The Compagnon Backpack Gen III is the backpack that I believe slaps every corporately appointed influencer in the face — and I adore it. I recall a well-known YouTuber once telling me that canvas bags aren’t worth the trouble because they’re too heavy. Still, I’ve repeatedly asked manufacturers to produce canvas rolltop backpacks for photographers. However, no one has done so — or at least nobody has done it very effectively. Just like body weight, it’s all about how you carry the weight on your frame. I’m 5’6″ and weigh between 168 to 174 lbs with approximately 15% body fat. By various measures, I’m considered overweight — but I carry it well and am regarded as exceptionally healthy. And with the Compagon Backpack Gen III, we need to move past the idea of number obsession.
Table of Contents
- The Big Picture
- Pros
- Cons
- Who is the Compagon Backpack Gen III For?
- Gear Used
- Innovations: What Makes This Bag Different?
- Hardware
- Ease of Use
- Tech Specs
The Big Picture
Want to avoid resembling every dude sporting Patagonia? Great. This is the backpack for you. Especially if you’re still passionate about fitness and need to appear genuinely stylish during your shoots or at your meetings. The Compagnon Backpack Gen III features canvas and leather, along with plenty of straps. You can even add more if you like. The rolltop design allows for easy access and organization of gear, and overall, this is remarkably comfortable. More importantly, my gear was always secure, and I had no difficulties running upstairs to catch subways even while it was on and fully packed.
I adore the Compagnon Backpack Gen III, and I believe that any photographer seeking the buy-it-for-life kind of aesthetic and wanting to avoid resembling every other tech bro will sincerely value this bag.
Pros
- Well constructed
- Canvas and leather
- Excellent warranty
- Unexpectedly comfortable
- Numerous dividers
- Stylish
- Abundant pockets and storage options
- The rolltop design means it can hold a significant amount of additional gear
Cons
- Doesn’t include a waist strap attached to it; you need to purchase it separately
Who is the Compagon Backpack Gen III For?
Photographers who desire the strength and design of a leather and canvas backpack should opt for the Compagon Backpack Gen III. Essentially, if you appreciate Billingham but want a superior backpack. Additionally, if you’re the kind of photographer who values rear access to your equipment and requires a rolltop, you should certainly contemplate this bag.
Honestly, after 15 years of operating this website, I believe I’ve finally discovered the best camera bag for my needs. I didn’t think it was possible, but they’ve finally created it.
Gear Used
We utilized the Compagnon Backpack Gen III loaded with a lot of equipment. The bag was acquired from eBay at a lower price, hence it was slightly pre-used. We employed it alongside the Leica SL3 and the Panasonic S5 II — both of which are borrowed items. Additionally, we utilized it with a variety of Panasonic lenses, Sigma lenses, and Leica lenses along with the Leica SL2s and Profoto B10. All of this equipment is our personal property. We even managed to fit a 12-inch iPad Pro inside as well.
Innovations: What Distinguishes This Bag?
One of the major factors that sets the Compagnon Backpack Gen III apart from other bags available is the materials used. While Tenba may use canvas, they don’t typically combine canvas and leather. In fact, the one time they attempted it, they somewhat faltered. However, the Compagnon Backpack Gen III boasts a rolltop design, exceptional durability, outstanding comfort, and the capacity to hold a substantial amount of camera gear. More specifically, it can accommodate up to 32 liters of gear, as stated on Compagnon’s official website, with 8 liters belonging solely to the rolltop.
The Compagnon Backpack Gen III stands out as the finest all-purpose photography camera bag I’ve ever utilized and owned.
Hardware
There’s a great deal to appreciate about the Compagnon Backpack Gen III. I bought my bag in brown and green and discovered that it complements many other pieces of gear I possess. I own similar jackets, a Filson duffle bag, a Billingham Hadley Pro, and pants that share a comparable shade of green. More importantly, the canvas material is robust yet feels relatively smooth. Simultaneously, the leather appears quite flexible and easy to handle. This, more than anything else, greatly aids in how the backpack conforms to your clothing and physique.
The choice of materials is also the reason the bag is described as heavy. However, when packed appropriately and tailored to your body, it will feel absolutely wonderful. During the harsher days of winter and spring, I wore a jacket along with the Compagnon Backpack Gen III without any problems. A key reason it didn’t cause any discomfort is due to the presence of the sternum strap.
I must confess, there are aspects of the Compagnon Backpack Gen III that seem a bit peculiar — like how the sternum strap functions in comparison to those from other brands. Yet it remains effective regardless. The side pockets are also not intended to operate like those in many other camera bags. Certainly, I can fit a tripod on one side, but I cannot place a thermos there. I need to store that in different locations. Generally, I carry a small flask with me, which is adequate if I’m near refillable water sources. However, at times, I wish to bring a large amount of chai with me. This bag cannot accommodate my larger water bottle unless I secure it to the side. Even then, it will lack support at the bottom. That’s somewhat disappointing.
Nevertheless, what truly brings me happiness is that the brand added straps at the bottom of the bag for holding a tripod. This is much better for my back as it does not disrupt the weight distribution.
You likely noticed that I have not discussed how it stores my gear. And that’s because when I adjusted it to my preferred configuration, it worked perfectly — to the extent that I hardly feel the need to mention this feature of the bag. Their divider system requires some adjustment as it is entirely different from many others. But that isn’t necessarily negative.
Ease of Use
While reviewing the Compagnon Backpack Gen III, I recall using it on the subway, in Uber, during trips, etc. Occasionally, I would leave the bag in one spot to access my gear later. At other times, I’d take it with me. It consistently performed well. I never felt like I couldn’t reach my gear promptly. Honestly, if I needed rapid access, I would use a messenger bag. But this was focused on durability, comfort, style, and heavy lifting. Even while carrying this bag with one strap slung over my shoulder, I found it manageable. I walked several blocks in Brooklyn this way.
On a particularly frigid night in the West Side of Manhattan, I strolled around Hudson Yards and waited for a friend with a significant amount of camera gear on my back in the Compagnon Backpack Gen III. We traversed several avenues, did a brief shoot, and then went out for a meal. Even after indulging in dinner, I experienced no difficulties navigating the subway, ascending and descending numerous flights of stairs, and making it home.