Regular readers and my safari clients know that I’m always on the lookout for the ultimate field photo bag. Especially when working in inclement weather or in situations where you can’t set a bag down, it has to be both versatile and easy to access. I’ve used a variety of bags from MindShift (and sister brand Think Tank) this way successfully, but I think they’ve outdone themselves with their new Exposure series…

 

The Exposure 15 will hold up to a 15-inch laptop, and the Exposure 13, a 13-inch model – in a dedicated internal compartment. Both also have a slot for a 10-inch tablet, and of course room for your camera gear. The shoulder bag design is set up to allow easy access while shooting, which is a must for me. Setting down a backpack is always awkward and sometimes not possible at all. This is accomplished by having the bags mimic a messenger/sling style, so they are suspended off the opposite shoulder, allowing for easy and balanced rotation.

These aren’t “long lens” bags, so for shooting from vehicles like on our Africa safaris, I’ll still be using my StreetWalker Rolling Backpack, but for situations where I’m either not carrying a super telephoto or where we already have it set up on a tripod (like Alaska) I’m planning to field test the MindShift Exposure 15 ($169) since I travel with a Dell XPS 15, although if you have a smaller laptop and don’t need to cram a lot of gear into the bag, the MindShift Exposure 13 ($159) is a good alternative.

Speaking of bears, we have a couple last minute openings on our mid-July Alaska bear & puffin photo safaris. This will be our 19th year photographing the bears of Lake Clark Park, and it is always an amazing trip. You can learn more or snag one of the last couple spots on the trip web page.

Exposure 15 Features

• Internal, dedicated laptop compartment fits a 15” laptop
• 10” tablet fits in zippered pocket
• YKK® AquaGuard® weather-resistant zippered front pocket sized for today’s large phones
• Weather Wings on flap for additional weather protection
• Anodized aluminum hardware is lightweight and resists corrosion
• Tripod attachment straps included
• Comfortably padded neoprene shoulder strap with easy adjustment
• Luggage handle pass-through
• Customizable divider layout for stacking short lenses
• Internal pockets hold batteries, card wallets, and other accessories
• Ultra-Stretch mesh water-bottle pocket fits most 1 liter water bottles and secures with an elastic cord-lock
• Deluxe organizer located in wide zippered pocket
• Gusseted pockets allow for large objects
• Compatible with the MindShift Filter Nest, Filter Hive, and Switch Case (sold separately)
• Compatible with the Peak Design Capture Clip and the SpiderLight Camera Holster
• Seam-sealed rain cover included

* Check with your airline for current carry-on requirements

Gear Profile

• Fits one ungripped body with a 70–200mm f/2.8 attached
• 2–5 extra lenses
• flash
• 10” tablet and a 15” laptop