Imagine standing on a sun-drenched hill, the wind gently rustling the leaves, ready to capture that perfect landscape with your paints. But then you look down at your gear. Is it all organized? Is it easy to carry? For many plein air painters, the trek to their perfect spot can feel like a marathon before the painting even begins. Finding the right backpack isn’t just about hauling supplies; it’s about making your creative journey enjoyable and efficient.
The struggle is real when it comes to choosing a backpack for painting outdoors. You need something that can hold your easel, paints, brushes, canvas, and maybe even a snack, all while being comfortable to wear for extended periods. Too small, and you’re leaving essentials behind. Too bulky, and the adventure becomes a chore. This is where a well-chosen backpack becomes your best friend.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into what makes a backpack perfect for plein air painting. We’ll explore features that matter, from sturdy construction to smart compartments. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find a backpack that makes carrying your art supplies a breeze, letting you focus on what truly matters: creating beautiful art in the great outdoors.
Our Top 5 Backpack For Plein Air Painting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backpack For Plein Air Painting Detailed Reviews
1. JJRING Heavy Duty Plein Air Artist Backpack with Handheld Strap
Rating: 8.7/10
Are you an artist who loves to paint outdoors or needs a reliable way to carry your supplies? The JJRING Heavy Duty Plein Air Artist Backpack is designed for you. This spacious and versatile bag makes transporting your art gear a breeze, whether you’re heading to a park for plein air painting or just to your studio.
What We Like:
- It has a big main area that can hold 18×24 canvas panels, drawing boards, or sketch pads.
- Lots of pockets keep your supplies organized. There are zippered pockets for pens and pencils, long front pockets for easels, and side mesh pockets for easy-to-reach items.
- A small mesh pocket on the shoulder strap is handy for your phone.
- You can wear it as a backpack or carry it with the comfortable handheld strap.
- The shoulder straps adjust to fit people of different sizes.
- It’s made of strong, soft canvas and has a lining that resists water.
- This bag is great for artists of all levels, from beginners to pros.
- It’s perfect for plein air painting adventures, even if they involve a little walking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the bag is described as heavy duty, the specific weight capacity or how much weight it can comfortably hold isn’t mentioned.
- The “water-resistant lining” is a good feature, but the outer canvas material’s water resistance isn’t detailed.
The JJRING Artist Backpack is a practical and well-designed solution for artists on the go. It offers ample storage and comfortable carrying options, making it a solid choice for your creative journeys.
2. TRANSON Artist Backpack Art Portfolio Bag 26” x 19.5” Navy Blue
Rating: 8.5/10
The TRANSON Artist Backpack Art Portfolio Bag in Navy Blue is a spacious and well-made bag for artists of all kinds. It’s designed to carry all your art supplies comfortably, whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just love to create art outdoors.
What We Like:
- This bag is super strong. It’s made from tough canvas, so it can handle lots of art gear.
- It has plenty of room for everything. You can fit stretched canvases, drawing pads, brushes, pens, pencils, and more.
- It’s really versatile. The main part holds thin pads up to 18”x24”. There’s also a long pocket for an easel, a small pouch, a large pouch, and a mesh pocket.
- Carrying it is easy and comfortable. The backpack straps are padded to make it feel lighter on your shoulders.
- You can use it as a backpack or a tote bag, which is super handy.
- The double zippers on the main compartment make it easy to open and close.
- Even though it’s strong, the canvas is soft, so it feels nice to carry.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits thin pads up to 18”x24”, it might not hold thicker panels or canvases of that size.
- The easel pocket is about 23” long, so very long easels might not fit completely inside.
This TRANSON Artist Backpack is a fantastic option for keeping your art supplies organized and easy to transport. It’s a practical and durable choice for any artist on the go.
3. En Plein Air Pro 60L Artist Backpack
Rating: 9.1/10
The En Plein Air Pro 60L Artist Backpack is a fantastic companion for any artist who loves to paint outdoors. It offers a ton of space and smart features to keep all your art supplies organized and protected.
What We Like:
- Huge Capacity: This backpack is massive at 26″L x 12.20″W x 10.63″H and holds 60 liters. That means you can fit your easel, a palette, a panel holder, a tripod, and even a 12×16 wet panel box with extra room!
- Comfortable and Versatile Carrying: The padded and adjustable shoulder straps make it comfortable to wear, even when it’s full. Plus, you can zip the straps away into a back flap, turning it into an easy-to-carry bag for travel or storage.
- Tough and Durable: Made from high-strength 600D fabric, this backpack is built to last. It can handle being carried around on your painting adventures.
