Ever tried hauling all your painting gear across a field, up a hill, or along a beach? Your arms probably got tired, right? Plein air painting, or painting outdoors, is amazing. You get to capture the beauty of nature in real time. But carrying all your supplies can be a real pain! Finding the right backpack is key to making outdoor painting enjoyable instead of a chore.
Choosing a backpack for plein air painting can be tricky. There are so many choices! You need something that holds everything: your paints, brushes, easel, water, and maybe even a snack. You also want something comfortable to carry, especially if you’re walking a long way. Many artists struggle to find a backpack that’s the right size, has enough pockets, and is sturdy enough to handle the outdoors. It’s a common problem!
In this post, we’ll explore the best backpacks for plein air painters. We’ll look at different features, sizes, and materials. You’ll learn what to look for and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose the perfect backpack to make your outdoor painting adventures easier and more fun. Get ready to lighten your load and enjoy painting in the great outdoors!
Let’s dive into the world of plein air backpacks and find the perfect one for you. First, let’s look at the essential features to consider.
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: 9.2/10
The En Plein Air Pro 60L Artist Backpack is a dream come true for artists who love painting outdoors! This backpack is designed to carry all your art supplies. It’s big enough for an easel, palette, panels, and more. The bag is made with strong materials. It has adjustable straps for comfort. You can even zip the straps away for easy transport. This backpack lets you take your art studio anywhere!
What We Like:
- The large 60L capacity is perfect for all your gear. It measures 26″ long, 12.20″ wide, and 10.63″ high.
- Padded and adjustable shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry.
- You can zip the straps into the back for easy transport.
- The main compartment holds your easel, palette, and panel holder. There’s even room for a wet panel box!
- It’s made from high-strength 600D fabric. This makes the bag tough and durable.
- Two front zippered pockets are great for paints, brushes, and sketchbooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description does not provide information about the weight of the bag when empty.
- The specific type of material is not described in detail.
This backpack is a great choice for artists. The En Plein Air Pro 60L Artist Backpack is a practical and helpful tool for outdoor painting.
2. PLEINLY Portable Watercolor Easel Set + BP-70 Backpack. Plein Air Painting & Drawing Easel with Wet Panel Carrier
Rating: 8.6/10
The PLEINLY Portable Watercolor Easel Set is perfect for painting outdoors! This set has everything you need to paint in the fresh air. You get a wet panel carrier, tripod, stool, bag, and a big backpack. It also includes a sketchbook, board, clips, and palettes. This set is designed for comfort and easy use, whether you’re sitting or standing. It’s great for watercolor, gouache, or ink painting.
What We Like:
- Easy to set up and use for all skill levels.
- The wet panel carrier keeps your paintings safe.
- The included tripod is strong and works with cameras too.
- The set is designed with artists’ needs in mind.
- The backpack is big and can hold all your gear.
- The stool is lightweight and easy to carry.
What Could Be Improved:
- More color options for the backpack would be great.
- The instructions could be a bit clearer for some people.
This PLEINLY easel set is a great choice for artists who love to paint outdoors. It has everything you need to get started painting right away!
3. JJRING Heavy Duty Plein Air Artist Backpack with Handheld Strap
Rating: 9.2/10
The JJRING Heavy Duty Plein Air Artist Backpack is a great bag for artists! It is perfect for carrying art supplies. This backpack has a lot of room for your artwork. It can hold 18×24 inch canvas panels, drawing boards, and sketch pads. You can carry it as a backpack or a tote bag. This bag is designed for artists who love to paint outdoors.
What We Like:
- The main compartment is big. It can hold large artwork and supplies.
- There are many pockets! You can store pens, pencils, and other small items.
- It has two ways to carry it. You can use shoulder straps or a handle.
- The backpack is made of strong canvas. The lining is water-resistant.
- It’s good for plein air painting and short hikes.
What Could Be Improved:
- We need more information on the durability of the straps.
- The bag is only available in blue.
Overall, the JJRING artist backpack is a useful product for artists. It is perfect for carrying art supplies and working outdoors. It’s a good option for anyone who enjoys painting or drawing!
4. New Wave u.go Plein Air
Rating: 9.3/10
The New Wave u.go Anywhere Pochade Box is a portable painting studio. This compact easel is perfect for artists who love to paint outdoors. It’s made to be strong and last a long time. This easel is a great tool for artists of all levels.
What We Like:
- It’s made with strong Baltic Birch wood and non-corrosive hardware.
- The finish is water and solvent resistant. It also resists cracks and chips.
- Strong magnets hold the box closed and keep the canvas in place.
- It works with standard tripods.
- It comes with a plastic palette that’s easy to clean.
- It’s lightweight at only 2.1 lbs.
