@ThinkTankPhoto would you consider making a Think Tank version of this Photocross 13/15 Series? Just like Suzi told us, 8 or urban in vibe. Proud owner of Think Tank bags, especially the Hubba Hubba Hiney. :)
Finally, someone that understands the amazing quality that TTP has and the weight distribution we need. I am 64 and have C4-C6, L5S1 disk deterioration specifically because of shoulder bags (and some poor mountain biking choices). Thank you Suzi and TTP use it in the best of health. Those of you that are younger, get thee to a good chiropractor on a regular basis, stay hydrated and use anti-inflammatories BEFORE your trip :)
I have the Mindshift Rotation 34L that I use for day-hike photography and it's such a great piece of kit. The shoulder, sternum and hip straps are all adjustable for load distribution. The back plate also adjusts to suit your torso height. The selling feature is the bottom half rotates forward for quick access to camera gear. It's actually a giant fanny pack built-into the back that can be removed when you don't need to lug around the rest of the pack.
Thanks for this review! You describe a lot of what I’ve been looking for. Peak Design is really well described as “great concepts, implementation not so much”. Mainly, I find that that the weight and bulk of the bags tend to really get in the way in the long run
Thank thank you! I keep seeing videos with taller men using much of the equipment and it was awesome to finally find someone more my build to compare with. Very encouraging that you find this comfortable! Are you able to stuff a jacket in that front pocket tho? Or have any ties to lash things across the front? One video (I think from TTP) shows the guy making the bag cross-body when holding in front for more stability which I could see helpful if changing lenses. Great review!
Really nice review, thanks. I have the Photocross 13 and I just can't get used to the sling-style. I like a shoulder bag but I think I can do a backpack after trying the sling. However, I need a little more space than you so the 15 sounds perfect for me. I use larger lenses and also would like to have a dual-purpose briefcase that can carry my work laptop and a camera... and associated cables. So, I look forward to trying it. I have had the photocross 13 for a few years of light use and it still looks almost new. It did break in a little more at one point, getting a little less stiff feeling after over-stuffing it.. I was considering the Peak Design everyday 20 but decided to see what Thinktank had to offer... PD just has an 'almost' feel to it from what I've seen. The Thinktank designs seem more aligned with how I think. I am so thankful you had this video... I had no idea they'd created a backpack version, and with waist straps! Are you kidding me! that is awesome.. and very important if you're going to wear this for a while, and need to hike to a place to get a shot. Thank you and all the best to you!
Thank you for your video. I use Mindshift, ThinkTank, and Shimoda bags. A few years back I bought the Mindshift Photocross 15 Sling but now wish it were the backpack version similar to yours. Maybe will swap it out but already own a lot of backpacks from 18L to 36L in size. My sling bags are from 10L to 15L. In total I own 4 Mindshift bags but using small bags since going mirrorless and trying to downsize. Take care.
I still have my TTP Streetwalker 2.0 bag. Love the tiny size making it a "personal bag" that I can fit under an airplane seat. Would be nice to have the side open, but that options other models at the time were a bit bigger. Plenty of padding on the bag and straps make it comfortable enough to wear for an entire day.
Do you know if a Sony 200-600mm would fit in the bottom compartment, not connected? I’m trying to find a bag I can fit it into, I might have to drop the 200-600mm and keep my 70-200 f2.8 😫 for Aviation. Nanuk 935 is great hard case, but not a backpack!
such a great review, thank you! I have 2 questions - I am a 6 foot plus woman, would this fit me too? I'm trying to decide between it and the 15, which leads to the 2nd question - do you think the 15 would fit under an airplane seat too? thank you :)
Have you tried the tamron 70-180mm f/2.8? Might be a good option for you. It’s way lighter but you do loose those 20mm and a bit of smoothness on the bokeh.
The bokeh and loss of 20mm on the long end are the exact reasons why I don't use the Tamron. But lately the idea of having a lighter lens is sounding more and more appealing...
New to the camera game wanted to take my camera out when i hike and go fishing . Was curious how this bag would hold up in the elements and near the water. And if it has enough protection to be set down on the rocks/hard terrain. Would you recommend this bag? Or is there any bag that might be better Suited for that? Thank you!
Nice setup! I have an Osprey Tempest hiking backpack that is my absolute favorite day pack and sometimes I stuff camera gear in there. I love the idea of using a an insert.
