MANFROTTO PRO LIGHT REDBEE-310
Perfect for comfortable and safe travelling
www.manfrotto.co.uk
£160 / $180
Camera bag manufacturers really seem to have raised their game recently. There are some great models available these days, so the Manfrotto Pro Light RedBee-310 needs to be a bit special in order to stand out from the crowd, but it manages to do so.
Its primary purpose is to carry camera equipment, but the internal dividers are flexible enough to be configured to carry a few personal effects as well if you need to. And there’s plenty of room: the main section is capable of holding a pro-level DSLR with a 400mm lens attached, along with a second body and two or three lenses. Alternatively, if you don’t need the 400mm lens, you’ll be able to fit in another two or three lenses.
Helpfully, the broad, well-cushioned straps can be pushed back, and they stay out of the way while you unzip the main compartment. Inside, there’s a mesh cover to keep everything safe, but if you find that just slows you down, it can be tucked away behind the laptop and tablet pockets that are located inside the back.
It’s also possible to access the main compartment via the zip openings in the bottom section of each side of the backpack. That means you can swap lenses quickly without having to put the pack down.
Having a rear opening on a backpack is more secure than a front opening one, so the side openings might seem to diminish that benefit. However, pushing the zippull through the small loop on either side prevents opportunist thieves from getting at your kit. It’s a little surprising that this simple solution hasn’t been used for the top opening or the slim front pocket.
Like the straps, the back of the pack is thickly padded, with a plush comfortable feel. There’s also a strap to allow it to be slipped over a suitcase handle when you’re off travelling.
Plus, a pocket and strap on the left side of the backpack as you wear it helps to provide a convenient and safe way to carry a travel tripod.