- It’s made in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum recommended painting surface is 9″ vertical, which may be limiting for some artists.
The New Wave u.go Anywhere Pochade Box is a fantastic choice for artists who want a portable and durable easel. Its thoughtful design and quality materials make it a great investment for any plein air painter.
5. Advanced Series En Plein Air Pro Watercolor Package
Rating: 8.7/10
The Advanced Series En Plein Air Pro Watercolor Package is designed for serious artists. It’s built for painting outdoors, or “en plein air”. This package includes a larger easel and a bigger palette shelf. This lets you mix more colors. The included tripod is strong and steady. It will hold your easel firmly in place. It’s a great setup for artists who want to paint anywhere.
What We Like:
- The new easel is bigger. It gives you more room to work.
- The palette shelf has lots of mixing space. It’s like a studio palette.
- The SLIK U8000 Tripod is very stable.
- This package is perfect for painting outdoors.
What Could Be Improved:
- The package might be a bit heavy for some artists to carry.
- The price might be a bit high for beginners.
The Advanced Series En Plein Air Pro Watercolor Package is a good choice for experienced watercolor painters. It has great features for outdoor painting. This package helps artists create beautiful art anywhere they go.
The Best Backpack for Painting Outdoors: A Guide
Are you an artist who loves painting outside? Then you need a good backpack! This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your plein air adventures. “Plein air” means “open air” in French. It means painting outside!
Key Features to Look For
You need a backpack that can carry all your art supplies. Here are the important things to consider:
- Size and Capacity: Think about all your gear. You’ll need space for paints, brushes, a palette, a canvas, and maybe water. Make sure the backpack is big enough! Look for backpacks with adjustable straps to hold different sized canvases.
- Compartments and Organization: A good backpack has many pockets. These help keep your supplies organized. Look for sections for wet canvases, water bottles, and small items like brushes and pencils.
- Comfort: You will be carrying your backpack for a while. Make sure it has padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. This helps distribute the weight.
- Durability: Painting outside can be tough on gear. Choose a backpack made from strong materials that can handle the weather.
- Canvas/Easel Compatibility: Does the backpack have straps or a special compartment to hold your easel and canvas? This is very important!
Important Materials
The materials used to make the backpack matter a lot. They affect how long the backpack will last.
- Water-Resistant Fabric: This is super important! You’ll be painting outside, so you need protection from rain and spills. Look for materials like nylon or polyester with a water-resistant coating.
- Durable Zippers and Hardware: Zippers and buckles should be strong and reliable. Metal or heavy-duty plastic are good choices.
- Reinforced Bottom: The bottom of the backpack often touches the ground. Make sure it’s reinforced to prevent wear and tear.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a backpack great, and some things make it not so great.
- Good Quality Improves:
- Strong Stitching: Well-stitched seams mean the backpack will last longer.
- Quality Materials: Durable fabrics and strong zippers are essential.
- Smart Design: A well-designed backpack has pockets and compartments that are easy to use.
- Poor Quality Reduces:
- Thin or Weak Materials: This can lead to tears and rips.
- Poor Stitching: Weak seams will come apart easily.
- Uncomfortable Straps: This can make carrying the backpack very difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the backpack.
- Easy to Pack and Unpack: You will want to quickly access your supplies. The backpack should have easy-to-open compartments.
- Comfortable to Carry: You will be walking around with your supplies. The backpack should be comfortable on your back.
- Versatile: The backpack should work well in different outdoor settings.
- Use Cases: You will use the backpack for painting in parks, forests, beaches, and anywhere with a good view!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about backpacks for plein air painting:
Q: What size backpack do I need?
A: It depends on how much gear you have. Measure your largest canvas to determine if it fits.
Q: Should I get a backpack with a built-in easel?
A: If you want to keep things simple, a backpack with an easel is a good idea. However, make sure the easel is stable.
Q: What if my canvas gets wet?
A: Look for a backpack with a compartment for wet canvases. This prevents the paint from getting on everything else.
Q: How important is water resistance?
A: Very important! Rain can ruin your artwork and your supplies.
Q: What about a backpack with wheels?
A: Backpacks with wheels can be useful if you’re walking on flat surfaces. They’re not as great for uneven terrain.
Q: How do I clean my backpack?
A: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Q: What kind of easel is best for plein air painting?
A: A lightweight and portable easel is best. Many backpacks are designed to work with specific easel types.
Q: What if I have a lot of art supplies?
A: Consider a larger backpack with more compartments. You might also use additional smaller bags inside the backpack.
Q: Is it better to buy a specific “plein air” backpack?
A: Yes, because these backpacks are designed with the needs of outdoor painters in mind.
Q: Where can I buy a good plein air painting backpack?
A: You can find them online or at art supply stores.
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.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.