I too have a love/hate with my PD bags. I thought I’d like the compartment separated flappy things but I just end up keeping them flat and dumping gear straight into the bag lol.
I have the Mindshift Photocross Sling. I like that it's small, so it limits my tendency to overpack for a trip, yet still big enough to fit all my essentials.
I'm still searching for the perfect camera bag for me. I'm not a professional photographer so I need something that can hold both camera gears and travel gears. Unfortunately camera bag makers seem to only care about camera gears and vice versa. For example two side pouches is a must have for me because I need to carry a tripod, a water bottle and an umbrella. The water bottle and the tripod, one of them needs to go into the front pocket depending on if the umbrella is wet. Just this one requirement filters out most of the camera bags on the market. Having a non camera bag easily solves storage problems but camera gear access is cumbersome. So I'm now sticking to my Osprey Nebula combined with a small waist bag to hold two lenses that I will most likely switch to.
Depends on which DSLR and what lenses you use. If it’s a standard size DSLR (not the giant Nikon D6 or Canon 1DX), and you don’t use a battery grip, and you don’t have a lot of fixed aperture zoom lenses, it will likely be a good fit.
I have the Photocross 13. Not sure if it the same size. Mine has orange zippers, & I just love it too! I can even fit my Sony a7Riii with the 70-200 f2.8 mounted on the camera. The people @ the camera store told me it would not fit. I know the 70-200 lens is heavy. That’s why I’m selling mine. The only thing that I don’t like is that when I tighten all the straps to distribute the weight & I swing it around to get things out. Well it’s so high that I can’t get my camera out easily. I’m sure it is because I am short. I will just have to find a way to work that delima.
That is an excellent point about the side access being a little tricky. I also experienced that, but chalked it up to just not being used to it and needing to practice to get it right. But ideally, you shouldn't need practice to access your gear.
Thank you for your excellent review! Unfortunately, the Photocross backpacks seem to have been discontinued. 😥 Not even listed on Think Tank's site! I've found a store that has the Photocross backpack 15, but not the 13. I've been using the Think Tank Photo Turnstyle 10 V2 which I like a lot. Nice for hiking light and excellent quality. Can't carry all the gear that you have backed in your bag though, so I can't use it for travel unless I place it on a rolling carry on with other personal items and Mac Book. I don't care for most normal backpacks because it's too awkward to get to my gear quickly. I like that your bag is essentially both a backpack and a sling pack. I prefer smaller and lighter which is why I shoot Sony mirrorless. I don't need to carry all my gear with me, only what I really need for what I'm photographing. I've owned a lot of bags over the years and my Think Tank bags are my favorites.
i have the sling version, 2 problem though ... 1st the surface texture dont last long, it peels off easily after a year or so, 2nd is the side access which is on the wrong side
Good points. I've had to re-train myself to flip the bag in the opposite direction to access to side zipper. I would hope the outer lining lasts well, but time will tell...
I carry the Sony 7 Mark III & IV and have the the 12-24, 24-70 & 70-200 all f/2.8. I also keep remote triggers, filters (P style). How will these fit this bag or the 15L will work better?
Enjoyed your review. Very concise and to the point. What I am looking for mirrors your talking points. I am also one who is looking for a backpack because my shoulder bag hurts after a short time and expect a sling would not be much different. I have been looking at a lot of bags and although everyone shows what they are putting in their bags, no one ever tells us the overall weight of the gear they are carrying. Even the most uncomfortable straps are comfortable if you are only carry 5 pounds of gear what do they feel like carrying 15 or 20 lbs. I would also like to know how you feel about the bag ,fully loaded, with and without the hip / waist belt. Thanks again for a great review.
2:58 have you considered doing behind the scenes videos of your professional work at events. Sam Herd has a similar setup and his bts wedding videos are fantastic.
I've considered BTS at my shoots, but I'm always nervous about focusing too much on the BTS and not doing my actual job. But something I'm considering for sure.
I’ve invested and tried many camera bags and backpacks over the years. I finally settled on Domke brand bags. Mainly because they hold a lot more. They are not rigid and heavy when empty. I can take my gear out and literally fold the bag and throw it in a suitcase. It’s very robust and weighs very little when empty. I’ll put my gear in a Pelican case for travel and then put what I need for a day’s shooting the Domke bag.
