Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter Review

Langly have been in business since 2012. They focus on bags and straps, along with some really nice field jackets with pockets designed for camera gear. (If you’ve ever struggled with airline carry on restrictions, I’d recommend having a look at this.)

This review, however, is focused on a camera backpack called the Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter.

Langly calls it “an ideal solution for studio setups and fieldwork that requires a wide selection of lenses or multiple camera bodies”.

It’s hard to say they’re wrong. With a capacity of 10 lenses, this is one of the larger backpacks of this type on the market.

Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter Specs

 

• Features: Adjustable Interior Dividers, Laptop Compartment, Removable Interior Dividers, Tablet Pocket, Tripod Holder
• Carrying Options: Backpack Straps, Sternum Strap, Top Handle, Waist Belt
• Laptop Compartment Screen Size: 15.0″
• Exterior Dimensions: 20 x 11 x 8″ / 50.8 x 27.94 x 20.32 cm
• Type of Closure: Zipper
• Water Resistance: Waterproof Material
• Package Weight: 5.8 lb
• Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 20 x 17 x 8″

Build & Appearance

If you’re not a fan of advertising that you’re carrying a camera bag loaded with thousands of dollars worth of gear, the Langly Multi-Camera Bag is your kind of bag.

Their style is what I’d classify as a modern look. It has a waterproof material covering that seems similar to a waterproof jacket.

It’s hard to make a black bag look unique these days, but Langley have done an excellent job with their design. The Globetrotter is unmistakably Langly when you look at the style of their bags.

It’s subtle but stylish as far as big bags go.

The construction quality of the Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter is good – in line with most of the competitors within this price range. Fortunately, we don’t see many bags with poor construction at this level.

I particularly like the style of clips that Langly used with the raised loops that make it easy to feel if the bag is closed. I’d be happy to have this on any bag I own versus some of the other styles.

I’m not a huge fan of velcro due to the noise, and some styles of buckles make a clicking noise when unfastened which is annoying.

Langly’s clips seem like a great compromise between quick fastening and security.

I’m not sure about the longevity, but I can’t imagine the wear on these would be excessive.

If I were going to nitpick on construction, I’d say I’d like to see a lightweight frame incorporated into the outer frame of a bag with this capacity, whether it’s an aluminium frame or simply some more robust foam.

I think the large capacity of a bag like this might result in the bag bending or deforming over time.

Exterior Features

On the outside of the Langly Multi-Camera Bag, you’ll find shoulder straps, grab handle, and large side pockets for water bottles or other camera accessories.

Langley included a full-length front pocket, which is useful for reflectors or additional clothing – although it’s too flat for bulky items.

On the backpack side, there are two hidden pockets. These are great for avoiding wandering hands. One is at the top and one mid-back. The lower one is covered by a velcro strap, which can be used as a luggage slide-through when you’re using a rolling camera bag, for example.

For those landscape photographers, you’ll find removable straps for attaching a tripod. The tripod hangs at the bottom of the bag in the same way you would carry a tent or sleeping bag.

Access to the interior is via the main zip or the top, although the top only provides access to your primary camera body.

As I was putting the finishing touches on my review, a fellow photographer came to me with a weekend bag request for offshore boat racing.

What occurred was 25-knot winds, and massive waves testing the bag to the extreme.

The Langly Multi-Camera Bag survived with flying colours, as did his gear inside, although the bag was a lot saltier than when I sent it to him.

Granted these are not the sort of conditions people are likely to take the bag out in, but if you’re walking through a forest in a downpour, I’d say you have little to worry about.

Interior Features

You’ll find the interior section of the Langly Multi-Camera Bag a little light on features. That’s not a negative. Due to the high capacity of the bag, the bulk of the interior is for camera gear.

Aside from the usual camera space and dividers, you’ll find several convenient pockets to carry any small items like cleaning cloths or memory cards.

Langly included a thin mesh which ensures the camera compartment is secure when the bag is open.

This may not seem important, but when you are carrying a bag with this capacity, the frame bends, and it’s easy for small lenses to fall from one row to another. The mesh ensures that it does not happen.

From a technology perspective, the Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter will fit a full size 15″ Laptop, along with some of the compact larger laptops like the new 16″ Macbook Pro.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of the Langly Multi-Camera Bag is enormous.

Langly claims ten lenses, and it’s not an exaggeration. While Langley doesn’t give the volume, my estimates put it at about 35L.

It’s the kind of bag you could put dual bodies, five lenses, a drone, an apartment block… okay maybe the last bit is an exaggeration, but it is big.

Depending on what you’re carrying, the bag can fit the following :

• Full frame body x 2
• 14-24mm f/2.8
• 24-70mm f/2.8
• 70-200mm f/2.8
• 50mm f/1.4
• 85mm f/1.4
• Drone and remote (or more lenses)
• Tripod
• Waterbottle
• Jumper/sweater
• 15″ Laptop
• iPad

Ease of Use/Comfort

The Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter has shoulder straps along with a chest strap and waist straps. This seemed to be a complaint they’ve addressed from the previous model.

The straps are comfortable and well-padded, which is essential given the high load capacity.

It’s not the same level of padding you’d see on some of the bigger hiking style camera bags, but it’s better than many bags on the market.

Access to the main camera section is from the front, which isn’t my preference. This means you have to lay it down on the section that touches your back if you want access to the whole camera compartment.

I think a rear opening is a better option, but this only impacts you if you regularly shoot in wet or muddy conditions.

Value for Money

The Langly Multi-Camera Bag sells for just under $300 (see latest price here), which is the mid to upper tier of camera bags.

It’s not unexpected for a camera bag of this size and quality.

Once you start going into that price range, though, you’re venturing into some fairly serious competition.

I think the Multi-Camera Bag has an advantage in the capacity of the bag, which may sway users to their bags depending on their requirements.

Outside of the high capacity users, I do think Langly is going to have a harder time when you start comparing the bag to competitors.

Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter Review | Conclusion

Photography bags are a little like cars: Everyone will have 10 reasons why the one they picked is better than anything else on the market.

Ultimately the decision comes down to capacity, style and budget.

I think this Langly Multi-Pack Globetrotter fits into a good space in the market for those looking for a high capacity bag without the bulk of the big hiking bags like Fstop and Shimoda.

Langly put a lot of thought into this bag down to the mesh covering and the hidden compartments for wallets or passports.

Like many bags, it isn’t perfect, but bags are personal and perfect is really relative to what you think you need in a bag.

A more solid frame would go a long way to addressing some of my issues with the bag, but outside of that, most of the issues are relatively minor, and it still offers good value.