For plein air painters, the art of capturing the beauty of the outdoors presents a unique set of challenges. Not only do you have to master the skill of painting in changing light conditions and ever-shifting surroundings, but you also need to transport your painting supplies to remote locations. To make this process easier, having the right backpack for plein air painting is crucial.
A good plein air painting backpack should be spacious enough to carry your painting materials, yet comfortable enough to wear on long hikes or walks. It should be durable, weather-resistant, and well-organized to ensure easy access to your tools when inspiration strikes.
We’ll dive into the best backpacks for plein air painting, discuss their key features, and explore some of the top options available in the market. Additionally, we’ll answer some common questions to help you make an informed decision when selecting the right backpack for your needs.
Key Features to Look for in a Plein Air Painting Backpack
Before we dive into specific products, let’s first break down the features that make a backpack perfect for plein air painting. The ideal backpack should meet the following criteria:
1. Size and Capacity
Plein air painting involves carrying various tools, including a portable easel, paintbrushes, canvases, paint tubes, and other supplies. A backpack with multiple compartments and ample storage space will help keep these materials organized. However, you don’t want to go too large, as that will add unnecessary weight and bulk.
2. Comfort and Fit
Whether you are hiking to a location or simply walking to the park, comfort is key. A good backpack for plein air painting should have padded shoulder straps, a comfortable back panel, and a waist belt for support. These features will ensure that your painting materials don’t strain your back, even when carrying them for long periods.
3. Durability
Outdoor painting sessions often mean exposure to the elements. Therefore, you’ll need a backpack made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials. Look for backpacks made with durable fabrics like nylon or polyester, and make sure the zippers and seams are reinforced.
4. Ease of Access
When painting in the field, you need quick and easy access to your supplies. Choose a backpack with compartments or pouches that allow you to grab what you need without too much effort. Side pockets, front pockets, and zippered pouches are great for storing smaller tools like brushes and pencils.
5. Weather Resistance
Since plein air painting often takes place outdoors in varying weather conditions, a water-resistant or waterproof backpack is ideal. Many good painting backpacks come with rain covers or water-resistant coatings to protect your supplies from unexpected showers.
6. Lightweight Design
While you might need to carry a lot of materials, the backpack itself should be lightweight to avoid overloading yourself. The last thing you want is to struggle with a bulky, heavy bag when you are trying to find the perfect painting spot.
7. Organization
Organization is essential when carrying multiple items. Having separate compartments for your easel, paints, brushes, and personal belongings (like snacks, water, or a camera) helps keep everything in its place and easily accessible.
The Best Backpacks for Plein Air Painting
Now that we’ve discussed the key features of a good plein air painting backpack, let’s take a look at some of the best options available on the market.
1. Timbuk2 Command Laptop Backpack
While the Timbuk2 Command Laptop Backpack is designed primarily for tech-savvy commuters, it’s also a great choice for plein air painters who want a highly organized bag. With a dedicated compartment for a tablet or laptop, it also provides plenty of room for your painting materials. The bag has multiple pockets for brushes, paints, and smaller accessories, and the durable fabric is water-resistant, offering protection for your supplies in all kinds of weather.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant and durable construction
- Multiple compartments for organizing supplies
- Comfortable, ergonomic shoulder straps
- Laptop sleeve for extra protection
2. Picasso Gear Plein Air Painting Backpack
Designed specifically for plein air artists, the Picasso Gear Plein Air Painting Backpack offers excellent organization and durability. The backpack has a built-in easel compartment, as well as ample space for paints, brushes, and canvases. It also includes side pockets for smaller tools and a rain cover to keep everything dry.
Key Features:
- Integrated easel compartment
- Water-resistant fabric and rain cover
- Padded shoulder straps and waist belt for comfort
- Ample space for paints, brushes, and canvases
3. Op/Tech USA Camera and Gear Backpack
Though designed for photographers, the Op/Tech USA Camera and Gear Backpack works wonderfully for plein air painters due to its modular and customizable interior. The bag is lightweight but offers plenty of storage space, and the padded dividers keep your supplies organized and secure. It’s particularly well-suited for those who like to carry a variety of painting tools and accessories.
