ThinkTank Photo's New Urban Access 15 Camera Bag

[Dallas]

A very nice camera bag! Apologies in advance for using the word "nice" far too often in this video (which was unscripted, by the way). 

 

 

 

[Anthony]

Looks like a great bag.  It is 10 years since I bought a backpack, so I am tempted.

 

What is the weight of the empty bag?

 

Would the front compartment hold a 13 inch laptop?  I am not keen on bags where the laptop is stored between the user's back and the camera gear, as that could mean a lot of weight on the laptop if the bag is laid on its back. Having the main opening at the back of the bag helps with this problem.

 

From what I remember, tsetse flies are attracted to dark blue, so some insect repellent might be a useful accessory.

[Dallas]

There are two versions of this bag, the one I have is the 15" for the like-sized laptop. There is also a 13". Not sure of the weight of the bag unladen, but I would guess somewhere between 500g and 1kg. I reckon you could put a 13" in the front flap, but there's no padding for protection there at all, so probably not a great idea. There is quite a bit of padding in the laptop sleeve

 

As I mentioned in the video I have never been a big fan of the backpack, but this one promises to be much more versatile with the side access panels, so you're not having to lay it down to get at your camera. The removable waist belt was the clincher for me. That's been my pet hate with all the previous backpacks I have had. I actually don't think I have ever seen any photographer in a normal situation using them. 

 

1 hour ago, Anthony said:

From what I remember, tsetse flies are attracted to dark blue, so some insect repellent might be a useful accessory.

 

The bag is actually a dark grey. My white balance on the overhead camera was set to AWB so it does drift a bit. I tried to colour correct in Davinci Resolve (great video software!) but unfortunately beyond my current skillset so I left it alone... 

[Anthony]

Thanks, Dallas I need to check this in person to see if it is comfortable for me.

 

I use the waist belt when carrying a lot of gear.  It puts the main weight of the bag on the hip girdle, which is much more effective at load bearing than the shoulders.  But there are many circumstances where this is not necessary, so the removable belt and the strap stowage generally are very good features.

 

I use either a backpack or a messenger bag.  I do not like the sling bag, the pressure on the chest is very uncomfortable for me.

 

Glad that you are not increasing your tsetse fly risk!

[Dallas]

If you’re a backpack guy I think it will be hard to not like this one. Certainly neater and better thought out than most of the others I have tried (and subsequently sold). I’m going to use mine for bigger jobs where I have to pack in some small lighting. I also like that it can stand upright on its base.

[Alex Duskman]

Thanks, Dallas, for the smart review. I use Tamrak Empedition 7 on long trips. A great backpack, but there are a couple of nuances. The first - it is only for photo equipment, the second - there is no secure compartment for a laptop, my 15 inch pocket enters the valve pocket. But he has no protection.