PGYTech OnePro Focux Backpack review: the most comfortable camera bag ever?

The PGYTech OnePro Focux Backpack is an interesting prospect because it was funded via Kickstarter. The question is, has its nearly 1,500 backers supported the development of a best camera backpack contender or a run-of-the-mill rucksack destined for the bargain bin?  

This newfangled camera bag is built for professional outdoor use and comes in 25L and 35L sizes. As you'd expect from a rugged outdoor backpack, it boasts splash-resistant materials, plenty of provision for additional accessories, and a rain cover for inclement weather. 

Its main selling point is PGYTech's penchant for custom-fit tech. The company states that the OnePro Focux is: "The first camera backpack to incorporate a professional mountaineering harness system." This AceFrame harness system seeks to improve back comfort and ergonomics, and pairs with the patented FreeFit system, to tailor the height of the shoulder straps to the wearer's torso. 

The bag's tantalizing roster of features has certainly piqued my interest. Surely 1,500 people can't be wrong? Let’s find out… 

PGYTech OnePro Focux: Specifications

PGYTech OnePro Focux: Price

The PGYTech OnePro Focux Backpack is currently available for pre-order and comes in both 25L and 35L variants. Each size is also available in either Space Black or Fern Green. You can expect to part with $349.95 / £360 / AU$599 for the 25L backpack and $379.95 / £390 / AU$649 for the 35L offering. 

Compare this to the similarly targeted Shimoda Explore V2 35L, priced at $319.95 / £290, and Lowepro PhotoSport X Backpack 35L AW, priced at $299.99 / £260.95, and its price does suggest a premium offering. However, it does boast more tech in PGYTech's AceFrame and FreeFit systems and compartments. 

PGYTech OnePro Focux: Design & Handling

I was surprised at the bags' exterior size. In both cases, they seem larger than their capacities suggest. This is partly due to the front compartment and pouch, which add not an insignificant amount of heft to the dimensions (even when empty). The former isn't removable but sits semi-independently from the main body. It's essentially a large flap that's expandable to fit a variety of objects including a climbing helmet. The pouch is removable and can be attached to the front straps to create a chest pouch or attached to the included strap to form a small sling bag. 

However, that's not to say that the OnePro Focux sacrifices main compartment space in favor of additional pockets. The main compartment flap opens fully at 180 degrees and I was very impressed by the available space. Compared to my Gitzo Adventury 30L, the OnePro Focux 25L has notably more main compartment space. The trade-off is that the dividers and indeed compartment walls of the PGYTech bags aren't as thick. 

I easily fitted my Nikon Z 8, D800, Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, AF-S 50mm f/1.8G, Z 40mm f/2, and FTZ Adapter, as well as my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 and SP 90mm f/2.8 DI VC USD Macro, inside the OnePro Focux’s main compartment. And I could have easily fitted another couple of lenses, say, a couple of primes and a smallish zoom, in there as well. 

That's a heck of a lot of kit for what is purported to be a 25L bag. Of course, the 35L offering is even roomier, but not by a considerable amount. The official line from PGYTech is that the 25L can fit up to two standard DSLR/mirrorless cameras and nine lenses, boosted to 11 lenses for the 35L.

And then you have all the other compartments in which to accommodate various accessories and miscellaneous items. On the inside of the main compartment flap, you'll find two laptop pouches of varying sizes, secured by a magnetic flap. Major kudos to PGYTech for including a laptop pouch that can actually hold a decent-sized laptop. I've really struggled to find bags with provision for my 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) and the OnePro Focux accommodates it with no trouble at all.

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There's a pouch on one of the waist straps and something I really do like is the water bottle pouch on one of the shoulder straps. Plenty of camera bags feature side pockets for water bottles, but if you're carrying multiple tripods or lighting stands, these can get taken up by accessories, leaving no room for water. 

Speaking of side pouches, you have a roomy pocket on either side for storing a water bottle or tripod. These sit atop a zippered flap. On one side this unzips to reveal side access to the main compartment and on the other, it's an actual pocket with more pockets inside. I think these smaller pockets are overkill. You're unlikely to use them if you’re storing tripod legs or water bottles and they can catch tripod legs as they’re slid inside, which isn’t helpful. 

As for the big back flap, mentioned earlier, you'll find yet another zippered pouch behind it, with two pockets inside for storing thin items as well as an elasticated band to hold a larger item in place. You'll also find a small tab with a clip at the end, ideal for securing a set of keys. Carrying around camera gear is arguably the worst bit about photography. Thankfully, the OnePro Focux is extremely well-equipped for transit. 

