Review – MindShift Trailscape 18L Camera Backpack

From my previous posts, you will know I am a fan of Thinktank bags and in particular the Urban Approach 15. However, I was asked to put the MindShift Trailscape 18L through its paces. So I decided to live life on the edge and leave my Urban Approach at home and take the MindShift Trailscape 18L to Thailand where I was photographing for Anantara Hotels & Resorts.

As I shoot with Mirrorless cameras (Lumix GH5, GX8). Like most travelling photographers we like to have our kit on board as cabin baggage. So the MindShift Trailscape 18L ticks that box. It has comfortable straps which make it extremely comfortable to wear, even in humid conditions. I also noticed how well it is insulated. As in humid climates and on the location you have to deal with going from air-conditioned rooms to working outside, so condensation is a constant issue.

I like the comfort, I like what it can hold, and I like the design of the front compartment, which allows me a few more options than the Urban Approach. So I can easily pop in a couple of hard drives and cables. Remember both these bags can take laptops and kit, but they are designed for different users.

So the bag itself, what boxes does it tick for me? It is generous in size without feeling big. I can fit 2 bodies and up to 6 lenses in with my configuration, plus cables, lens wipes, my laptop, etc. I will list what I packed in it later.

Yes, it seems unbelievable, but this is what I had in my MindShift Trailscape 18L when I when to Thailand.

1. Lumix GH5
2. Lumix GX8
3. FLM CP26 Carbon tripod.
4. Leica 100-400mm lens
5. Lumix 12-35mm lens
6. Nocticron 42.5mm lens
7. Lumix Leica 15mm lens
8. Leica 12mm lens
9. Leica 12-60mm lens
10. Lumix 35-100mm
11. 1tb Hard-drive
12. Lee Filters ND Filters.
13. Spare batteries
14. Notebook
15. 13 inch MacBook Pro
16. SD Cards
17. Sunglasses
18. Suncream and Mosi Spray
19. Headphones

There are a couple of design features that I miss from the Urban Approach. The zips that can be padlocked are a welcome addition to any camera bag. Personally, I would really like to see these added to the MindShift Trailscape 18L main compartment. I also love the luggage loop on the Urban approach with makes life easier at airports and train stations. The MindShift Trailscape 18L definitely needs more padding at the bottom of its laptop compartment. Luckly I have a protective case on my laptop and the corners are cracked from me putting the back down. I can understand why there is’nt so its keeps the from area more flexible.

I do like the front pouch (great for passports and cash), plus the generous side pockets, which will take a compact tripod and a water bottle. It has ample room for cards and cables and paperwork and is very easy to access your gear quickly.

Having used this non-stop for two weeks on location. This is a fantastic bag, for long haul destinations or if you are hiking up a hill for that beautiful sunrise. It does pack more than the Urban Approach, but I still like the Urban Approach for short haul and street photography as it has that added security. Both bags are well made and will take a bashing. They both come with waterproof covers which are quick and easy to put on.

So whatever you are photographing this summer, winter, where ever in the world. There is a bag that will tick all your boxes. Now as I head to New Zealand, I am taking the Mindshift Trailscape 18L with me on another long journey. Whereas last week I was using my Urban Approach for some local shoots. The versatility is fantastic.

Available in the UK from Snapperstuff or MindShift.