By ACN Member Sarah McNaughton
In the world of do-it-yourself ag reporting, I’ve found what I think is the perfect backpack for an ag journalist in the Brevite Jumper. For the past year, this backpack has hauled all my camera equipment, laptop, notebooks, pens, a million chargers, and other travel essentials across the country.
I put this bag to the test everywhere from Commodity Classic to the cattle ranch, and it’s sleek design and ease of cleaning has held up well. At 18L it’s even the perfect size to be a carryon, or easily hang on for a ride through the pasture.
The Brevite Jumper Backpack has a front
compartment to directly access your camera gear.
(Courtesy: Sarah McNaughton)
My favorite feature in the bag is the front-open zipper, where you can directly access your camera gear. Marketed as a camera backpack, the Jumper has removable dividers, that can allow you to ensure a safe fit for camera. I personally can fit two Canon DSLR bodies (with the lenses attached) and two additional lenses in the camera section. Even better, a quick access zipper on the side of the bag allows you to access the camera compartment easily without having to take the entire pack of.
A separate top compartment allows for notebooks, sunscreen, snacks, or other essentials to be accessed easily. Want just a regular backpack though? You can remove all camera dividers and open the top compartment to have a normal sized bag. I was able to utilize this during travels in National Parks, where I was able to keep my camera secure, while having more room to carry hiking essentials. From the dusty trails of Yosemite to the (sometimes) muddy plains of the Dakotas, this bag has held up well to wear and tear without stains. If you’re still worried about stains, remember that this bag is weather resistant and machine washable.
The Brevite Jumper Backpack
(Courtesy: Sarah McNaughton)
As I was returning from Commodity Classic, I was grateful for the luggage pass-through on the back of the bag, which allows me to rest my bag securely on top of my carry-on. Straps on the outside of the bag serve as places to hold tripods, or the occasional jacket that needed to be stowed. On the other side of the bag, there is a solid-fabric drink holder than can carry up a 40-ounce water bottle, or an extra camera lens.
I went for the Pine Green color option, but the Jumper comes in everything from Lemon Yellow to Triple Black. At $169.99, it may be a higher price option than many would like, but it is well worth the investment. It comes with a lifetime warranty from the company, as well as more than 5,000, 5-star reviews from customers.
I know this bag is one necessity I’ll never travel without.
Sarah McNaughton is Editor and Content Director for Dakota Farmer, and resides in Bismarck, N.D. McNaughton is a graduate of North Dakota State University in Agriculture Communications and Animal Science, and current Masters student in Extension Education and Youth Development. She’s involved in multiple agriculture organizations in her personal and professional life as a member of North Dakota Agri-Women, Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority alumni, Professional Women in Agribusiness, and Agriculture Communicators Network.
When she’s not covering agriculture’s stories, she is an avid hiker, backpacker, and outdoor enthusiast, She can also be found most summer weekends photographing rodeos and team ropings across the region.