Jasper 2.0 Backpack: The Goldilocks Bag

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the chance to take my travels throughout the changing fall seasons of two states: Montana and Colorado. Both offered their own unique challenges and opportunities, and one of those opportunities was bringing the Jasper 2.0 Rolltop Backpack along for the ride and putting it to the test.

If you’ve ever read Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you know the story of Goldilocks searching for the porridge that is “just right.” That’s exactly how I’ve felt about the Jasper 2.0 Rolltop Backpack since throwing it over my shoulders for the first time. It’s not too big and overwhelming, but not too small that it can’t carry everything I need. It’s the perfect in-between, and for someone like me who’s constantly on the move between landscapes, the Jasper 2.0 backpack has been the perfect companion along the way.

Glacier National Park has always been a bucket list destination for me. It’s known for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning valleys, especially as the fall colors start to turn. With the plan of maximizing the fall season this year, I aimed to spend 4 days in Glacier before flying to Colorado for their peak fall season. Kind of double-dipping, if you will. Just because I was double dipping, though, didn’t mean I wasn’t carrying what felt like double the amount of gear. It was crucial I packed in a way that was efficient, yet comfortable on my back. Five flights in nine days can wear someone down quickly.

What I fell in love with about Jasper 2.0’s layout was the split storage. I try to be a minimalist with lenses, traveling with just two to three at any time to avoid the weight and space it takes up. For this trip, I prioritized the Tamron 17-28, the Tamron 28-200, and the Sony 24-50. As for camera bodies, I had my Sony a7RV and my Sony a7S II. When it came to packing the lower storage section, all of the gear fit with room to spare for my Macbook charger and my filter case. I hadn’t even accessed the roll top yet, but I was already optimistic about my travels being efficient and comfortable.

When it came to the roll top storage, I prioritized the little things. I have a tech pouch for extra batteries, spare SD cards, cleaning supplies, and hex keys. This pouch fit nice and snug in the top section of storage, while on top of that, I switched gears and packed a beanie, my ProMaster Knit Photo Gloves, and sunglasses. Even then, I had a bit of space to spare, so why not pack some food? It was the exact amount of space I was hoping for to feel prepared for daily shooting. I’m notorious for overpacking, but the rolltop feature on Jasper 2.0 gave me the type of flexibility I was looking for. It was time for some exploring, and Glacier was the perfect place to begin.

One of my favorite moments of the entire trip was at Lake McDonald, when a brief rain shower passed, and a rainbow appeared over the lake. I was able to quickly reach for my filter case and grab my HGX Prime CPL filter without any delay. Having that spare room to stay organized made all the difference. I was able to capture the rainbow in full vibrancy without scrambling through my bag, and the shot turned out exactly how I hoped. Better than I hoped, in fact.

Photographing at St. Mary Lake was the most challenging moment of the trip. The strong winds swept through the area and added an extra level of drama to the scene and an extreme element to my compilations: dust. What gave me peace of mind, though, was knowing that the deep lens compartments in the Jasper 2.0 kept everything secure and protected. With the wind kicking up everything along the shore, I didn’t have to worry about debris getting into my bag or, worse, onto my camera’s sensor. The tight, protective storage ensured that when I swapped out lenses, everything stayed clean and dust-free, allowing me to focus on the scenes instead of worrying about my gear.

The next day, I decided to slow down and just enjoy being present in the park. I found a quiet spot by the shore where I could relax, enjoy the snacks I had packed, and just take in all the scenes around me. Later, I caught the sunset while driving along Going-to-the-Sun Road. The light hitting the valley was unlike anything I had seen, all credit to the incoming storm from the west. Thankfully, the tripod straps are located at the bottom of the Jasper 2.0 backpack, making it super easy to access and deploy my Epoch tripod quickly. With the sun setting fast and the clouds moving in, every second mattered, and having my gear right where I needed it meant I didn’t miss a thing. I can now proudly check off “shoot a storm above 6,000 feet elevation” off my list.

After wrapping up my days in Glacier, I headed south to Colorado to explore the famous fall foliage. If you’ve never experienced the fall colors in Colorado, you’re in for a treat. Aspens dominate the landscape, and when they turn that remarkable golden yellow against blue sky, it’s like walking through a painting.

For this part of the trip, I explored the Maroon Peaks, and they did not disappoint. I shot sunrise at Maroon Bells, viewed (from a safe distance) an abandoned lead mining town, wandered the Ashcroft Valley, and challenged my fear of heights by driving the McClure Pass. All this time, with the Jasper 2.0, I felt fully prepared to chase the light and whatever fleeting colors were present.

The weather in Colorado during fall can be unpredictable. One moment, it’s sunny and clear, and the next, you’re battling rain or even snow at higher elevations. Having the rain cover that came with the Jasper 2.0 was a lifesaver. It kept my gear dry without adding much bulk. When I wasn’t using it, it tucked neatly away, barely noticeable.

The bag’s tripod carrier straps once again came in handy more than once. I was constantly setting up and moving my tripod, and not having to carry it awkwardly in my hand saved me a lot of hassle, especially when using it for sunrise at Maroon Bells.

Now, back to Goldilocks. The reason I keep coming back to that analogy is that, for me, finding the right camera bag has been a constant struggle. I’ve tried bags that were too big, leaving me feeling weighed down and overwhelmed.

On the other hand, I’ve had bags that were too small, making me feel like I had to sacrifice essential gear just to make it work. But with the Jasper 2.0 backpack, it really is “just right.” I can fly with it, I can hike with it, I can keep it in my passenger seat – it exceeded my expectations for all scenarios. In addition to all the practical features, this backpack simply looks great. I’ve always been someone who values function over form, but it’s a bonus when you get both. The sleek, minimal design, combined with its durable build and water-resistant coating, means it can handle rough trails and unpredictable weather without looking worse for wear. As a chaser constantly in the rain, I can rest easy knowing my gear is safe.

My travels to Montana and Colorado were some of the most rewarding travels I’ve had in recent years. There’s something about fall that makes you want to slow down and soak in the tones around you, and with Jasper 2.0 by my side, I could do that stress free. If you’re looking for a camera backpack that matches the perfect balance, much like Goldilocks found, I’d highly recommend giving the Jasper 2.0 a try. Whether you’re hiking up the mountains or wandering through the forest, Jasper 2.0 has your back, literally and figuratively.