Ikigai Rival Backpack Medium Review

The Ikigai Rival is a new range of camera bags and camera cells which they say delivers a fresh look and premium performance to the photo bag market. The idea is that you can easily swap collections of kit in or out of the bags using detachable camera cells that function as mini bags themselves. 

The bag is available in medium and large sizes, and the cells are also available to buy separately. Is this a concept that will take off? Here, we take a look.

Ikigai Rival Backpack Features

The Ikigai Rival Medium is built to hold a DSLR and up to 7 lenses or other accessories too. 

On the front, there's a zip pocket with two fabric pockets inside. On each side of the bag, you'll find deep zipped pockets, one with internal pockets. Each has an elasticated mesh pocket on the outside for drinks bottles or other accessories that require quick access. 

On top of the bag, there's a zipped pocket with a padded interior. This is attached with velcro, so it can be removed to create top access to the main compartment when necessary. Underneath this there is a second zip that when unzipped gives an extra inch or so of room. 

Access to the main compartment is from the back of the bag, behind the straps. This is to give extra security when wearing the bag as gear cannot be accessed without taking the bag off. Unzipping the main compartment reveals the padded laptop and tablet pockets on the back of the compartment flap. 

In the main compartment you'll find the camera cell, which is joined to the outer shell of the bag by two clips. Unclipping these allows you to remove the cell and either use the bag for non-photography purposes or place another camera cell inside. 

The camera cell itself has a robust carry handle on top and comes with a rubber luggage tag attached. There is access through the front via a large zipped pocket, and also two zipped side flaps. Inside are padded dividers with space for a DSLR with attached long lens and 6 other accessories. 

On the back of the main bag there is ample back padding and a strap running across the middle to slide over a rolling case when travelling. The padded straps feature reflective strips and torso buckle, and there is also a waist clip. The bag also has a rain cover and detachable tripod carrying system. 

Key Features

• Removable camera cell
• Triple density honeycomb ripstop nylon
• Rain cover included 
• Holds DSLR Plus up to 7 lenses / accessories
• Side and front accessory pockets
• Top access