The materials are sturdy and just by touching you can feel the quality.
I managed to put massive Tamrons 15-30 and 70-200 G2 and Sigma 150-600 and there was still space for Nikkor 85 in the main compartment. The upper part seems just perfect for Nikon Z6ii with 24-70 f4 on. Side pockets still able to contain a few filters and the upper compartment seems to have some extra space.
Zippers are very smooth and the rain cover is a great extra thing.
What made me quite surprised that when I fully loaded the bag and tried to put it on, the upper-right buckle just unlocked itself and the bag fell down (and one of chest strap hole was torn)! That was a great stress-test to check the durability of the frame (none of lenses broke!) but the buckle thing still makes me feel uneasy. I have no idea why the buckle button releases the lock. The way I put the bag on is not strange or unusual, to be honest. Actually, it unlocked few more times but I was ready - I put the bag on while seated on a couch so the bag just fell on a soft surface.
As I kept on testing the fully loaded bag, the buckle seemed to keep in place. Jumping, walking, fast walking, sudden pulling the handle - in all of the situations it remained locked.
My best guess is the load weight. Although I found no max load specs, I suspect that the gear is just too heavy (8,5 kg to be precise) which is a bummer because all the lenses which are packed, they are needed for my photo trips. Either way, tripod will be carried in a separate bag. I just hope that umbrella and/or water bottle can still fit.
***UPDATE***
After 6 months of active usage I can confirm that no issues occurred. I used it as a camera backpack and as a casual backpack (it's really great for the flights) and it's a solid 10/10. The versatility, design and build quality did not disappoint. To be frank, I removed the attached straps as I found no situations where those could be used (still). But I have them with me! And waiting for the chance to use them :)
I managed to put massive Tamrons 15-30 and 70-200 G2 and Sigma 150-600 and there was still space for Nikkor 85 in the main compartment. The upper part seems just perfect for Nikon Z6ii with 24-70 f4 on. Side pockets still able to contain a few filters and the upper compartment seems to have some extra space.
Zippers are very smooth and the rain cover is a great extra thing.
What made me quite surprised that when I fully loaded the bag and tried to put it on, the upper-right buckle just unlocked itself and the bag fell down (and one of chest strap hole was torn)! That was a great stress-test to check the durability of the frame (none of lenses broke!) but the buckle thing still makes me feel uneasy. I have no idea why the buckle button releases the lock. The way I put the bag on is not strange or unusual, to be honest. Actually, it unlocked few more times but I was ready - I put the bag on while seated on a couch so the bag just fell on a soft surface.
As I kept on testing the fully loaded bag, the buckle seemed to keep in place. Jumping, walking, fast walking, sudden pulling the handle - in all of the situations it remained locked.
My best guess is the load weight. Although I found no max load specs, I suspect that the gear is just too heavy (8,5 kg to be precise) which is a bummer because all the lenses which are packed, they are needed for my photo trips. Either way, tripod will be carried in a separate bag. I just hope that umbrella and/or water bottle can still fit.
***UPDATE***
After 6 months of active usage I can confirm that no issues occurred. I used it as a camera backpack and as a casual backpack (it's really great for the flights) and it's a solid 10/10. The versatility, design and build quality did not disappoint. To be frank, I removed the attached straps as I found no situations where those could be used (still). But I have them with me! And waiting for the chance to use them :)
18/11/2024
I have a bigger one but i bought this one for a trip to Italy last month and I took 5 airplanes without a problem with the airlines.
15/11/2024
Wow! The name "Alpha" really suits this backpack well when it comes to functionality and amount of backpack technology(?!) went into this thing.
Pros
-Front access, side access, large compartment for 2 sleeves of tablet/laptop.
-High quality zippers that would block out water and moisture really well by the look and design of it.
-Removable shoulder straps for mini-duffel mode
-Body of the backpack is rigid enough to be called a structure, which would protect the gears well from impact.
-1.5L Expandability with top lid
-Stretchy side pouches for tripod/water bottles
-Magnetic hidden pouch for quick storage and placed in the back center strap, which is also for mounting on carry-on handle
-The quality of the exterior/interior fabrics and construction is really impressive... and I mean REALLLY IMPRESSIIVEEEE!! They even feel good to touch.
-Too many to list. I mean it literally and sincerely.
There are myriads of features in this backpack that would easily make you love it. It's also amazing how many good ideas they were able to pack into this small backpack.
Cons...
- Uncomfortable (at least in my case)
The top end of each shoulder strap is attached to the backpack via a huge metal harness. It is the harness that allows you to press/click to remove the shoulder straps off from the backpack body. This way, the backpack goes into somewhat of handheld mini-duffel bag mode mentioned above. This harness is really cool but can cause major comfortability issue depending on your body type.
