MindShift Gear and Moose Peterson Collaborate to Update Classic Moose Peterson Outdoor Photography Backpacks

I’m really excited to see the much-beloved Moose Peterson backpack line back on the market – chock full of improvements thanks to the folks at MindShift. The packs were my favorite for many years, but Moose stopped working on or selling them a while ago. The new versions, called MP-1 v2.0, MP-3 v2.0, and MP-7 v2.0 have the same form factor as the originals of the same name, but with improved straps, water bottle holders, and some other nice touches.

The MP-1 will hold just about anything, and is great for those with a 600mm lens. The MP-3 is still a workhorse for me, as it will carry my kit when I’m working with a 200-400 or 500mm lens (or even a detached 600mm). The MP-7 is handy for when you aren’t dragging a big telephoto around.

I haven’t had a chance to see or field test the new bags (although I’m planning to), but wanted to get the word out – especially to those of you who have been loving the thin, carry-on-friendly, design of the original and looking for an update. Or for those who just prefer less padded, but still weather-resistant, workhorse packs for travel and nature photography.

Below are all the details, or you can find out more on the product website. As always if you order one from the ThinkTank/MindShift site through our affiliate link, you'll get a special gift.

MindShift Gear and Moose Peterson collaborate to update classic Moose Peterson outdoor photography backpacks

SANTA ROSA, CALIF. – Working in partnership with renowned wildlife photographer Moose Peterson, MindShift Gear has updated the three classic Moose Peterson backpacks. Initially designed for wildlife and safari photographers, the backpacks feature a three-compartment layout that helps protect their gear from the elements.

The Moose Pack series is available in three sizes: MP-1, MP-5 and the smallest, the MP-7. The backpacks can carry up to three DSLR camera bodies with telephoto lenses attached—up to 600mm f/4. This strategy enables photographers to be ready to capture wildlife at any distance without changing lenses or exposing the sensor to the elements. The backpacks also feature the same innovative “Moose Ear” flaps that close automatically, protecting camera gear from dust and debris common in wildlife photography. And because nature photographers often travel to remote locations, the packs are designed to meet airline carry on requirements, and even fit in the overhead compartment of the smallest regional jets.

Moose Peterson is a recognized Nikon USA Ambassador, Lexar Elite Photographer, recipient of the John Muir Conservation Award, and Research Associate with the Endangered Species Recovery Program. He also shares his knowledge through writing, being published in over 143 magazines worldwide, authoring 28 books including Photographic FUNdementals and Taking Flight and Captured, and lecturing across the country to thousands of photographers. As one of the original Nikon shooters to receive the D1 in 1999, Moose became the first wildlife photographer to shoot strictly digital.

“Moose Peterson backpacks are renowned for serving the needs of traveling photographers,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “It has been a joy collaborating with him on bringing these classic designs back to the marketplace. While their design and materials have been enhanced, the designs of all three backpacks retain Moose’s original vision.”

KEY FEATURES

· Original 1998 ‘Moose Ears’ design with auto-close compartment flaps protect the interior from dust, spray, wind, etc.

· Three compartment system allows you to keep lenses attached providing the quickest way to access gear

· Tuck-away harness system with removable waistbelt easily allows you to streamline your bag when loading it in a train, plane or automobile (MP-1 & MP-3 only)

· Sized for carry-on, allowing you to get the maximum amount of gear on the plane

· Long glass carrying solution with body attached

· Tripod/monopod mounting system on side and front

· Flap guard protects front zippers

· Highest quality RC Fuse YKK zippers, 600D and 420D nylon construction for long-lasting durability and strength

· Dual-density foam padded shoulder harness, cushioned with air mesh

· Zippered side pockets fit full-sized flashes (MP-7 only)

· Stretch water bottle pocket fits 32 oz. water bottle

· Robust zipper pulls are easily gripped with or without gloves

· Seam-sealed rain cover/drop cloth included protects against rain and dust

GEAR CAPACITY

Moose Peterson MP-7 V2.0

· Holds 1 gripped body attached to 70–200mm f/2.8 and two ungripped bodies with primes attached, two flashes and accessories

· Or, holds 1 gripped body and one ungripped body with 70–200mm f/2.8, 24–70mm f/2.8, 14–24mm f/2.8 (or 16–35mm f/2.8), a 2x teleconverter, two flashes and accessories

· Maximum lens size: 200mm f/2 attached to a gripped body

Moose Peterson MP-3 V2.0

· 3 gripped DSLRs with lenses attached, 1–2 additional lenses and 1–2 flashes and accessories

· Or, 3 gripped bodies and 1 ungripped body detached from lenses, 4–5 standard zoom lenses, 1–2 flashes, a 2x teleconverter and accessories

· Maximum lens size: Holds 600mm f/4 detached or 500mm f/4 lens attached to a gripped body

Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0

· 3 gripped DSLRs with lenses attached,3–5 additional lenses, 2x teleconverter,1–2 flashes and accessories

· Or, 3 gripped bodies and 1 ungripped body detached from lenses, 7–8 standard zoom lenses, 1–2 flashes, a 2x teleconverter and accessories

· Maximum lens size: Holds 800mm detached

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. The backpacks also feature highest-quality abrasion-resistant YKK® RC-Fuse zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 600D polyester, 1680D ballistic nylon, 320G DuraStretch mesh, nylon webbing, 350G airmesh, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: high-density velex, 210D silver-toned nylon lining, hexa mesh pockets, high-density closed-cell foam, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Moose Peterson MP-7 V2.0

· External Dimensions: 15” W x 15.5” H x 8” D (38.1 x 39.4 x 20.3 cm)

· Large Camera Compartment: 5.3” W x 14” H x 6.5” D (13.5 x 35.5 x 16.5 cm)

· Small Camera Compartments (each): 5” W x 6.3” H x 6.5” D (12.5 x 16 x 16.5 cm)

· Weight: 2.5–3.3 lbs. (1.1–1.5 kg) (Lower weight excludes all dividers and accessories)

Moose Peterson MP-3 V2.0

· External Dimensions: 14” W x 20” H x 8” D (35.5 x 50.8 x 20.3 c m)

· Large Camera Compartment: 6.8” W x 18” H x 6.8” D (17.3 x 46 x 17.3 cm)

· Small Camera Compartments (each): 6” W x 8.5” H x 6.8” D (15 x 21.5 x 17.3 cm)

· Weight: 3.2–4.6 lbs. (1.5–2.1 kg) (Lower weight excludes all dividers and accessories)

Moose Peterson MP-1 V2.0

· External Dimensions: 14” W x 23” H x 8” D (35.5 x 58.4 x 20.3 c m)

· Large Camera Compartment: 6.8” W x 21.8” H x 6.8” D (17.3 x 55. 4 x 17.3 cm)

· Small Camera Compartments (each): 6” W x 10” H x 6.75” D (15 x 25 x 17 cm)

· Weight: 3.7–5.1 lbs. (1.7–2.3 kg) (Lower weight excludes all dividers and accessories)