The Tenba Solstice V2 camera backpack aims to be a versatile and comfortable carrying solution for photographers on the go. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and travel photographers, it promises quick access, robust protection, and ergonomic comfort.
Let's dive into what makes this backpack stand out, and where it might fall short.
This is a completely independent review of Tenba Solstice V2 camera backpack that I purchased it without being contacted by Tenba. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Many professional photographers seem to be constantly searching for the ideal, perfect camera backpack. This quest can sometimes be obsessive, even more demanding than buying a new camera body or yet another lens. And so do I. On average, I change backpack every two years, or even more frequently. I put them through rigorous testing during my photography trips to assess their durability, weight distribution on the shoulders, carrying capacity and more factors.
This year, I decided to purchase the Solstice V2 (24 litres) camera backpack, Tenba's newest release. After four months of use, often while traveling extensively, this is my review.
WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A CAMERA BACKPACK: THE TRAVELER'S PERSPECTIVE
When I'm in the market for a new camera backpack, I prioritize a few key factors. The most crucial one for me is that it needs to be mainly ideal for travel, not just for extended photography treks.
This means it absolutely must have a separate compartment for my laptop (to edit on location) and provide dedicated pockets for essentials like my passport, travel documents, notebook, pen(s), etc.
In the vast landscape of camera bags available today, spanning every size and color imaginable, those specifically designed for the traveling photographer are really few, unfortunately.
I primarily chose the Tenba Solstice V2 camera backpack because, right from reading its features on the Tenba website, it immediately struck me as a backpack perfectly suited for the traveling photographer.
The backpack is available in two different sizes: (20L and 24L) and colors (black and grey). I bought the bigger version in black color.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 1.68 kg
- Outside Dimensions: 29.2 x 49.5 x 20.3 cm (WxHxD)
- Inside Dimensions: 26.7 x 47 x 14 cm (WxHxD)
- Laptop Compartment Dimensions: 25.4 x 36.8 x 1.7 cm (WxHxD)
- Laptop/Tablet compartment: up to 16 inches
The backpack has a modern and sleek appearance.
It is constructed with water-repellent 420D PU-coated ripstop nylon, a 300g brushed tricot interior, solid YKK zippers and clips and heavily-reinforced stitching. It looks like a bag created to last.
At first sight, the quality of finish looks very good to me.
CAMERA COMPARTMENT
The camera compartment comfortably holds a DSLR or a mirrorless camera and up to 6 or 8 lenses depending on their size. The bag is deep enough to hold my Nikon Z8 camera with L bracket attached.
The inside can easily be rearranged with Velcro dividers to suit your camera gear.
Personally, I like the turquoise blue color Tenba has chosen for the dividers and also for the interior of the front side.
The main camera compartment of the bag reveals a small semi-opaque plastic pocket to store small objects or memory cards.
GEAR NORMALLY USED FOR MY TRAVELS
This backpack can fit perfectly all my following gear depending on what kind of photography I'm planning to organize: travel or event.
- Nikon Z8
- Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4
- Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4-5.6
- DJI Mavic 4 pro
- DJI RC 2 remote controller (front side)
- Drone landing pad (front side)
- 14" Apple Macbook Pro (front side)
- Filters pouch
- Batteries, cards, cables, etc.
- Leofoto AZ-235C carbon fiber tripod (side pocket)
CONVENIENT REAR ACCESS
Differently from all camera backpacks I had so far, the main compartment of Tenba Solstice V2 backpack has a rear access.
Rear access to the main compartment allows for secure gear storage and prevents accidental access from the front or sides while traveling. The rear access helps also to increase your sense of safety when traveling alone.
There's one thing I really like about the rear access of this camera bag. The big zipped flap has a fold across the middle so you can just unzip enough to remove your camera or lens(es) and keep any adverse weather (like rain or sand) from getting in the lower part of your backpack.
QUICK TOP ACCESS? GOOD IDEA!
This is the first camera back I own that has a dual-zipper top access panel that allows to remove a camera with an attached lens quickly.
Well, I never thought I could have fall in love with it! I never realized how useful the instant access to the camera via the big zip could be.
The quick top access helped me more than once to quickly grab the camera in a flash without having to take my backpack off my shoulders instead, put it on the ground, open it, and pull the camera out.
A huge plus by Tenba for capturing spontaneous moments!
TWO SIDE POCKETS
The backpack has two useful exterior side pockets. This is something I really appreciate because other camera backpacks I used before, had normally one side pocket only.
