NOMATIC x Peter McKinnon – Camera Backpacks Built for Photographers Who Need Gear and Travel Space in One System

Photographers and filmmakers travel differently from ordinary tourists. A weekend away might involve a camera body, several lenses, batteries, filters, memory cards, a laptop, tripod, clothing and enough charging equipment to fill an entire desk. Packing all of that safely without creating several separate bags becomes a serious challenge, especially when flights, location changes and long walking days are involved. NOMATIC’s collaboration with photographer Peter McKinnon addresses this problem through camera bags designed specifically around creators.

The flagship McKinnon Camera Pack 35L V2 combines customizable camera organization with clothing space, dual laptop storage, side access and an expandable 35-to-42-litre design. The wider camera range also includes smaller slings and accessories for days when a full production backpack would be excessive. Rather than simply adding foam dividers to an ordinary travel bag, NOMATIC treats photography equipment and personal travel gear as separate but equally important parts of the same carry system.

The McKinnon Camera Pack 35L V2 Separates Camera Gear From Clothing

One of the biggest frustrations with conventional camera backpacks is that they often prioritize equipment so heavily that there is little room left for normal travel essentials. The NOMATIC 35L V2 is designed differently, providing dedicated areas for camera gear and clothing. This separation means a photographer does not need to remove lenses just to reach a shirt or disturb folded clothing whenever a camera body is required. The clothing compartment has been enlarged compared with the first-generation pack and includes its own expansion space, allowing enough room for several days of clothing depending on how minimally the user packs. That makes the pack particularly attractive for location shoots, short assignments and creative travel where checking an additional suitcase would be inconvenient.

Adjustable Dividers Allow the Interior to Change With the Camera Kit

Camera equipment rarely remains identical from one trip to another. A portrait assignment may require different lenses from landscape photography, while a video job might replace one lens with a microphone, monitor or compact drone. The NOMATIC McKinnon Camera Pack uses a customizable divider system that can be rearranged to match the equipment being carried. The V2 includes several medium and small folding dividers, allowing users to create appropriately sized spaces instead of leaving expensive equipment loose inside one large compartment. A good divider layout should prevent gear from moving excessively without compressing it so tightly that removal becomes difficult. This flexibility is particularly valuable for creators who own several types of equipment and do not want a separate dedicated backpack for every shooting style.

What Makes the McKinnon 35L V2 Suitable for Serious Creative Travel?

Its design combines camera protection with features normally associated with premium travel backpacks:

• 35L standard capacity expanding to approximately 42L for longer or gear-heavy trips.
• Customizable folding dividers allow the camera compartment to match different kits.
• Full rear-panel access makes it possible to view and organize the main equipment area.
• Quick side access provides faster retrieval of commonly used camera gear.
• A separate clothing compartment keeps personal items away from lenses and accessories.
• Two laptop storage areas support larger and smaller devices for editing workflows.
• A full internal suspension system helps manage the weight of professional equipment.
• Removable waist straps provide additional support when carrying heavier loads.
• Concealed water-bottle and tripod storage keeps useful exterior equipment more streamlined.
• Water-resistant materials and zippers provide protection against normal travel weather and splashes.

Quick Side Access Matters When a Moment Will Not Wait

Full rear opening is excellent when packing at home or reorganizing in a hotel, but photographers often need one item immediately. A side-access panel allows the user to reach selected camera equipment without completely removing and opening the NOMATIC backpack. This can be useful while walking through a city, working at an event or travelling through landscapes where a scene changes quickly. The feature works best when the interior is deliberately arranged so the most frequently used body or lens is positioned near the access point. Otherwise, side access becomes little more than an additional zipper. Thoughtful packing therefore remains important even in a highly organized bag. The backpack creates the opportunity for speed, but the photographer still decides how that speed is used.

Weather Resistance Protects Against Ordinary Conditions, Not Extreme Exposure

The McKinnon NOMATIC packs use water-resistant materials and coated zippers designed to handle common rain, splashes and travel conditions. That is useful when a sudden shower appears during a location shoot, but it should not be interpreted as permission to expose expensive camera equipment to prolonged heavy rain or submerge the bag.

Dedicated rain covers, sealed cases or additional protective measures may still be appropriate in severe environments. Water resistance is best viewed as another layer of protection rather than complete waterproofing. Photographers working professionally often carry equipment worth far more than the backpack itself, making realistic risk management essential.