TOXIC VALKYRIE MEDIUM
£139/$135 This Tardis-like full photo backpack is pretty compact and can accommodate a large collection of kit
Toxic bags and backpacks come from the same company as 3 Legged Thing tripods. The Valkyrie backpacks are available in two different sizes (medium and large) and three different colour options of onyx, emerald and sapphire. They have a full-height main compartment with movable dividers so you can tailor the fit to your camera gear. The dividers themselves feature pockets on one side, ideal for stashing filters, cables, batteries and other small bits and pieces. There are also two zipper pockets sewn into the inside of the main flap, plus a removable memory card wallet that’s held in place by Velcro. The medium and large editions have 13-inch and 15-inch laptop compartments.
Next up are two smaller side pockets, each with their own separate zips, internal dividers and additional zippered inner pockets, while on the other side of the backpack there’s a stretchy drinks bottle holder. On the front, there’s a further zippered compartment which features an excellent organizer section, plus an additional inner zippered pocket.
For access from the rear of a backpack, the Valkyrie has a lumbar pad at the base with a zip around the edge, giving an additional access point. You can also use this as a waterproof ‘frog pocket’.
Performance
With its strong and sturdy yet lightweight construction, the Valkyrie performs admirably. The three-point airflow harness is particularly comfortable. The shoulder straps feature webbed hoops and strong plastic loops, for attaching cameras and other accessories, and the similarly well-padded waist strap is quickly and easily removable.
VERDICT
Slim, stylish and beautifully made, the Valkyrie is a full-photo backpack that goes the extra mile, with an extravagant array of compartments and pockets for stashing all your bits of photo kit.
This split photo/daily backpack helps you to keep your options open. The bottom section has a quick-access zipper and is large enough to hold a chunky DSLR with an attached 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, plus four additional lenses or other accessories. The separate top section is ideal for storing all your daily essentials, or you can double up on photographic kit by using it for a second camera with an attached lens, or a drone. The Mark III edition features an upgraded version of Manfrotto’s ‘M-guard’ protection system for cossetting your camera kit, with slim but high-density shock-absorbing dividers, which are fully con gurable for a tailored t for your photographic kit.
A 15-inch laptop and 10-inch tablet are also catered for in this 44x19x31 backpack that weighs 1.23kg.