The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 25L Hands-On Review

Stand-Out features

The features make or break a bag, almost literally. In my years of testing, I’ve been impressed with the quality and durability of the Camera Pack.

2 water bottle pockets

One of the stand-out features for me is actually the design of the water bottle pockets. They fold up and can each expand to fit a “big” water bottle. When you use these for photography, each can fit a tripod.

I like the design so much because even if you stuff the pockets, it doesn’t eat too much space from the bag itself, like with other bags that I have. The pockets are quite tall, and I’ve put baby bottles, umbrellas, snacks, Subway sandwiches and more in them.

Materials and durability

I’ve taken the bag with me on several international trips and the 25L fits extremely well under airplane seats. I usually need to take out my water bottle, though, because sometimes it makes it a bit too wide.

After lots of pushing under seats, getting thrown around in trunks and getting bumped around on the NYC subway, there are virtually no scuffs on the outside of my Camera Pack. The materials it’s made with are high quality and top of the line, in my opinion.

Storage

I’ve thrown a lot at my McKinnon Camera Pack and it has never let me down. I like the top access panel, especially because the adjustable “ladder system” lets me customize how much space goes to the top access versus the main compartment.

25L is also a perfect amount of space for taking your essentials on a flight, or taking enough with you to go to work, without being too big of a bag where it gets in the way.

Using the Bag for Travel (With Kids)

I took this bag to Canada with my 9-month-old (at the time) and I had a great experience. If you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know that space and weight come at a premium.

We took a car seat, stroller, large roller suitcase and 2 backpacks. Whew! The days of carry-on travel are unfortunately over for us. I used my McKinnon Camera Pack (https://partner.shopmoment.com/DydAjq) as my personal item, but it also was useful to have a place to spill over in-flight toys for our little one and plenty of snacks for everyone.

I liked having the top access pocket available for snacks, because when you have no space in an airplane seat, and with juggling a 9-month-old on your lap, being able to unzip a place under the seat to grab some puffs or some fidget toy is invaluable.

On the ground, the bag worked well for stashing away “pouches” (the tech type and the apple sauce variety as well) and not being a nuisance nor being overly heavy when wearing it for long periods of time. Plus, because I had a travel stroller with me all day, I was able to put the bag under the stroller in certain situations. It was helpful that it fit into the stroller basket underneath where my kid sits.

Using the Camera Pack for Travel (Without Kids)

I took my McKinnon Camera Pack with me to Mexico City before our little one was born and I got to experience that carry-on travel one last time.

I was able to utilize my backpack for storing my camera, a tech pouch, a sweatshirt, my laptop and a sandwich (I’m serious) in the water bottle pocket. I hate buying food at the airport and I love sandwiches, so it’s a win-win.

Still having access to my bag under an airplane seat is useful because I keep my tech pouch there, and I can quickly access my headphones, or charge my phone, from there.

On the ground, I used the bag more as a traditional camera bag. I didn’t take too much photography gear with me, so the bag was mostly empty aside from my camera and a light jacket. Having two water bottle pockets means that I carried two water bottles: one for me, and one for my wife. She appreciates the bag as much as I do.

Using the Bag for Work

I work remotely, but there are instances when I go into the city for work. I like bringing my McKinnon Camera Pack with me because it fits my laptop perfectly and I can customize the main compartment to give me organization for my commute.

I like to have some type of entertainment for the train, and I utilize the back panel storage for various chargers. I use the top access panel for my keys or for anything else that floats around in my pockets — like my office ID badge.

I commute in all seasons, so it’s nice to have a work backpack in which to stash away gloves, hats or scarves when it’s cold outside, or an umbrella or a rain coat in the warmer-rainy months.

The size and weight of the pack are nice. It’s sleek enough that it’s not in the way when I’m on the subway train. It’s comfortable to have on my back, even if I end up standing through my hour-long commute during rush hour.

Why I Choose It Over Other Backpacks

I’ve rotated among a lot of different backpacks over the years, and I mean a LOT. I’ll sometimes switch to a lightweight backpack, like the Moment Everything Backpack or something a little more gear-focused like the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. I typically use one backpack for a few months and then switch to another choice from my backpack collection.

With the McKinnon Camera Pack, I typically use it for more “occasions,” and it usually stays packed with the items that I use most, while out of the house.

I like its box-like shape because I don’t feel restricted by bulkier items that might poke out of softer-style bags. It’s one of the more comfortable bags that I have in my collection, as well.

If you’re on the fence about getting the McKinnon Camera Pack, do it! It’s worth it.