34L JayPack from Deuter – My Perfect Camera Bag
Clark Rasmussen
Key Review Points
Quick Features:
- Internal Camera Bag Dividers
- 34L Plus Expandable Top Pocket
- Front Sleeve for Laptop
- Big Ticket Item
The 34L Jaypack From Deuter is the Camera Bag I've Always Wanted
At the intersection of hiking and photography (both of which I’m quite fond of) there aren’t very many great options; although I’ve always loved the incredibly perfect pairing of my Camera Box One and 30L Futura. This is a combo I still regularly take hiking, but isn’t built for a shoot or a photo trip, it makes compromises to meet my hiking needs and my camera needs simultaneously.
To that end, I bought the definitive offering, the 34L Daypack From Deuter. I’ve got no interest in burring the lead on this one, I like it a lot; I don’t like leaving home without it (which I rarely do). Having all of my gear tight and organized is a great feeling, and my weekend adventures are all the better for it.
There will probably never be a Nomatic or Peak Design sized audience for a Deuter suite of camera bags, but if you’re looking for an alternative that scratches the same (or a similar) itch, you might actually like this a lot. I like to think of it as the Adventure Alternative, which is right up my ally!
THE PROS:
Let’s start with the important stuff, the 34L JayPack fromDeuter gets the storage right, something I would call a “requirement” for bags in this space. Worth noting specifically because they don’t always get it right, and there’s plenty out there to look at. A full panel peal-back from the backside, with additional access through the top; both are totally necessary for a camera back like this. Perfect. Everything is adjustable on the inside, as it should be. The pack comes with more removable dividers than you’ll ever use, which will come in handy one day, I’m sure.
Outside of the main compartment, there is a top bucket-style and an outside panel, both of which are relatively small, but are useful none-the-less. The top compartment can be expanded and the interior membrane can be unzipped, offering direct access to the main camera compartment. The frontside panel is compact but has several small zip pockets and space for a laptop or tablet.
The back opening also has additional zipper pockets on the inside of flap, which is a nice touch. I keep batteries and SD cards in it. On the note of the back panel, the padding and waist belt pockets are also another big plus. It all comes together fantastically with the 34L JayPack from Deuter, I love the elements here and how quickly you can get into the bag.
THE CONS
I don’t think of myself as a camera bag expert in the same way I think of myself as a hiking bag expert, but I feel confident in accessing the offering here as pretty basic and rudimentary compared to the more popular stuff you can find on the internet. In other words, the “camera bag” offerings here aren’t anything to write home about. If anything, the rigidity of the main compartment is a little lackluster in; I would like something with stronger side walls, holding the interior dividers together more rigidly.
I don’t have any strong dislikes or cons for this one, but I do think the average ideal camera bag is a little smaller than this. The 34L is not a bad size generally, but I often find myself not packing it up fully, or wishing it had more space; it occupies an odd in-between size. This isn’t really a con for me personally, since the extra space is perfect for non-camera things, making it a little more than just a camera bag.
A genuine and sensible con for this one is the price, which is frankly a bit baffling. I purchased my bag at full retail price, which was $310 US, but I have seen it for sale at lower prices since then. This price point makes the 34L JayPack from Deuter more expensive than some of the nicest bags from the most expensive brands, like Peak Design and Nomatic, among others.
Batteries for my Cameras
Peak Design Cube
Top access point
In Conclusion: It’s the perfect camera bag for the Avid Adventurer
Overall, the 34L JayPack from Deuter services a unique niche that I’m quite a big fan of: the intersection between adventure and camera bag. As much as I love it, and as much as it works perfectly for me, I don’t have any problem recognizing that it may be a hard sell for many others.
If you’re already a fan of premium trekking and hiking bags from Deuter or Osprey, You’ll probably love this, but if not, you’ll be served equally well from another premium brand, and a similar or lower cost.
The good news for potentially interested buyers, is that this bag is frequently on sale. Check out some of resellers online if you’re considering this one, you can sometimes find this pack nearly 30% off or more.
Purchase links:
Backcountry
Amazon
Direct From Deuter