@@Gemini_Connect check them out. All the other bags I had, I had to conform my equipment to the bag. There were too rigid and had some weight when empty. The Domke I can fold or roll it up and throw it in a suitcase. My camera equipment were inside sturdy Pelican cases and checked onto the plane. All I needed to carry was my small carry on and my iPhone. At my destination, I would pull out the gear I would need and put them in the Domke. Unnecessary equipment was locked up in the Pelican and left at the hotel.
My first comment on your posts. Been watching since I got my first GoPro (9) 3 weeks ago. I just bought a brand new lowepro viewpoint bp 250 aw of Mercari. That bag seemed to be the best overall bag for what it does, even after viewing this review. The one thing I liked better about your bag is the side access. In all fairness though, I AM using mine for GoPro/accessories and not cameras as you described. I love all your videos so far. Thank you.
Great to hear from you Robert. Lowepro has a lot of popular options, but I've never owned one of their bags. I always end up with Think Tank. Even this time around, I had 3 Lowepros as contenders but just didn't pull the trigger. The nice thing about this bag that I completely forgot to mention is that the dividers are removable, so it can carry more than camera gear.
@@Gemini_Connect I just received the Lowepro today. The floor of the top (roof of the bottom case) is removable so if you dont want the bottom bag (which is why I got it for my go pro accessories) you have a larger big part. This bag also has lots of hoops and straps to fasten things. Sure would be nice to try both simultaneously without buying both. Good luck and thanks again for all the RELEVENT material!
Great video, little wasted time with off-topic verbiage. I have had this bag for a year - bought it on sale from ThinkTank for $90. Decided I didn't like it because it did not have much space for smaller personal items (non-camera stuff). Would like more space in front pocket panel - too tight! I wanted to use it for travel since I do not check luggage on airplanes; use a roll-on bag plus my backpack (aka personal item). Maybe I need to give it a second try. :)
I don’t see any advantage of your new bag here. I still love my PD 30L V2 and I think it definitely holds more than your new bag. For looking PD blow this bag out of the water.
Took your advise and bought the bag, but... Have you tried to fit the Peak Camera Clip to the strap? Seems that is a big no-no. If correct what a poor design team...
I can get my Peak Design Clip to fit on the shoulder strap, but it took a lot of trial and error. TBH I have trouble fitting that clip on most bags, and the straps on this one are rather thin compared to most.
Perfect timing, I am looking for a new bag, I currently use a sling and need a backpack for even weight distribution on my shoulders. I’ve discovered most smaller bags don’t have a waist strap, so this really seems ideal. We don’t all want to carry a hulking great bag, we are not all 6ft men! Thank you 👍
i think you might like the ThinkTank Battery Holder case instead of that Tenba one that you have. The ThinkTank Battery Holder is more low profile and less bulk.
Great review. Spent some time looking at this bag in my local store but your review does a great job of laying out the features and usability. I currently use the Photocross 10 sling but it's not ideal for travel That one is good for carrying the camera around and a few lenses but is just a bit too small as a carry-on (for all the other items you need to carry when travelling). PS. Those little hooks also have a second use besides being convenient pulls. You can hook the little anchor into the other pull's loop and vice versa. This makes it harder for anybody to zip open you bag then you have it on your back. It's an anti-pickpocket measure (Edit: Looks like this work son the sling and not the backpack - unless you don't mind you front compartments being a bit open.... nevermind)
Good comparison and nicely done! Funny, I was in REI just the other day, thinking "Why doesn't Osprey make a camera bag?". Cool that you had the same idea.
I tried the 15L, but still found the stiff back and lack of padding on the back section to be uncomfortable. Over a year later of using the ThinkTank backpack, it is still my go-to for hauling my camera gear and laptop around.
That makes sense I use it mostly for an everyday bag and when I do travel with my camera I don't have that much gear so my bag weighs less than 10 lbs usually
Excellent review and agree with everything you said. I own the peak design 13 sling bag, and your right, it starts to dig into one's shoulder after awhile. I was thinking about the backpack you reviewed, and your review convinced me...so big shout out to you for doing the video. I subscribed to your channel. Thank you again. BTW, as an FYI, I just picked up the Ulanzi Coman travel tripod, and it is perfect for travel, I plan to head to the Tetons in a few weeks, so will take it with me. I bought the Peak Design Carbon tripod last year and really liked it, but the Ulanzi is noticeably lighter and the ball head design is much better than PD, you can actually turn your camera in portrait mode on either side!
