When out in the field creating content for our platform, we generally carry expensive digital equipment such as a Nikon mirrorless camera, GoPro, and Apple Laptop.
Back in December, on our annual end-of-year adventure, we were planning a trip to the Eastern Cape, with the main activity being hiking, both at Tsitsikamma National Park and Hogsback.
Knowing we’d be carrying expensive digital equipment, plus essentials for a day’s hiking, and not having quite the right bag that would be fit for purpose. I chatted with the guys at Thule SA to get their advice on a suitable backpack for such an adventure. They recommended and loaned us the perfect backpack.
Enter Thule’s EnRoute 20L Camera Backpack.
Immediately apparent is the high quality that is synonymous with all Thule products. Compact in size (29 x 20 x 48 cm) and weighing in at 1.6kg, the outer shell is made of a durable nylon fabric. Located at the top of the bag is the main compartment area. On opening, I was immediately impressed with the brightly coloured blue interior lining.
A dedicated slip pocket that’s padded at the back means you can store a tablet or small laptop up to 13″. In addition, there’s a zipable zone for smaller items, such as cables and enough space above the camera pod to store other stuff. We mainly stored our food/snacks in this area when out on the trails.
A second smaller top compartment has a hard-shell outer with a soft-lined inner, making it perfect to protect smaller valuables. We used this zone to store our GoPro and phones and found it to be conveniently placed. There’s a zipable pocket for smaller items too—which we used to keep the Jimny’s key safe.
At the side of the backpack, there’s a removable camera pod with customizable storage for a DSLR or mirrorless camera with adjustable, origami-inspired dividers. Our Nikon Z50 fit perfectly without any adjustments. What’s nice is that the protective camera pod can be removed to leave the camera behind or to carry the camera in another bag. I found that being able to quickly access our camera from the side-zippered entry was handy for those run-and-gun moments when out in the wilderness.
A second side zip-away pocket can securely hold a water bottle or tripod and can be fixed in place with a clipable adjustable strap.
Finally, a front pouch is conveniently placed so you can quickly stash and retrieve go-to items such a raincoat, for example.
Other features include an integrated luggage pass-through strap at the rear so that you can carry the backpack safely on top of rolling luggage.
I was very impressed with Thule’s EnRoute Camera Backpack 20L. What stood out to me the most was how comfortable it was when fully loaded and out on the trails. This is thanks to its ergonomically padded shoulder straps and back panel. There is also a chest clip, which is always preferred when hiking and/or riding on a motorcycle, as it just secures the bag firmly to your body.
At a cost of R3,699, you certainly get a lot of features with this backpack, which to me makes it well-priced for what you get. I would highly recommend this backpack for both smallish hiking excursions (like what we did) or as a general daypack for commuting to work.
For more information, visit: www.thulestore.co.za
