The Morro Backpack Review | Film Photography Bag by Long Weekend
Taking the new Morro backpack from Long Weekend for a spin, just in time for the end of Fall.
The Morro Backpack by Long Weekend is a recent addition to the market that truly stands out. Willem and Allison provided me with a pre-release sample to try out, and after using it for two weeks, I'm ready to offer my first impressions.
New Material
The first thing I noticed straight from the packaging, the most striking feature, was its novel material. Its durability and smoothness are reminiscent of 1000D Cordura. The fabric is aesthetically pleasing and tactilely satisfying, but it also has the advantage of being less prone to collecting hair than the materials previously used in Long Weekend bags. This feature is a significant benefit for someone like me, who enjoys woolen garments and has two highly shed-prone cats.
Regarding the backpack's performance in bad weather, while I'm uncertain about the official rating of the new fabric, it's worth mentioning that the zippers lack any weatherproof sealing or coating. I tested the backpack in a light, continuous rain for about two hours. The interior of the main compartment remained dry, which was impressive. However, the top external pocket, made from ripstop fabric, did not fare well — it became pretty damp, along with the items inside.
Everyday Comfort
Comfort levels can vary significantly from person to person, as everyone has different needs in terms of the equipment they carry and the weight of that equipment. For instance, I use a backpack with a harness suitable for hiking because I usually have heavier loads. However, your daily carrying needs might be lighter.
Speaking about the Morro Backpack specifically, I find it very comfortable if you don’t pack it too heavily. To give you an idea, I filled the camera compartment with my Leica M6, Rolleiflex 2.8E, and a Canon R5 paired with an RF 24-70mm 2.8 lens. With this gear, I walked around the city for a couple of hours and felt comfortable throughout. The backpack straps are robust and well-padded, which helps to distribute the weight and make even heavy loads feel manageable and snug. Additionally, the top handle is surprisingly strong — a feature I find very valuable and often neglected by many bag manufacturers.
Modular Design
The Morro Backpack is versatile, functioning as a backpack and incorporating a specialized aspect for photographers. This is achieved through a detachable camera cube affixed inside the backpack with unobtrusive Velcro patches. This design is so seamless that I often forget the cube is an add-on. While I haven't used the pack without this camera insert, it's reassuring to know I can do so if I need a more general-purpose backpack.
External Accessibility
Many camera backpacks on the market tend to be overly complicated and "techy", with an excess of pockets and zippers that can become cumbersome. The Morro strikes a balance by offering sufficient organizational features without feeling cluttered. What I appreciate most is the accessibility of these compartments from the outside. The top pocket, made from the Long Weekend's characteristic ripstop material, is a generously sized compartment where I've been keeping my film. The bottom pocket is structured with internal divisions, suitable for smaller items like pens, shutter cables, a light meter, and a notebook. In my opinion, the best feature is the multifunctional water bottle pocket that also serves as a tripod holder, complete with an additional strap for secure attachment. It perfectly accommodates my Peak Design Travel Tripod.
Analog Emphasis
I've covered various detailed features and technical terms — but the main takeaway is this: the bag has a decidedly retro, "analog" vibe. It reminds me of classic Jansport backpacks, radiating vintage charm. I love that it doesn't have the specialized "tech compartments" common in many modern backpacks. The laptop sleeve is small and discreet; it doesn't fit my 16” M1 MacBook Pro, and I don't mind this. The sleeve seems intentionally sized to snugly fit something like a 14” laptop or a MacBook Air. It's there for use if necessary, but the design subtly questions whether you need to carry your computer every time.
And ultimately, that’s why I think this bag shines. Its design is intentional, serving a specific function rather than trying to be an all-in-one solution for everyone. This will be my designated "film" backpack, the one I reach for when heading out on a long weekend, a perfect companion for my analog adventures.
Read More:
