Tamrac Hoodoo 20 backpack at a glance:
- Houses DSLR kit and two lenses
- Made from water-resistant waxed canvas
- Rear of bag holds laptop up to 15in
- Choice of three colours
- Price: Around £90
- Website: www.tamrac.com/products/hoodoo-20
Tamrac was founded by a group of amateur photographers in 1977. In 2014 the company was declared bankrupt, but the following year it rose from the ashes under new ownership. This year it’s back in business with the launch of great photography luggage to suit all users.
The Tamrac Hoodoo 20 backpack (or what the company calls a ‘camera daypack’) is one such example. It’s a stylish, multifunctional backpack made of water-resistant waxed canvas that is designed to carry camera gear as well as personal items. The separate camera module at the bottom has enough space for a large DSLR with a lens attached, plus two medium lenses. Of course, a mirrorless kit would allow you to squeeze in a bit more. The module can also be removed to allow the wearer to use the bag as a regular backpack.
The camera module has strap loops and a strap, so it can be used independently of the bag if needed. There’s a large compartment in the top of the bag that we found useful for a telephoto lens, although it is intended for personal items such as keys, waterproofs, and so on. In the rear of the bag is a well-padded sleeve designed for a laptop. This will house most laptops measuring up to 15in.
Tamrac Hoodoo 20 backpack – key features
Laptop sleeve
At the rear of the bag is a fully protected laptop sleeve designed to house a laptop up to 15in.
Construction
The Hoodoo is made of waxed canvas and rip-stop fabrics, and measures 29.5x43x15.5cm. It weighs 1.3kg.
Colour range
Our review sample is in a pumpkin colour, a tasteful orange. The other colours are ocean (blue) and kiwi (green).
Interior
At the bottom of the bag is a removable camera module that can take a large DSLR with lens.
Tamrac Hoodoo 20 backpack – our verdict
Unlike a camping backpack, the Hoodoo 20 is made of a heavy but durable canvas and a waterproof, polyurethane-coated material resistant to tearing, rather than just lightweight nylon. Despite this, we found it to be really comfortable, even when loaded with a lot of kit. However, when we put personal items in the top compartment, they slipped behind the camera module and down the back of the bag. Overall, though, there’s very little not to like about this bag. It’s smart, comfortable and has multiple uses.
SCORE: 4 out of 5
You may also consider
Lowepro Transit Backpack 350 AW
Price: £70
Website: www.lowepro.com
Designed for a DSLR kit, the Lowepro Transit is a great day backpack. It will take a 15in laptop and can
swallow a similar amount of kit to the Hoodoo.
MindShift Gear UltraLight Dual 25L
Price: £120
Website: www.mindshiftgear.com
Like the Hoodoo, this large pack features a removable camera module and is made from a lightweight material suitable for serious hiking.
Manfrotto Pro Light Camera Backpack: 3N1-25 PL
Price: £170
Website: www.manfrotto.co.uk
If you don’t plan to use this bag as your daily backpack, it’s fantastic. It’s dotted with pockets and has room for a DSLR with lenses, a flash and other items.