Thank you for the product information. It would be cool if you could create your own backpack & fill the void for female body. I used to have a big Pelican case....but a good bag like this one will be my next go to bag. ❤
I love this backpack too! I do landscape/nature and some architecture. I love it for hikes where I don't need a lot of extra layers. I can fit my Sony full frame with 24-105, 100-400 and 16-35 f4. I use the straps on the back for my tripod because I always want a water bottle....or thermal mug with coffee. For heavier duty outdoor adventures I have Shimodas which are amazing but much bigger.
Great review, I don't know why this bag isn't more popular! I have the Photocross Backpack 15 (which confusingly has a volume of 20l) and I'm amazed how much I can fit in it. I shoot wildlife and often have to hike far into the jungle so need room for extra gear. I'm able to fit my a7riii with Sony 100-400 attached on the bottom and my binoculars and teleconverter in the middle, which leaves a big space on top and in the front pocket for miscellaneous hiking gear. My only concern is the thickness of the padding on the side walls while traveling, but I just sandwich my camera/lens between some extra dividers for a little extra padding.
I feel like Think Tank products have been overshadowed by more "trendy" bags by Peak Design, Nomadic, etc, which is a shame b/c Think Tank has the best camera bags IMO.
Great video! Love the removable waist strap on your new bag. I, too, am getting more disgruntled with my PD and have been seriously thinking of selling it. Where do you usually go to sell your used gear/bags?
Great bag review. This one has a lot of useful features, and it’s priced affordably. I’m currently using the latest PYGTech bag, and I like it, but it’s not perfect. Thanks for sharing.
I have found this video helpful. Never heard of this bag until seeing this video. Not sure that I like side only access. I think that's restrictive but maybe it is worth trying. Still, I don't want to spend in the region of $160 only to find it is not the bag for me. Food for thought. Anyhow, your video is tops with me. I'm impressed with the level of sincerity this communicates as well as the factual knowledge. I'd love to see how you can fit in those two a7 bodies with lenses and ensure that they do not collide with one another. I like my expensive hardware well separated. My thanks.
Good points. I've come to like side access the most because I can clearly see and access everything in the bag without putting it down. Back access is nice too, but I hate removing my bag every time to do that. I should have showed the interior more clearly, but it's nicely padded with removable inserts, so you can make your own configuration or remove them altogether and use the bag however you please. Thank you for watching 🙏
@@Gemini_Connect I’ve just taken possession of this bag having ordered it online (160 US Dollars) and without actual sight. Your video inspired this move. I’m more impressed than I had anticipated. It’s a Goldilocks (and the 3 bears) bag, not too big, not too small, just right - for me and I am 6 feet tall. I can fit in my kit admirably, securely and easily. It seems well made and durable. But an unexpected bonus is that it sits comfortably on my back like no other, meaning I shall be able to carry it around on full day events without having to moan. Lastly, it does not draw unwanted attention, so I can safely go about my business. I have no laptop issues. I like it a lot. Thanks.
Side access for me is a no, i find when travelling i want taking my camera from the back. I lived in South America and i would not use anything with access on the side or front because you will find out missing gear. Just preference.
@@SYEP the PRVKE is gorgeous, and handy with the roll top, but it isn't nearly as comfortable, and its waist strap is almost laughable. So unfortunately it's a great bag, with plenty room for improvement 😎👍
I am only watching because I suffer from GAS. I use a Nanuk 935 hardshell wheeled case. I bought it when I outgrew my Peak Design messenger bag. But even the Nanuk is not really big enough, so the PD is an overflow and event bag.
I have a Pelican 1510 (in addition to all of these bags!), and used to fill that to the brim, also needing an overflow bag. There are times when I have so much gear that I still need a setup like that 😜
This MindShift bag doesn’t hold a candle to the bags from Shimoda Designs. Their Explore V2 25 bag while larger offers so much more practicality and is feature rich. It also easily fits under an airplane seat and is designed for travel as well as field work.
I like the look of the Shimoda Explore, but the smallest size it comes in is 25L, and it weighs over 4lbs. The MindShift bag is quite a bit smaller at 12L, and just over 1lb. Obviously each bag is made for a specific use case, but my search was for the smallest, most lightweight ergonomic backpack.
I have several Osprey bags for backpacking and day hiking that are great, but usually they're stuffed full of outdoor gear. I suppose using a padded camera insert would work, but would love to see Osprey's take on a dedicated camera bag.
