When you’re heading to New York City for a content creator trip, the last thing you want is to be bogged down by a massive backpack. Navigating the subway, squeezing into crowded elevators, and walking miles on concrete requires a setup that is agile, accessible, and lightweight.
For my recent project in NYC, I decided to ditch my usual full-size backpack and heavy cinema camera rig (sorry, FX3) for a more streamlined approach. I went with the Peter McKinnon x Nomatic Messenger Bag (13L).
Here is a breakdown of exactly how I packed this 13L sling for a professional video project and whether it survived the city.
Check out the Peter McKinnon Messenger Bag here
Why the 13L Messenger?
The goal for this trip was mobility. I needed a bag that could slide over my carry-on luggage handle and hang off a bathroom stall hook when floor space was non-existent.
The 13L Messenger functions like a sling, allowing you to swing it to your front for quick access. One of my favorite features is the quick-access bungee system. Instead of unzipping the main flap every time, you can unhook a simple loop to grab your camera instantly—perfect for street photography.
The Gear: A Hybrid “Run & Gun” Setup
Because I was filming a project involving AR-enabled binoculars, I needed a kit that could handle video interviews, B-roll, and high-quality stills. Here is what made the cut:
1. The Cameras
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (Creator Combo): This was my main video workhorse. It has a larger sensor than a phone , includes a wireless mic for interviews , and fits perfectly in the bag with its battery handle and tripod legs attached.
- Leica Q2: I can’t leave home without a proper camera. While I could have shot everything on the Osmo or iPhone, the Q2 captures stills that just have a different “soul” to them. I keep it in a leather half-case with a thumb grip for better handling.
2. The “Office” (Front & Laptop Sleeves)
I actually skipped bringing a laptop on this trip. Instead, the rear laptop sleeve held:
- Google Pixel Phone (as a backup/second camera)
- Media Badge & Notes
- Microfiber Cloth
3. Essential Accessories
The middle section of the bag is where the organization really shines. I packed:
- Lighting: A small GVM LED Light. It’s bi-color and dimmable (down to 1%), which was crucial for a stargazing segment where we needed to preserve night vision with red light.
- Audio: The Rode Wireless system. I keep the transmitters ready to clip onto a subject or myself for spontaneous interviews.
- Power: The Romoss Power Bank. This thing is a beast—it has built-in cables, 30W fast charging, a magnetic wireless charging pad for my phone, and a spot to charge my Apple Watch.
- Storage: A tough SSD for offloading footage and recording Apple Log directly from the iPhone if needed.
Security & Travel Hacks
Traveling in a big city means being smart about security. I keep an AirTag hidden inside a “Milock” case attached to the interior, so I can always track the bag if it goes missing.
For the flight, I also packed an AirFly adapter, which lets me use my AirPods with the plane’s seatback entertainment system—a total game changer for long flights.
The Verdict
Was 13 Liters enough? Absolutely.
I didn’t miss the heavy backpack. The bag forced me to be intentional with my gear choice. I had everything I needed for a professional shoot—audio, lighting, 4K video, and full-frame photography—all in a bag that I could comfortably carry all day.
If you are looking to slim down your creative carry, I highly recommend checking this bag out.
Grab the Peter McKinnon Messenger Bag here
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