With two available pockets, you can use for carrying the tripod and leave the other one for carrying a bottle of water, instead.
WEATHER RESISTANCE
The backpack is constructed with water-repellent nylon. It includes a removable and reversible rain cover that inspires confidence in light to moderate rain.
I tested its waterproof several times during the heavy downpours that caught me by surprise on the road. I was positively impressed as by adding the raincover the pack remained reasonably dry even under heavy rain.
The padding is ample, and the weather resistance inspires confidence in light to moderate rain.
The rain cover comes in dual silver/black colors. You can use the black side to protect the backpack from rain or snow and the silver side to protect your bag from the strong sun rays in hot summer day. Nice touch!
LAPTOP CARRY
On the front side of the backpack there is a dedicated padded laptop sleeve ( fits till 16 inches models) plus a couple of small pockets for storing pen(s), block notes, passport, documents, external disk or powerbank.
In addition, you find also a semi-opaque plastic pocket for storing more small objects.
Inside, there's also a hidden bluetooth tracker neoprene sleeve to securely fit an AirTag or a Tile. That would be really a good idea if only the AirTag would fit inside but, unfortunately, it doesn't! My AirTag regularly comes out easily, so I put it somewhere else in the backpack.
TRIPOD CARRY
Tripod may find room in two different places in this camera backpack. Provided elasticated side pocket or repositionable lash straps located under the bag. The latest also can be used to secure a jacket or other clothing layers to the side or bottom of the pack. My Ulanzi Zero Y carbon fiber tripod fits perfectly in the side pocket.
SHOULDER STRAPS NOT ENOUGH PADDED
The provided shoulder straps didn't look enough padded to me to support the backpack when loaded down with hefty kit. For such a reason, I decided to buy, separately, a pair of ultra thick & breathable universal shoulder pad cushions that helped me in bearing the weight of the backpack better.
Same I did with the backpack handle cover that looked too thin to me. I bought a luggage padded handle wrap to add a layer of comfort to my hands every time I grab the backpack.
You can buy both on Amazon.
BRING THE CAMERA BACKPACK ON BOARD
Being a travel photographer, it's highly important any camera backpack I own be capable enough for my gear, sturdy, ensure comfort during extended all day long wear and, last but not least, fit easily under any plane seat.
Thanks to its compact size (49 x 29 x 20cm), this camera backpack fully meets the international carry-on standards and fits perfectly inside the overhead compartments of most planes (including turboprop or regional jets).
Being 20cm deep only, the Tenba Solstice V2 24L fits perfectly under economy seats of most of commercial planes.
So far, I have tested it on board of regular jets like the Airbus A320/A321 or Boeing B737-800 and also smaller commercial planes like the Bombardier CRJ 1000 or the Embraer 190.
Airlines I flew with this camera backpack so far are Swiss, Austrian, Air Baltic, Lufthansa, Vueling, Iberia, SAS and KLM.
CONCLUSION
The Tenba Solstice V2 is a good and versatile camera bag. It is a strong contender for photographers seeking a secure, protective, and reasonably comfortable bag for travel, outdoor adventures, or daily commutes.
Its rear-access design is a standout feature for both security and keeping your back clean. While it might not be the absolute best choice for extreme expeditions or those who prioritize a very sleek, non-photographic look, it excels in its primary purpose: safely and comfortably carrying camera gear with good accessibility.
If security, weather protection, and a comfortable carry are high on your list, the Solstice V2 is definitely worth considering. Being perfectly international carry-on compatible, this is also the kind of bag that should appeal to travel photographers who fly regularly.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
- Accessibility and security: The rear access is excellent for cleanliness and security as deters theft . The side access allows fast camera retrieval and is genuinely convenient for quick shots.
- Good Protection: Durable, weather-resistant materials and ample padding. Dual cover to protect the backpack from rain or heat
- Versatile Storage: Beyond the main camera compartment, there are often multiple pockets for accessories, personal items, water bottles, and tripods (usually via a side pocket and compression strap). The interior dividers are customizable to fit various camera bodies, lenses, and even drones.
- Quality Construction: Built to last.
- The backpack meets the international carry-on standards.
CONS
- Shoulders straps and grip are poorly padded.
- The provided hidden bluetooth tracker neoprene sleeve doesn't fit the Apple Air Tag properly.
- Tenba bags are generally not the cheapest, though their quality often justifies the cost.