PHOTOHIKER Backpack – Available Now in Two Sizes on Kickstarter

Bag News

by Jakub HanAugust 6^th, 2021

PHOTOHIKER 24 and 44 are new hiking backpacks for photo/video gear. The backpacks come in two sizes – 24 liters and 44 liters – offering various features and can house two sizes of removable PHOTOCUBE inserts for camera gear. The backpacks are available on Kickstarter now starting from €299.

When it comes to carrying the photo/video gear safely during outdoor shoots, most filmmakers go for a backpack. There are many options out there (such as the PGYTECH OneMo), but not all are well suited for real hiking on difficult trails or in the mountains. There is now a Kickstarter campaign that promises to bring the ultimate hiking backpack for photo/video gear – the PHOTOHIKER.

Two German companies joined forces to make this PHOTOHIKER backpack a reality. It has been designed by COSYSPEED, which stands behind a few other bags and accessories already, and the production will be done by VAUDE – a sporting clothes and accessories producer. The backpack itself includes a few interesting features, so let’s take a look at it.

PHOTOHIKER 24 and 44 Backpacks

According to COSYSPEED, the idea behind this backpack is that it is built around a carrying system used in high-end hiking backpacks. It should therefore provide the best possible comfort on demanding hikes in difficult terrain. As the title implies, the backpack comes in two sizes:

• PHOTOHIKER 24 has a total volume of 24 liters and it can house a smaller camera gear insert – PHOTOCUBE M
• PHOTOHIKER 44 has a total volume of 44 liters and it can house a larger insert – PHOTOCUBE XL or alternatively two smaller PHOTOCUBE M inserts.

The PHOTOCUBE inserts consist of multiple padded compartments for various camera gear. It is basically a block-shaped compartment that safely stores the gear and can be taken out of the backpack at any time. This concept is not entirely new after all.

Both backpacks feature weather-proof materials on the outside (rubberized Nylon D1000 and similar), but they also include a raincover at the bottom. PHOTOHIKER has a laptop sleeve that houses up to 16″ laptops and it is accessible from the side. Aeroflex back for good breathability also helps to keep to reduce the back sweating during demanding hikes

The backpacks feature adjustable carrying straps so that they remain comfortable for people from 5.3′ (160 cm) at the smallest adjustment up to 6.6′ (200 cm) if adjusted to its maximum. There are tripod pouches and straps on both sides of the backpack. The hip belt includes extra pouches for small accessories.

There are PHOTOHIKER 24 and 44 backpacks from COSYSPEED already available online, but from what I could find, those are the first-generation backpacks. The new backpacks included in the crowdfunding campaign feature some innovations. COSYSPEED also claims that the backpacks are produced with environmental commitments in mind – that includes recyclable and sustainable materials, sustainable distribution, and more.

Physical Dimensions

The dimensions of the PHOTOHIKER 24 are 45 x 28 x 20cm (17 x 11 x 8″) and the weight without PHOTOCUBE is 1200g (2.6lbs). The larger PHOTOHIKER 44 has dimensions of 54 x 32 x 20cm (21 x 12 x 8″) and it weighs 1700g (3.7lbs) without any PHOTOCUBE inserted.

The larger PHOTOCUBE XL has dimensions of 36 x 26 x 16cm (14 x 10 x 6.3″) and a weight of 900g (2lbs). The smaller PHOTOCUBE M is 26 x 18 x 16cm (10 x 7 x 6.3″) large and it weighs 400g (0.9lbs).

Pricing and Availability

There are basically six different rewards on the Kickstarter campaign. It is possible to get the PHOTOCUBE only – M size for €59 or XL size for €69. Every PHOTOCUBE also includes a shoulder strap. When it comes to backpacks, the larger PHOTOHIKER 44 always comes with a large PHOTOCUBE XL and costs €349. The smaller PHOTOHIKER 24 includes the PHOTOCUBE M and it can be “purchased” for €299. Each backpack is available either in black or blue color.

There will be two batches produced – the first one is planned to be shipped in January 2022 and the second one in April 2022. The campaign is active until August 28, 2021, at 9:00 PM CEST so there is still time to pledge if you are interested.

We are saying this at the end of every crowdfunding-related article: please be aware of the risks when backing a project on a crowdfunding platform. Please read the crowdfunding platform’s terms and conditions carefully and keep in mind that there can be significant delays when delivering the product. Although we try to only write about trustworthy campaigns, some crowdfunding projects even don’t get delivered at all.

Which backpack do you use when you go hiking with your gear? What do you think about the PHOTOHIKER backpacks? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.