This gray BackLight Elite 45L Backpack from MindShift Gear is designed to serve the combined interests of the adventure photographer and winter sports enthusiast. Along the front and sides of this backpack, multiple compression straps and gear loops allow skis, a snowboard, snowshoes, or other outdoor mountain equipment such as an ice axe or hiking poles to be conveniently harnessed and carried. Inside, the spacious main compartment accommodates an included camera equipment pouch. The equipment pouch and its ten padded, touch-tab dividers can hold a two-DSLR camera kit with three prime lenses along with a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm, and a 70-200mm zoom lens. Alternatively, the equipment pouch can be configured for a multimedia kit with two mirrorless cameras, three zoom lenses, a prime lens, and a small drone. For users of ultra-telephoto optics, even when the equipment pouch is dedicated to a 600mm lens and a DSLR, additional capacity remains for a second camera, a 70-200mm zoom lens, or other accessories.

Complete access to the equipment pouch is provided by a rear-facing zippered panel with a 180° downward opening, while an additional zippered opening allows items closest to the backpack's top to be reached. Three touch tab fasteners along the interior of the BackLight Elite 45L allow the equipment pouch to be securely mounted when it is placed inside the backpack. The equipment pouch is then prevented from shifting and can be made to have its own top and rear-facing zippered openings aligned with the backpack openings for seamless accessibility to the cameras and lenses inside. To quickly convert the BackLight Elite 45L into a storage and transport solution for items other than cameras and lenses, the equipment pouch can be zippered shut and removed from the backpack's main compartment. Though designed to be used within the BackLight Elite 45L, the equipment pouch features durable polyester and nylon construction, a top handle, and its own adjustable backpack straps to serve as a practical carry solution when needed.

During storage or transport, the top opening of the BackLight Elite 45L can be capped by an included top lid that buckles into four adjustable straps along the backpack's front and rear panels for a secure fit. The top lid features a zippered pocket that faces the back of the wearer, which allows its contents to be reached without having to remove the BackLight Elite 45L. Similarly, zippered pockets along both sides of the backpack's waist belt provide secure on-the-go storage, while a zippered pocket along the front panel can hold photo accessories that are intended for use whenever the BackLight Elite 45L is set down.

Between the front panel's pocket and the main compartment, a zippered gusset pocket expands to accommodate up to 17L of gear that can include survival essentials or additional items for a mobile photo studio. Divided into the three sections, the section of the gusset pocket closest the wearer's back is designed to hold either a 17" laptop or a hydration pack and includes an exit for a sip tube. With its touch-tab retention flap, the gusset pocket's middle section can secure a 10" tablet computer or personal items with minimal shifting during transport. Capable of the most expansion, the section most adjacent to the front panel is suitable for packable clothing, gloves, a hat, or a towel.

For side trips or destinations that do not require the full capacity of the BackLight Elite 45L, its top lid and waist belt can be removed and combined to form a compact daypack that rests comfortably against the wearer's hips and lower back. When fully assembled, the BackLight Elite 45L can be lifted via its built-in haul handle, and carried by its adjustable, padded shoulder straps. The backpack's waist belt then serves to transfer weight away from the shoulders to the hips for additional comfort, while the sternum strap further limits unintentional shifting around the wearer. Featuring durable nylon construction, the BackLight Elite 45L is built to be weather resistant and includes a seam-sealed cover for use under heavy rain.

Multi-Configuration, Multiuse Backpack    Accommodates Photo & Winter Sport Gear    Versatile Side & Front Straps    Straps Hold Skis/Snowboard/Hiking Poles    Spacious Main Compartment    Removable Equipment Pouch with Dividers    Pocket for 17" Laptop or Hydration Pack    10" Tablet Pocket, Organizer Pockets    Tripod Cup, Waist Belt with Pockets    Weather-Resistant Exterior, Rain Cover

