Have you ever felt the thrill of painting outdoors, only to be weighed down by a mountain of gear? Imagine standing before a breathtaking landscape, your easel set, ready to capture the light, but your shoulders ache from lugging supplies. This is a common struggle for plein air painters. Choosing the right backpack is crucial for comfortable and successful outdoor painting sessions.
The market is flooded with backpacks, each claiming to be the perfect solution. This can make it hard to choose. Many painters face challenges like backpacks that are too small, uncomfortable to carry, or lack essential features. Finding the right one is crucial for protecting your equipment and ensuring a positive painting experience. Not to mention, you want to be comfortable!
This blog post will help you. We’ll break down the key features to look for in a plein air painting backpack. You’ll learn how to select a backpack that fits your gear, your body, and your budget. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose a backpack that makes your outdoor painting adventures enjoyable and efficient.
Let’s dive into the details and find the perfect backpack to carry your painting essentials!
Our Top 5 Backpack For Plein Air Painting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backpack For Plein Air Painting Detailed Reviews
1. En Plein Air Pro 60L Artist Backpack
Rating: 9.1/10
The En Plein Air Pro 60L Artist Backpack is a must-have for artists who love to paint outdoors. This backpack is made to carry all your art supplies. It has a big 60L capacity with a size of 26″L x 12.20″W x 10.63″H. The backpack is tough and can hold a complete easel setup. You can easily carry your palette, panel holder, and tripod. It even has room for a wet panel box!
What We Like:
- The backpack has a huge 60L capacity.
- It can hold a complete easel setup.
- The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable.
- The shoulder straps can be zipped into the back.
- It is made of high-strength 600D fabric.
- There are two front zippered pockets for supplies.
- It is ultra tough and durable.
What Could Be Improved:
- We would like to see more color options.
- Adding some internal organization would be a plus.
This backpack is perfect for artists who want to paint outside. It is a great choice for carrying all your art supplies safely and easily.
2. PLEINLY Portable Watercolor Easel Set + BP-70 Backpack. Plein Air Painting & Drawing Easel with Wet Panel Carrier
Rating: 9.2/10
The PLEINLY Portable Watercolor Easel Set is a complete kit for outdoor painting. It includes everything you need to paint anywhere! This set has a wet panel carrier, a sturdy tripod, a comfy stool, and a big backpack. You also get a sketchbook, a backing board, clips, and two palettes. It is perfect for artists who want to paint outside. It is designed for comfort and easy use.
What We Like:
- This set is made for plein air painting.
- It has a wet panel carrier to protect your artwork.
- You can paint standing or sitting with the adjustable easel.
- The included tripod is strong and easy to use.
- The set comes with a 70L backpack.
- It has a sketchbook with great paper.
- The stool is lightweight and easy to carry.
- It comes with two different watercolor palettes.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Cons are listed.
This PLEINLY set is a great choice for artists on the go. It gives you everything you need to paint outdoors with ease. You can easily set up your studio anywhere!
3. JJRING Heavy Duty Plein Air Artist Backpack with Handheld Strap
Rating: 9.1/10
The JJRING Heavy Duty Plein Air Artist Backpack is a must-have for artists on the go! This art supply tote bag is designed to carry your 18×24 artwork, drawing boards, and more. It’s a versatile bag perfect for drawing enthusiasts and professional painters alike. The blue color adds a stylish touch, making it easy to spot.
What We Like:
- Lots of Space: The main compartment is big. It holds large canvas panels, sketchpads, and paintboxes.
- Plenty of Pockets: You’ll find two zippered pockets for pens and pencils. Two long front pockets secure folding easels with straps. There are also two side mesh pockets and a small mesh pocket on the shoulder strap.
- Two Ways to Carry: Use it as a backpack with adjustable shoulder straps. Or, carry it as a tote with the handheld strap.
- Durable Materials: It is made of soft, durable canvas with a water-resistant lining.
- Great for Outdoor Painting: This backpack is perfect for plein air painting on short hikes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description could be more specific about the durability of the straps.
Overall, the JJRING artist backpack is a great choice for artists. It’s a practical and stylish way to carry your art supplies wherever you go!
4. Sienna Plein Air Wet Panel Carrier Box I Lightweight Wet Painting Carrier for Travel
Rating: 8.8/10
The Sienna Plein Air Wet Panel Carrier Box is a must-have for artists who love to paint outdoors! This lightweight box safely carries your wet paintings. It is perfect for travel, classes, and workshops. This carrier is a great gift for artists working with watercolor, oil, acrylic, or pastel. It keeps your artwork protected while you’re on the go.
What We Like:
- Versatile design holds both 9 x 12 inch and 8 x 10 inch paintings.
