Making a good camera backpack, especially one that stands out in a crowded market, is difficult. Making a good adventure camera backpack is even more difficult, as it combines the needs of two very opinionated types of users. PGYTech’s new OnePro might be one of the few that balances both groups’ needs.
PGYTech, which makes a whole range of camera accessories, announced the OnePro outdoor and adventure camera backpack series on Kickstarter and it will make its debut in September. The company says it saw a need in the outdoor landscape photography market for a bag that properly provides camera protection while at the same time integrating a hiking backpack’s carrying system.
“As a result, we developed a professional mountaineering-grade carrying system to camera backpacks, resulting in the OnePro series. This series includes the OnePro Flex and OnePro Focux versions to meet different user needs,” PGYTech says.
While the name of the series has the word “one” in it, the system actually relies on two different designs.
The OnePro Flex allows for flexible allocation of storage space for photography equipment and outdoor gear with the ability to swap out camera inserts (think: cubes) as needed. It is the more adaptable of the two bag options. The OnePro Focux Creation Backpack is more specific in its design and is meant for adventure photographers who carry photo gear — and just photo gear — more regularly. Its main compartment is equipped with customizable dividers directly rather than relying on a cube system.
If a photographer wants a bag that is capable of holding photo gear and outdoor equipment, then the Flex is the better choice. If a photographer heads on adventure day trips and doesn’t need additional camping supplies, then the Focux is the better fit. It’s unusual to see a camera company design a single line this way and it makes the OnePro series particularly adaptable to a specific photographer’s needs. While one bag won’t work for everyone (which is the industry’s normal approach), between the two bags, basically all bases are covered.
Both bags feature an internal frame that includes a “floating,” arched ergonomic mesh backing that rests against the body while worn. PGYTech didn’t neglect customization either, as the shoulder and mesh backing can be independently adjusted to fit a wearer’s height. The company used a mesh design wherever possible to allow for maximum airflow and the exterior of the bag is made of a water and scratch-resistant Cordura fabric.
The PGYTech OnePro is available to back on Kickstarter and the Flex is available in 30L, 40L, and 50L capacities starting at $250 (eventually for $360) while the Focux is available in 25L and 35L capacities starting at $245 (eventually $350).
PGYTech expects to start shipping units in September 2024.
PetaPixel’s Take
I had the opportunity to test the OnePro backpack at the National Association of Broadcasters expo in Las Vegas earlier this year and was immediately impressed with what I saw. As mentioned, making a good adventure backpack is already a challenge but adding the unique needs of a photography backpack into one is even more difficult. Most companies don’t get everything right, either making a sub-par support system (many don’t have internal frames) or sacrificing customization (it’s shocking how few have adjustable shoulder straps) in order to hit certain price points.
PGYTech seemingly nailed every major (literal) pain point with the design of this system and the choice to make two bags that cater to the two possible use cases is particularly smart — rather than make a compromise for one set of users, the company opted to manufacture two separate designs in order to maximize the number of happy users. It’s a more expensive approach, but PGYTech did it anyway.
We’ll have to see a final production unit in order to form final opinions, but our current champ in the space Shimoda might finally have some real competition here.
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Image credits: PGYTech