Nice video! I have the 15 version and it's great, I love my backpack and I totally agree with everything you said, I value the exact same things you do and these bags are awesome! 👍👍👍
@@pretor706 hello! Yes, it's doable, but I prefer to rest my backpack somewhere or ask someone to hold my camera if I need to grab something from the bag 👍
Nice review. On my side I would prefer model 15 to have more space for my computer. The only issue I see vs the pd v1 (I don t like v2 with zip) is the lack of access from the top which is useful to put non photo stuff and to avoid mixing it with the photo stuff but the price is also interesting.
I have the TT messenger bag and I love it. However I think TT bag's protection layer is too thin. For this backpack, I more like the PD's design. Especially their V2 did very nice job. To me, this TT backpack just looks like an old fashion bag for a middle school student ( Sorry |-) ). From the feature perspective, I did not see anything this one did better than the PD one. Maybe as you said, this bag is lighter and more comfortable.
One feature sorely lacking on the PD bag is the waist strap. If it had that, and a less stiff back, it would still be my top choice for a bag. I agree with you on the design though -- PD looks way sharper and more modern. I wish TT would make a more urban and less rugged looking version of this bag.
I guess UA-cam didn't like the URL in my last comment and deleted it, you REALLY need to check out this option. It has everything you're looking for minus the anchors and more and it's 60.00 from Japan. Normally I would never advocate buying a bag for that price but I've been shooting for over a decade and couldn't be more pleased after owning tons of other backpacks and camera bags. Search it up and let me know what you think. Off Toco High Grade L2 Camera Bag DGB-S037 series
Ooooh that is a great looking bag. I've never heard of it, but it looks sleek and has a lot of features I want...gonna have to see if I can get it here in the states. Thanks for the tip!
@@Gemini_Connect I own both the small and larger sizes of this bag now, the small actually looked too small on my back 😭 As of now I'm leaving Tokyo today and this bag is packed with my a7iv, a6400, 90mm macro, 85mm, 70/200 f4, 10-18mm, 15" MSI Gaming Laptop, 13" Surface Laptop Go, GorillaPod Pro strapped outside. Upper compartment has all the accessories like MX100 light, chargers, mice and every souviners I could cram into the empty spaces. Some how it fits perfectly over my roller bag, and if it's on my back is still manages to remain sleek and not like a three day bag. I am also not a large person, so it would likely fit you nicely as well.
@ThinkTankPhoto would you consider making a Think Tank version of this Photocross 13/15 Series? Just like Suzi told us, more or urban in vibe. Proud owner of Think Tank bags, especially the Hubba Hubba Hiney. :)
Check out the think tank backstory. 13 or 15. I have the 13 and echo all that’s said in this video about think tank 13L day packs . The backstory has an urban grey material - still durable though. Mine got drenched in Iceland and was all fine.
I use the Thinktank Urban Access 15,it has plenty of padding, by far my most comfortable camera bag to this day. It's quite spacious, but it all depends on how much gear vs personal items you need to log around. If max space is necessary look into the WANDRD PRVKE, with their bigger sizes. The roll top. Makes a big difference. 😎👍
Holding a tripod on a pack is still something no backpack maker understands. Side entry when you have a tripod on the outside = tripod falling out. Some external way to completely enclose the tripod would be best. Velcro in some way that can fit around the entire tripod would be great. Nobody does that. Still waiting for the evolution of a bag.
Yeah, that's a cost of having a smaller bag. I sometimes wish my long lens attached to the camera could fit, but then again I rarely use my telephoto anymore 😅
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for the wonderful review, Suzi! You fit a lot of gear in the Photocross! Very organized!
Thanks for making my favorite camera bags of all time. You all are seriously my favorite bag company.
@ThinkTankPhoto would you consider making a Think Tank version of this Photocross 13/15 Series? Just like Suzi told us, 8 or urban in vibe.
Proud owner of Think Tank bags, especially the Hubba Hubba Hiney. :)
Finally, someone that understands the amazing quality that TTP has and the weight distribution we need. I am 64 and have C4-C6, L5S1 disk deterioration specifically because of shoulder bags (and some poor mountain biking choices). Thank you Suzi and TTP use it in the best of health. Those of you that are younger, get thee to a good chiropractor on a regular basis, stay hydrated and use anti-inflammatories BEFORE your trip :)
Great advice, Steve. I see a chiropractor regularly and it has been life changing -- more effective than getting a massage!
