Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt Review

First Impressions of Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt enters a crowded market of camera bags, promising a blend of ruggedness, comfort, and organizational prowess. Tamrac’s reputation for quality, combined with the “Anvil” namesake, conjured images of a pack ready to withstand the rigors of demanding photo expeditions. This bag is designed to carry multiple pro-sized DSLR bodies with lenses attached, a laptop, and all necessary accessories, making it a potential solution for professional photographers and serious hobbyists alike.

My aging Lowepro Pro Trekker 450 AW had seen better days; its zippers were failing, and the internal dividers were losing their rigidity. I needed a replacement that could handle the weight of my gear – a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, a 70-200mm f/2.8, a 24-70mm f/2.8, a 16-35mm f/2.8, a speedlight, and a host of filters, batteries, and other accessories – while providing easy access and superior protection.

Upon unboxing, the Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt immediately impressed with its sturdy construction and clean design. The 840D Polyester Dobby w/2x PU Coating and 500D Cordura Nylon w/2x PU Coating felt incredibly durable, inspiring confidence that it could withstand scrapes and bumps in the field. The overall weight felt reasonable considering the amount of padding and reinforcement, and the stitching appeared to be of high quality.

I considered the Think Tank Photo Airport Advantage and the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L before settling on the Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt. The Think Tank seemed too geared towards air travel and lacked the ruggedness I desired, while the Peak Design, although stylish and versatile, felt slightly less protective for my expensive lenses. The Anvil 27 seemed to strike a good balance between protection, comfort, and accessibility.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The size seemed perfect for my needs, the build quality appeared excellent, and the modularity of the internal dividers promised a customizable solution for organizing my gear. The removable belt system was also a welcome feature, offering additional support for heavier loads.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt on a landscape photography trip to the Oregon coast. The weather was predictably unpredictable, with periods of sunshine interspersed with rain and strong winds. The bag accompanied me on several hikes, ranging from easy beach walks to more challenging trails along cliff edges.

The performance in wet conditions was surprisingly good, thanks to the fully seam sealed weather protective rain fly. Although I didn’t submerge the bag, the rain fly effectively kept my gear dry during several downpours. The ease of use was also a pleasant surprise; the large main compartment opening allowed for quick and easy access to my lenses, and the customizable dividers kept everything organized and secure.

One minor issue I encountered during the first use was the placement of the tripod straps. They are located on the front of the bag, which meant that carrying a tripod partially obstructed access to the front accessory pockets. However, this was a minor inconvenience that I quickly adapted to.

Extended Use & Reliability

After six months of regular use, the Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt has proven to be a reliable and durable companion. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after being subjected to rough handling and exposure to the elements. The zippers still operate smoothly, the stitching remains intact, and the internal dividers have retained their shape and rigidity.

Maintenance is relatively simple. I occasionally wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. The interior can be vacuumed or wiped clean with a mild detergent if necessary.

Compared to my previous Lowepro Pro Trekker 450 AW, the Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt outperforms in terms of durability, weather resistance, and overall comfort. The shoulder straps are more heavily padded, and the removable belt system provides significantly better support for heavier loads. The organizational options are also superior, allowing me to customize the interior to perfectly suit my specific gear requirements.

Breaking Down the Features of Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt

Specifications

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt boasts a robust set of specifications designed to meet the needs of demanding photographers.

• Exterior Dimensions: 12 x 21 x 10 in (31 x 53 x 25 cm). This provides ample space without being overly bulky.
• Interior Dimensions: 11 x 20 x 6.5 in (28 x 50 x 16 cm). Allows enough room for a full camera kit.
• Fabric/Material: 840D Polyester Dobby w/2x PU Coating, 500D Cordura Nylon w/2x PU Coating, 210D Oxford Nylon. Durable materials offer weather resistance and abrasion protection.
• Weight: 4.8 lb. This lightweight design is critical for long treks.
• Color: Black. This professional look is understated and classic.

These specifications translate directly into real-world benefits. The durable materials ensure that the bag can withstand the rigors of outdoor use, while the optimized dimensions provide ample storage space without sacrificing portability. The relatively low weight is crucial for minimizing fatigue during extended hikes or photo shoots.

Performance & Functionality

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt performs admirably in its primary function: carrying and protecting camera gear. The large main opening provides easy access to lenses and camera bodies, while the protective foam dividers offer excellent cushioning and impact resistance. The comfortable airflow harness system and removable Arc and M.O.L.L.E. compatible belt system distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the shoulders and back.

Strengths include its durable construction, customizable interior, comfortable carrying system, and effective weather protection. A potential weakness is the tripod strap placement, which can slightly obstruct access to the front pockets.

The bag meets and slightly exceeds my expectations. It provides excellent protection for my gear, is comfortable to carry even when fully loaded, and offers a high degree of customization.

Design & Ergonomics

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes functionality and comfort. The materials used are high-quality and durable, and the overall build quality is excellent. The bag is relatively lightweight for its size and capacity, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.

The design is intuitive and user-friendly, with well-placed pockets and compartments for organizing accessories. There is a slight learning curve to optimizing the internal divider configuration, but once set up, the system is highly effective.

Durability & Maintenance

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt is built to last. The robust materials and high-quality construction suggest that it will withstand years of use and abuse.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The durable materials are resistant to stains and abrasion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt comes with a fully seam sealed weather protective rain fly, which is a valuable accessory for protecting gear in wet conditions. The removable Arc and M.O.L.L.E. compatible belt system allows for the attachment of additional pouches and accessories, further expanding its carrying capacity.

The bag is compatible with a wide range of M.A.S. and S.A.S. components, as well as other M.O.L.L.E. compatible accessories. This allows users to customize the bag to suit their specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt

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Who Should Buy Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt?

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt is perfect for professional photographers and serious hobbyists who need a durable, comfortable, and customizable camera bag for carrying a substantial amount of gear. It is particularly well-suited for landscape, nature, and travel photographers who frequently work in challenging environments.

Those who prioritize style over functionality or who only need to carry a small amount of gear might find this bag to be overkill.

A must-have accessory is a set of additional M.O.L.L.E. pouches for expanding the bag’s carrying capacity. Consider investing in high-quality rain gear for yourself to complement the bag’s weather protection.

Conclusion on Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt

The Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt is an excellent camera bag that offers a compelling blend of durability, comfort, and organizational features. While it is not the cheapest option on the market, the value proposition is strong considering the high-quality materials and construction.

I would personally recommend the Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt to any photographer who needs a reliable and versatile bag for carrying a significant amount of gear. It has proven to be an invaluable tool in my own photographic endeavors, and I am confident that it will provide years of reliable service.

If you’re serious about your photography and need a bag that can keep up with your demanding lifestyle, the Tamrac Anvil 27 Backpack w/Belt is well worth the investment. Don’t let your gear be vulnerable; equip yourself with the protection and functionality you deserve!