Why the McKinnon 25L is everywhere in Switzerland right now
If you have spent any time around the photography scene in Zurich or Geneva lately, you have probably spotted the sleek, minimalist silhouette of the Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 25L. Peter McKinnon basically designed the holy grail for people who need a bag that looks professional enough for a meeting but is tough enough for a weekend in the Alps. In 2026, it remains one of the popular products for creatives who are tired of bulky, traditional camera bags.
The 25L version is the sweet spot. It is small enough to fit under an airplane seat but has that customizable ladder system that lets you organize your mirrorless setup, a drone, and a couple of lenses without everything rattling around. The problem? Finding one in Switzerland usually means paying a massive premium at local specialty shops, or finding out they are out of stock for weeks.
Buying directly from the US for 130 CHF less
I did the math so you do not have to. A local photography shop in Switzerland might list this bag for around 280 CHF to 310 CHF once you factor in the "Switzerland tax." However, during seasonal sales in the US, you can often snag the 25L pack for closer to $150-$180 USD. Even with shipping, the price difference is significant. You can estimate shipping cost to see the gap for yourself, but the savings usually hover around 120 to 140 CHF.
Shopping US stores is the move because that is where the inventory is. Whether you are buying directly from Nomatic or big retailers like B&H or Adorama, you are getting the genuine product at a price that actually makes sense. The trick is getting it across the Atlantic without spending your entire weekend filling out customs forms.
Shipping Estimates for the Nomatic McKinnon 25L
To help you figure out if the US price is worth it, here is a quick breakdown of what you are looking at for the package specs. These numbers are based on the standard retail packaging for the 25L backpack.
| Metric | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) including retail box and padding. |
| Box Dimensions | Approx. 20" x 14" x 8" (Medium-sized box). |
| Volumetric Warning | Backpacks are relatively light but take up space. Most carriers will charge based on the size of the box rather than just the weight. |
| Battery Check | No lithium batteries. This item is safe for standard air travel and shipping. |
The lazy way to ship from the US to Switzerland
The "lazy method" is all about path of least resistance. Most US stores either do not ship to Switzerland or they charge a ridiculous flat rate of $80+ for international shipping. Instead, you can use a freight forwarder to handle the heavy lifting. By using a parcel forwarding service, you get a tax-free US address to ship your bag to.
Once your McKinnon pack arrives at the warehouse, they handle the international logistics. You do not have to worry about the US retailer messing up your Swiss address or the package getting stuck in a random sorting facility. You just buy the bag, send it to your dedicated address, and wait for the notification to ship it to your door in Switzerland. It is the most hands-off way to shop US store options without the stress.
Importing to Switzerland without the headache
Switzerland has its own set of rules when it comes to import duties. As of 2026, you should be prepared for the Swiss VAT (currently 8.1%) and potentially a small administrative fee from the carrier for customs clearance. Because the McKinnon 25L is a camera bag and not a luxury leather handbag, the customs categories are usually quite straightforward.
The beauty of using a professional package forwarding expert is that they often provide the necessary documentation for you. You just declare the value based on your invoice, and they ensure the Swiss customs office gets what they need. You might also like to check our guide on customs tax if you are planning on adding more gear to your shipment, like lenses or tripods, to make the most of your shipping fees.
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