- Smart Organization: Two front zippered pockets are perfect for smaller items like paints, your brush roll, a turps jar, and a sketchbook. Everything stays neat and accessible.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bulk for Short Trips: While great for full setups, it might be a bit too large if you only need a few supplies for a quick sketch session.
- Water Resistance: While durable, the description doesn’t mention if it’s waterproof, so you might want to protect your gear in heavy rain.
This backpack is a true workhorse for artists. It’s designed to carry everything you need for a full day of painting, making your outdoor art sessions much more enjoyable.
4. PLEINLY Portable Watercolor Easel Set + BP-70 Backpack. Plein Air Painting & Drawing Easel with Wet Panel Carrier
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash your inner artist and paint the world around you with the PLEINLY Portable Watercolor Easel Set + BP-70 Backpack. This all-in-one kit is designed for outdoor painting adventures, bringing the comfort of your studio right to nature. Whether you prefer to sit or stand, this set has you covered, letting you focus on creating beautiful art.
What We Like:
- Comfortable Painting Anywhere: The adjustable easel lets you paint while sitting or standing, and the included stool makes long sessions easy.
- Protect Your Artwork: The special wet panel carrier keeps your wet paintings safe during transport.
- Versatile Setup: You can connect the easel in two ways to keep your supplies and painting at the perfect distance for you.
- Great for Mixed Media: The 100% cotton sketchbook is perfect for watercolors and other wet media without warping.
- Everything Included: This set comes with a tripod, stool, sketchbook, board, clips, and two palettes, so you have all you need to start painting.
- Carry It All: The large 70L backpack makes it simple to take this entire setup on longer trips.
What Could Be Improved:
- Backpack Sold Separately: While the set is fantastic, the large BP-70 backpack is an additional purchase.
- Learning Curve for Modular Parts: Some of the modular connections might take a little time to figure out, though a visual manual is included.
This comprehensive set truly makes plein air painting accessible and enjoyable. It’s a fantastic investment for any artist looking to explore painting outdoors.
5. New Wave u.go Plein Air
Rating: 8.5/10
Unleash your creativity anywhere with the New Wave u.go Plein Air | Anywhere Pochade Box. This compact and sturdy easel is designed for artists on the go, allowing you to paint comfortably whether you’re in a park, by the sea, or in your own backyard. Its smart design and durable materials make it a reliable companion for all your artistic adventures.
What We Like:
- Made from strong Baltic Birch wood with non-corrosive stainless steel and aluminum parts.
- The special finish is tough, resisting water, solvents, cracks, and chips without yellowing.
- Uses strong magnets for easy opening, closing, and securing your canvas.
- Friction hinges let you tilt the box to any angle up to 180 degrees.
- Works with standard tripods for stable painting.
- The smooth outside makes it easy to pack away.
- Includes a high-density plastic palette that’s easy to clean, even for dried acrylics.
- The recessed design keeps your paint from smudging when the lid is closed.
- It’s super light, weighing only 1.35 lbs, making it perfect for travel.
- Can hold canvases and panels up to 9 inches tall.
- Made with care in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum recommended painting surface is 9 inches vertical, which might be limiting for some larger projects.
- While a palette is included, additional accessories like side trays or a glass palette cost extra.
The New Wave u.go Pochade Box is a fantastic, portable solution for plein air painting. Its thoughtful design and robust construction ensure it will be a trusted tool for artists for years to come.
The Essential Guide to Choosing Your Plein Air Painting Backpack
Painting outdoors, or “plein air,” is a wonderful way to connect with nature and capture its beauty. To do this effectively, you need the right gear. A good plein air painting backpack is your portable studio. It carries everything you need, from your paints to your easel. Let’s explore what makes a great plein air backpack.
Key Features to Look For
Comfort and Ergonomics
- Padded Straps: Wide, padded shoulder straps help distribute weight evenly. This makes carrying your supplies much more comfortable, especially on longer hikes.
- Adjustable Straps: You can adjust the shoulder straps and a chest strap. This helps the backpack fit your body perfectly.
- Back Padding: A padded back panel provides extra comfort and ventilation. It keeps your back from getting too hot.
Organization and Storage
- Multiple Compartments: Look for a backpack with many pockets and sections. This helps you keep your paints, brushes, water, and other items organized.
- Dedicated Brush Holders: Some backpacks have special pockets or tubes for brushes. This protects them from damage.
- Easy Access Pockets: You want to be able to reach your frequently used items quickly. Side pockets for water bottles or a small sketchpad are very useful.
