Best Specialist Results – The Fifth Annual Carry Awards
1st Place
Mountainsmith x Chris Burkard Tanuck 40L
Adventure photography often involves the need to adapt, whether you’re embracing diverse environments or changing out your gear requirements. So Mountainsmith and renowned photographer Chris Burkard teamed up to create the Tanuck 40L, a photography backpack built to withstand demanding use while catering to a range of carry setups. Forming part of the T.A.N. (Tough As Nails) Series, the pack takes inspiration from a climbing haul bag and combines a weather-resistant and self-standing design with a choice of both front and top-loading access. For even faster access to gear, the removable top lid can attach to the shoulder straps to create a chest mount, keeping a camera or accessories within easy reach.
The pack features plenty of pockets and attachment points, so you can easily organize your gear to suit specific trips. Dedicated storage for a laptop keeps your tech safe, front and side pockets can be used to store frequently used or wet items, while MOLLE-style webbing and D-ring attachment points provide further organization options. Plus the hydration bladder sleeve and exit port help you stay easily hydrated on the go. Need a little extra organization? The pack can also be used with the T.A.N. Series Kit Cubes and Tanack 10 lumbar pack for further customized carry setups.
Versatile and durable, the Tanuck 40L is a great companion for exploring the unknown with photography gear in hand.
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Highly Commended
These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals, while their flags were hoisted into the horizon – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.
HoldFast Roamographer
Like any good photograph, the Roamographer draws the eye. And with its striking vintage aesthetics it’s not hard to see why. But the composition is solid too, with classic materials and handcrafted construction ensuring this camera bag is tough enough to roam for years to come. Made with Great American Bison leather, the Roamographer is available in two sizes to suit DSLR gear and mirrorless and rangefinder gear. The bag keeps camera gear protected within a removable padded insert, while external straps can secure bulky items such as a tripod. Plus you don’t need to worry about missing a shot, as a smaller camera can be attached to the shoulder strap. The Roamographer stands out with its balance of luxurious style and protective, hard-wearing construction. Well done, HoldFast!
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Arc’teryx LEAF DryPack 25
The DryPack 25 is an excellent example of Arc’teryx’s ability to nail fit-for-purpose design. The completely waterproof pack forms part of Arc’teryx’s LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces) line, and is intended for Maritime Special Operations use. Honed to serve as a waterproof assault pack, the DryPack 25 features an oral inflation valve for neutral buoyancy underwater or positive buoyancy on the surface to suit the user’s needs. The pack allows for customizable organization to suit different missions, offering an exterior embedded PALS panel for attaching MOLLE pouches and an interior pocket and Velcro loop panel. The sleek design also includes a sternum strap along with a stowable and removable hip belt for user comfort. This is a pack stripped down to the essentials and built tough to get the job done. Kudos, Arc’teryx.
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