While Nikon isn't really renowned for it's camera bags, it's not like they haven't created various interesting / stylish bags in the past (see below). In fact, if you search e-bay you'll find some very cool looking Nikon vintage bags. But if you are in need of a more modern backpack that has a vintage vibe, you might want to check out the new retro-inspired Nikon collaboration with Gaston Luga that has just been released titled the GL x Nikon Backpack.
Gaston Luga, for the uninitiated, is the Swedish producer of quality backpacks and accessories inspired by Scandinavian design and living. They have a bit of a world wide following, so it makes sense for Nikon to leverage this angle and create a camera backpack that is fairly unique.
Capture was sent a bag to review, and our first impressions is that it is quite stylish, and it doesn't scream CAMERA BACKPACK. If anything, it seems more of a hybrid lifestyle / camera backpack that would suit an up-market urban environment – as well as being tough enough for taking on a day hike or bushwalk.
What we liked:
• Comfortable to wear with decent padding for the shoulders
• Fairly light weight at 1.37kg (with camera insert)
• Ability to sling tripod horizontally on top of bag meant more stability
• Excellent water-resistance from the lovely looking faux leatherette material
• Decent room for a laptop as well as other various documents / stationary
• A secondary removable camera bag insert – with adjustable dividers
• Enough room for a camera with a couple of lenses + space for personal belongings
• Slim, low profile enhances stylishness
• Quality subtle touches such as metal buckle, Swedish flag, hidden Nikon branding
• Reasonably priced at AU$289
The tradeoff:
• Not a bag for 'quickdraw' / rapid access – but the Nikon Zf is the sort of cool looking lightweight camera you'd be happy to wear or sling over your chest or shoulder
• So slimline that a larger camera with lens on it will create bulk / bulge on the back
We enjoyed using this as a day-to-day bag and liked the beforementioned combination of retro-style and hardiness.
Or can purchase it through the Nikon Au website or explore the Nikon x GL co-lab page.
