Packing da small bag

Photographers are turning to smaller and smaller photopacks to carry less and less gear. We know this from the tons of sales of our MP-7 and the phones calls from folks asking for help. Well, I thought I’d put together a little packing video on just that topic for ya.

I want to make sure one thing is clearer. I talk about switching the gear from a “people” shooting packing to “landscape” in the video. When I do that, the 14-24, 28f1.4 & 24-70AFS come out of the MP-7 and the 24, 45 & 85PC-E go in their place. Hope this helps you take all the gear you need for your next shoot!

WRP’s MP-1 Photopack

The MP-1 is for the adventurer who has already owned all the other photographic backpacks and is now searching for the perfect, simple solution. Note: The MP-1 is a specialized bag for the experienced photographer. If you’re looking for an over padded camera pack, the MP-1 is not for you. In fact, the compartment flaps have no padding at all!

This is not just another camera backpack, oh no! With more than 3000 traveling the globe, the MP-1 has proven itself the traveling photographer’s best friend. On the market since 2003, it’s been to more amazing places than I will in my lifetime.

The MP-1 holds all the gear you see pictured above. If you find that hard to believe, you can look into the MP-1 and how I have it packed below. That’s nothing really new, many backpacks can hold this much gear. But what NO OTHER backpack can do, is hold all this gear and still fit in the overhead of the smallest overhead like the Canadian Regional Jet, Bombardier Q200 & CRJ! The MP-1 slips in and out of this tiny overhead without any hassle or force (MP-1 is L 23″x W 14″x H 8″)! How can this be?

The MP-1 first of all is a photopack designed with my needs # 1, that of the traveling photographer in mind. It’s got to get my gear to exotic locations safely and then permit me to function as a visual communicator once on site. I think it’s fair to say that if you have this ensemble of gear and you travel, this photopack will work for you. Yes, it has a full shoulder strap and waist belt system (these are not heavily padded), but it’s not a system that takes up half of the carry-on space. It’s not a backpack that devotes more space to foam than carrying your gear. But is your gear protected?

While not a planned test, I had an airport TSA personnel drop my MP-1 off the x-ray machine and onto the floor. I can very happily report (so can that TSA person) that I had zero, I repeat, zero damage!

Design & Manufacture
Using the latest 1000 Cordura material, the MP-1 employs a radical new design in photopacks. You can see there are just three compartments. The main compartment, the long lens side, can easily hold a 600f/4VR/ AFS (Series I or II) with camera body attached. 600mm lenses need to have the short foot; for example, the Nikon 600 must be fitted with the RRS LCF-13 or Wimberley AP-652). The compartment flaps have two zippered compartments and two fully adjustable velcro pouches on the sidewalls of the compartment.

The two smaller compartments, the short lens compartments, are large enough vertically to hold a flash and a lens as large as the 70-200VR lying down. These compartments are 10.5″ x 7″ which you customize with dividers to fit your gear. This incredible amount of interior space, while still being small enough to fit into tiny overheads, comes from my years of experience designing backpacks. The features of the MP-1 photo pack don’t stop there!

The MP-1 comes with 6 dividers plus 2 mesh pockets. In my own packing and fixing MP-1 for others, we’ve found this to work perfectly to maximize the MP-1 interior space. Some have purchased the MP-1 and put a smaller lens in the long lens compartment and then added a divider there to carry even more stuff (the poor back) so the MP-1 is totally customizable.

The zippers of the MP-1 are YKK #10 zippers. These are the big dudes that DO NOT break or become separated. They do not bind going around corners either. They’re the heavy duty watertight YKK zipper you only find on a couple other bags in the industry. The pulls are no longer the lockables you see in the video. The MP-1 is a custom manufactured photo pack made right here in the USA .

You can use as many or as few of the shoulder straps and waist belt as you’d like (shoulder & waist straps are 2.75″ wide). They all can hide completely in the back pocket and be pulled out and used on demand. I personally have just the one left shoulder strap out when traveling, less to snag onto things. But when all placed in the pocket, they add no extra height to the MP-1. Some might be concerned that this simple system can’t go the distance, it will wear out the user. That’s why this bag is for the experienced photographer, one who knows a proper backpack puts the weight on the hips. But true, this is not a backpack for a week long trek, it’s a photopack.

