Novo Calder 40L Backpack Review
Quick Verdict
If you’re looking for a backpack that’s comfortable and well-made with all of the space you need for your landscape photography kit, then the Novo Calder is most certainly for you.
+ Pros
- Modern design in a fresh colour
- Well constructed
- Comfortable
- Practical interior
- Converts to a day bag
- Loads of space
- Innovative fasteners
– Cons
- The price might put some off, but you won’t need a new backpack for some time
The Novo Calder 40L Backpack is designed with hiking in mind which could make it the perfect camera bag for landscape photography fans who enjoy long walks in the hills. To find out if there will be enough room for your camera kit as well as other essentials, we’ve been putting the Novo Calder 40L Backpack to the test, finding out if it’s comfortable as well as practical.
Novo Calder 40L Backpack Features
The Novo Calder 40L Backpack is for photographers who are looking for a durable, multi-purpose camera bag that’s modern and comfortable to wear. You get plenty of storage space, which includes a removable cube unit (featuring 6 moulded dividers and two accessory pockets/holders) as well as external and internal pockets which includes a separate section for a laptop and tablet. Plus, the harness straps, rear panel and aluminium frame mean it’s comfortable to carry even when full of photography kit. The bag is waterproof for days when rain wants to spoil your plans and small details such as aluminium buckles and magnetic fasteners give the backpack a modern edge while still being very practical.
Novo Calder 40L Backpack Key Features:
- 40-litre storage capacity
- Removable 17.5L Internal Cube Unit (ICU)
- EVA moulded harness straps & rear panel
- Integrated rigid aluminium frame
- Anodised aluminium buckles and clip hooks
- Magnetic waist and sternum straps
- YKK zippers
- Waterproof nylon external material
- Teal colour option
- Dimensions: 565mm (h) x 320mm (w) x 220mm (d)
- Weight: 2475g with ICU, 1550g without ICU, ICU only 925g
Novo Calder 40L Backpack Handling & Performance
The first thing we have to comment on is the colour of the Novo Calder 40L Backpack as we think it’s ace. We know everyone likes a black backpack but the Teal option really does stand out from the crowd without being too garish. Plus, the black accents such as on the pockets and zips contrast well and really make a statement that Novo has really thought about the design so it has a real modern feel – we love it.
After the colour, the next thing you’ll probably notice is how well-made the Novo Calder 40L Backpack is. As soon as you pick it up, it feels really sturdy and the 300D Waterproof Nylon certainly won’t break easily or let any rain damage your kit. The YKK zips are also shower-proof.
Novo has designed the Novo Calder 40L backpack as a general-purpose rucksack-style backpack with an emphasis on photography which means it’s dual purpose so really, you’re getting two bags for the price of one. To allow for this, there’s a removable Internal Cube Unit (ICU) which comes with six EVA moulded dividers and two accessory pockets.
The cube is just as well made as the backpack and comes with a carry handle and removable strap should you want to use it as a separate bag. It’s really easy to remove/put back into the backpack and means kit is stored securely/safely on days you want to use the backpack as a normal day bag.
Also removable is the aluminium frame which helps the bag keep its shape. When the backpack is full and you’re planning on a long walk, we’d recommend keeping the frame in place as it aids with weight transfer making the load easier to carry. To spread the load evenly, making the backpack even more comfortable to wear, are the waist/hip belts which feature innovative magnetic fasteners that are really easy to secure/undo which is a small thing that can make a big difference when you’re trying to remove a heavy bag at the end of a long day. You may think that magnetic fasteners could come undone easily but they don’t as the clip designs mean you get a secure hold. The shoulder straps are strong, comfortable and adjustable. You also get a well-padded back panel and straps for carrying a tripod. Adjusting the straps to suit you and tightening the waist/hip harness really does make a difference to weight distribution so we recommend you do this before setting off on your walk.
For aid in getting the backpack off a luggage rack or when you simply want to pop it in the boot of your car, there’s a top grab handle.
To access your kit, you can open the top panel or pop the bag down and fully open the back. If you open the top panel, you’ll have to remove the ICU to access your kit but if open the back of the backpack, you’ll be able to access all of your kit without removing the ICU (so long as you’ve put it in the right way around).
As for how much kit you’ll get in, there’s plenty of space for a Pro Mirrorless or DSLR camera with a 70-200mm lens, or similar, lens attached, 4-5 extra lenses, accessories, general clothing and an array of day essentials. You’d prob squeeze a small drone in, too, if you pack right. There are also separate sections for a laptop (maximum 15.6″), a tablet and a zipped pocket for small accessories. There’s even a small pocket on the waist harness handy for energy gels or other small items.
It’s a big backpack but it has a specific photographer in mind and for that type of photographer, we really do think it’s a perfect camera bag. The Novo Calder 40L Backpack is incredibly well-made, strong as an ox, looks great, is comfortable to wear and has all the space you could ever need for your photography kit and other essentials.
Value For Money
The Novo Calder 40L Backpack is priced at £299 and is available now on the UK Digital website. It’s a big investment for some but you will get years of use out of it and it’s actually priced competitively when you compare it to other hiking photography backpacks available. For more options, take a look at our ‘best camera bags‘ top list.
Novo Calder 40L Backpack Verdict
The Novo Calder 40L is practical, stylish, well-made and everything we could really want in a hiking-style backpack. We love the colour as it’s something a bit different from ‘just black’ and is rather modern. The fact that it comes with a removable cube is a bonus and means the bag can also be used as a normal day bag if you find you’re not going on a photographer trip. Simple touches like magnetic latches bring something a bit different to what could have been ‘just another backpack’ too. Some might look at the price and think it’s a big ask but this is a backpack, we feel, that will probably last a lifetime so is certainly worth the investment. Plus, it’s on par with similar bags from other manufacturers.
All-in-all, it’s a really great backpack and we’re awarding it an ‘Editor’s Choice’ accolade.
Novo Calder 40L Backpack Pros
- Modern design in a fresh colour
- Well constructed
- Comfortable
- Practical interior
- Converts to a day bag
- Loads of space
- Innovative fasteners
Novo Calder 40L Backpack Cons
- The price might put some off, but you won’t need a new backpack for some time
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Novo Calder Backpack Specifications
| Manufacturer | Novo | |
| Bag type | ||
| Style | Backpack | |
| Material | Nylon | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 2475g | |
| Width | 320mm | |
| Height | 565mm | |
| Depth | 220mm | |
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Source: Photography News
Novo Calder 40L Backpack Review
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