Review of the Mindshift Photocross 13

Pros

• The Crossphoto is made of very tough weather resistant (420D) nylon with a waterproof tarpaulin bottom. This allows you longer exposure to rain without resorting to the rain cover.
• It has YKK weather resistant zips. This is the weakest point of any rucksack in terms of water ingression. Again, this type of zipping will keep your kit drier for longer.
• The Crossophoto is able to carry more equipment than rucksacks of a similar size and style.  This is due to the material used, i.e. thin throughout the sack.
• Very easy access to the camera compartment.
• T-pulls on the zips allowing for use with gloved hands.
• Very good stitching (you’d be surprised how many rucksacks have poor stitching).
• Raincover included but not integral.
• Waist Strap (absolutely essential in Sling Rucksacks). The waist strap has a velcroed secure compartment for storage when not in use at the side of the pack.
• Tripod straps have two mounting points at the back. There is also one mounting point on the bottle holder side of the pack at the top.

Cons

• Shoulder strap though wide and with a low profile does not have padding. Prolonged use is uncomfortable on the shoulder.
• Tripod straps at their tightest do not hold smaller tripods well.
• Needs a wider and padded waist strap, which could help to alleviate the shoulder pain problem.
• Needs one more small divider (only two currently) especially if you a three compartment configuration.
• The large dividers come away too easily from the sack lining.
• Overpriced considering its faults. Address the faults and you’ve got a winner.

Ideally

• A small pocket on the shoulder strap for small items like keys, or batteries.
• A slightly larger pack size overall. Especially in terms of depth so that the front compartment can store gloves, and maybe a jacket.
• A stiffened frame for the camera compartment, or for the whole sack as this would help give the sack shape, and improve its comfort.  Also, it would make it less vulnerable if dropped.
• 2 small pockets for Memory Cards.

MindShift and Think Tank merged during July 2018.

The MindShift will still be available and aimed at outdoor photographers.

At the time of this review, I’ve had five good days out with this sack.

Front View

Notice the tripod straps which are at their tightest. Apparently, according to others, the straps are not tight enough to carry some smaller tripods. Personally, I have never carried a tripod with this sack. The Straps are removable. One strap can also be used on the bottle holder side of the pack.

Once in place, the straps are very secure.

Back View

The back has an air mesh panel which is meant to keep you cool.

Notice the straps top and bottom of the shoulder strap, which helps when tightened to bring the pack closer to your body.

 

Side View with Bottle Compartment

The bottle compartment will take a one litre Camelbak Chute comfortably. Notice the tripod strap fittings at the top of the sack. Notice also there is only at the top and none at the bottom of the sack. The excess elastic can be used to secure the bottle top. The fact you can cinch this compartment is a winner as I have lost many bottles on other sling rucksacks as the compartment could not be tightened.

Side View showing handle

The handle is a great idea allowing you to remove the sack without snagging your glasses or your hat/hair. The strap allows you to pull the sack forwards as you lift it over your head. This is a great idea.

Bottom View

This is made of waterproof tarpaulin.

Front Pocket

The front pocket reasonably deep and allows for an average man’s fist to be inserted. It also has two internal pockets. One about six inches wide, and the other about four inches, they are good for low profile items like filters.

Notice the T-pulls on the zips which can be used with gloved hands.

This compartment has the key fob.

Rain Cover

The rain cover is loose, but a strap allows it to be secured to the key holder. It comes with instructions for fitting. I’ve never fitted it though.

Camera Compartment

The camera compartment has two large dividers for vertical storage and two smaller dividers that can be used horizontally. It also has two mesh pockets with a double zip. To the front of the compartment is a Laptop/Tablet compartment which will take a thirteen-inch device. It is also ideal for storing low profile items if you don’t carry an electronic device.

Laptop/Tablet compartment

Secured with a velcro backed tab.

I don’t carry a laptop or tablet. So I store other low profile items here like first aid kit, and cleaning cloths.

Mesh Pockets in Camera Compartment

Secured with a double sided zip. Ideal for batteries.

Waist Straps

The waist straps are removable and can be stowed in purpose-built velcro secured pocket at the side of the sack.  The strap is in two parts. One strap is integral, the other is secured with a clip.

What I carry

I carry most of what I need for a normal landscape photography day out, excluding my large tripod. Camera is not shown. The camera is a Sony Alpha 7 RII with a 24-70mm zoom which fits comfortably into centre compartment.. The equipment alone is about 6 kilos, including camera and a 24-70mm zoom.

Conclusion

I like this sack, despite the pain in my trapezius muscles, after an hour of carrying the sack. When I say pain, I don’t mean I need morphine. It’s more an ache that requires repositioning of the strap.

It is extremely easy to access the camera compartment. Easier than my Lowe Pro Slingshot Edge 150. And I definitely carry more kit with the Photoshoot 13, than I do with the Slingshot Edge 150. But the Slingshot Edge 150 is built like a tank and is comfortable on a long day in the outback.

I hope that MindShift/Think Tank upgrade this sack, in particular, the tripod straps and the uncomfortable shoulder strap.

It’s a keeper until they come out with an upgrade.