MindShiftPhotoCross 14240 Backpack 15, Charcoal Grey

I purchased this pack for a trip to Glacier National Park. I used it extensively on hikes, boat tours and the Red Bus tours. I couldn't have been happier with the purchase. I looked at a lot of packs before deciding on this one. It's a pretty simple backpack but that was probably what made it ideal for me. My requirements were that it hold 2 bodies (micro 4/3) with the Olympus 12-100mm PRO and a Panasonic 100-300mm II. I also traveled with a few prime lenses, rain jacket, 24 ounce water bottle, iPad Pro (in the laptop compartment), sunglasses, sunscreen and a few other smaller things. I really like how customizable the pack is in the main compartment using the included dividers. The side access was very easy to use - whether hiking or riding on the bus/boat tours. The pack was very comfortable for hiking and I found the front compartment to be more spacious than it looks. A tripod fit on the front with the included straps easily. The backpack got pretty dirty on some of the hikes, but everything wiped off easily. It withstood rain well without needing the included rainfly. I did not use the included waist belt much and appreciated that it was removable (unlike several other packs). Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase.

Buyer's remorse on this purchase, now too late to return. It is attractive and well made. I purchased this for a camera class where I needed DSLR, lens, laptop, charger, one back up drive and a few odds and ends without being too heavy. The class was canceled because of covid, and I use the bag on the car seat for outings. The main part of the bag is deep, in a way too deep to find small items. The water bottle holder is very tight and you need a narrow bottle. The zippered outside compartment is too narrow to hold much other than a couple of cables or a notebook. Shoulder straps are very comfortable. The major problem is that the lid doesn't open far enough to easily access the contents of the bag. A traditional bag where the front totally zips open would be a better choice.

The pack is well-made, with padding in all the right places and zippers that work well and should last a long time. It holds a surprising amount of gear in a compact form. The should/waist harness is well thought out. It's a comfortable pack to wear. You will need a compact, preferably carbon fiber tripod if you want to attach it to the pack but the tripod harness system works better than I anticipated. I'd purchase this pack again.

I find that the PHOTOCROSS™ 15 BACKPACK from thinkTANKPhoto/Mindshift Gear is an outstanding backpack for hiking with a gripped Fuji X-T3, 5 or 6 Fujinon lenses, and accessories. I realize they have since introduced a smaller version specifically for mirrorless systems, but the PhotoCross 15, with its cavernous and customizable interior, is perfect for my GRIPPED Fuji X-T3, WITH a Fujinon XF16-55 f/2.8, and WITH Lens hood attached in deployed/shooting position! I cannot say that about too many other backpacks or shoulder bags! Additionally, this backpack will accommodate perhaps 5 or 6 other lenses, nissin i60A flash, batteries, filters, and other accessories. The YKK zippers are waterproof and smooth. The exterior is a water-repellent material that seems quite durable for hiking, setting down on rocky surfaces, etc. The side access with pack on one shoulder is handy, as are the handles on top and one side. The straps and padding are all top-notch, adjustable, and quite comfortable indeed! The side pouch is yet another convenience. Overall, I highly recommend this PHOTOCROSS™ 15 BACKPACK for the landscape/nature/ hiking photographer!