Review: MindShift Gear rotation180° Trail 16L camera bag
Belt pack can be used separately (click to enlarge).
Editor’s Note: Our tester Beth Gouge put this pack through its paces as she went on big rides with her ‘big’ camera.
Lowdown: MindShift Gear rotation180° Trail 16L
This pack is very versatile for the hiker, cyclist, or skier. It’s all about the easy access to belt pack with a click of a button to get to your camera.
I used the MindShift Gear pack on a few bike rides to see how easy it would be to access the camera. It made taking photo’s much easier than the normal fumbling of taking your pack off and dig for the camera scenario. It was handy to access the camera through the waistpack that rotated around to the front. The shoulder straps were supportive and didn’t seem to bounce around on the ride at all.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvUZDtkXUXU
Video: Check 1:30 of this video to see the fit and the pack swivel action that is the key feature of this bag.
| Backpack weight: 1.7lbs | Beltpack weight: 0.8lbs | Backpack volume: 11.5L | Beltpack volume: 4.5L |
| Price: $179.99 |
Rating:  4.5 Chilis-out-of-5 |
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| the bag off, camera pack swivels smoothly |
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Review: MindShift Gear rotation180° Trail 16L
OK, your iPhone does pretty good for most photo ops when your out riding or hiking. But if you’re looking for something more than the smart phone for quality photo’s, this is a great unique pack. I used this pack for a couple of mountain bike rides, and found it very comfortable with it’s padded back support, and shoulders straps. All the straps are adjustable and there are some compression straps on the pack.
Belt pack out and ready for use. Hydration hose clipped in place (click to enlarge).
There is ample room in the main compartment of the backpack. I carried 1.5L of water, extra clothes, bicycle pump and food. The hydration reservoir is held into place with a velcro strap, and has a hook on shoulder strap to keep hose in place. Still plenty of room for additional lenses and equipment. I was able to fit my 18-135mm zoom lens, camera, and an extra battery in the belt pack. Dividers in the belt pack were removed to fit the lens.
Inside of back pack is a mesh pocket, small pocket on top, zipper pulls on all zippers, and compression strap on the top left side of pack (click to enlarge).
I did have a small crash on my bike ride. I can attest to the padding on the pack protecting the camera. Sure wish I had some of the pads on my knees. 
The interior of the belt pack with dividers removed and camera in place. Extra battery is in the pocket (click to enlarge).
I would recommend this pack for the avid photographer that wants to carry something other than their iPhone to shoot high quality photos. Ideal for riding bikes, hiking or for anyone that wants quicker access to their camera. Perfect for getting out to shoot photo’s of an event or for anyone that has the need to carry more equipment in the outdoors.
For more information visit www.mindshiftgear.com.
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