Case Logic Reflexion DSLR and iPad Backpack Review

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Case Logic’s Reflexion DSLR and iPad Backpack stands out thanks to its “split-pack opening” design and a zipper tha runs around the middle like a jagged belt. It opens and allows the top half of the pack folds down and out of the way. This leaves the camera and tablet compartment open and accessible. Check out the $99.99 pack.

As you can see this is a rather unusual camera backpack. The Case Logic Reflexion DSLR and iPad Backpack lets you carry a camera, a few accessories, a tablet and some additional gear in something that looks cool and will cost you under $100. Best of all, it can be used as a camera backpack or, once you pull out the camera insert, you can use it as a regular, albeit oddly-designed, daypack. Let’s walk through the bag’s features and then offer a few thoughts.

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The backpack straps have decent but not abundant padding. I expect they will be comfortable for most people but it is worth keeping in mind that this pack was not designed to carry huge, heavy loads. That fact is reinforced by the lack of both a sternum and waist strap. That, in turn, drives home the point that this backpack is targeted toward casual photographers who need a good, flexible bag rather than to professionals. For example, this bag is perfect for me most of the time but, for example, at CES, where I need to carry more gear and have as much padding as possible to make it through the long days, it wouldn’t cut it.

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The straps have attachment points so you can hang a phone pouch or something else you might want to keep with you and accessible. The plastic hardware seems durable and should hold up well over time. In short, there’s nothing exciting about the Reflexion’s suspension system but it should get the job done.

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One side of the backpack has a velcro strap toward the top and a mesh pocket with an elasticized top. This works great if you want to carry a tripod or a monopod in a vertical position. If you aren’t going to carry a tripod or monopod you can always use the pocket to hold something. The other side of the bag has a similar pocket without the strap at the top.

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Toward the top of the Reflexion DSLR and iPad Backpack is a small pocket whose hidden zipper is positioned at an angle moving down and toward the right. This is a nice, secure place to keep a phone or a wallet although it will be behind you, and less secure, when wearing the bag. The angled pocket makes it easy to stow and remove items but it does waste about half of the potential space in this area. I would not go so far as to say this is an example of choosing form over function but there clearly was a conscious design choice made when putting this together.

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Below the small, upper pocket is a larger pocket that runs the entire width of the bag. Open this and you are greater by an additional zippered pocket and two smaller, open pockets that each take up half the bag’s width. You won’t be able to hold a tremendous amount of gear in these pockets but you will keep things nicely organized!

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The top half of the Reflexion DSLR and iPad Backpack is a storage space unto itself. It unzips and opens completely as if it were a huge, wide mouth. This wide opening makes it simple to add and organize your gear!

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Toward the rear of this storage space is a flat zippered pocket that will let you keep a few small items separate from the rest of the contents. It also means the gear placed in the smaller pocket is secure behind not one but two zippers. Nice!

 

Around the middle of the backpack is a zipper that runs along three of the pack’s four sides. Unzip the bag and the lower half of the bag is revealed. Case Logic notes that the “Split-pack opening… doubles as a preparation platform.”

Inside is the camera insert and the tablet pocket. The removable, cinch-top insert has adjustable walls and handles. It has enough room to hold a DSLR camera and an additional lenses as well as a third lens or flash.

You can also remove the camera insert and use the backpack as a tablet daypack.

The Reflexion DSLR and iPad Backpack is an interesting camera backpack. It certainly isn’t for professionals but if you want a backpack that will allow you to carry your camera as well as your tablet and a bit of additional gear and you want something that can double as an every day pack it might be worth a look. It is not the most refined backpack we have seen but it does look to be as durable as it is functional. I do, however, wish the bottom of the upper storage space would be released and the entire interior of the bag used as if it were one large space. You can learn more and order your Case Logic Reflexion DSLR and iPad Backpack.

MSRP: $99.99

What I Like: Under $100; Convenient grab handle on top; Top compartment opens wide for easy access and organization

What Needs Improvement: No Chest or sternum strap; Thick zippers look cool but can be a little tough to unzip; Limited camera storage capacity

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.