The Prima System X-Pac from Boundary Supply is a fantastic way to carry your camera gear on the go. Read on to find out why!
Today, I’ll evaluate the Prima System X-Pac from Boundary Supply and help you decide if this carrying system is right for you.
Whether photography is your hobby, profession, or both, finding a backpack simultaneously stylish, functional, and tough is a challenge. Here’s my top bag that I trust to carry my photography gear.
Design
The Prima System X-Pac is comprised of three major pieces: the main backpack, or “Prima Pack,” the “Verge Camera Case,” and the “Fieldspace,” which is a separate tablet case.
The backpack is designed for these three components to work as one, allowing you to maximize your carrying capacity while keeping your movement unrestricted.
It reminds me of the relief you get when you finally upgrade your storage in a video game, unburdening your character as you embark upon a whole new world of opportunities.
The backpack’s appearance grants it an extreme amount of versatility. This backpack is available in a sleek black color and coordinates with all types of apparel. The composition is waterproof, rugged, and layered with Kevlar. Looking at it, you might not know how durable it is.
Cushy, padded shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt complement the sturdy pack with comfort.
When not in use, you can discretely tuck away the waist belt.
In addition, the central, full-length zipper is flanked by convenient auto-locking magnetic buckles that allow quick, easy, and secure fastening and unlatching. Not only that, these buckles are really fun to fiddle with on long bus rides to remote places.
The X-Pac’s combination of strength and style makes this pack suitable for near and far, land or sea endeavors.
Now it’s time to pick up your camera and lens, and let’s get down to brass tacks.
Prima Pack
The main backpack features dozens of internal and external pockets and a water bottle pocket that comfortably fits up to 32 oz bottles.
There’s also a hidden pocket that I suggest using for items like your wallet or keys.
This pocket is RFID protected to keep your belongings safe from physical and digital danger.
A word of caution: I have noted a drawback with the sheer volume of pockets. Retrieving my items from the bag becomes much more difficult when there are more pockets than I remember.
Quite honestly, I only use a couple of the pockets. And, even after a year of use, I’m still occasionally discovering new compartments.
I suggest using the more obvious or dedicated pockets, like the easy-access padded sunglasses pocket located at the top, for items you do not want to get buried in the bag.
The Prima Pack also features an opening on the back of the pack for sliding the bag over luggage handles. The backpack boasts two independent carry handles, one on the side and another on top.
Inside the bag, there is space for a laptop up to 17”. There is also a tablet sleeve for electronics up to 13”. The dimensions of the bag are 12W x 21H x 7D”. Pairing this volume with the lens bag and additional tablet case makes bringing options for both shooting and editing a breeze.
Also, inside the bag, you’ll find more pockets! I still recommend using the more obvious pockets externally to find and retrieve your items easily.
Verge Camera Case
The camera case is well-compartmentalized with a padded interior, allowing storage for your camera and an additional lens. I specify a singular additional lens because, although convenient, the case simply is not wide enough to accommodate more than one spare lens in most sizes.
The case can also be attached to the side of the main bag, making the whole system more portable.
This system protects your most expensive equipment by separating it from the rest of the contents of the bag. The only downside is that the case is not large enough to store more equipment.
Fortunately, the main bag offers adequate protection that you can rely on for your less important peripherals.
Fieldspace
The Fieldspace offers even more organization opportunities. Yet another space for electronics, this insertable piece measures 14H x 10w x 0.75D”.
On the outside, there are slots for securing writing utensils as well as styluses for tablets.
Have I mentioned this bag system has pockets galore? This tablet case possesses zippered mesh pockets on the same side as the pen slots that you can use to store charging accessories for the tablet or other devices.
If you do not plan on inserting the Fieldspace into the bag or do not have room for it, skip the sleeve altogether.
MK-1 Camera Cube
I also received the MK-1 Camera Cube with the backpack and camera case.
It features a customizable organization system and lots of padding to keep your stuff safe.
It’s designed to fit comfortably in the X-pack, allowing easy carry and easy access.
According to Boundary Supply, it’s great for transporting camera equipment and even drones.
Quite honestly, I only have one camera lens and minimal camera equipment, so I haven’t really gotten any use from this piece.
While I’m not able to provide the same hands-on feedback as with the other products in this review, I can say that the quality seems excellent.
My Experience
I’ve used the X-pac so much over the course of the past year.
It’s been with me on trips above the Arctic Circles. It’s accompanied me in ancient castles and damp, dreary caves.
I’ve gotten the most use out of the backpack itself, followed by the Verge camera case.
While I’m frequently overwhelmed by all the pockets and compartments, it’s still my go-to backpack when I’m traveling.
I wish the camera case came with a shoulder strap. Once or twice I’ve used the strap from my briefcase to more easily tote the Verge case around.
My Recommendation
If you have a strong preference for single-compartment storage, this bag is not for you.
However, I’d still recommend the Prima System X-Pac. I believe that from amateur to professional photographers, we all can get our money’s worth with a bag like this.
However, if you know you will be toting many or large lenses, be warned that you will have to rely on the primary pack to carry the bulk of your equipment.
How do you carry your camera equipment? Let me know in the comment section!
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