I have the Mindshift Rotation 34L that I use for day-hike photography and it's such a great piece of kit. The shoulder, sternum and hip straps are all adjustable for load distribution. The back plate also adjusts to suit your torso height. The selling feature is the bottom half rotates forward for quick access to camera gear. It's actually a giant fanny pack built-into the back that can be removed when you don't need to lug around the rest of the pack.
Great video today on the bag!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video! Have you tried the Shimoda Explore V2 25 or 30L?
Are you still using this back pack? Going to hawaii shortly and want to upgrade my pack
Thanks for this review! You describe a lot of what I’ve been looking for. Peak Design is really well described as “great concepts, implementation not so much”. Mainly, I find that that the weight and bulk of the bags tend to really get in the way in the long run
Just got the 15L version. Much for functional than the PD bag! Thank you so much!!! Stay awesome!
Thank thank you! I keep seeing videos with taller men using much of the equipment and it was awesome to finally find someone more my build to compare with. Very encouraging that you find this comfortable! Are you able to stuff a jacket in that front pocket tho? Or have any ties to lash things across the front? One video (I think from TTP) shows the guy making the bag cross-body when holding in front for more stability which I could see helpful if changing lenses. Great review!
I know this was 6 months ago but did you still want to sell/have that PD zip bag?
Really nice review, thanks. I have the Photocross 13 and I just can't get used to the sling-style. I like a shoulder bag but I think I can do a backpack after trying the sling. However, I need a little more space than you so the 15 sounds perfect for me. I use larger lenses and also would like to have a dual-purpose briefcase that can carry my work laptop and a camera... and associated cables. So, I look forward to trying it. I have had the photocross 13 for a few years of light use and it still looks almost new. It did break in a little more at one point, getting a little less stiff feeling after over-stuffing it..
I was considering the Peak Design everyday 20 but decided to see what Thinktank had to offer... PD just has an 'almost' feel to it from what I've seen. The Thinktank designs seem more aligned with how I think.
I am so thankful you had this video... I had no idea they'd created a backpack version, and with waist straps! Are you kidding me! that is awesome.. and very important if you're going to wear this for a while, and need to hike to a place to get a shot.
Thank you and all the best to you!
How much clothes do you carry in that?
Thank you for your video. I use Mindshift, ThinkTank, and Shimoda bags. A few years back I bought the Mindshift Photocross 15 Sling but now wish it were the backpack version similar to yours. Maybe will swap it out but already own a lot of backpacks from 18L to 36L in size. My sling bags are from 10L to 15L. In total I own 4 Mindshift bags but using small bags since going mirrorless and trying to downsize. Take care.
I still have my TTP Streetwalker 2.0 bag. Love the tiny size making it a "personal bag" that I can fit under an airplane seat. Would be nice to have the side open, but that options other models at the time were a bit bigger. Plenty of padding on the bag and straps make it comfortable enough to wear for an entire day.
Hi. I got the photocross 15. Can you attach a Peak Design clip to this bag. Thanks.
Thank you for this video. I then bought this backpack and am very, very satisfied with this product.
Do you know if a Sony 200-600mm would fit in the bottom compartment, not connected? I’m trying to find a bag I can fit it into, I might have to drop the 200-600mm and keep my 70-200 f2.8 😫 for Aviation. Nanuk 935 is great hard case, but not a backpack!
Great Video! What bottom plate are you using for the Sony A7IV?
I have only purchased ThinkTank and Mindshift bags for the past several years. They are the best!
is there a specific camera bag you use for your go pro cameras ?
Is the bag waterproof and how much does it weigh empty? Thank you!
Thanks for the backpack recommendation. Not too big not to small. Easy access like you say to not set bag down or have to fully expose all your kit. 👍
Fantastic video. Excellent information and no fluff this is exactly how it should be done. Super helpful thanks!
Are there any small backpacks that are not tight fit for 26 x 36 cm and 2.5cm thick laptop?
such a great review, thank you! I have 2 questions - I am a 6 foot plus woman, would this fit me too? I'm trying to decide between it and the 15, which leads to the 2nd question - do you think the 15 would fit under an airplane seat too? thank you :)
Have you tried the tamron 70-180mm f/2.8? Might be a good option for you. It’s way lighter but you do loose those 20mm and a bit of smoothness on the bokeh.
The bokeh and loss of 20mm on the long end are the exact reasons why I don't use the Tamron. But lately the idea of having a lighter lens is sounding more and more appealing...
