A Superbly Designed Camera Bag With Compartments Like Whoa

The new Convert rolltop bag, especially designed for photographers. Thule

If you’re one of those a-place-for-everything-and-everything-in-its-place people who also happens to be a serious photographer, this is the camera bag for you.

The Thule Convert DSLR Rolltop Backpack features a padded removable camera pod, laptop sleeve and plenty of compartments and fasteners for stowing and organizing all of your gear.

Thule, the Swedish makers of all things carry, have long been one of the workhorses of the schlepping game, but the world of camera bags is a relatively new undertaking for the company. After launching its camera-ready Perspektiv bags in 2013, Thule has branched out, offering various DSLR-centric backpacks, daypacks, messengers and slings.

The Convert Rolltop DSLR Backpack is our favorite of the new crop. Its main compartment is large enough for all the day trip essentials, and features a separate padded compartment for your camera, lenses, and flashes that can easily be accessed via a zippered panel on the side of the bag. It’s helpful if you’re faced with digging through layers of jackets, snacks and laptop chargers to reach your camera pod, which is, inevitably, at the bottom of your bag.

The padded camera pod slots into the bottom of the Convert bag, where it can be quickly removed or accessed via a side panel. Thule

The pack is littered with pockets and pouches for things like your U-Lock, keys, wallet, Field Notes, iPad, tripod and headphones. All are arranged so you can leave the delicate ecosystem that is your bag largely intact when you need to access the smaller items. Also, the rolltop closure at the top is not only great at creating a stronger seal against the elements, it allows for easy access and fluid expansion.

The exterior Oxford material is tough and water-resistant. This makes it heavy (almost 5 pounds) and it’s a bummer but it only comes in the one color (Dark Shadow, naturally). At least the color is agreeable enough, and a worthy sacrifice if you’re inclined to prioritize protection and function over style.

If you’re leaving the camera at home, you can pop out the padded pod, make a quick adjustment to the interior lining, and restore the full capacity of your pack. Thule’s video (see below) shows how perfectly a sixer of imported soda slots into the bottom, but it might also be a natural fit for some other beverage that comes in six-pack form.