Topo Designs  Mini Quick Pack

"Fanny packs" have been around for decades; and because of that, and the fact that they are just so small, it's tough to do something new and innovative with them. Well I have to say that with the Mini Quick Pack, TOPO Designs has done it. This little pack spoke to me the minute I pulled it out of the box and I knew it was exactly what I was looking for to take into the urban jungle and spend some time documenting life with my camera. Street photography is where this little friend shines. This surprised me a little because initially I was thinking I would sling this over my shoulder for some short jaunts into the woods, and that will probably still happen, but for this review, the city it is. What is so innovative about this little bag? And what makes it great for urban/street photography? Easy - padding! This bag is nicely padded on all sides, including the bottom, making it a great option to throw in a small form factor camera and not have to worry too much about small bumps and bangs as you adventure downtown. Keep in mind that this is a small bag and they can't do too much with the padding, so don't expect this to be like a photo-backpack or other large camera bag, but you don't want to be lugging one of those around downtown anyway, so having padding here was a pleasant surprise. Because of the size this bag, you won't be throwing in any DSLRs or even most mirrorless setups of course, but for some of the current most popular fixed-lens street cameras (you know what I'm referring to), this will work nicely. If you use a smaller interchangeable-lens setup and are just wanting to take your gear and no other daily-carry type items, you could throw your camera body in with a pancake lens on it and slide another slightly-longer lens in next to it. Since I use a fixed lens setup, I was able to put my camera in the bag, standing on its side, with my small first aid kit next to it (see the photos). The front zipper pocket allows for a small notepad and a few pens as well, but it's a little awkward at times getting things in and out with the diagonal zipper. There is clip for your keys in the front pocket. The other features of this bag make it pretty usable and comfortable as well. The zippers are really large, a little surprisingly so, but they are strong and smooth and I'm confident they will do their job without getting jammed. I really like that they included dual zippers on the main compartment because I wear this pack like a sling bag over my shoulder and I hate it when zippers on bags close on the side of the bag pointing at the ground because it's just too easy to leave a zipper slightly open unknowingly and have things fall out! That scenario can be disastrous when carrying a camera. Dual zippers fix this issue because I can close the pack with the zippers at the top, regardless of whether I throw it over my left shoulder or my right. Love that. Note: There is only a single zipper on the front pocket so it only closes in one direction which does happen to be towards the bottom when wearing the bag on your right side (strap over your left shoulder). Because of the way the zipper is designed with small loops at each end, it's probably a slim chance that anything will fall out, but be aware that it's a possibility. The strap on this pack is fantastic. It's classic seatbelt webbing that is super soft and flexible. I have worn so many small bags where for some reason the manufacturers felt they needed to install a huge stiff strap that could hold 300+ pounds when the pack itself could only fit maybe 3-5. TOPO definitely got the strap and buckle right on this one, not too big and not too small; although I can't really seem to find the benefit of the added D-ring by the buckle. The compression straps on the bottom of the pack are an interesting addition. I don't really use them for compression because the pack just isn't that large when fully open so I don't really see the need to compress it any smaller when the pack isn't full. Although I have a different use for these straps: They hold an umbrella or a compact tripod/monopod quite nicely! The inner pocket in the main compartment is convenient, especially if I don't want to take my wallet. I can throw in a few cards and some cash and not take up any extra room in the main compartment. This pocket has a folded envelope-type top so it will keep those types of items safely inside, but coins may work themselves out if you throw the pack around enough. Some of the other less-noticeable features are really great. I love the handles on this little pack! Such a simple little addition that I have found myself using a ton. I didn't really pay much attention to them at first and it wasn't until I consciously caught myself using them that I even really noticed they were there. That's a sign of a great feature to me, one that you just naturally use without having to call much attention to it. I find myself just grabbing the handles a lot when I'm not going a long distance and don't want to sling the pack over my head/shoulder, (or buckle it around your waist if that's how you prefer to wear it). This feature makes this pack really usable. The loop on the front of the pack is great to clip a flashing light onto if you are riding your bike around town. What do I NOT like about the Mini Quick Pack? Not a lot really. It's really a nice little pack. As I mentioned before the zippers are oddly large and the paracord zipper-pulls are a little large too, but they work well and are pretty easy to open and close, even one-handed. The diagonal zipper on the front pocket is a little awkward to use. It adds some style sure, but it can be frustrating getting things in and out of it, especially something a little wider like a notebook. I think a straight zipper across the top would be much more usable. I also would like to see the internal pocket actually have a zipper instead of the envelope type closure. If it had a zipper, I would feel much more confident throwing coins or other small items that could more easily bounce out of this type of pocket (USB drive, spare house key, etc.). But again, not a big deal, the pocket works fine. I don't know how they would do it, or even if they should really, but it would be interesting to see if they could figure out an easy way to detach the belt. Sometimes it's just so nice to grab this little pack by the handles and go, and the belt sometimes ends up getting caught on things and becoming a slight nuisance. But as I said, I'm not sure they even should worry about that because at what point does that end up defeating the purpose of the bag and becoming something entirely different? But it is a thought. Being able to easily detach/attach the belt could take this pack to a whole new level. All in all, I really enjoy this little pack. I have loved using it for my street escapades. The size is just right for that type of purpose and the padding is simply superb. I actually found myself being more excited to head out and just take photos because I had a system that made it easier for me to do so; and that is fantastic. I think that is really the main goal of a pack, isn't it? To make life easier? What good is a pack that complicates life? We want something functional that will make it easier to enjoy life and our various activities, and this little pack has definitely done that for me. If I'm in the mood to hit the streets, this is my go-to bag. If you are looking for a little urban warrior, I think you will be pleased with this bag too. Good luck out there.

The length of the adjustable strap is good for larger waists. I was able to snug it up and sat right in the small of my back when walking. The different pockets allowed for my to pack my 10 essentials for hiking. Had hoped the bottom loops opened more to get a water bottle in but they don't, so insted I rolled up my rain jacket and worked it in. I tried it as a sling bag like in the product pictures, but with a large bust it just felt uncomfortable.