- Waterproof Pockets: A waterproof section is great for protecting your phone or a small notebook from rain or spills.
Durability and Protection
- Sturdy Construction: The backpack should be well-made. Strong stitching and reinforced seams mean it will last longer.
- Water Resistance: While not always fully waterproof, a water-resistant material protects your art supplies from light rain.
Portability and Functionality
- Lightweight Design: The backpack itself should not be too heavy. This leaves more room for your art supplies.
- Easy to Carry: Besides the shoulder straps, a sturdy top handle is helpful for carrying the backpack short distances.
- Easel Attachment: Some backpacks have straps or clips to attach a portable easel. This is a big convenience.
Important Materials
The materials used in a backpack greatly affect its durability and how it performs. Common materials include:
- Nylon: This is a strong and durable fabric. It is often used for the main body of the backpack.
- Polyester: Similar to nylon, polyester is also strong and resistant to stretching and shrinking.
- Canvas: Canvas is a classic material, known for its toughness. However, it can be heavier than nylon or polyester.
- Ripstop Fabric: This is a special weave that makes fabric resistant to tearing. If a small tear starts, the ripstop pattern helps prevent it from spreading.
- Water-resistant Coatings: Many backpacks have coatings like PU (polyurethane) or DWR (durable water repellent). These coatings help repel water.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- High-Quality Zippers: Smooth-gliding, strong zippers are essential. They should be easy to open and close.
- Reinforced Stitching: Double or triple stitching at stress points adds significant strength.
- Ergonomic Design: A backpack designed with the human body in mind will be much more comfortable to wear.
- Good Ventilation: Mesh panels or channels on the back help air circulate, keeping you cooler.
Reducing Quality
- Thin, Flimsy Fabric: This can tear easily and won’t protect your gear well.
- Weak or Poorly Stitched Seams: These will give way under pressure, causing the backpack to fall apart.
- Uncomfortable Straps: Straps that are too thin or lack padding can dig into your shoulders.
- Lack of Organization: A backpack with only one large compartment makes it hard to find what you need.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good plein air backpack makes your painting experience enjoyable. It should allow you to focus on your art, not on struggling with your gear. Imagine hiking to a scenic spot. You easily access your paints and brushes. The backpack stays put as you work. When you’re done, packing up is quick and easy.
These backpacks are perfect for:
- Artists who enjoy painting landscapes.
- Anyone who likes to sketch or paint on the go.
- Students attending outdoor art classes.
- Hikers who want to bring their art supplies along.
Choosing the right backpack means you can spend more time creating and less time worrying about your equipment. It’s an investment in your artistic journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a plein air painting backpack?
A: Comfort is key. If the backpack is uncomfortable, you won’t want to carry it. Look for padded straps and a well-designed back panel.
Q: Can I use a regular hiking backpack for plein air painting?
A: Yes, you can. However, a backpack designed for art supplies will have better organization for paints, brushes, and other specific items.
Q: How much weight should a plein air backpack be able to hold?
A: It depends on what you carry. A good backpack should comfortably hold 10-20 pounds of art supplies, including paints, brushes, a small easel, and a palette.
Q: Are waterproof backpacks necessary?
A: While fully waterproof isn’t always essential, water resistance is very helpful. It protects your art supplies from unexpected rain or spills.
Q: How do I clean my plein air backpack?
A: Most backpacks can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care. Avoid machine washing.
Q: What’s the difference between a backpack and a messenger bag for plein air?
A: Backpacks distribute weight more evenly, making them better for carrying heavier loads or for longer distances. Messenger bags are quicker to access but can be less comfortable for extended use.
Q: Should I look for a specific size?
A: Size depends on your needs. If you carry a lot of supplies or a larger easel, you’ll need a bigger backpack. For just a few essentials, a smaller, more compact one will work.
Q: How important is the color of the backpack?
A: Color is mostly a personal preference. However, lighter colors might show dirt more easily, while darker colors might attract more heat from the sun.
Q: Can I fit a standard easel in a plein air backpack?
A: Most plein air backpacks are designed for portable, foldable easels. You’ll need to check the dimensions and features to see if your specific easel will fit.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a plein air painting backpack?
A: You can find them at art supply stores, outdoor gear shops, and online retailers. Reading reviews from other artists is a good way to make a choice.
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.
My name is Carlos Gadd, and I am the creator of AirPurityGuide.com.. With a passion for footwear, I share my experiences, insights, and expertise about shoes. Through my blog, I aim to guide readers in making informed decisions, finding the perfect pair, and enhancing their footwear knowledge. Join me on this journey to explore everything about shoes!