The latest toy we got to play with in The Photography Show: Burst Mode studio is the new Manfrotto Chicago backpack – a fantastically flexible bag that transforms from photography backpack to do-it-all daypack, and possesses a removable shoulder bag for ultimate versatility.
Manfrotto Chicago bags are discreetly styled to suit the urban environment and include upmarket features like a Kevlar fabric base, Duraflex buckles and YKK zippers. The outer fabric is treated to make it water-repellant, plus each bag comes with a separate rain cover to fend off heavier downpours.
The Chicago collection consists of two backpacks in Small (30) and Medium (50) size. Both bags feature a modular internal design, similar to that employed by sister brand Lowepro in its FreeLine backpack. A removable photo inserts enables the camera backpack to be easily transformed into a regular backpack – and the insert itself can also be used as a compact self-contained shoulder bag, for times when you only need to transport camera gear.
Both versions of the backpack will hold a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera body with a standard zoom attached. The Medium backpack can carry an additional three or four lenses, while the Small version can hold the camera / standard zoom combo plus two or three extra optics. Both bags boast a separate top compartment, designed to house personal effects, while a dedicated gimbal pocket on one of the side-access flaps has been designed to hold a DJI Osmo Pocket mini gimbal.
The Chicago 50 Medium even contains a special media organizer pouch perfect for your memory cards, cables and dongles. Both bags have been designed to also carry a laptop, with the Small able to fit a 14" model while a 15" notebook will slide into the Medium. A tripod can be carried on the outside of each backpack, either horizontally across the front or underneath, or mounted vertically on the front.
Each Chicago bag contains Manfrotto's Slim-Tech Protection System, which has been designed to offer top-notch gear protection without consuming too much valuable carrying capacity.
The Manfrotto Chicago Backpack Small and Medium are both available now, for $199.95 / £182.95 and $239.95 / £213.45 respectively (Australian release info to be confirmed). For more information, visit the Manfrotto website.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
Read more:
Welcome to The Photography Show: Burst Mode!
The Photography Show 2020: What's on, when, and everything you need to know
The best camera backpacks
Digital Camera World is one of the leading authorities on camera and photography news, reviews, techniques, tutorials, comparisons, deals and industry analysis. The site doesn't just specialize in cameras, but all aspects of photography, videography and imaging – including camera phones, gimbals, lenses, lighting, editing software, filters, tripods, laptops, printers, photo books, desks, binoculars and more.
Whether you're using, looking to buy or trying to get the most out of a compact camera, action camera, camera drone, cinema camera, beginner camera or professional camera, Digital Camera World has a roster of experts with combined experience of over 100 years when it comes to cameras, photography and imaging.