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Gomatic 25L Peter McKinnon Backpack Review

Peter McKinnon needs no introduction, but you might not be aware that he has teamed up with GoMatic – formerly known as NoMatic – to create a range of unique camera backpacks. Indeed, they have, and we've managed to get our hands on one to bring you this Gomatic 25L Peter McKinnon Backpack Review.

Although we focus on the Gomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L With Ladder and Divider Kit, there are plenty of other options, including the brand new Luma range, all catering to different gear loads and user needs.

So, whether you're eyeing the Peter McKinnon backpack for yourself, thinking of snagging it as a slick gift for someone awesome, or just comparing it to your current setup, stick around and we’ll help you figure out what's what.

When did Peter McKinnon team up with GoMatic?

Peter McKinnon and GoMatic first joined forces in a successful collaboration in 2021 and reunited in 2023 to launch a new line of Everyday Bags and Backpacks. This latest collection features smaller, sleeker bags designed for photographers and creators who want to look sharp and keep their gear secure while out and about.

Which Everyday Gomatic McKinnon backpacks are there?

There are currently two GoMatic McKinnon backpack sizes available, with several variations of the smaller size, catering to different packing requirements as follows:

1. McKinnon Camera Backpack 35L – large multi-day pack, which expands from 35L to 42L and includes plenty of dividers to organise your gear
2. McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L With Ladder – base pack with unique ladder system but no dividers or camera cubes included
3. McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L With Ladder And Divider Kit – No removable camera cube, but plenty of internal space for your equipment
4. McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L with Ladder and 1 Large Cube – includes a cube with dividers to store your camera gear *this is the one we have for review
5. McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L With Ladder And 2 Small Cubes – This option splits the size of a large cube intro two equally well fitting but smaller camera cubes

GoMatic McKinnon 25L backpack main features

When a well-known brand collaborates with a prominent YouTube personality like Peter McKinnon, you can expect not only top-notch quality, but also unique features that reflect such a high-calibre partnership. Known for his Peter McKinnon ND filters, these bags further enhance his reputation for designing premium quality gear for creators.

Key features of the 25L pack include:

• Converts easily from a camera to an everyday bag
• Fully customisable interior
• Quick access to equipment from the top and from the large rear panel opening
• Two magnetic closing bottle/tripod pockets
• Dedicated laptop sleeve, which fits up to a 16” MacBook Pro
• Durable materials and zips
• Sternum strap included
• Roller luggage pass-through
• Optional GoMatic waist straps for extra heavy loads (included with 35L bag)
• External Molle hooks for pouch attachment

What's so dope about this camera backpack?

This backpack keeps it light at about 1.4kg, and it's all about customisation inside, thanks to a unique ladder design. Flex it how you need, simply partition your stuff with the adjustable ladder, or pull it out completely to rock one big storage space.

That ladder setup lets you blow up the top space for more organisation, or keep it open for your clothes, more gear, or even slot in another Gomatic McKinnon Cube Small or large, depending on your setup.

A couple of features I really appreciate include the ability for this bag to stand up by itself, which means you can put it down to get some shots, and it won’t have tipped over in the dust. The zips have nice toggles on them too, which is handy for glove wearers and cold conditions.

Example of what fits into the large removable camera cube

Does the McKinnon backpack look fly?

The McKinnon 25L backpack immediately stands out for its handsome appearance. It boasts an 80% Nylon 20% Polyethylene finish that gives it a sleek urban-inspired look, and magnetic pocket closures keep the pockets flat against the bag until they're filled, upgrading its aesthetics and functionality.

McKinnon’s skull and crossbones branding adorns the rear panel, camera cube and internal dividers. Plus there’s a low-key GoMatic and Peter McKinnon signature panel feature on the front of the pack.

This robust and chic bag looks so good that you might think twice before dragging it through the mud on a typical landscape photography jaunt. It's built tough, no doubt, but I’d be inclined to reserve this for street photography and urban trips.

What features does it offer for organising?

Besides its customisable interior space, the 25L McKinnon backpack is stacked with features for creators on the move, including:

• Quick external access to the laptop sleeve
• A couple of internal mesh pockets on the rear panel for smaller gear like filters and drives
• Two slick mesh pockets up top for batteries and little stuff
• A zippered pocket in the upper compartment to stash essentials

Included dividers

Is it comfortable to carry?

When you're packing heavy with gear, camera backpacks can weigh you down fast, so comfort is key. The GoMatic backpack has you covered, rocking thick padded shoulder straps that let you adjust and snug up the fit, keeping it comfortable no matter how loaded up you are.

Usability and handling

In terms of street cred, this bag totally nails it. It's also comfy, customisable, and lightning-quick when you need to grab your camera and nail the shot. The dividers are thin, sturdy and flexible, and the main compartment is a breeze to organise just how you like it.

The Gomatic McKinnon 25L Backpack merges urban style with creator-friendly functionality. Its sleek design, complete with skull and crossbones branding, makes it a standout pack for street-savvy photographers, which could enhance your carrying cred significantly.

Despite its stylish appearance, it's built tough, with thickly padded shoulder straps for all-day comfort. The customisable interior with a unique ladder design, offers ample configurable space for camera gear and everyday essentials. External laptop access, multiple pockets, and magnetic closures add even more practicality to its aesthetics.

Peter McKinnon’s brand cements another winner for today’s content creator as this backpack is the perfect blend of form and function. All you have to do is choose between the larger 35L McKinnon backpack and the four 25L variants, which include this GoMatic McKinnon Camera Backpack 25L with Ladder and 1 Large Cube reviewed here.

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By Nick Dautlich on 30/04/2024