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Review // Destination Wedding Backpack - National Geographic Rucksack

Destination Wedding Backpack - National Geographic Rucksack

Review


I just got back from a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and decided to write this review.  After taking this backpack on multiple adventures around the world, I can confirm - IT IS AWESOME!

Front





Back


Features:

  • 2 Main Compartments (Top/Bottom)
  • Removable Gear Divider (Bottom)
  • Padded Laptop Compartment (Fits a 15" Macbook Pro)
  • 3 Zippered Accessory Pockets in Front
  • 2 Latched Side Pockets
  • Adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps
  • Double Stitched
  • Leather Reinforcement


Three Front Zippered Pockets



Zippered Top Section (Pen and Passport Holders included)


Zippered Bottom Section (Gear Divider Inserted - Black Divider added extra)


Pros:

  • Stylish (does not look like a camera backpack, has a nice brown texture)
  • Lightweight (no additional weight to what is already packed)
  • Compact (can easily slide under airplane seats)
  • Storage (there is a lot of pockets and space for additional items)


Some of the detailing on the backpack



CONS:

  • Not a lot of padding for gear (no additional padding on top side of backpack, only material separates gear and environment)
  • Minimal modification to gear storage insert (only 1 movable/removable piece)
  • Doesn't have the best back support (if carrying a lot of weight it can sit poorly on your back)


Padded Shoulder Straps and Side Pocket


I didn't even realize National Geographic made camera bags but man did they do a good job with this one!  The National Geographic Rucksack backpack is the perfect hybrid of utility and style.  I will confidently say, there is a deceiving amount of storage room for camera gear!  I am able to fit two D850 bodies, 4 lenses (including: Nikon 28mm 1.8G, Nikon 50mm 1.4G, Nikon 58mm 1.4G and the Sigma 135mm 1.8A) and a Nikon SB-700 speedlite, all in the lower half of the camera bag.  Using the zippered front pockets, I can also fit all of my charges, extra batteries, headphones, sunglasses and anything else my little heart desires while travelling.  I also use these pockets as protection for the camera gear.  As I mentioned, there is no additional padding on the top side of the backpack so the items act as a sort of impact barrier.   The top half of the backpack is perfect for storing my passport, pens, travel documents and anything I might need quick access to, ie. snacks.  I do wish there was an additional zippered compartment within it however, you can't always have your cake and eat it too.



I've worn this backpack around the world.  Literally to Adelaide, Australia and back.  It's been through rain, snow, heat, sand and it is still holding up perfectly.  If anything it has stretched like a glove to better fit my gear I consistently put it.  If something were to happen to the bag, I would definitely repurchase it.

TL;DR The National Geographic Rucksack Backpack is the perfect solution for Destination Weddings


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