Gomatic LUMA Camera Pack 18L review: compact style

A compact and lightweight camera backpack for mirrorless and mobile photographers

Nomatic LUMA Camera Pack worn on a man's back
(Image: © George Cairns / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The LUMA Camera Pack 18L is a stylish, lightweight yet functional backpack that is designed by a photographer for photographers, so it should suit the needs of mobile or mirrorless photographers who don’t need the size and bulk of a DSLR compatible bag. It’ll also accommodate a 15” laptop so you can digitize and edit your shots while taking a break in a coffee shop. As well as carrying a mini tripod in the magnetic side pocket you can store smaller loose items such as SD cards in the interior’s zipped Oxford mesh pockets - just don’t choose the light ‘stone’ color as it’s prone to show up grass or dirt stains if you take it into the countryside.

Pros

  • +

    Water-resistant material

  • +

    Magnetic seal on tripod pocket

  • +

    Customizable interior

  • +

    Side, top and rear access

Cons

  • -

    Light colour makes stains visible

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Gomatic (or Nomatic as they are branded in Europe) has produced a comprehensive collection of camera backpacks and sling bags following a successful crowd-funded Kickstarter appeal and launch in 2014. Their backpacks range in size (and therefore price), from compact mirrorless and mobile photography sling bags such as the LUMA Camera Sling 12L to the larger DSLR kit-compatible McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L.

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Exterior Materials900D poly ox, nylon webbing, YKK zippers
Interior MaterialsNylex, compression-molded EVA dividers, Darlington mesh
Size (DxWxH)17.80 x 29.20 x 45.70 cm
Weight1.20 kg
LUMA Camera Sling 12L 

LUMA Camera Sling 12L 
If you’re a mobile photographer/videographer then this smaller LUMA 12L sling bag will accommodate a smartphone, tripod plus other accessories such a wireless mic kits. The option to seal the lid via magnets is nice design touch as it enables you to access different bits of kit quickly and easily while on a busy shoot. 

Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack

Nomatic McKinnon Cube Pack
If you want to travel as light as possible then the 21 L McKinnon Cube Pack is worth considering. This collapses into a small but sturdy cube (filled with your camera gear) when you need to fit it under an aircraft’s seat. At your destination, it expands into a mini backpack for storing extra items (such as snacks and water). 

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George Cairns

George has been freelancing as a photo fixing and creative tutorial writer since 2002, working for award winning titles such as Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N-Photo and Practical Photoshop. He's expert in communicating the ins and outs of Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as producing video production tutorials on Final Cut Pro and iMovie for magazines such as iCreate and Mac Format. He also produces regular and exclusive Photoshop CC tutorials for his YouTube channel.