Off-road,
on your back.
Photographer?
If so, you've definitely heard about Manfrotto and their range of
camera accessories (we've reviewed some, here). However, you might
not know that they also make bags and backpacks, and some are
designed for slightly more action that lugging your point and shoot
about. We test the Manfrotto Off-road Stunt Backpack.
No,
before you ask, this doesn't include a parachute or a jetpack or
wheels as the name might suggest; it does in fact refer to the
backpack's use for fans of action cam photography. That is because
the whole set up has been geared toward those of us who use GoPros
(and the like) to capture exciting scenes and adventures, and it also
does more than just stow them safely.
The
Manfrotto Off-road Stunt Backpack looks pretty unique, and it is
certainly an eye-catching pack. For a start, the top most section is
rigid and opens from the inside; a tough and protected space intended
to carry smartphones and other small precious things. Below that the
main compartment opens via three separate zips, allowing you peel
back the fabric to get fully inside to the hold.
And
on the inside you get two little treats. Removable divider bags sit
comfortably at the bottom, perfect for stowing two action cams in
one, and an actual camera in the other. The bags are well padded, to
keep your kit safe, and also fairly rigid, meaning that when they are
slotted down into the base of the pack (while still being accessibly
from that front-side zipper) they create a sort of firm platform onto
which other bits can be placed.
And,
as you might have guessed, if you just want all the room of the main
hold, simply remove the camera bags. There is additional;storage
space either side, with external zipped pockets, and a dedicated
tablet/document section against your back. Which, thanks to the handy
hole at the top, can also be used to carry a water pouch, for
extended adventures.
Speaking
of which, here's where the Manfrotto Off-road Stunt Backpack stops
being just a bag and starts being an actual filming aid. Attached to
the left shoulder strap is a mount for an action cam, similar to the
ones you'll find on helmets and skateboards. There you can fix one of
your cams to capture what action you're up to while wearing the
backpack, be it steadily trudging up a hill, or even snowboarding
down it.
And
hot damn, is it comfortable. Waist and chest straps are also
included, which help a lot if your cargo is weighty. The chest strap
also helps to keep the shoulder strap-mounted action cam steady, so
if you're after smooth POV shots from the cam, use it. In use we
found that having just one of the removable pod-like bags was enough
for our kit, with the rest of the space given over to the usual
stuff.
In
terms of when and where you might use this, we'd say it isn't really
a commuters pack. The waist strap can't be taken off and the lack of
a cushioned laptop compartment won't be much use if you're thinking
of lugging this to the office and back each day. However, if you're a
film maker, pro or amateur, or just wanting to capture a hike or an
extreme sport you're taking part in, this is the bee's knees.
£59.95
Available from www.amazon.co.uk