My Favorite Plein Air Backpack
Years ago (2014? 2015?), when I was in Barcelona on a trip, I picked up a backpack by Demano. I LOVED that backpack. Cute as hell and super functional. I picked up a new one this fall, and it’s even better! Let me show you why….
Demano’s bags are handmade from recycled materials— the heavy, flexible plastic banners you see for signage. So I like that right off the bat. The prints are all really different too, and always changing. I think that’s fun… I like hunting for the pattern and color scheme that attracts me most (they make purses and all sorts of stuff).
The front is waterproof with a fold-over flap, with a big “bucket mouth” top-down opening when it’s folded back. It’s full of a variety of great little pockets. And it’s a rectangle. This is super important for a plein air backpack (the first order of business, IMO), because if you want to paint quarter sheet or use a rigid backing, your bag needs to fit those things right from the get-go.
The interior is divided into two sections. The padded back is intended for a laptop, but I use it for paper and for my sketchbook. Works great! The front is the main, larger area. I put my tripod, right-angle arm, shelf, water, and backing all in there. It’s full. Not over full, but it feels “complete”.
What’s neat is that, since they are handmade, I contacted them when I bought one, and said I wanted this interior front pocket to be moved from where it normally is… and they did it!! It’s still usually in this main area, but it’s normally on the back of it (where my pointer finger is) facing forwards. I find this got in the way of my backing and other flat large things I put in. Basically, I never used it in my old one.
Instead, I wanted it on the front, where there is sometimes a bit of slack when packing the bag. Additionally, when the main compartment is full, it’s much easier to reach this interior pocket because it’s on the front side of it (facing backwards). This little change was great, and I’m so glad they did it for me. :)
What’s cool is that, in this new iteration, they’ve automatically included a thin pocket on the exterior of the front flap. This wasn’t there the last time I bought one. I always wished it was there, and now I’ve got it!! I keep my brushes up there, and they fit great when stored sideways.
This slim pocket is covered by the flap when closed. It was in the first iteration and works fine, but it’s slim. It was hard when I was trying to fit brushes and rags and tape in there. Now, it’s just the right size for a subset of tools. I separate out into it things that are going to get very wet— collapsible bowls for water, and my sponge.
Finally, there are two pouches on the sides that are a good size. I can fit a collapsible water container in each, a rag, etc. I’ve never understood why this isn’t normal, but it annoys me to no end that so many backpacks (even really nice ones, like the ones Timbuktu makes) have only one pouch for a water bottle. Not this little guy though. Love it!
Anyways, I christened it this spring a few times, as I’ve been going out some to paint again. The bag is fantastic. Couldn’t be happier. Plus, it wasn’t super expensive. Total, including shipping, ran under 100$. The type I bought was called a “Verdi L backpack”. Not cheap, but well worth it for a handmade backpack that will last me years, and that meets a full assortment of plein air needs that I just can’t seem to find elsewhere.!!
What kind of stuff are you guys using when you go to paint plein air? Share about it, with links too!, in the comments. This sort of stuff can be very helpful to other readers.