Camera backpacks have been an important accessory for many photographers around the world. If you are someone who photographs on the street or shuttles between cities, a good bag is a must. German camera backpack maker, Compagnon, is one brand that continues to reinvent itself in the domain. The brand is the personal choice of our Editor in Chief. After the success of their flagship Element backpack, they are back again with a new version that rethinks the original components. Have a look at how.
The Element backpack 2.0 is arriving in May, and offers a new recycled ReGen Carbon AX R2 laminate exterior, along with 1650D Ballistic Nylon. Put together, both offer significant weather restraints and sturdiness, which is important for photographers shooting in the wild. The zippers have YKK Aquaguard materials, which are water-repellent and glove-friendly. The rolltop closes magnetically as well, which further helps one to seal their gear in an event of sudden rain.
The new backpack also features a redesigned back panel, new 3D AirMesh ventilation, and soft memory foam on the shoulder straps for padding. The back opening has been redesigned to make weight distribution and access to gear better. There is also a ShiftPro V2 hip belt, which features large weatherproof zippered pockets on both sides. This is a huge upgrade from the single-sided zipper from the earlier version. There is also a new trolley attachment loop to help the bag pair with rolling luggage, a feature that lacked in the first iteration.
On the inside, you get 11 new ProTec Velcro dividers. Of the 11, 7 have folding functions, while four come with built-in flex pockets. The Velcro area can be extended as well all the way to the rolltop, which can help to unlock 20% more space. Overall, one can carry the following:
- Mirrorless cameras like the Leica M10, Leica Q2, Olympus E-M1 Mark III, Fujifilm X-T4 and many more.
- APS-C DSLR like the Canon EOS 80D, Nikon D500, and more.
- Fullframe models such as Sony a7R III, Canon R5, and Nikon Z7 II.
- Full frame DSLRs like Canon 6D Mark II, 5D Mk IV, Nikon D750, Canon 1Dx, Nikon D6 and many more.
- Medium formats like Fujifilm GFX100, Hasselblad X1D II 50c, Hasselblad H6D, Leica S3, PhaseOne XF IQ4, etc.
Lenses also fit comfortably, such as a 70-200mm f2.8 can be kept mounted on the body. In addition, you can accommodate up to 15 inches (16 inches for MacBook Pro 2019) laptops. The backpack has a tablet sleeve for iPad Pro up to 13 inches as well.
In the past, we reviewed the Compagnon Backpack Gen III, and we were quite happy with its performance. In fact, our Editor-in-Chief, Chris Gampat, wrote:
One of the biggest things that makes the Compagnon Backpack Gen III so different from other bags on the market is the materials. While Tenba will incorporate canvas, they don’t really do canvas and leather together. And the one time they did so, they kind of failed. But the Compagnon Backpack Gen III has a rolltop feature, incredible durability, great comfort, and the ability to carry lots of camera gear.
Given the prior performance, our hope is that the new Element bag, available in 20L and 30L, will live up to the brand’s reputation. For those on a budget, Compagnon is a brand you must consider.
The bag will cost around $403 USD and includes their adhesion to the statutory warranty policy. It’s also said to be designed for smaller and slimmer bodies, according to their FAQ.