A Camera Backpack That Doesn't Look Like One
After the Champ shoulder bag, we take a look at another bag from Zkin. This time it's a backpack.
Zkin offers three backpacks in total: the Yeti, Luca, and Yowie. In this review, we focus on the latter, the Zkin RAW Yowie, which was recently introduced.
Zkin / Shine Republic Ltd. was kind enough to provide FilmPhotography.eu with a sample for testing.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of backpacks. Even less so as a bag for cameras. I prefer shoulder bags because I have my camera and other stuff organized and quickly accessible.
But a backpack also has its advantages, especially space. If you want to take all your photo gear, a water bottle, jacket, and the like often don't fit anymore. And at some point, you tip over because you've stuffed too much into your shoulder bag.
So why not give a backpack a try?
The Zkin Yowie is only available in one color: "Wood Brown." It is made of water-repellent nylon; the bottom and some other details are made of light leather. Without contents, it weighs about 1700 grams. The design, in my eyes, is very stylish and has a retro look.
The backpack is divided into two parts: the padded area for photo equipment at the bottom and the area for everything else at the top. The camera area can be divided with Velcro dividers.
The "entrance" is at the back of the bag on the front side. Quick access to the camera is possible through openings on the right and left sides. There are also two small pockets each for SD cards and the like.
The upper area of the Zkin Yowie is less padded and offers space for other stuff.
The special feature of this camera backpack is that this area is adjustable. Depending on how much you want to carry, you can adjust the fabric.
On the inner wall of the upper area, there is a zippered pocket and a mesh; otherwise, it is empty. It is closed with two snap buttons directly on the fabric and two leather straps. The latter are adjustable depending on the amount of contents and also have a snap button at one end to allow quick access.
Conclusion
I haven't become a backpack fan even with the Zkin Yowie. With a backpack on my back, I just don't feel as dynamic and fast. Also, with a shoulder bag, I have much quicker access to my equipment.
Nevertheless, I like the camera backpack. It looks chic and not like a camera backpack. The best part for me, however, is the extra space compared to a shoulder bag.
I see its use case for on-location photography. Two cameras, lenses, flashes, batteries, possibly a tripod, laptop/tablet, memory/film, smartphone, change of clothes, something to drink, small items... I can't fit all that even in my largest shoulder bag.
If you're open to backpacks, you should definitely check out the Zkin Yowie.
Unfortunately, the Zkin Yowie is not yet available in Germany, but you can order it from Zkin, though shipping is from Hong Kong.
By the way, Yowie is the name of an Australian Yeti.
