This summer I have been testing out the new Mindshift chest pack called the Mindshift Multi-Mount Holster, I chose the 10 Model which is the smallest, and fit my Fuji X-T1 like a glove. I primarily wanted this pack for when I am backpacking and would not normally have quick access to my camera like I do with the Mindshift Horizon 34L, which I use on day hikes. For backpacking I use a pack that is built for carrying heavy loads, the Gregory Baltoro 75. Which has incredibly good lumbar support, but no easy way to access my camera.

The Mindshift Multi-Mount Holster 10 solves this by securing the camera firmly to your chest using a suspension system that attaches to the shoulder straps of your backpacking pack, along with two straps that go around the lower webbing of the shoulder straps, which keeps the pack from bouncing on your chest. This may sound awkward at first, but I found by moving the weight of the camera off your back and onto your chest actually helped to even out the weight distribution, I felt more balanced wearing this!

 

 

The amount of gear you can fit in this pack will of course vary with the size you select and how large your camera and lenses are. For me, I found the 10 to be just the right size for the Fuji X-T1 with a lens like the 10-24, or 18-135 attached. Even with this combination there is a bit of extra room for another small prime lens on the bottom of the pack using one of the padded dividers, or one of the longer 2.8 lenses if the divider is removed. If you are using a DSLR, the 20 model will likely suit your needs with a wide angle or standard zoom.

The front pouch is meant to hold items like SD cards, etc. I found the best use for this was to store my Lee Filter Holder, Lee Big Stopper, Little Stopper, and a Lee square polarizer. My entire camera kit for backpacking fits in this tiny package which is always at my fingertips while hiking.

This chest pack is not just for backpacking, if you prefer to use a hiking pack rather than a dedicated camera pack which typically do not have the best padding or design for hiking (Mindshift packs are designed very well though), this is a great option to have your camera easily accessible and protected from the elements, a rain cover is even included.

My only complaint is the difficulty of taking the pack on and off, I did not find it annoying enough to not use it, but I do wish it was easier. The upper shoulder straps have a clip with a hook that I presume is meant for security, but it really just made it hard to remove the pack when your tired and want to get the heavy pack off your back quickly.

The stabilizer straps are fairly easy to remove, but attaching them is another story, the top of the webbing where the hook slides in is a bit too small, plus the rubber on the hook catches on the webbing which makes it challenging to insert at times. Overall these are pretty minor gripes, and I was very pleased with the pack.

I did receive this from Mindshift in exchange for a review, but I hope you can tell that opinions are not biased from this, I really do like this and used a ton this summer! If you want to support our site so we can continue bringing you quality content, please consider purchasing from the affiliate link below, this costs you nothing extra, but we get a little back from referring you.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

This website contains affiliate links, which means David and Jennifer may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles. You will pay the same price for all products and services, and your purchase helps support our ongoing work. Thanks for your support!

About the author David Kingham

David is a professional landscape and nature photographer originally from Loveland, Colorado who is now traveling the American West full-time in an RV with his photography and life partner Jennifer Renwick, and their two cats. David has published an eBook called Nightscape and has in-depth videos on post-processing. David and his partner Jennifer Renwick find joy in teaching others photography in their photography workshops, and through their blog.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}