New to the camera game wanted to take my camera out when i hike and go fishing . Was curious how this bag would hold up in the elements and near the water. And if it has enough protection to be set down on the rocks/hard terrain.
Would you recommend this bag? Or is there any bag that might be better Suited for that? Thank you!
I use an Osprey backpack with a Tenba byod 10 plus a filter case. It is very comfortable to carry, holds all the gear I need and serves as a daypack.
Nice setup! I have an Osprey Tempest hiking backpack that is my absolute favorite day pack and sometimes I stuff camera gear in there. I love the idea of using a an insert.
Thank you for your video. Any thoughts using this bag for a gimbal? Let’s say the Crane 2S. Thank you.
I too have a love/hate with my PD bags. I thought I’d like the compartment separated flappy things but I just end up keeping them flat and dumping gear straight into the bag lol.
Haha I ended up doing the same!
Wow .. great review! Never thought about this company. I love how you break down the features that you love! Well done. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! Think Tank products are 👌and underrated IMO.
I have the Mindshift Photocross Sling. I like that it's small, so it limits my tendency to overpack for a trip, yet still big enough to fit all my essentials.
habe you tried the brevite jumper bag. i think this is my fav at the moment.
Well I shall have to look into the 15L one. Thanks for sharing with us!
I'm still searching for the perfect camera bag for me. I'm not a professional photographer so I need something that can hold both camera gears and travel gears. Unfortunately camera bag makers seem to only care about camera gears and vice versa. For example two side pouches is a must have for me because I need to carry a tripod, a water bottle and an umbrella. The water bottle and the tripod, one of them needs to go into the front pocket depending on if the umbrella is wet. Just this one requirement filters out most of the camera bags on the market. Having a non camera bag easily solves storage problems but camera gear access is cumbersome. So I'm now sticking to my Osprey Nebula combined with a small waist bag to hold two lenses that I will most likely switch to.
Would you recommend the 15L version for people using a dslr or would this smaller one still work??
Depends on which DSLR and what lenses you use. If it’s a standard size DSLR (not the giant Nikon D6 or Canon 1DX), and you don’t use a battery grip, and you don’t have a lot of fixed aperture zoom lenses, it will likely be a good fit.
Shout out to the Seattle Squad! Great video! Thank you so much! :)
I have the Photocross 13. Not sure if it the same size. Mine has orange zippers, & I just love it too! I can even fit my Sony a7Riii with the 70-200 f2.8 mounted on the camera. The people @ the camera store told me it would not fit. I know the 70-200 lens is heavy. That’s why I’m selling mine. The only thing that I don’t like is that when I tighten all the straps to distribute the weight & I swing it around to get things out. Well it’s so high that I can’t get my camera out easily. I’m sure it is because I am short. I will just have to find a way to work that delima.
That is an excellent point about the side access being a little tricky. I also experienced that, but chalked it up to just not being used to it and needing to practice to get it right. But ideally, you shouldn't need practice to access your gear.
I love my MindShift bag. I love the magnetic closure on the top flap.
Thank you for your excellent review! Unfortunately, the Photocross backpacks seem to have been discontinued. 😥 Not even listed on Think Tank's site! I've found a store that has the Photocross backpack 15, but not the 13. I've been using the Think Tank Photo Turnstyle 10 V2 which I like a lot. Nice for hiking light and excellent quality. Can't carry all the gear that you have backed in your bag though, so I can't use it for travel unless I place it on a rolling carry on with other personal items and Mac Book. I don't care for most normal backpacks because it's too awkward to get to my gear quickly. I like that your bag is essentially both a backpack and a sling pack. I prefer smaller and lighter which is why I shoot Sony mirrorless. I don't need to carry all my gear with me, only what I really need for what I'm photographing. I've owned a lot of bags over the years and my Think Tank bags are my favorites.
I would like to buy it but Is the strap included for hanging the TRIPOD in the center of the bag?
Yes, it is!
i have the sling version, 2 problem though ... 1st the surface texture dont last long, it peels off easily after a year or so, 2nd is the side access which is on the wrong side
Good points. I've had to re-train myself to flip the bag in the opposite direction to access to side zipper. I would hope the outer lining lasts well, but time will tell...
Great review, thanks
I carry the Sony 7 Mark III & IV and have the the 12-24, 24-70 & 70-200 all f/2.8. I also keep remote triggers, filters (P style). How will these fit this bag or the 15L will work better?