Is it comfortable? The MP-1 photo pack weighs only 3lbs when empty (compared to 13lbs of my previous backpack)! When loaded with the above gear, it weighs in at 42lbs. I placed this load on the back of many a lady photographer to get their feedback. All found the MP-1 to be incredibly comfortable.

Video on Moose packing his MP-1

To Order
Lots of TLC went into the design and construction of the MP-1 photopack. It’s now available to you for only $365 which includes shipping (FedEx ground) in the United States. Accessories such as extra padding for the shoulders, pockets and extra dividers are available. It’s your bag for life!

You can order your MP-1 by either our web store or by calling the WRP office – 760.924.8632 (M-F 9-5 PST)

Note: The MP series of photopacks has one main common trait, fitting in the overheads of the smallest planes while safely carrying massive amounts of camera gear. Some folks have wondered why we don’t have wheels on our packs. Wheels on packs make them impossible to fit in many overheads, defeating the whole design principle of the MP series. If you require wheels, you can do what many MP owners have done. They simply buy a wheelie cart and attach the MP to the cart. But we won’t be coming out with any packs with wheels, sorry!

Return Policy
The MP-1 can be returned if it is done within 30 days of receipt and is returned in new condition with all accessories included. Return Authorization must be obtained prior to returning in order to receive a refund.

Warranty
The MP-1 is guaranteed against any material or workmanship defects for as long as you own the bag. Problems from abnormal wear or abuse, determined by the manufacturer and/or distributor is not guaranteed and all repairs are the responsibility of the bag owner. Any damage caused to gear being transported in the MP-1 caused by any reason is not covered and is not the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor.

WRP’s MP-3 & 3c Photopack

The MP-3 and MP-3c are unique photopacks designed with the sports, photojournalist, int’l traveler or landscape photographer in mind (though obviously anybody can use it). There are no photopacks like these in the world! We think you’ll find this your perfect “smaller” photopack. It might be smaller, but you can see just how much gear they can hold! Since their introduction in 2004, more than 4000 have traveled the globe. Note: The MP-3 is a specialized photo pack for the experienced photographer. If you’re looking for an over padded camera pack, the MP-3 is not for you. In fact, the compartment flaps have no padding at all!

Why two models?
There are two models, the MP-3 and MP-3c, both having the same photopack with one having an additional detachable computer case. The MP-3 is a straight forward photopack. It has no attach points to accept the computer case. The MP-3c is the MP-3 with attach points to accept the computer case. (The MP-3 comes in Kelty Green or Black, the MP-3c comes in just Kelty Green and the computer case is black).

The MP-3c is for the digital photographer or a photographer wanting to carry a notebook in addition to their gear while not using two separate bags. Those photographers who don’t shoot digital or carry a notebook, they don’t need to have the attach points nor pay for a computer case so they would make use of the MP-3.

The Design & Construction
Like the MP-1, the MP-3/3c works on the same concept of transporting all of your gear safely while being able to fit in the smallest overhead of any plane (computer case must be removed for this on the MP-3c). What makes the MP-3c truly unique is its detachable computer case. While going through security or boarding on a plane, the MP-3c counts as one piece of carry-on. But once on board, you can remove the computer case so your camera gear can safely and easily fit in the overhead.

The MP-3/3c has two shoulder straps. These can be detached and hidden inside the back flap. My preferred method is to have the right strap inside the flap and just carry the MP-3 with the left strap on my left shoulder. There is no waistbelt since this is a smaller bag carrying a smaller load. The MP-3 does have the side and top handle as well as the passport pocket on the top (with ID holder).

You might be wondering why I didn’t incorporate the carrying of the computer into the actual pack like so many other manufacturers. Well, camera gear is heavy and if that lands on top of your computer, especially the monitor side, you’ve got damage. The only way around that is to add lot of padding which then means your camera bag won’t fit in the overhead. For maximum protection of your computer and the ability of fitting in the overhead, I came up with the MP-3c system.

The MP-3 is L20” x W14” x D8” and is able on the long lens side to hold a lens as large as a 600f4 with no body attached. We don’t recommend this and if this is your intent, get the MP-1. The 3 series is designed to hold a 200-400VR, 500f4, 400f2.8 or 300f2.8 with body attached. The short lens side can hold all the gear you see pictured above which includes seven lenses, extra body, flash and batteries. While empty, the MP-3 weighs 3lbs and the MP-3c weighs 4lbs empty, as packed above it comes in at 38lbs. The Computer Case on the MP-3c is 17x12x3″ comfortably holding a notebook computer up to 17″ in length.

