SmallRig Accused of Copying Hasselblad Vandra Backpack Design

SmallRig's new Professional Outdoor Backpack (25L) 6521 features an interior hook-and-loop divider system nearly identical to the Hasselblad Vandra backpack, released earlier this year. PetaPixel reports that Hasselblad confirmed SmallRig had no involvement in the Vandra's design or manufacturing. SmallRig advertises the system as "innovative" and "drop-proof," but the design was originally developed by Hasselblad's industrial design team to accommodate diverse camera equipment. Despite the imitation, SmallRig's version improves upon the original with waist and lumbar support, better top compartment access, removable pockets, a luggage handle, and side handles. The exterior lacks the "H" branding and uses a material less prone to attracting pet hair. The SmallRig backpack costs $200, less than half the Vandra's $469. However, the Vandra offers more adjustable horizontal divider positions. PetaPixel notes no trademark or patent infringement is alleged, but the speed of the copy is surprising.