Gear Guide: Bag Overview
Who doesn’t love camera bags? Seriously, they’re awesome! With so many different options on the market it can be hard to determine what suits your needs as a creator. ProMaster carries a wide array of different bags from shoulder bags, to backpacks, and even roller bags. Today we break down some of the nuances to each of our bag lines and who they may be best suited for.
Probably the bag we are all most familiar with is the camera backpack. Offered in many shapes and sizes, these are a staple piece for most photo and video enthusiasts.
For those looking to carry lots of gear on a shoot, we recommend checking out the Cityscape Line of backpacks. These are offered in both a 71 and 75 size with the main difference being the depth of the bags. These are workhorse pieces that, despite the name, excel in a number of environments. The main compartment can be accessed from the rear of the bag, adding a layer of security. You’ll notice the interior wall of the back of these bags feature several pockets for accessories. The main compartment comes with customizable dividers to help organize and protect your gear. Moving to the front, you’ll notice ample storage for additional accessories, as well as a laptop compartment that will house up to a 16” device. Both sides of the bag feature pockets that are perfect for holding water bottles or sliding tripods legs into. The pockets are accompanied by a number of straps that allow you to properly secure your gear.
I have personally used the 75 model in a number of different environments with a pair of camera bodies, several lenses, a drone, accessories, tripod, and water, all properly stowed. Strap up with both the shoulder and hip harnesses and you’ll be able to comfortably hike with your gear. This bag shines in run-and-gun shooting environments that require a lot of gear.
The Impulse line of bags are great everyday camera bags. Discrete enough to be worn in any environment while offering adequate features for an array of creatives. Unlike many bags, the Impulse line is offered in two different colors: black and light gray. You also can choose between sizes. The larger bag is perfect for when you need to bring more gear with you on the shoot while the smaller bag functions well for those moments when you want to be low profile. These bags excel for the creator that likes to shoot in mixed environments. Maybe one day you find yourself doing street photography and want something that blends in that doesn’t necessarily scream “camera bag”. All the while, you can easily load up the large bag for photo and video missions that bring you off the beaten path. While you won’t find as many comfort features as the Cityscape bags offer for heavier loads, you’ll find that the impulse line is a perfect solution to your gear transporting needs for a wide range of situations.
Shoulder bags are an excellent choice for those looking to blend style and functionality. These are perfect for the photographer carrying light loads of gear - just the essentials. Sometimes a body, a pair of lenses, and a couple accessories is all you need. Less can be more!
The Blue Ridge series blends the lines of style and functionality quite well with its deep blue color that is accented by silver stitching and metal hardware. This is accompanied by a sliding shoulder strap that features additional padding for comfort.
A highlight of this line of bags is the fast-action magnetic, Fidlock latch. This allows you to instantly open your bag for quick access to your gear. Now, you might be thinking that there’s nothing overly special about this, but the easier it is for you to quickly access your gear, the more you will end up shooting, period. We have likely all been out for a walk or a hike and have had our gear tucked away in our bag. Maybe you came across something that you were considering shooting but might pass up on it. Every barrier of entry that’s removed in the creative process means you will end up shooting more. To further improve the ease of use, you will also notice that each bag offers a top zipper that gives you direct access to the main compartment.
When you start adding in all the additional zippered pockets for accessories, durable 600D fabric, stretchy mesh side-pockets, and an array of other features, you begin to notice how much is packed into what otherwise appears to be a clean and low profile shoulder bag. Offered in 4 different sizes ranging from an extra small 1.8L bag to a large 5.8L unit, you can carry everything from a point-n-shoot camera to a full sized mirrorless setup with additional lenses.
When you’re heading to the airport, the last thing you want to have to worry about is lugging your gear through security. If you’re like us, then you’ve probably got more gear than you’ll ever need packed! This is where having a roller bag is a gamechanger.
The Rollerback Rolling Backpack was designed to help you transport large amounts of gear when traveling. The large Rollerback offers a tremendous amount of interior space, allowing you to accommodate a number of camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. With any extra available space you can pack additional travel necessities. This bag is even large enough to hold a Sony 400mm f2.8 prime down the middle. If you have seen this lens, you know that it is an absolute monster.
You’ll also find a convenient latch system that will hold a full size tripod to the back of the bag. This is accompanied by numerous exterior pockets as well as straps on either side of the bag for holding additional items such as monopods or gimbals (motorized). When you’re on uneven terrain or need to get a move-on, you can easily use the Rollerback as a standard backpack, making this a very versatile product.
The Rollerback is also offered in a medium version that carries all of the same features in a more compact package. While there is less interior space available, this bag can still handle a ton of gear. If you are an avid traveler, you will want to check these out!
Photo and video equipment can add up quickly both in cost and volume. The purchase of one lens often turns into several. Suddenly you need a second body, or maybe a new drone came out and you need a place to store it. Enter the Professional Cine Bag. This line of bags offers a large and highly customizable space for you to house your gear.
Increased bag depth means you can accommodate larger cinema style cameras and mirrorless setups with vertical grips. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that each bag has a semi-rigid frame meaning your gear won’t get crushed in the case of a fall or if you need to stow it away with other equipment. In fact, each bag offers a flat top in the case you do need to stow or stack your gear. This makes for convenient storage when not on location and allows for easy car packing as well.
The medium Cine bag can hold a Sony 70-200mm F4 lens vertically.
If you are traveling by air, you’ll be happy to know that these come with a pass-through on the back, allowing you to slide the bag onto your rolling luggage. The top also provides a convenient latch to hold a tripod down when traveling in the airport or to a new shoot location.
Where these bags really shine is in a production company setting (both large and small) where the utmost protection and customizability is required. Cameras like a RED Komodo, Sony FX6, or Blackmagic 6k Pro would find themselves right at home in a setup like this.
Concluding Thoughts
No matter the bag you choose to pack for your next creative adventure, ProMaster is sure to have one to fit your needs. From a smaller Blue Ridge shoulder bag to the 75 Cityscape Backpack and Rollerback roller bags, there’s one that can perfectly fit your gear wherever you go next!
