Photographers gripe about the ugliness of camera backpacks and a number of startups have cropped up on Kickstarter with designs that remove the bulk, improve functionality and give the genre a much-needed facelift.
Brevitē, pronounced like the word that means concession, had such a successful run with its first camera backpack in 2015, it immediately designed two more.
Now the Boston-based company started by three brothers is crowd funding to bring its most recent line to market. The Hadley Series appears to refine the minimalist design philosophy that motivates Brevitē.
While photographers may ogle over the beautiful simplicity of the Hadley line, the best feature may be its camera insert, which also can function as a shoulder bag when leaving behind the backpack.
Toss the insert aside, the Hadley packs can serve any commuter or tech professional.
Photo: Brevitē
Early backers on Kickstarter can pre-order any of the three sizes for $150. The bags are expected to retail for $220 once production is underway.
Photographers put a premium on being discreet and tend to resist bags that look like a camera bag. While shoulder bags have morphed in style, the DSLR backpack, great for travel and nature photographers, remained kind of bulky.
The strength of the first line of bags from Brevitē was how they looked like an ordinary backpack. One reviewer even remarked how it reminded him of Jansport backpack seen in high school hallways. The durability and ease of getting at gear won the high marks that matter most for functionality.
The Hadley Line looks more up-to-date with style without compromising on the value of wear and function.
The largest bag, the Roamer, has a drawstring top and can expand to 20 liters. There is a top flap with a magnetic clasp that leads to a large main compartment.
The Runner is a slimmer option with a 16-litre main compartment. It has a no-seam construction that allows it to fold flat in a suitcase. The bag’s top flap closes securely with two Fidlock buckles.
The Scout, described as the most conservative design of the three, has a vertical zippered pocket on top and a second roomy lower pocket with magnetic closures.
Photo: Brevitē
All three are made to accommodate the new camera insert and while there doesn’t appear to be side access on the bags, a common feature on many camera backpacks, getting at the gear through the secure rear panel seems easy enough.
Brevitē has also included key features like rugged, weatherproof material, a15-inch laptop sleeve, a padded, moisture-wicking back panel and lots of little pockets to carry cords and other essentials.
If the company meets its funding goal and the production schedule runs on time, packs could be delivered by February.
