The Mission Workshop Integer Backpack is a Mountain Bike Photog's Organizational Bliss

For photophile fun: I shoot most of my work on a Sony a6300 machine, with a Sigma 16mm, f1.8 lens.

Singletracks readers have long shared their love for trailside photography through social media channels and the trail database, and we’re always impressed with your submissions. For riders who enjoy photographing and filming the wonders of mountain biking, bringing all of your gear into the forest can be a bit of a gamble. If you crash you can damage a few thousand dollars worth of equipment, and a proper rainstorm could do the same.

Mission Workshop designed the Integer backpack with the specific needs of pedaling picture-clickers in mind. The pack fits comfortably while riding, allows you to distribute weight evenly, is covered in pockets and dividers to help you organize all the bits, is padded in all of the right places, and it’s weatherproof. This is the bag I take into the forest to shoot races and events, and any photographer who wants to bring all of the right gear along will appreciate its thoughtful features.

Materials and construction

The main buckle in the center acts as a second level of security over the bag’s main zippered gear flap. The two rails that parallel the buckle are part of the Arkiv system that allows you to attach other bags and pockets if you need additional space.

The overall construction of the Integer pack has a combat-ready feel to it. I occasionally get to test something that I know will be around longer than I will, and this pack will undoubtedly be one to pass on to the next generation of photo nerds. I have used it in heavy rainstorms, slathered it in mud, and laid it in dust half its depth, and it has managed to keep my tools sharp and accessible.

$485 (€465) available from Mission Workshop
Made in small batches in the USA
HT500 nylon textile shell material
Two-layer weatherproof design
Soft air mesh padding
Weather resistant YZZ Aquaguard zippers all around
Available colors: Black, grey, or black camo
Total internal volume is 24 litters
Guaranteed forever

The padding that sits against your lumbar doubles as a strap to connect the Integer to an extended luggage handle.

Functions

This small side pocket is perfect for keeping keys or a card-reader at the ready.

The tripod holster can extend down below the bag for longer-legged stands and doubles as a sweet U-lock holster for commuting.

On the side opposite the tripod sheath is a smaller pocket with a mesh fold-out drink holster. The pocket that the mesh holster is stored in is large enough for a pocket-size book or e-reader.

The nylon loop on top of the bag can be used to secure the rolltop or to attach any larger objects you want to bring along that don’t fit inside.

The rear laptop pouch is designed to fit up to a 15.5″ machine.

This quick access pocket can be opened without undoing any of the straps or rolltop. I keep my lens cap and microfiber wipes in this pouch so I can grab them quickly.

Mission Workshop’s patented Arkiv system allows you to link their bags together with a series of metal clips for additional storage.

Here is the Integer with my Axis waist pack attached via the Arkiv system. It’s appropriately dirty on the outside, while clean and dry inside. The material sheds dirt quickly once it dries, leaving the bag looking clean and new a few days after riding. If you manage to deeply soil the shell you can always hose it off alongside your bike. Mission Workshop claims that the shell material wears similarly to leather, looking better with age and use.

The video above details all of the features of the Integer pack.

Use report

The pack fits great, even loaded with heaps of gear.

The lower portion of the pack has a set of dividers that are held in by tough velcro strips. The organizational foam can be configured to fit your camera, lighting bits, sound equipment, or compact drone gear. The padded inserts can also be removed, opening up the bag for your non-media traveling needs. I keep nearly all of my camera gear packed so it is ready to go when I am.

This side access port allows you to grab your camera quickly, without opening the entire bag. Here you can see the thick sidewall padding that lines the gear compartment.

The upper rolltop pocket has plenty of room for clothing or whatever else you want to bring along for a photo shoot. I can typically fit all of my ride and casual clothing for a weekend in this upper portion of the bag. The lower gear section of the bag can be accessed by unzipping the bottom of this compartment. The weatherproof material lining the top and bottom of the bag is easy to wipe clean when needed.

The single chest strap keeps the bag in place, and Mission Workshop does make a waist belt if you feel the need for a more strappy fit.

Verdict

I want my fancy camera gear to work well, and to last as long as possible, despite the harsh conditions I often drag it through. Having a sturdy bag that I know will keep everything as safe as possible is important, and that is exactly what the Integer does. It’s worth mentioning that, in addition to its numerous technical features, this bag looks fantastic. Dirty or clean, I never mind carrying it to the coffee shop when it’s time to sit down and edit some photos.

We would like to thank Mission Workshop for sending the Integer for review.