Between Rainforest, Limestone Needles and Dry Forest – Madagascar Expedition with NYA-EVO Adventure Camera Backpacks

May 30, 2025

Between Rainforest, Limestone Needles and Dry Forest – Madagascar Expedition with NYA-EVO Adventure Camera Backpacks by Patrick Schoenecker

A demanding Madagascar field expedition provided the ultimate real-world test for professional adventure camera equipment. This detailed report documents how NYA-EVO's Fjord 60-C and Fjord 36 camera backpacks performed across some of the world's most challenging photography environments.

Madagascar – the name alone evokes images of primeval nature, bizarre landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. For our small expedition team of reptile and amphibian experts, the island in the Indian Ocean is far more than just a destination: it is a place of discovery, scientific curiosity – and a challenge for both people and equipment.

This year, our routes took us to the Montagne des Français protected area, the remote island of Nosy Hara, the cool, humid highlands of the Montagne d'Ambre, and the jagged limestone landscapes of Ankarana National Park. With us: tents, sensitive gear and a selection of cameras and accessories – safely stowed in the newly developed Fjord 60-C and Fjord 36 backpacks from Nya-Evo, which proved to be far more than just a means of transport.

Montagne des Français Protected Area – Camera Gear Testing in Extreme Heat

The Montagne des Français protected area, a roughly 450-meter-high limestone massif near Antsiranana, was the first station on our journey. With its contiguous dry forest, it represents one of the last refuges of the region – a valuable retreat for numerous endemic species.

Our focus was on Paroedura lohatsara, a highly endangered and IUCN-classified critically endangered gecko, first described in 2001. One of our team members is involved in a conservation breeding project for this species at Allwetterzoo Münster, which made it especially important to observe its habitat, behavior and distribution here.

P. lohatsara lives primarily hidden in limestone formations, but also beneath fallen trees, bark or other ground structures. Nevertheless, we managed to detect and observe several individuals during their active period and document valuable data on habitat structure and ecological requirements.

The terrain was hot, dry and steep in places, with alternating limestone, scree and dense vegetation. With little existing infrastructure, flexibility and freedom of movement were essential. This is where the strengths of the Nya-Evo backpacks really showed: the compact, body-hugging carrying system, smart layout of the RCI inserts, and low weight allowed for focused work – even during frequent positional changes and low-angle photography.

Nosy Hara – Professional Camera Protection in Limestone Terrain

Nosy Hara, a protected limestone massif off Madagascar's northwest coast, is a place of wild isolation. Sharp-edged rock formations – known as Tsingy – dominate the terrain, which is barely navigable. For our team, that meant utmost concentration with every step – and a true endurance test for our equipment.

Our mission: to document highly endemic species such as the tiny chameleon Brookesia micra and the gecko Paroedura fasciata, which occurs exclusively on this island. While B. micra is extremely difficult to detect due to its tiny size – it was long considered the smallest reptile in the world – P. fasciata is relatively common but strictly endemic and found nowhere else. Accessing their habitat required considerable planning and effort – which made these encounters especially rewarding.

In this setting, the Fjord 60-C from Nya-Evo immediately made a difference. Compared to many competitors, it stood out thanks to its excellent water resistance: water-repellent aquaguard YKK zippers, and durable, sustainable ECONYL fabric kept our sensitive gear protected even in high humidity and short, heavy downpours.

The spacious rolltop compartment proved especially valuable. Whether extra jackets, ponchos, diffusers or a beanbag for camera stabilization – everything was stowed securely and remained easily accessible.

Another plus were the Assistant pouches, attached to the front of the hip belt. Each holds about 1.5 liters and allows access to batteries, cleaning tools or small lenses even when the backpack can't be taken off – an invaluable benefit in rough terrain.

I was especially pleased with how intuitively the RCI system allowed switching from transport to shooting mode – even during spontaneous dusk shots. The carrying system was equally well designed: height-adjustable, well-padded shoulder straps – in our case including a specially adapted female-fit version – and a stable hip belt ensured comfortable carrying even on long, hot routes.

