TENBA DNA 16 DSLR BACKPACK

£199/$234 An intriguing ‘roll-top’ backpack, the Tenba can grow with your needs to suit different applications

Available in blue and black, this Tenba looks every inch a split photo/ daypack, but it can go either way. The lower zippered compartment has a pull-out action to reveal enough space and dividers for a camera with an attached lens plus three to six additional lenses (if you have that many!) depending on their size. What’s more, the photo insert is easily removable, as is the main divider between the lower and upper sections. You can therefore use it as a regular backpack, or stow a Canon EOS camera with a really long lens attached.

The top section has a roll-top, so you can extend its height quickly and easily if and when you need more space. There’s also a separate front compartment with a neat organizer section, plus a 16-inch laptop compartment around the back.

A stretchy drinks bottle holder sits on one side of the bag, and there’s a Velcrosealing pocket on the other, both of which have fastening loops above them for alternatively securing tripods or other accessories.

Carrying comfort is assured by a padded mesh harness and shoulder straps, a sternum strap and removable waist strap. There’s also a strap on the rear for securing the backpack to a luggage trolley.

Performance

Despite not having additional access points at the side, the Tenba design makes it quick and easy to get at anything and everything you need to get your hands on in a hurry. The quality of construction is very good and it’s the most lightweight backpack in the group, shaving 40g off the weight of the Mckinnon (tested on page 90), even without adding the latter’s extra inserts inside.

VERDICT The roll-top design adds space when needed and the backpack is very versatile, easily adapting to varying needs from a photo backpack to a regular bag.