It looked like just another photo backpack when I took it out of its packaging. It had the finishing quality we’re used to seeing from Manfrotto’s products. While they’re better known for their durable tripod range, Manfrotto does have a large variety of camera bags under its brand umbrella. They refreshed their Street camera bag lineup in October this year, and I opted to review the Street Slim Backpack model. Having only ever used larger, heavier backpacks (that I mainly bought for travel) while out on the streets, I was hoping this would be a refreshing change. It didn’t disappoint. But how did the Street Slim backpack hold up during a walk around the streets of old Dubai?

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Table of Contents

Too Long, Didn’t Read

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Innovations

Gear Used

Tech Specs

Ergonomics

Access to the Street Slim Backpack can be configured to your choice

Build Quality

Ease of Use

Conclusions

Likes

Dislikes

Too Long, Didn’t Read

Despite being lightweight, my camera gear felt safe and protected inside. It’s designed for mirrorless cameras and medium-size DSLRs to be housed and can take a large laptop inside too. The lower compartment inside can be moved around to allow access to camera gear from either the front or the rear of the backpack. It comes with an all-new divider system that Manfrotto terms as M-Guard™. Made of high-density EVA foam, these provide a high level of shock resistance to your camera gear. I only wish the upper half of the backpack came with these customisable dividers. Lightweight and stylish, the Street Slim Backpack from Manfrotto is an excellent addition to any street photographer’s bag collection.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Lightweight

Sturdy, shock absorbent EVA foam M-Guard™ dividers

Cameras and lenses can be accessed via front or rear zippers

Padded laptop case can be completely removed from the backpack

Use the provided strap at the back to slide over your trolley handle when you want it off your back at the airport

Water repellent

Cons

Upper half didn’t have a padded compartment. But it doesn’t seem like Manfrotto intended for it to hold camera gear.

Phone holder on the shoulder strap isn’t meant for larger phones (couldn’t hold my 6.4″ screen Huawei)

No sternum strap

Innovations

M-Guard™ Protection System padded dividers. As mentioned in the press release by Manfrotto:

An all new protection system in the form of high-performance modular divider that improve customizability and cushioning of the internal compartments. The M-Guard™ Protection System was specifically designed and laboratory tested to guarantee the highest level of protection and shock resistance especially on areas of the bag where protection is most crucial. M-Guard™ dividers are made of high-density EVA foam that provide exceptional shock absorption while maintaining a super slim profile.

Gear Used

I tested the Manfrotto Street Slim Backpack using the following gear:

Nikon Z6 II

Nikkor Z 50mm f1.8 S lens

Nikkor Z 24-70 f4 S lens

Laowa 10-18mm Z mount lens

M1 MacBook Air 13″

Benro MK10 mini tripod

iPhone SE

Gilet size S

Two spiral notepads

A pen

I wouldn’t recommend carrying more than two additional lenses in the padded insert, because everything would the fit too tightly in there.

Tech Specs

As seen on the webpage for the Manfrotto Street Slim Backpack

Minimum Weight0.8 kgCamera Insert Dimensions25 x 19.5 x 10.5 cmExternal Dimensions29 x 18 x 43 cmColourDark GreenVolume12 LTripod ConnectionYesCompatible Drones ModelsDJI Mavic Pro, DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, DJI Mavic Air, DJI Mavic 2 Pro, DJI Mavic 2 ZoomLaptop Compartment Dimensions25 x 1 x 35 cmMaterialSynthetic FabricPersonal Compartment Dimensions29 x 11 x 21 cmTypes of GearMirrorless, Point & shoot, Tripod, Foldable droneWater RepellentYes

Ergonomics

I like squarish backpacks, and even though the exterior of the Str...