I normally like to keep the straps short to have the backside of the backpack directly on my back, like a hiking bag. When I set it up this way, the harness pokes into my scapula constantly. It's extremely uncomfortable for me. I tried various strap settings. It's the harness that causes the backpack to be hanging a little awkward on my back all the time. It feels a little bit better to keep the shoulder straps long. However, I would not call this long strap setting "comfortable" either compared to other backpacks in the market.
- Internal space seems really tight for 25L. I have Lowepro Protactic 300 AW ii(20L), 450 (25L) and Manfrotto Offroad stunt (about 17L). Alpha is more comparable to Offroad stunt in terms of internal space. Maybe compete with Protactic 300 if I really shoved stuff in with the top expansion.
Again, this backpack can be super amazing if it fits your body type. I really love all the bells and whistles features in this backpack but unfortunately the straps do not work for me :( I really wish they make V2 of this backpack with the metal harness changed. I would definitely consider buying. Otherwise, I would highly recommend people to try this backpack though. In terms of features, you definitely won't be disappointed!
Pros
-Front access, side access, large compartment for 2 sleeves of tablet/laptop.
-High quality zippers that would block out water and moisture really well by the look and design of it.
-Removable shoulder straps for mini-duffel mode
-Body of the backpack is rigid enough to be called a structure, which would protect the gears well from impact.
-1.5L Expandability with top lid
-Stretchy side pouches for tripod/water bottles
-Magnetic hidden pouch for quick storage and placed in the back center strap, which is also for mounting on carry-on handle
-The quality of the exterior/interior fabrics and construction is really impressive... and I mean REALLLY IMPRESSIIVEEEE!! They even feel good to touch.
-Too many to list. I mean it literally and sincerely.
There are myriads of features in this backpack that would easily make you love it. It's also amazing how many good ideas they were able to pack into this small backpack.
Cons...
- Uncomfortable (at least in my case)
The top end of each shoulder strap is attached to the backpack via a huge metal harness. It is the harness that allows you to press/click to remove the shoulder straps off from the backpack body. This way, the backpack goes into somewhat of handheld mini-duffel bag mode mentioned above. This harness is really cool but can cause major comfortability issue depending on your body type.
I normally like to keep the straps short to have the backside of the backpack directly on my back, like a hiking bag. When I set it up this way, the harness pokes into my scapula constantly. It's extremely uncomfortable for me. I tried various strap settings. It's the harness that causes the backpack to be hanging a little awkward on my back all the time. It feels a little bit better to keep the shoulder straps long. However, I would not call this long strap setting "comfortable" either compared to other backpacks in the market.
- Internal space seems really tight for 25L. I have Lowepro Protactic 300 AW ii(20L), 450 (25L) and Manfrotto Offroad stunt (about 17L). Alpha is more comparable to Offroad stunt in terms of internal space. Maybe compete with Protactic 300 if I really shoved stuff in with the top expansion.
Again, this backpack can be super amazing if it fits your body type. I really love all the bells and whistles features in this backpack but unfortunately the straps do not work for me :( I really wish they make V2 of this backpack with the metal harness changed. I would definitely consider buying. Otherwise, I would highly recommend people to try this backpack though. In terms of features, you definitely won't be disappointed!
11/11/2024
Great for when you're out and about with your camera and a few things for your dog and a large water bottle. I wouldn't want to be without it!
10/11/2024
after much research i settled on this bag for a few reasons . it has very good protection for all your camera supplies as well as a laptop. i bought this mainly for travelling as it has a ton of room for all my camera gear, cords ,charger and my other basic needs like wallet and phone. the pack materials are very durable and zippers so far have stood up to use unlike other ones ive tried. it has good support and comfort when its loaded up with your gear and your out walking .i would easily recommend if you are looking for a camera back pack in this size
10/11/2024
The holds my full frame dslr with medium length lens on it, speed light, extra lense, batteries, my keys, so cards and more. The best part is it’s super light. There not a ton of “extra”space because everything is compartmentalized (think: can’t shove a jacket in it) but. Don’t have a light set up and every time I pick it up I have to double check my camera is actually in it because it’s so light. It distributes the nicely. If you need a lot of lenses and gear, this isn’t for you, but if you can get by with one body and some extras, this is good. I’ve had it for about 6 months and it’s held up so far.
03/11/2024
I love this product. I stored all my gear and put it on my back for a trip and it was great. Nice product and would recommend to others.
29/10/2024
This is what i have been able to put in this bag , 2 Full frame bodies without the lense in the middle poocket. 70 -200 lens in the top pocket. and 2 lenses in the bottom pocket and a rode mic go with no problems . Like i said i work for me and im happy that is compact . and still can carry all that .
27/10/2024