Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L Review – The Ultimate Travel and Photography Backpack
For photographers and content creators, finding the perfect backpack can feel like chasing a unicorn—one that keeps gear safe, organizes equipment efficiently, and still leaves room for personal items. The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L, designed in collaboration with photographer and filmmaker Peter McKinnon, aims to be exactly that: a hybrid travel and camera bag that adapts to the way you work and travel.
In this review, I’ll break down its design, features, comfort, and real-world performance to help you decide whether it’s the right investment for your photography adventures.
First Impressions – Rugged, Sleek, and Purpose-Built
From the moment you unbox the McKinnon Camera Pack 35L, it’s clear this isn’t just another travel backpack. The exterior is sleek and understated, finished in matte black with clean lines and minimal branding. It looks professional enough for client shoots yet rugged enough for outdoor adventures.
The bag feels substantial—made from water-resistant materials, reinforced zippers, and a semi-rigid shell that helps it keep its shape. At 5.75 lbs empty, it’s not ultralight, but every ounce feels justified by the quality and protection it provides.
Key Features and Specs
Capacity: 35 liters (expandable to 42 liters)
Dimensions: 22" x 13.5" x 9" (carry-on compliant)
Weight: 5.75 lbs (empty)
Material: Water-resistant 900D nylon exterior, weather-resistant zippers
Laptop Compartment: Fits up to 16” laptop
Customization: Adjustable dividers for camera gear
Security: Lockable zippers and durable build
Travel-Friendly: Meets most carry-on size restrictions
Design and Build Quality
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack strikes a balance between camera gear protection and travel versatility. The water-resistant 900D nylon exterior shrugs off light rain and dust, while the reinforced base and frame protect your equipment from impacts.
The zippers are weather-sealed, which is crucial for shooting in unpredictable conditions. Inside, the padded dividers use a Velcro system so you can reconfigure the layout to fit your gear—whether you’re carrying mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, lenses, drones, or a combination.
Expandable Capacity – From 35L to 42L
One of the standout features is its expandable storage. In its standard 35L mode, it’s perfect for photo shoots, day trips, and short travel. But when you need extra space—say, for clothing or bulkier items—you can unzip the expansion panel to bump the capacity to 42 liters.
This makes it a great hybrid backpack for those who often blend photography with extended travel.
Organization and Compartments
The McKinnon Camera Pack is meticulously organized for photographers:
Main Gear Compartment:
Adjustable, padded dividers to fit your camera body, lenses, and accessories.
Side and top access so you can grab gear without fully opening the bag.
Clothing/Personal Compartment:
Located above the camera section, perfect for storing clothes, snacks, or non-photo essentials.
Can be expanded or collapsed depending on your packing needs.
Laptop & Tech Storage:
Padded laptop sleeve fits devices up to 16 inches.
Separate tablet pocket.
Quick-Access Pockets:
Small pockets for memory cards, batteries, and cables.
Hidden zippered areas for valuables like passports or wallets.
Tripod/DronE Storage:
External straps and side pockets for carrying tripods or gimbals securely.
Comfort and Carry Experience
At nearly 6 lbs empty, comfort matters—and Nomatic delivers. The shoulder straps are thickly padded, with an ergonomic curve to distribute weight evenly. The removable waist strap takes pressure off your shoulders for long hauls, and the sternum strap helps stabilize the load during movement.
The back panel is ventilated with breathable mesh, which helps reduce sweating, although in hot climates you’ll still feel the weight.
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
For Photography Assignments
The customizable dividers make it easy to carry multiple lenses, a camera body, and even a drone without gear shifting during transit. Side access is a game-changer—you can swing the pack off one shoulder and grab your camera in seconds.
For Travel
As a carry-on, the McKinnon fits most airline requirements, even with the expansion unzipped (though budget airlines may require you to compress it). The upper compartment easily holds enough clothing for a 2–3 day trip, making it a true one-bag travel solution for photographers.
For Outdoor Adventures
The rugged exterior and weather-resistant zippers inspire confidence when shooting outdoors. While not fully waterproof, it handles light rain well. For harsher conditions, you’ll want a rain cover.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Hybrid design for photography and travel
Expandable storage from 35L to 42L
Durable, water-resistant materials
Customizable dividers for different gear setups
Multiple access points for quick gear retrieval
Professional, understated look
Excellent comfort for heavy loads
Cons
Heavy when empty at 5.75 lbs
Premium price may be steep for casual users
Not fully waterproof without additional cover
Durability and Longevity
The McKinnon Camera Pack feels like a bag you could use for years without significant wear. The reinforced base prevents sagging, and the ballistic nylon exterior is resistant to scuffs and scratches. The dividers hold their shape even after frequent reconfiguration.
Sustainability Considerations
Nomatic doesn’t heavily market recycled materials, but their focus on longevity and durability supports sustainability by reducing the need for frequent replacements. Investing in one long-lasting backpack is often more eco-friendly than replacing cheaper bags every year.
Who Should Buy the Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L?
This backpack is ideal for:
Professional photographers needing secure gear storage for travel and shoots
Content creators blending photo, video, and personal travel
Adventure travelers who want durability and weather resistance
Digital nomads carrying both tech gear and clothing
It’s less ideal for:
Casual shooters who don’t travel frequently with large gear setups
Ultralight travelers seeking minimal weight
Price and Value
At around $400, the McKinnon Camera Pack 35L is a premium investment. But given its build quality, versatility, and dual-purpose design, it’s a bag that can replace multiple others in your collection—making it a cost-effective choice for frequent travelers and serious photographers.
Final Verdict – A Game-Changer for Traveling Photographers
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L is one of the most thoughtfully designed photography backpacks on the market. It’s not just a camera bag—it’s a complete travel system for creatives who need to carry gear and personal items in one organized, expandable, and durable package.
If you’re looking for the best travel camera backpack that balances style, function, and protection, the McKinnon 35L deserves serious consideration.