The MP-3/3c are constructed just like the MP-1 out of 1000 Cordura. The MP-3′s back, bottom and sides are padded with a special high density foam (the front flaps are not padded). The interior dividers (all adjustable to fit your gear) are padded with the exact same high density foam. The MP-3/3c comes with five dividers plus two mesh pockets so you can custom fit the MP-3/3c to your gear.

The computer case can hold the largest to smallest notebook on the market. If using a smaller notebook, a padded spacer is included to make up the volume. The computer case comes with a shoulder strap so when the computer case is removed from the MP-3c, you can carry it easily. While the computer case has a couple zippered pockets, they are not designed to carry any bulky items. The computer case has its own business card holder.

Ordering
You can order the MP-3 or MP-3c from us via our webstore. The MP-3 is $305 (which includes $20 S&H FedEx ground) and the MP-3c is $400 (which includes $20 S&H FedEx ground). Or you can call direct 760.924.8632.

Note: The MP series of photopacks has one main common trait, fitting in the overheads of the smallest planes while safely carrying massive amounts of camera gear. Some folks have wondered why we don’t have wheels on our packs. Wheels on packs make them impossible to fit in many overheads, defeating the whole design principle of the MP series. If you require wheels, you can do what many MP owners have done. They simply buy a wheelie cart and attach the MP to the cart. But we won’t be coming out with any packs with wheels, sorry!

MP-3 Front View	MP-3c Front View
MP-3c Left Side View	MP-3c Right Side View

Return Policy
The MP-3/3c can be returned if it is done within 30 days of receipt and is returned in new condition with all accessories included. Return Authorization must be obtained prior to returning in order to receive a refund.

Warranty
The MP-3/3c is guaranteed against any material or workmanship defects as long as you own the bag. Problems from abnormal wear or abuse, determined by the manufacturer and/or distributor is not guaranteed and all repairs are the responsibility of the bag owner. Any damage caused to gear being transported in the MP-3/3c caused by any reason is not covered and is not the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor.

WRP’s MP-5 Photopack

There is no photopack in the world like the MP-5! It’s a photopack, it’s a shoulder pack and it’s a fanny pack all in one unit. It can carry all the gear you see pictured here and keep on going. Since it’s introduction in 2005, 2000plus have traveled the planet exploring the remotest of locations.

Note: The MP-5 is a specialized bag for the experienced photographer. If you’re looking for an over padded camera pack, the MP-5 is not for you. In fact, the compartment flaps have no padding at all!

The MP-5 PhotoPack is completely convertible so it can change in a heartbeat to your needs. It comes from us in its photopack mode. Two, 2” wide removable straps clip onto the MP-5 so it can be used as a photopack (our shoulder pads work on the MP-5, not included). Clip on just one of the shoulder straps and you have a traditional photobag (with padded top handle as well, that is removable). Unzip the two compartments and you have a fanny pack. You won’t find a more versatile photopack in the world.

The MP-5 overall dimensions are 12.5”x14”x 8”. Fanny pack (long lens side) dimensions are 12.5”x7”x8”. The auxiliary side (short lens side) is 12.5”x7”x8” with two pocket 5.5”x6.5”x8”. The MP-5 comes with 3 dividers and one zippered Velcro pocket. Both sides have a top passport pocket that is 5”x7”x1/2”, dual zipper. The MP-5 is constructed out of 1000 Cordura and comes in three colors: Blue, Green & Black.

Because of its unique design, the zipper is tight going around all corners. This is also due to the “water repellent” design of the zipper and the tight curve of the corners.

To Order
Lots of TLC went into the design and construction of the MP-5 photopack. It’s now available to you for only $274 which includes shipping (FedEx ground) in the United States. Accessories such as extra padding for the shoulders, pockets and extra dividers are available. It’s your bag for life!