The AceFrame harness system will be familiar to anyone who's ever used an Osprey backpack with the legendary outdoor brand's AirSpeed suspension system. I own an Osprey Exos 38 and it's the most comfortable backpack I've ever owned, so I was extremely pleased to see PGYTech incorporating a similar system. 

It's built around the Stable Fit Structural Expert, which uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame to form a rigid structure that lifts the main body of the bag away from the wearer's back, which itself is supported by a thin mesh screen. This leaves a sizable gap for airflow, which dramatically reduces perspiration, and conforms to the wearer for a more ergonomic fit. 

A neat trick that hikers often use is to slip a water bladder in the airflow gap. Sure, you'll be all the sweatier for it, but if you're going on a long hike to a location and need to bring extra water, I don't see why the OnePro Focux couldn't accommodate a bladder. 

All this is complemented by the FreeFit suspension system, which allows you to adjust the height of the shoulder straps so the waist straps sit comfortably on your hips. This is particularly useful if you find waist straps on other camera bags that often sag below your hips. 

PGYTech OnePro Focux: Performance

The PGYTech OnePro Focux's biggest plus point is comfort. No camera bag is truly comfortable. You're carrying a lot of kit, after all. But this might be the most comfortable camera backpack I've ever used. And it's largely down to the FreeFit suspension system. Tailoring the strap height so the hip belt rests on your hips, redistributes a lot of weight from your shoulders and back. 

It's also simple to do. You just unhook the pair of orange tabs behind the mesh screen and move them into one of four different positions. The only negative I can find is that the AceFrame harness causes the bag to protrude a little off your back. This pulls on the shoulders a bit and makes you slightly more top-heavy than a conventional backpack. But any discomfort is minimal and a byproduct of what is creating such comfort in the first place.

It's also worth mentioning that the bag features further adjustment straps atop the shoulder straps, which allow you to pull the top of the bag closer to your shoulders. This does help to reduce protrusion and pulling on the shoulders.

A key area for discomfort when it comes to camera backpacks is the part of the bag that rests on your back. I've used plenty of camera bags where – despite padding – you can feel the sharp edges of the gear that's inside digging into your back. And even if you can't, the rigid, rectangular nature of most camera backpacks makes them inherently uncomfortable. The PGYTech OnePro Focux's thin mesh screen and airflow gap completely mitigate this problem, as the mesh screen conforms snuggly to your back shape.

The only problem with the OnePro Focux's comfort is that the bag does have a seemingly endless number of adjustment straps hanging off of it. But this really is a necessary evil. The main compartment itself fits plenty of kit and I really like the top-loading feature. I often work with my Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3, and the ability to slip it in and out of the bag at a moment's notice is a huge help. 

You've also got plenty of pouches to store various bits of equipment. There are even straps to store a camping mat. In fact, it'd be a bit of a squeeze, but if you're used to camping in a bivvy with as few creature comforts as possible, you might be able to squeeze everything you need for a night's camping in and around the OnePro Focux (even the smaller 25-L bag).

Almost all of the external zippers are coated and zip/unzip fluidly, with minimal snagging. The water-repellent materials seem tough enough and the stitching looks good, but only time will tell how well the materials hold up.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of removable pouches that double as miniature bags. They feel a little over-engineered and I rarely use them. And while the PGYTech OnePro Focux's removable messenger bag hasn't changed my mind, I do like the ability to remove it if I'm not going to need it as this makes the bag less bulky.

PGYTech OnePro Focux: Verdict

The PGYTech OnePro Focux is a great camera backpack. Maybe the dividers could be a little thicker, and the steep price will prove a serious outlay for some. Then again, good outdoor equipment rarely comes cheap and it's not difficult to see where the funds have gone. 

This isn't a standard camera backpack. Similar technology to the AceFrame harness exists in the hiking world, but this is the most advanced camera bag I've tested for comfort and fit. Simply put, it's the most comfortable camera backpack of its size that I've ever used. 

It has oodles of main compartment space for a 25-L bag (more if you opt for the 35L) and plenty of pouches and pockets to accommodate anything and everything camera-related that you can imagine. If you're looking for a substantial outdoor camera bag with comfort as your number one priority, the PGYTech OnePro Focux comes highly recommended. 

Alternatives

Shimoda Explore V2 35
While it doesn't boast the advanced tech of the OnePro Focux, the Shimoda Explore V2 35 is still a comfortable backpack with height-adjustable straps. It boasts plenty of pockets – including easy side access – and the option for women's shoulder straps provides additional comfort for female content creators.

Manfrotto Pro Light Flexloader L
If you're looking for a more heavy-duty backpack that'll keep your kit safe, no matter what you throw at it (within reason), then the Manfrotto Pro Light Flexloader L is worth a look. Shock-proof dividers and a built-in lock will give you extra peace of mind that your expensive camera gear is safe and sound.