Gitzo Adventury 30L

£219 www.manfrotto.co.uk WHen you hear the name gitzo the thing that instantly springs to mind is high- quality tripods, but the brand also produces a number of bags including the adventury 30L. This backpack is aimed at outdoor photographers and offers an alternative and direct competition for the Mindshift BackLight series. as well as the 30L there’s also a larger 45L, which as its name suggests offers a 45-litre capacity.

The top of the bag features a roll design that can be secured like a dry bag when the top section is full of personal items. When empty or filled with fewer items, the roll top will connect to two clasps on the sides of the bag. The bag’s outer material is water repellent, but you also get a rain cover for extra protection.

access to kit is only available from the rear, but with a deep design the bag will comfortably carry a pro-spec DSLr with a grip attached and up to a 400mm lens. The customisable dividers allow you to set up the bag as desired and there’s good space to carry additional lenses, a second body and accessories. Plus, there are slots for a 13in laptop and a tablet. Like the Manfrotto, there’s a zipped mesh on the camera insert to help protect kit. and if you prefer not to use the mesh, it can be tucked away neatly at the top of the bag.

The gitzo adventury 30L is an undoubtedly high- quality and comfortable backpack that lives up to the gitzo name. and at £219 it’s competitively priced and competes with most of the bags in this round- up in terms of cost. With space for personal items, photography kit, and a removable insert that allows the bag to be used as a standard backpack, this is a highly versatile option that will no doubt appeal to many photographers covering a range of subjects, despite the outdoor design aimed at landscape, wildlife and travel photographers.