Key Features:
- Padded, customizable dividers
- Lightweight design for comfort
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Multiple compartments for easy access
4. Manfrotto Advanced Camera Backpack
For plein air painters who also enjoy photography, the Manfrotto Advanced Camera Backpack offers an excellent dual-purpose solution. This versatile backpack features a well-organized interior with adjustable compartments for carrying both painting materials and camera gear. It’s comfortable to wear on long hikes, with a breathable back panel and padded shoulder straps.
Key Features:
- Adjustable, customizable interior
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Weather-resistant fabric for outdoor use
- Perfect for painters who also enjoy photography
5. Artbin Plein Air Painting Backpack
The Artbin Plein Air Painting Backpack is a budget-friendly option that provides everything you need for a comfortable painting session. With ample space for brushes, paints, and even a small easel, this backpack offers great organization and portability. It also features a padded shoulder strap and waist belt for comfort.
Key Features:
- Affordable option for artists on a budget
- Spacious interior for painting supplies
- Comfortable padded straps
- Weather-resistant exterior
6. Kerry K. Plein Air Painting Backpack
The Kerry K. Plein Air Painting Backpack is designed with outdoor artists in mind, offering a specialized compartment for easels and brushes. The high-quality, weather-resistant fabric ensures that your supplies stay safe in any condition. It’s highly comfortable and lightweight, making it a great choice for plein air painters who need to hike to their favorite locations.
Key Features:
- Specialized easel compartment
- Weather-resistant fabric
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Comfortable straps and waist belt
7. Bogen Manfrotto Camera Backpack
This camera backpack is great for plein air painters who value precision and organization. It offers several compartments for organizing materials, including a special section for brushes and paints. While designed with photographers in mind, the Bogen Manfrotto Camera Backpack’s versatility and durability make it a solid choice for plein air artists.
Key Features:
- Several compartments for organization
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Adjustable padded dividers for easy customization
- Great for both painters and photographers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a special backpack for plein air painting?
While you can use any backpack to carry your painting supplies, a specialized plein air painting backpack is designed to make your experience more efficient and enjoyable. These backpacks offer compartments for different tools, are often weather-resistant, and provide additional support for long hours of painting outdoors.
2. What should I look for in a plein air painting backpack?
The most important features to look for are comfort, durability, size, weather resistance, and good organization. Your backpack should be able to carry all your essential painting tools while also providing comfort for long treks or painting sessions outdoors.
3. Are there backpacks designed for both artists and photographers?
Yes, many camera backpacks are designed to carry both art supplies and camera gear. These backpacks often have adjustable, customizable compartments that make them versatile for plein air painters who also enjoy photography.
4. Can a regular hiking backpack work for plein air painting?
While a regular hiking backpack can carry your painting materials, it may lack the organizational compartments and specialized features of a plein air painting backpack. If you’re willing to improvise and organize your supplies in a general-purpose backpack, it can work, but a painting-specific backpack offers more convenience.
5. How do I know if a backpack is weather-resistant?
Check the material of the backpack—look for descriptions such as “water-resistant,” “weather-resistant,” or “waterproof.” You may also find backpacks with a built-in rain cover that you can deploy to protect your supplies during unexpected weather changes.
6. Are these backpacks only for professional artists?
Not at all! While professional plein air painters may benefit most from specialized backpacks, hobbyists and beginners can also enjoy the convenience and organization that these backpacks offer.
7. How can I prevent my backpack from getting too heavy?
To avoid carrying an overly heavy backpack, pack only the essentials and choose a lightweight bag. Consider using a lightweight easel, smaller paint tubes, and compact brushes to reduce the weight of your backpack.
Conclusion
Finding the best backpack for plein air painting involves considering your unique needs as an artist and understanding the features that make a backpack both functional and comfortable. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner artist, investing in the right backpack can significantly improve your outdoor painting experience. The options listed above offer a range of features to accommodate different preferences, from weather-resistant designs to customizable compartments and lightweight materials.
By carefully considering the factors of size, durability, organization, and comfort, you’ll be well-equipped to carry your painting materials in style and comfort as you paint the world around you.
Leave a Reply