• Versatile, multiuse backpack can serve the combined interests of the adventure photographer and winter sports enthusiast
• Multiple heavy-duty compression straps and gear loops allow skis, a snowboard, snowshoes, or other outdoor mountain equipment such as an ice axe or hiking poles to be conveniently harnessed and carried
• Removable equipment pouch with ten padded, touch-tab dividers can hold and organize a two-DSLR camera kit with three prime lenses along with a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm, and a 70-200mm zoom lens
• Alternatively, equipment pouch can be configured for a multimedia kit with two mirrorless cameras, three zoom lenses, a prime lens, and a small drone
• Equipment pouch can be dedicated to a 600mm lens and a DSLR with additional capacity for a second camera, a 70-200mm zoom lens, or other accessories
• Along the rear and top opening of the backpack are two zippered, mesh organizer pockets which can be used to hold hard drives, portable batteries, camera filters, or small electronics
• Removable top lid features a zippered pocket that faces the back of the wearer, which allows its contents to be reached without having to remove the backpack
• Zippered pockets along both sides of the backpack's waist belt provide secure on-the-go storage, while a zippered pocket along the front panel can hold additional photo accessories
• Stretchable pockets on either side of the backpack can each hold and secure a water bottle
• Zippered gusset pocket between the front panel pocket and the main compartment expands to accommodate up to 17L of gear that can include survival essentials or additional items for a mobile photo studio
• The gusset pocket section closest the wearer's back is designed to hold either a 17" laptop or a hydration pack and includes an exit for a sip tube
• Gusset pocket's middle section can secure a 10" tablet computer or personal items with its touch-tab retention flap
• The section of the gusset pocket closest to the front panel is suitable for packable clothing, gloves, a hat, or a towel
• Tuck-away cup to support the base of a tripod or monopod strapped along the front of the backpack

• Can be lifted using its haul handle and carried by its adjustable padded shoulder straps
• Adjustable sternum strap and padded waist belt help evenly distribute weight
• Padded back panel provides lumbar support
• Access to the main compartment is provided by a front-facing zippered panel with a 180° downward opening
• Three, interior touch tab fasteners allow the removable equipment pouch to be securely mounted within the backpack with its own zippered openings aligned with the backpack's openings for seamless accessibility to the cameras and lenses inside
• When the equipment pouch is removed, its durable polyester and nylon construction, top handle, and own adjustable backpack straps allows it to serve as a practical carry solution when needed while the backpack is used to store or transport items other than cameras or lenses
• Top lid and waist belt can be removed and combined to form a compact daypack that rests comfortably against the wearer's hips and lower back
• T-shaped pulls on zippers can be can be easily gripped in wet or cold weather and when adjacent, two T-shaped pulls can be looped together, further securing the backpack's contents
• Durable weather-resistant nylon construction
• Waterproof bottom panel
• Seam-sealed cover for use under heavy rain
• Compatible with separately available MindShift Gear Tripod Suspension Kit, as well as Filter Nest, Filter Hive, and Lens Switch cases

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is there a space for a hydration bladder like a Cabelbak or similar?

A: Not easily, you could put a bladder in the back of the bag but because it is meant for camera gear, you would have to take extra measures to ensure your bladder doesn't leak.

Q: 2. Does it have hydration pockets?

A: Already answered by Alan B., on July 19, 2018.Do people bother reading any more?

Q: 3. Is there a way to carry a travel tripod that folds down to 17"?

A: The MindShift Gear BackLight Elite 45L Backpack (Gray) has a tripod cup for carrying a tripod outside the backpack.

Q: 4. Would a small travel tripod, e.g. the Gitzo GT1555T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod (14 long folded) fit inside this bag?

A: Yes, but it would significantly limit the rest of whatever gear you may wish to include.

Q: 5. Is the camera compartment dimension smaller, same as or larger than the size of Mindshift Firstlight 46L+?

A: The MindShift Gear BackLight Elite 45L Backpack (Gray) has a smaller camera compartment than the MindShift Gear Firstlight 46L+ Camera Backpack.

Q: 6. Is the main camera apartment same size as Backlight 36L? One reviewer put A1+600mm GM into 36L version. Can be done in 45L?

A: The MindShift Gear BackLight Elite 45L Backpack (Gray) has a slightly smaller camera compartment than the 36L version. If you unzip the camera compartment and let the camera go higher up in the bag, you will have more space. Even though Mind Shift says that a 600mm lens will only fit without a camera, the Sony mirrorless cameras are pretty small, so it may work. This photo shows the camera compartment of the 45L unzipped at the top: https://bhpho.to/3YunfHw.

Q: 7. Will this bag suit a 187cm tall person well?

A: Yes, the MindShift Gear BackLight Elite 45L Backpack (Gray) would be compatible for use for a person that is 187 cm (6 feet 1-5/8 inch) tall.

Q: 8. Will the top section hold an oben GH-30 gimbal head?

A: Yes the Oben GH-30 will fit the top section of this bag.

Q: 9. Are the exterior dimensions with or without the top lid attached? What are the dimensions in the other configuration?

A: The dimensions on the website are without the top pocket. The exterior dimensions with the top pocket attached is 13” W x 25” H x 8” D (33 x 59.7 x 20.3 cm).

Q: 10. What are the internal measurements of the camera compartment (inside the padding)? Thank you.

A: As per the manufacturer, the interior dimensions are 12.6” W x 21” H x 7.1”.