Vous Pouvez Dormir Dans La Grange Backpack Review

We live in a world where the mantra is always: more. This, of course, also applies to photography. More cameras, more lenses, more effects. Here, analog photography can be a counterweight. You can reflect and focus on the essentials.

The French designers behind the brand “Vous Pouvez Dormir Dans La Grange” also focus on the essentials. Their backpack catches the eye. In this test, I opted for the “Hazelnut” variant, one of several colors that provide a welcome change from the eternal black or gray.

Background on Vous Pouvez Dormir Dans La Grange

Behind “Vous Pouvez Dormir Dans La Grange”, which translates to “You can sleep in the barn”, are the two French designers Coralie Frick and Arnaud Le Cat. Their design philosophy follows a clear line: movement without overload, encounters, and flexibility.

The origin of the name is as unconventional as the products themselves. It is a tribute to the hobos of the 1930s in the USA, migrant workers who traveled with light luggage along the railway lines and developed their own sign language.

One of these signs meant that title-giving hospitality. This idea of travel and reduction to the essentials shapes the designs of the brand, which are manufactured exclusively in France. They attach importance to sustainability and good working conditions.

Material, Size, and Workmanship

The backpack presents itself with a minimalist design. It has something light, summery. I somehow immediately associate it with Southern Europe, a warm summer day, and a small picnic in the shade by a river. Then taking photos with a completely mechanical small-format camera.

The outer material is made of a robust and water-repellent Italian cotton fabric. It has a good thickness and feels good. Weighing around 670 grams, it is pleasantly light. You carry your belongings and not primarily a heavy bag.

The size is specified as having a capacity of 15 liters and dimensions of approximately 48 x 31 x 10 cm. Since the backpack has no fixed internal structure, it can be folded quite flat if necessary and is therefore, also due to its low weight, a practical daypack for travel.

The design is “clean”. The brand logo can be found discreetly on a small label at the bottom of the front. Inside, a larger, sewn-on logo is placed, which indicates the designers and the country of manufacture, France.

A special feature is the wide carrying handle made of vegetable-tanned leather, which gives the backpack a touch of retro aesthetics and creates a beautiful contrast, especially with the darker color variants.

The handle is significantly wider than on many other backpacks of this size, which makes it very comfortable to hold. The weight of the contents is pleasantly distributed over the palm of the hand without cutting into the fingers.

Functions and Interior

Probably the most striking function of the backpack is its large, side opening that extends over the entire length. This design is an interesting mix of a sling bag with quick access and a backpack with better weight distribution on both shoulders.

You have a very good overview of the entire contents, similar to a travel bag. However, it takes some getting used to when you have to pack the backpack from the side and not from the top as usual.

This type of opening is particularly practical when you are carrying the backpack and briefly bring it forward to take something out. However, the arrangement is not ideal for left-handers. A left-handed version is currently not available. Also, a certain amount of caution is required if another person wants to take something out of the backpack, as the entire contents are exposed.

Two zipper zippers, whose loops are also made of leather, make it possible to open the backpack only partially. The zipper itself runs smoothly and reliably. It should be noted that the zippers are not waterproof. So, caution is advised in the rain despite the weatherproof cotton fabric.

Inside, there are several compartments for organization. One compartment is designed for a laptop up to 15 inches. The size is 37 x 25 x 2.5 cm.

This compartment is additionally provided with a graphically printed inner lining. The inner lining is made of Portuguese cotton fabric and is significantly softer than the other fabric. For comprehensive protection, it is recommended to store technical devices additionally in a sleeve, as the padding of the backpack itself is rather low.

In front of it are two more attached compartments in different sizes, which, like the laptop compartment, are closed with snap fasteners. The snap fasteners match the retro feel of the backpack, even if closable inner compartments would be advantageous for smaller items such as coins, batteries, or other small items to prevent them from falling out. However, this problem can be easily solved with an additional case.

The smaller compartment has a size of 16 x 16 cm with some leeway in depth. The large compartment has dimensions of 19 x 20 x 4 cm. The small compartment can hold a wallet, cables, or even Bluetooth headphones. The large compartment offers space for a glasses case, a notebook, a smaller water bottle, or a foldable umbrella.

The last detail in the inner compartment is the firmly integrated metal carabiner hook for a key ring. Here you can easily attach your key, a small flashlight, or a compact wallet. Here, I would still like the option to remove the key strap if you don’t need it.

The carrying system of the backpack is minimalist. Only two shoulder straps; no chest or hip strap. The straps are made of the same cotton material and are rather lightly padded. The wearing comfort is sufficient if the backpack is not too full and heavy.

A clever solution can be found in the metal buckles for length adjustment: A second buckle ensures that the protruding strap end does not dangle loosely. I would also like this on other backpacks.

Use as a Camera Bag

Although the backpack is not explicitly designed as a camera bag, it is certainly suitable for this purpose if you want to transport a minimalist equipment and some other items.

A compact 35mm camera or even a pocket film camera can be used in the small compartment. If you don’t place a camera there, you can find some rolls of film or a lens filter.

In terms of space, of course, most analog cameras should fit into the main compartment. But I would advise you to pack the camera either in a suitable case, which was previously offered for most cameras, or a suitable camera inlay.

The large side access proves to be extremely advantageous here, as you can quickly access the camera or films without having to completely put down the backpack. You simply swing it forward and have direct access to the main compartment.

In terms of space, you can also pack a rain jacket, a water bottle, snacks, and whatever else you need for a small photowalk. The backpack is less suitable for transporting larger and heavier equipment due to the lack of padding and the light structure.

Insert bag with the size 27 x 17 x 14 cm

Conclusion

The backpack from “Vous Pouvez Dormir Dans La Grange” is certainly not for everyone, but it doesn’t want to be either. Its main argument is the minimalist and independent design. It is simple, but still striking. During the test period, I was asked about it several times, which has not yet happened to me with an ordinary camera bag.

Although the design is minimalist, it stands out from the crowd and has a high recognition value. This is inspiring. After all, photography is also about focusing on one aspect and thereby telling a story.

When I first saw the backpack, I was interested but unsure if it would suit me. However, the longer I used it, the more I learned to appreciate it. It is an unobtrusive companion that brings joy and with which you like to be on the road to see what the day brings. It embodies the idea of focusing on the essentials and consciously choosing the things that surround you.

The backpack can be purchased online through the shop of “Vous Pouvez Dormir Dans La Grange“. Currently, you pay 229 euros for a copy. It is available in the colors blue, black, green, orange, hazelnut, and yellow. There is also a completely black and a denim version.