Fstoppers Review HEX Back Loader V2 DSLR Backpack

news7g03/26/2022

4 3 minutes read

Recently, HEX has released a lot of functional bags with some meaningful limited editions. The HEX Back Loader DSLR Backpack V2 continues the trend with a useful and stylish package perfect for those shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

The last HEX attempt that I reviewed, HEX x Misshattan Ranger DSLR Handbagis a solid entry from the company, with quality materials and a useful interior, albeit for a smaller DSLR or mirrorless camera.

HEX went the other way this time and sent over a Glacier Camo Back Loader V2. At $199.95, it’s a lot more than the premium price, but from a much younger company (it was founded in 2010). It certainly reaches the level of quality in that time to make it worthwhile. The bag looks great for its price.

Design

The unique design of the bag gives it the name “Back Loader”. Instead of a zipper or clip at the front of the bag, the main compartment for your camera and lenses is at the back of the bag, which then closes and rests on your back as you carry your backpack. There’s a small easy-to-access compartment at the top of the bag where you can get to your camera and attached lenses with ease.

While this is an odd feeling at first, the ingenuity of the design becomes evident in everyday use. When I put down my traditional backpack with the openings in the front of the bag, I had to put it in the back to get things. This meant any dirt or trash on the ground would stick to the back of the bag, which would then spill all over my back. This design means your back is free of dirt because the front of the bag is placed on the ground.

One supposedly smaller concern that’s been addressed by this design is having the main compartment at the back of you, which makes it harder for the camera gear to spill out due to the opening of the zipper (which did happen). more times than I’d like to admit), and also harder to steal a camera that’s only fully accessible from the back of the bag. After a few weeks of using the bag, this design has become second nature.

In addition to the fully configurable main compartment, which can hold two DSLRs and two or three lenses and flash depending on what you have, there’s also a padded pocket that can hold up to one laptop 15” (V2 requires extra padding here), an accessory pocket, a rain cover, a side water bottle holder, and straps to keep the tripod in place. There are two mesh compartments inside and another storage pocket. The volume of furniture listed by the company is 20 L.

Material

The material for the bag is high quality transparent. The exterior is listed as water resistant polyester and seems to hold up well in light rain and snow conditions. I took out the bag. I took a padded laptop bag that was lined with “fake fur”. Not quite sure what that is, but it does seem soft to the touch and it doesn’t seem like it will scratch a laptop or tablet, or at least it hasn’t scratched me yet.

The back of the backpack is a slightly softer material called an “air mesh back” that is pleasant to the touch and comfortable on the back, and the interior is described as a Pewter Gray heritage lining. HEX, all protected my Canon EOS 6D and lenses and flash quite well in daily use.

If Glacier Camo isn’t for you, backpacks are too black standard or camo forest. Matching straps for your camera is also available if you are looking for color matching.

Conclusion

In my time with the bag, I couldn’t find anything bad to say about it. I increasingly like the style of folding the camera over the back, appreciate the easy access at the top that allows me to quickly get to work without having to put the entire bag down, and love the color change from the socks. all the gray black bags I’ve had. It has plenty of space for a DSLR or mirrorless camera and can swallow multiple lenses or an additional body to take with you during the day.

If you’re looking for a backpack-style camera bag, you can’t do much worse than the HEX Back Loader DSLR Backpack V2.