One of my main concerns when traveling with my gear is theft. A chief annoyance to my wife is the fact that I am constantly making sure my gear is where it should be and I will even sacrifice a swim in the sea if it means that I would have to leave my gear somewhere not as safe as I would like it to be. That is the reality when you are traveling with camera gear, people will try and take your stuff. It doesn’t mean that you should be constantly paranoid or leave your gear at home just to have a bit of freedom.

Now, imagine that you have a backpack that is comfortable and functional but built with enough anti-theft technology to make even Batman jealous. Imagine, not having to worry about someone cutting through your bag and running off with it. Imagine being able to just focus on your shots. Well that dream has become a reality in many regards with the Pacsafe Camsafe V25

Features

The Pacsafe Camsafe V25 has a great number of technical features built into a comfortable sling-style back. If you do not know that I mean by that, I mean that you can carry it on one shoulder and as well access your camera without having to take it completely off your shoulder.

One of the many features that I liked is the reinforced “carrysafe” straps that make it almost impossible to cut through. This combined with their “turn and lock security hook” locking mechanism makes it easy to wrap around something and lock it so that no one can just walk by and grab it. This does not mean that you can just leave it wrapped around a tree for the day but it is enough to make a “snatch and grab” virtually impossible.

The exterior of the bag is lined with Pacsafe’s “eXomesh” which is stainless steel mesh built into the packs body panels to prevent thieves from cutting through your pack and making off with whatever falls out. With a quick look on the internet, this seems like a popular way of getting into a bag especially while waiting in lines or going down escalators.

Another great feature  built into the pack are the zipper pulls that are made out of steel cable and are locked into “Smart Zipper Secrity” hooks that again make it difficult to slip a hand in and get your wallet or passport. These are also hidden slightly as to not draw too much attention. I like this because with everything tucked away you can be sure that you won’t be an easy mark.

RFIDsafe Pocket

One of the more high tech features of this camera backpack is the RFID safe pocket that blocks someone using a remote device to scan the chip on your credit card or passport. These days almost every credit card you have will have that gold-coloured chip on the front. Identity thieves can easily using a remote device and record your information without even touching you.

Here is where Pacsafe has you covered. In the top compartment and a shielded pocket that blocks these devices. The zipper pull also locks into their security hooks as well. Again, making this bag even more safe from pickpockets and thieves.

Design

This bag does not scream “Camera Bag!!” and especially if you get it in another colour other than the typical black… even though I sort of like the look of the black pack myself. The slim design allows for a better feel and especially when carrying a tripod, doesn’t see too wide when walking through busy crowds of people.

The camera compartment has a great wide-open design and U-shaped flap that allows you to gain access to your camera and still keep bag on your shoulder. This front flap is also design for a kind of “side access” rather than the usual “front access” which would force you to physically take the bag off, get your camera out and then put the bag back on. It also contains two CF card pockets on the inside of the flap and clips on the front so that no one can easily unzip the compartment without you noticing.

Additional Features

• Rain cover located in the bottom of the bag
• Notebook/water bladder compartment
• Expandable inner design of main compartment
• Stretchy side pocket large enough to fit Manfroto Tripod legs securely
• Slim light-weight design

Overall Impression

After using a Kata bag for over a year, I was almost done with camera backpacks. While I enjoyed being able to travel with a change of clothes or a place to put my purchases, it was a pain to take on and off especially with a tripod and then open up to fish out my camera. The overall design of this Pacsafe Bag is thoughtful and purposeful.

Even with a tripod attached I can easily remove my camera while keeping the bag on my shoulder. The tripod also stays secure and does not move around much while walking. This is something that I had a problem with using my Kata Bag.

Another concern that I had was that will all of the steel cables and mesh, I thought for sure that this bag was going to be a tank. Surprisingly I found that the pack feels a bit lighter than my other camera packs weighing in at only 1060 grams. This is just an added benefit to a great pack.

Thus, I have to give this pack a glowing review as there is very little negative features… if any that I found during the testing phase. The only minor detail is that the clips for the chest strap and hip/waist strap seem a bit weak and could possibly snap, but to be honest that is a very minor issue and I highly doubt it could happen.