoulders with all the equipment, but also for those who, including professionals, hardly use more than two or three lenses per session.
We appreciated the presence of some secondary pockets positioned on the inner face of the two openings that allow access to the camera bag. On the one hand there are in fact two pockets, closed with velcro, each measuring 6 × 9 centimeters, convenient for carrying memory cards and other small accessories: on the other, a larger pocket (18 × 9 centimeters) can be used to collect the secondary batteries of the reflex, or ND filters and little else.
Conclusions
The Andoer photographic backpack is a valid alternative to others, especially if you are looking for a product that is not dedicated exclusively to the transport of photographic equipment. In fact, this bag, in the upper half, ensures the transport of anything else, from the sandwich on a trip to the bottle of water, a sweatshirt or any other accessory. There is room for a tablet or ultrabook and lots of pockets of all sizes to keep even the smallest accessories well separated.
The materials are very good, the fabric is tearproof and the padding is very generous, protecting the photographic equipment without fear even from the most persistent rain thanks to the waterproof bag included in the purchase. Just keep in mind that, as soon as it is discarded, it gives off a very strong smell, especially in the first few days it is advisable to open all the pockets and let it air outdoors before use.
Pro
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Retail price
Andoer's backpack is on sale on Amazon for 49.99 euros.
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