Overview : MindShift introduces UltraLight, the lightest photo daypack series ever. Designed for convenient access to gear and spacious capacity for personal items, all accessible without removing the pack. The UltraLight™ Dual 25L and 36L feature a removable insert, which can be worn as a shoulder bag or beltpack. Inside the backpack, you can drop a trap door that converts the bag to a single-compartment daypack. The UltraLight™ Sprint, with 16L capacity, easily converts from a photo pack to a daypack.
Features (Dual 25L 36L):
- Holds DSLR, up to 3 Lenses & Accessories
- Stores 15" Laptop or 3L Hydration
- Removable Camera Compartment
- Trap Door for Full Daypack Conversion
- Variety of Storage Pockets
- Front Tripod/Monopod Mounting System
- Breathable Padded Airflow Harness
- Compression and Sternum Straps
- Daisy Chain Attachment Points
- Seam-Sealed Rain Cover Included
- Holds Compact DSLR, Mirrorless & Lenses
- Stores 10" Tablet or 1.5L Hydration
- Trap Door for Full Daypack Conversion
- Variety of Storage Pockets
- Front Tripod/Monopod Mounting System
- Breathable Padded Airflow Harness
- Compression and Sternum Straps
- Daisy Chain Attachment Points
- Made of Lightweight Nylon Materials
- Seam-Sealed Rain Cover Included
Quality/Usability : In the market for a camera bag but feeling overwhelmed? Well here is one more bag to choose from. If you're a photographer who is an avid hiker or just loves the outdoor, I'm sure you're always looking for a backpack to hold your gear.
So today, we have the MindShift Gear UltraLight 25L. It is the middle child of the family. The UltraLight also comes in a 36L (big brother) and a smaller Spring 16L (little brother).
The UltraLight/Sprint is great for anyone who are hikers/adventurers. There are plenty of straps to help secure items to the backpack. Without anything loaded, the backpack is very very light weight.
The shoulder straps are comfy but not as padded as I hope they would be. There is also a sternum strap as well as molle straps to attach additional gear or packs.
There is a waterproof zipper at the top. This allows you to put your keys, wallets, loose change, and smaller items that you need quick access to. Don't forget that this is on the top flap, so you don't want anything too bulky.
Opening the top flap reveals a drawstring that gives you access to the top compartment. This allows you to carry snacks, clothes, equipments and other various items. There is also a mesh pocket to store loose change, tools, wallet, etc.
On the other side of the mesh pocket is a laptop/tablet compartment. The smaller pocket can hold a tablet and in the bigger pocket, I can easily fit my 15" Macbook Pro Retina into it. If you're not carrying a laptop, you can actually hold a hydration bladder pack.
At the top and bottom of the bag are pockets that conveniently hides some external straps. These straps help secure your tripod to your backpack.
Any hiking bag usually comes with a waist belt. This helps relieve some of the weight on your shoulders if your backpack is heavy. On one of the waist straps, there is a small pocket. This is great for your camera batteries, smartphone, keys, small flashlights or tools that you need to easily access.
The bottom compartment houses where you would put your camera and gear. Upon opening up the zipper, you're presented with a handle and two zipper pulls. Even with the zipper pulls, it can be a slight hassle trying to zip and unzip the cover.
But once it is open, the cover houses a mesh zippered pocket and the main compartment has a flap that provides protection. You can remove this if you don't want it as its held in place with velcro. Inside the main compartment are additional dividers that lets you separate your gear.
If you don't want to open two flaps, you're actually able to tuck the flap into the outer pocket as shown below.
I was able to hold my Canon 5D Mark III with EF 70-200mm f2.8L II as well as my Peak Design Slide Strap and SpiderHolster Hand Strap. Depending on the gear you have, you may be able to fit a prime or small zoom lens. This is not meant to carry everything and the kitchen sink. This is more for just for the day type situations.
If all you want to carry is just your camera gear, you're able to remove the inner pouch and carry that separately. But how do you carry it separately you ask...
MindShift Gear includes a shoulder strap. The strap is your basic nylon strap with a slightly padded support. There's a rubber texture to the underside to provide some grip and prevent it from sliding.
With all MindShift Gear packs, a rain cover is included that covers the entire backpack.
Conclusion : Overall, the MindShift Gear UltraLight Dual 25L 36L Sprint 16L Photo Daypack Backpack holds a decent amount of stuff but when it comes to carrying camera gear, its very very limited. I was able to fit a full frame camera and one lens attached. I couldn't really fit another lens depending on what it was. If you're carrying mirrorless gear, this would be great. This is not meant to carry everything but just for the day.
I love that the UltraLight is very lightweight. It is perfect for hiking.
