McKinnon Camera Pack 25L (Getting Started Guide)

A full feature overview and getting started guide to Nomatic's best-selling McKinnon Camera Pack 25L.

Best of the Best

If you're looking for a camera backpack that can handle travel, content creation, and everything in between — the McKinnon Camera Pack 25L is the one to get. Designed in collaboration with photographer and YouTuber Peter McKinnon, this bag is thoughtful, rugged as hell, and surprisingly comfy for long hauls.

Whether you’re packing for a photo shoot or just exploring a new city, here’s a quick guide to everything you need to know.

McKinnon Camera Pack 25L - 25L Pack

$309.99

Perfect capacity size.
Perfect capacity size.
Clam shell opening for easy access.
Clam shell opening for easy access.
Great camera (or everyday) backpack.
Great camera (or everyday) backpack.
Super comfortable for long walks.
Super comfortable for long walks.

First Impressions

Stylish, Durable, and Ready for Anything

From the outside, the McKinnon Camera Pack doesn’t look like a typical camera bag, which we love. It’s got a clean, modern look that’s super functional, easy to wipe down, water-resistant, and built with high quality zippers.

The grab handles and shoulder straps are plush and ergonomic, making it a near perfect choice when you're hauling heavy camera loads. Add in the sternum strap for extra support and you're good to go, even on longer treks.

You’ll also find a luggage pass-through on the back panel which is a no-brainer for stacking it on your roller bag at the airport. Makes traveling a lot easier, every bag should have one.

Note: Those loops on the front may look like gear loops… but they’re just for looks.

Front details.
Front details.
The back panel.
The back panel.
The luggage pass through, makes airport travel a breeze.
The luggage pass through, makes airport travel a breeze.

Hidden Features

One of my personal favorite parts is the dual water bottle pockets. They lay flat when not in use, but expand to fit everything from oversized bottles to compact tripods. And if you want extra security, you can grab optional gear straps to lock it all in (sold separately).

Over time, the front panel may sag a little (totally normal and purely cosmetic). It doesn’t affect how the bag functions, it still holds up like a champ.

Water bottle pocket number 1.
Water bottle pocket number 1.
Water bottle pocket number 2.
Water bottle pocket number 2.
How it looks with 2 bottles, could also pack in tripods.
How it looks with 2 bottles, could also pack in tripods.

Inside the Bag

Unzip the front access panel and you’ll get a direct view into the main compartment. Depending on your setup, you can keep your go-to gear — like your camera — right up front for quick access.

You’ll also find a handy stash pocket inside the front flap. Awesome for smaller essentials like sunglasses, a power bank, or your headphones.

The internal organization uses what Nomatic calls the Ladder System, a flexible divider setup that lets you customize the interior into zones. You can remove it entirely if you want a wide-open space or add in camera cubes, packing cubes, or tech organizers to make the layout your own.

The main compartment - could remain wide open OR with organized with the flex dividers.
The main compartment - could remain wide open OR with organized with the flex dividers.
Upper top part can hold a full camera unit.
Upper top part can hold a full camera unit.
Top section.
Top section.
How I fully pack the bag, with a tech organizer stuffed in there for cables & SD cards.
How I fully pack the bag, with a tech organizer stuffed in there for cables & SD cards.
Top section, closed.
Top section, closed.
Mesh pockets for added small-item storage.
Mesh pockets for added small-item storage.
Ready to rock.
Ready to rock.

Tech-Friendly

Around the back, there’s a dedicated laptop compartment and two slim zippered pouches for flat items like a tablet, notebook, or small cables. So this is the perfect pack while you’re editing on the train during a commute to an other country, or just need to stash a few extra accessories for a coffee shop work day.

Built For Creators

This bag’s been through it all from long flights to photo shoots for the content creators, to even a stint as a diaper bag for the moms and dads. It’s durable, lightweight (just under 3 pounds), and built for all-day comfort.

For mirrorless and DSLR users, there’s more than enough room for your core kit, like a laptop, one or two camera bodies, and a few lenses. You can add your own camrea cubes or wraps to compartmentalize all the components.

Laptop sleeve around the back.
Laptop sleeve around the back.
Top access section can be opened on-the-go.
Top access section can be opened on-the-go.
Easy to grab the camera.
Easy to grab the camera.
Read for it all.
Read for it all.

Final Thoughts

The McKinnon Camera Pack 25L is a smart, stylish choice if you want one bag that does it all. Whether you’re a traveling photographer, filmmaker, or just someone who wants a clean everyday pack with pro-level features, this one’s worth a serious look.

👉 If you’ve got any questions or concerns, just give the Gear Guides a ping at hello@shopmoment.com.

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