You can order your MP-5 by either our web store or by calling the WRP office – 760.924.8632 (M-F 9-5 PST)

MP-5 Back View	MP-5 Front View
MP-5 Left Side	MP-5 Right Side
MP-5 Top View
	MP-5 as Traditional Camera Bag

Note: The MP series of photopacks has one main common trait, fitting in the overheads of the smallest planes while safely carrying massive amounts of camera gear. Some folks have wondered why we don’t have wheels on our packs. Wheels on packs make them impossible to fit in many overheads, defeating the whole design principle of the MP series. If you require wheels, you can do what many MP owners have done. They simply buy a wheelie cart and attach the MP to the cart. But we won’t be coming out with any packs with wheels, sorry!

Return Policy
The MP-5 can be returned if it is done within 30 days of receipt and is returned in new condition with all accessories included. Return Authorization must be obtained prior to returning in order to receive a refund.

Warranty
The MP-5 is guaranteed against any material or workmanship defects for as long as you own the bag. Problems from abnormal wear or abuse, determined by the manufacturer and/or distributor is not guaranteed and all repairs are the responsibility of the bag owner. Any damage caused to gear being transported in the MP-1 caused by any reason is not covered and is not the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor.

WRP’s MP-7 Photopack

I travel way too much, often it’s to teach at an event or conference. I’m in and out in a couple of days and typically, wildlife photography is not on the menu. Some location or landscape photography is. I wanted a photopack to accomodate that need, and so the MP-7 was born.

Note: The MP-7 is a specialized bag for the experienced photographer. If you’re looking for an over padded camera pack, the MP-7 is not for you. In fact, the compartment flaps have no padding at all!

The MP-7 holds a lot of gear for such a small photopack! In its long lens compartment (vertical divider is not movable) I carry a D3 with 200VR lens attached and Buffalo 500GB drive below it. On the short lens side, I carry three lenses and a converter, typically the 14-24AFS, 24-70AFS, 105VR and 24PC. I have two SB-900s and all the cords, levels and filters needed for most landscape or location photography. Everything you see pictured above and a tad more goes in the MP-7. Yet, it can carry all of this while still being our secondest smallest bag in the line!

The MP-7 is a photopack based on the entire WRP MP photopack line, in a way. It has the same padding regime, the back panel, sides and interior dividers are padded but the main compartment flap is not. Because of my own personal needs, unlike anyother of our photopacks, the MP-7 has exterior side pockets. The side pockets can hold up to 3 SB-900s and SD-8a . Of course, you can put anything you want in the side pockets. The MP-7 has a outer flex pocket designed to hold a flash while you’re shooting, acting like a third hand if you need it.

The MP-7 overall dimensions are 16”x14”x 8.5” and weighs only 2.4lbs before you put all of your gear in it. It has two MP style padded shoudler straps but no waistbelt (you’d have to be pretty short to make that work). The MP-7 comes with 3 dividers and one zippered Velcro pocket. The flap has three, full size zippered pockets. The MP-7 is constructed out of 1000 Cordura and comes in two colors: Green & Black.

Because of its unique design, the zipper is tight going around all corners. This is also due to the “water repellent” design of the zipper and the tight curve of the corners.

To Order
Lots of TLC went into the design and construction of the MP-7 photopack. It’s now available to you for only $254 which includes shipping (FedEx ground) in the United States. Accessories such as extra padding for the shoulders, pockets and extra dividers are available. It’s your bag for life!

You can order your MP-7 by either our web store or by calling the WRP office – 760.924.8632 (M-F 9-5 PST)

Note: The MP series of photopacks has one main common trait, fitting in the overheads of the smallest planes while safely carrying massive amounts of camera gear. Some folks have wondered why we don’t have wheels on our packs. Wheels on packs make them impossible to fit in many overheads, defeating the whole design principle of the MP series. If you require wheels, you can do what many MP owners have done. They simply buy a wheelie cart and attach the MP to the cart. But we won’t be coming out with any packs with wheels, sorry!

Return Policy
The MP-7 can be returned if it is done within 30 days of receipt and is returned in new condition with all accessories included. Return Authorization must be obtained prior to returning in order to receive a refund.

Warranty
The MP-7 is guaranteed against any material or workmanship defects for as long as you own the bag. Problems from abnormal wear or abuse, determined by the manufacturer and/or distributor is not guaranteed and all repairs are the responsibility of the bag owner. Any damage caused to gear being transported in the MP-1 caused by any reason is not covered and is not the responsibility of the manufacturer or distributor.