Photographers are generally obsessed with bags. This may sound ridiculous to a non-photographer, but hey, we’ve seen people obsessed with clothes just for form, right? For us, it is all about functionality. Many photographers I know go through the cycle of purchasing several bags before settling in on one or more bags that they think will last them for a lifetime. However, requirements change, age catches on, and generally one has to start the process of looking for a new bag, again.
I thought I had found the perfect camera backpack for hiking, in the Clik Elite Nature Medium. This bag is currently not sold anymore. Clik Elite, the company that made this bag, has several other backpacks designed specifically for the hiking photographer. And they have come up with some new, larger packs, that I am hoping to upgrade to.
Meanwhile, I took photos of my Clik Elite Nature medium pack. I have used this on 3-5 day treks in the mountains. What’s so special about that, you may wonder. Well, almost every other camera backpack out there is primarily designed to hold cameras. Comfort, fit, ergonomics and functionality for use on a trek is generally an afterthought. How many camera backpacks out there come with space for a water bladder? As a trekker, you know the importance of a water bladder. You should also know the importance of carrying a bag that sits well on your back. See this guide if you are unsure about why a good backpack is important for any trek that lasts more than 1 hour.
The Clik Elite has worked great for me in the mountains. I have managed to carry heavy loads for long hours up and downhill. Unfortunately, my requirements have changed and I am now looking for something bigger. Here is what I generally carry when I hike:
- Canon 5D Mark III
- Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS II
- Canon 17-40 f/4L (now replaced by the Canon 24 TSE)
- Canon 100 f/2.8L IS Macro
- Filters
- Tripod
The Nature medium backpack can hold all this and more.
Clik Elite Nature Medium with camera gear.
Clik Elite Nature Medium with 3 lenses and 1 pro camera body
I can also fit a tripod by the side of the bag:
Clik Elite Nature medium with a tripod
While you access your gear from the bottom, you can stash personal stuff on top. There is enough room for a jacket, a filter holder and some snacks. Here is a photo of the top portion with 1 jeans (sorry, didn’t have a jacket handy!):
Top portion for personal items.
The top portion has a zippered pocket. There are more pockets in the front and sides as well:
Pockets for cash, cards and other stuff in the front.
Side view with mesh pockets.
Remember the water bladder I was talking about? Well, the Clik Elite has an opening for the water bladder drinking straw, next to the small pouch for sun glasses and stuff on the top.
Water bladder opening and pouch for shades on top of the Clik Elite
The differentiating factor of the Clik Elite Nature medium backpack is the ‘ladderfit’ strap adjustment system. You can use this function to adjust the backpack to fit your torso. Believe me, this makes one helluva difference when you trek long distances. The Clik Elite also has all the necessary straps for load lifting, hip belt and Sternum.
Ladderfit system
Another view of the back of the pack
Straps to transfer weight to your hip
Last but not the least, the Clik Elite comes with a built in rain pouch. I have seen other manufacturers charge up to $20 for a rain cover, which I think is sacrilegious.
Rain cover on the Clik Elite
Here are some treks I have made with the Clik Elite:
If you are interested in the Clik Elite (not available in India), or if you just want to see it, do contact me. You can find my contact details in the main page of this website.
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