- It can hold four panels up to 1/8″ thick.
- The box is small, lightweight, and easy to carry.
- Spring-loaded clasps keep your paintings safe.
- It works well with plein air easels and pochade boxes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The box only fits panels up to 1/8″ thick.
This wet panel carrier is a handy tool for any outdoor painter. It is a simple way to protect your artwork.
5. New Wave u.go Plein Air
Rating: 9.2/10
The New Wave u.go Anywhere Pochade Box is a super portable art easel. It’s built for artists who love to paint outdoors, also known as plein air painting. This small and sturdy box is perfect for holding your canvas, paints, and brushes. It’s made to be easy to carry and set up wherever you go.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong Baltic Birch wood.
- The finish is tough and protects against water and solvents.
- The box has strong magnets for easy closing and holding your canvas.
- It can be used with a tripod.
- It’s lightweight and easy to store.
- It comes with a plastic palette.
- It’s made in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- None noted from the information provided.
This pochade box is a great choice for artists who paint on the go. It’s well-made and designed to make painting outdoors easy and fun.
The Best Backpack for Painting Outdoors: A Guide
Painting outside is fun! You need a good backpack to carry your art supplies. This guide helps you find the best backpack for your plein air painting.
Key Features to Look For
You need a backpack with certain features. These features will make your painting trips easier.
- Size and Capacity: Make sure the backpack is big enough. It needs to hold your easel, paints, brushes, and water. Measure your gear before you buy. Look for backpacks with at least 20-30 liters of space.
- Easel Attachment: Some backpacks have straps or pockets for your easel. This is super important! It keeps your hands free.
- Compartments and Pockets: Look for different compartments. These help you organize your supplies. Separate pockets for wet canvases are also great.
- Water Resistance: The backpack should be water-resistant. This helps protect your supplies from rain. Some backpacks are fully waterproof.
- Comfort: The backpack should be comfortable. Look for padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. These help distribute the weight.
Important Materials
The materials used to make the backpack matter. They affect how long it lasts and how well it works.
- Nylon or Polyester: These materials are strong and water-resistant. They are great for backpacks.
- Reinforced Stitching: Strong stitching makes the backpack last longer. Look for stitching in areas that get a lot of stress.
- Water-Resistant Zippers: Zippers can let water in. Water-resistant zippers help prevent this.
- Durable Buckles and Straps: These should be made of strong plastic or metal. They will help you carry the weight of your supplies.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a backpack better. Other things make it worse.
- Good Quality Improves Quality: A backpack made with good materials will be better. Strong stitching and water-resistant fabric are important.
- Poor Quality Reduces Quality: Cheap materials and weak stitching will make a backpack fall apart.
- Weight of the Backpack: A lightweight backpack is easier to carry.
- Comfort Features: Padded straps and a hip belt make the backpack more comfortable. This is important if you will be carrying it for a long time.
- Brand Reputation: Check reviews of the brand. See if they are known for making good quality backpacks.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the backpack. This helps you choose the right one.
- Easy to Use: The backpack should be easy to pack and unpack. The compartments should be easy to access.
- Comfortable to Carry: You will be carrying the backpack for a while. Make sure it is comfortable.
- Good for Hiking: If you hike to your painting spot, the backpack needs to be comfortable. It should also be able to hold your supplies safely.
- Good for City Painting: If you paint in the city, the backpack needs to be easy to carry. It should also be able to hold your supplies safely.
- Holds All the Essentials: The backpack needs to hold your easel, paints, brushes, water, and other supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size backpack do I need?
A: You need a backpack that is big enough to hold your easel, paints, brushes, and other supplies. Look for a backpack that is at least 20-30 liters.
Q: What is the best material for a plein air painting backpack?
A: Nylon or polyester are great choices. They are strong and water-resistant.
Q: How important is water resistance?
A: Water resistance is very important. It protects your supplies from rain and moisture.
Q: Should I get a backpack with an easel attachment?
A: Yes! This is very helpful for carrying your easel.
Q: What features make a backpack comfortable?
A: Padded shoulder straps and a hip belt make a backpack comfortable.
Q: How can I organize my supplies?
A: Look for a backpack with different compartments and pockets. This helps you organize your supplies.
Q: What is a good weight for a backpack?
A: A lightweight backpack is easier to carry.
Q: How do I know if a backpack is good quality?
A: Look for good materials, strong stitching, and a reputable brand.
Q: Can I use a regular backpack for plein air painting?
A: You *can* use a regular backpack, but a backpack designed for painting is better. They have special features like easel attachments.
Q: Where can I buy a plein air painting backpack?
A: You can buy them online or at art supply stores. Look for reviews to help you choose.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.