Explorer MoneyMaker Backpack | Canvas and Leather Camera Backpack

One week in, one trip to the southwest down.

This bag is a LOT, but not quite everything.

Pros: Really, really good looking bag. I got LOTS of compliments traveling with it. I could sling a camera while wearing the backpack and that is amazing! It's incredibly well-made (as I've come to expect with HoldFast). I love the exterior pockets - especially the pouch in front for holding a laptop. The strap padding is really, really comfortable. The interior bottom has the same wool lining, to cushion your gear - nice touch!

Cons - well, it's a long list. Or maybe these aren't cons so much as heads up:

The bag is heavy; empty it feels like a few pounds. So when you add gear it really becomes a heft to tote. I didn't enjoy it on a hike, so I left it behind, which kind of defeats the purpose of having the bag in the first place? I dunno. I still think I'll use it for travel as it's such a good looking, rugged bag.

It's also, weirdly, not super-user friendly. I thought I would like a backpack that was more like a traditional backpack. But that means there's no quick way to get to your gear! I guess I'd gotten used to my Manfrotto that I can throw on the ground, unzip all around and open up to my lenses, etc. And the lack of internal dividers means you need something in there to keep your cameras and lenses from slamming into each other. I borrowed my Fjallvern insert and tried that. But it was a TIGHT fit. And since I was using the Explorer bag for travel, it was hard to get everything to work, since I needed my laptop and phone, wallet, makeup, etc. for my flights. Not a deal breaker, but I have a lot of kinks to work out to make this really useable. AND, I will be spending some more money - how much? on things to hold the cameras and lenses safely inside the main cavity.

I think the biggest con is the ordering process! I don't mind waiting for something handmade to order. However, there's just not enough information on the website, and what's there is not self-explanatory. Did i need to order two or three holders? Unclear! I would have really liked some images of the bag in its different configuration. As it turns out, I'm not sure I would ever hang more than one camera from it at a time.

This tracks back to the main issue of the bag for me: it's HUGE but not useably so. I'm a smallish human, so the bag is wider than me, and taller than my torso and yet, I can't carry THAT much in it (because of the lack of internal dividers and the heavy, heavy nature of the canvass and leather.

However, all that said, I really really like this bag. And I think I'll enjoy it for a very long time.

Holdfast Gear has been a favorite of mine for years, and I’ve owned several of their products. After much consideration, I’ve decided to retire my trusty Roamographer Dr. Bag, which has been my everyday carry (EDC) since 2015.

I’ve replaced it with a black moneymaker backpack that I absolutely adore. In person, it’s even more impressive and exudes a sense of quality.

As a frequent traveler, I value having something unique and inconspicuous in crowded places like airports. My Roamographer has always been a hit, and I’ve never encountered another one during my travels, often receiving compliments for it. This pack has inherited that legacy.

The size of the new backpack is perfect—not too big and not too small, making it easy to carry around. The adjustable straps are incredibly comfortable once adjusted, and the magnetic closures are surprisingly effective.

I own the three-camera version, but I’ve only ever carried two cameras at a time. The pockets are functional and well-organized.

One minor issue I’ve encountered is the lack of a padded insert like my Roamographer had. Since the backpack is black, it can get quite dark inside, and a colored insert would be a great solution.

I did purchase some Holdfast Sightseer lens and camera inserts, but I haven’t found a system that works for me yet. As a result, I’ve resorted to using my old Roamographer insert in the backpack.

It’s important to note that I’m not using this backpack as a dedicated camera bag. Instead, it serves as my EDC, carrying all my essentials, including AirPods, an iPad, a laptop (sometimes), and various cables and travel items. Occasionally, I’ll add a camera and lens to the mix.

Overall, I’m very happy with this backpack. However, I wish it had come with an organizational insert at the price point.

I ordered the camera backpack and two camera leashes. I had a trip coming up quickly so asked if they had any in stock in a different color than the one I ordered. Sure enough they did and Jess in customer service made sure that I received the backpack quickly and matched the leashes to the bag as well. I cannot express how pleased I am with the quality of the backpack and the special attention my order received from Jess. Great experience and am sure I will be buying again in the future (when I get back from my trip)!!!

Extremely well made, and the thick leather straps are more supple than you would think. It is on the heavier side, so it does make your carry heavier than you might want. And i might wish the side pockets were a bit deeper, to accommodate water bottles better.

But overall, I’m extremely happy with it, and have been using it constantly.

I have been a nature/wildlife photographer for over 20 years, and this Moneymaker pack is my new go-to pack. The quality of this pack is on an entirely higher level than anything I have encountered anywhere else. I am grateful to the folks of Hold Fast!!!

excellent quality, for my taste a bit to big but ok.

This is a great backpack and has a great aesthetic. I always get compliments each time that I wear it!