Montagne d'Ambre – Camera Backpack Performance in Humid Rainforest

After the hot, dry north, Montagne d'Ambre provided a climatic and scenic contrast: a former volcanic massif rising over 1,400 meters, covered in dense evergreen vegetation with consistently high humidity. We camped in the forest, surrounded by frog choruses, intermittent rain and rich biodiversity.

The park is a hotspot for reptile and amphibian lovers, especially for its fascinating leaf-tailed geckos of the genus Uroplatus. Their preferred habitat ranges from delicate twigs and shrubs to towering rainforest giants. At night, they can be detected by the reflection of their eyes – a magical moment when their camouflage suddenly dissolves.

A particular highlight was encountering the imposing Uroplatus giganteus, but even more exciting was finding Uroplatus alluaudi, a much rarer species high on our wish list. It had eluded us on previous trips, but this time we were rewarded with two confirmed sightings.

The humid weather and extended night hikes were a real challenge. Especially on long walks with full photo gear, the ergonomic comfort of the Fjord 60-C proved itself. Shoulder and hip straps provided notable relief, and the Assistant pouches once again proved indispensable for quick access to headlamp, spare battery or memory card – without removing the backpack.

Ankarana National Park – Adventure Photography Gear Under Extreme Conditions

Ankarana National Park is one of Madagascar's most spectacular landscapes. Jagged limestone formations – the Tsingy – cut through the area like a sea of sharp blades. Between them lie dry forests, deep cave systems and underground rivers, making the region a haven for numerous endemic species. Since 2023, Ankarana has been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a title befitting its ecological and geological significance.

In contrast to the humid rainforest of Montagne d'Ambre, Ankarana features a hot, dry climate with temperatures well above 30°C. The ground is unforgiving, paths are narrow, rocky, and often treacherous. Physically demanding for us – and a stress test for our gear. The Nya-Evo backpacks offered several thoughtful features: large side pockets for water bottles, a dedicated hydration system sleeve, and a decently ventilated and quick drting back panel.

In addition to the stunning landscape, the wildlife was a major draw. We were especially excited to spot Paroedura homalorhina, a charismatic large-headed gecko native to Madagascar. We also documented colorful day geckos, various snake species and countless invertebrates – a photographic treasure trove in one of the island's most inaccessible habitats.

Once again, the Nya-Evo backpacks proved their worth: despite intense sun and heavy use, the interior of the camera module stayed cool, organized and dust-free. The breathable carrying system eased the strain, and essential tools remained within reach thanks to the Assistant pouches – a clear advantage in terrain where setting down your pack is not always possible.

Field Test Results – Professional Camera Backpack Performance Validated

An intense Madagascar expedition – three very different and diverse natural environments, dozens of documented reptile and amphibian species, kilometer-long hikes in tropical heat, sharp-edged climbing sections, night tours through the rainforest, and transport by boat, off-road vehicle and airplane. The demands on both people and equipment were high – making this the perfect real-world test for the new Fjord 60-C and Fjord 36 backpacks from Nya-Evo.

The verdict is overwhelmingly positive: the backpacks impressed with their durability, well-thought-out organization, and above all, their versatility. Whether the rolltop area, fast access to the camera module, or ergonomic comfort – the system was uncompromisingly functional. The modular design of the Assistant pouches and RCI inserts allowed us to tailor the setup to the exact needs of each field scenario.

Of special note is their suitability for air travel: even the larger Fjord 60-C fit easily within carry-on regulations, including on small domestic flights. The backpack compresses well when needed and can be expanded for use in the field. For photographers unwilling to check expensive gear into the hold, this is a true advantage.

Last but not least, the commitment of Nya-Evo deserves recognition: when we wanted to optimize the Fjord 60-C's harness for a female team member ahead of the trip and needed a special strap geometry, the team responded quickly, professionally and with genuine care – a rare example of customer-centric product development.

This journey enriched us both biologically and photographically – and it also proved just how much good equipment can matter. The Fjord 60-C wasn't just a way to carry things – it was a tool, a shelter, a platform and a trusted companion.

For photographers seeking reliable adventure camera backpacks tested in real expedition conditions, this Madagascar field test demonstrates the performance difference between marketing claims and proven field reliability. The Fjord series earned its place as trusted expedition equipment through three months of the most demanding conditions wildlife photographers face.