Creating a good camera backpack, especially one that stands out in a crowded market, is difficult. Creating a good adventure camera backpack is even more difficult, because it combines the needs of two very opinionated types of users. OnePro could be one of the few to balance the needs of both groups.
PGYTech, which makes a range of camera accessories, has announced the OnePro series of outdoor and adventure camera backpacks on Kickstarter, which will debut in September. The company says it saw a need in the outdoor landscape photography market for a bag that would provide adequate protection for the camera while integrating the carrying system of a hiking backpack.
“We have thus developed a professional-grade carrying system for camera backpacks, which gave birth to the OnePro series. This series includes the OnePro Flex and OnePro Focux versions to meet the different needs of users,” explains PGYTech.
Although the name of the series contains the word “one”, the system is actually based on two different designs.
The OnePro Flex allows for flexible storage space for camera gear and outdoor gear with the ability to swap out camera inserts (think cubes) as needed. It’s the more adaptable of the two bag options. The OnePro Focux Creation Backpack is more specific in its design and is aimed at adventure photographers who more regularly carry camera gear – and only camera gear. Its main compartment features customizable dividers directly rather than relying on a cube system.
If a photographer wants a bag that can hold camera gear and outdoor equipment, the Flex is the best choice. If a photographer is going on a day trip and doesn't need extra camping supplies, the Focux is the best choice. It's unusual to see a camera manufacturer design a single line in this way, and it makes the OnePro series particularly adaptable to a photographer's specific needs. While one bag doesn't fit all (which is the industry's standard approach), between the two bags, pretty much all bases are covered.
Both bags feature an internal frame that includes an ergonomic, arched, “floating” mesh back that rests against the body during wear. PGYTech hasn’t neglected customization either, as the mesh shoulders and back can be adjusted independently to fit the wearer’s height. The company has used a mesh design wherever possible to allow for maximum airflow, and the exterior of the bag is made from 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 $360) while the Focux is available in 25L and 35L capacities starting at $245 (eventually $350).
PGYTech plans to begin shipping units in September 2024.
PetaPixel's review
I had the opportunity to test out 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 challenging enough, but adding the unique needs of a photography backpack to the mix is even more difficult. Most companies don’t do everything right, either by making a subpar support system (many don’t have internal frames) or sacrificing customization (it’s shocking how few have adjustable straps) in order to hit certain price points.
PGYTech has seemingly managed to solve every major problem (literally) with the design of this system, and the choice to make two bags that address both possible use cases is particularly smart: rather than compromise for one user group, the company chose to make two separate models in order to maximize the number of satisfied users. It's a more expensive approach, but PGYTech did it anyway.
We'll have to see a final production unit to form a definitive opinion, but our current champion in the Shimoda space There might finally be some real competition here.
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Image credits: PGYTech