I would try the 15L. In this one, you might be able to fit everything, but it sounds be really tight
Peak design travel 45L bag is all I need
I love thinktank bags too! Have you ever heard of F-Stop Kenti backpack? I think it will fit all your need perfect!
I say Peak Design bags are ones to "date," but Think Tank bags are ones to "marry." 😅
That is the perfect way to put it 🤣
I agree completely!
Lol yeah cause these u can link on Amazon and get a commission
What is happening here
@@Caninehandler 😂
Enjoyed your review. Very concise and to the point. What I am looking for mirrors your talking points. I am also one who is looking for a backpack because my shoulder bag hurts after a short time and expect a sling would not be much different. I have been looking at a lot of bags and although everyone shows what they are putting in their bags, no one ever tells us the overall weight of the gear they are carrying. Even the most uncomfortable straps are comfortable if you are only carry 5 pounds of gear what do they feel like carrying 15 or 20 lbs. I would also like to know how you feel about the bag ,fully loaded, with and without the hip / waist belt. Thanks again for a great review.
2:58 have you considered doing behind the scenes videos of your professional work at events. Sam Herd has a similar setup and his bts wedding videos are fantastic.
I've considered BTS at my shoots, but I'm always nervous about focusing too much on the BTS and not doing my actual job. But something I'm considering for sure.
I use the sling version of that bag because I like to be able to pull camera out without having to take my bag off.
Good point. I like the look of the sling, but prefer to balance the weight out on 2 shoulders.
I’ve invested and tried many camera bags and backpacks over the years. I finally settled on Domke brand bags. Mainly because they hold a lot more. They are not rigid and heavy when empty. I can take my gear out and literally fold the bag and throw it in a suitcase. It’s very robust and weighs very little when empty. I’ll put my gear in a Pelican case for travel and then put what I need for a day’s shooting the Domke bag.
I've heard of Domke bags, but haven't had a chance to try them yet. Thanks for sharing your setup!
@@Gemini_Connect check them out. All the other bags I had, I had to conform my equipment to the bag. There were too rigid and had some weight when empty. The Domke I can fold or roll it up and throw it in a suitcase. My camera equipment were inside sturdy Pelican cases and checked onto the plane. All I needed to carry was my small carry on and my iPhone. At my destination, I would pull out the gear I would need and put them in the Domke. Unnecessary equipment was locked up in the Pelican and left at the hotel.
My first comment on your posts. Been watching since I got my first GoPro (9) 3 weeks ago. I just bought a brand new lowepro viewpoint bp 250 aw of Mercari. That bag seemed to be the best overall bag for what it does, even after viewing this review. The one thing I liked better about your bag is the side access. In all fairness though, I AM using mine for GoPro/accessories and not cameras as you described. I love all your videos so far. Thank you.
Great to hear from you Robert. Lowepro has a lot of popular options, but I've never owned one of their bags. I always end up with Think Tank. Even this time around, I had 3 Lowepros as contenders but just didn't pull the trigger. The nice thing about this bag that I completely forgot to mention is that the dividers are removable, so it can carry more than camera gear.
@@Gemini_Connect I just received the Lowepro today. The floor of the top (roof of the bottom case) is removable so if you dont want the bottom bag (which is why I got it for my go pro accessories) you have a larger big part. This bag also has lots of hoops and straps to fasten things. Sure would be nice to try both simultaneously without buying both. Good luck and thanks again for all the RELEVENT material!
Great video, little wasted time with off-topic verbiage. I have had this bag for a year - bought it on sale from ThinkTank for $90. Decided I didn't like it because it did not have much space for smaller personal items (non-camera stuff). Would like more space in front pocket panel - too tight! I wanted to use it for travel since I do not check luggage on airplanes; use a roll-on bag plus my backpack (aka personal item). Maybe I need to give it a second try. :)
Great Bag, I bought it after seeing you and it’s perfect for what I need.
Just used it on a hike today and love it more than ever. I hope it works out well for you 🙏
I don’t see any advantage of your new bag here. I still love my PD 30L V2 and I think it definitely holds more than your new bag. For looking PD blow this bag out of the water.
I agree that PD still looks a lot better.
Took your advise and bought the bag, but...
Have you tried to fit the Peak Camera Clip to the strap?
Seems that is a big no-no.
If correct what a poor design team...
I can get my Peak Design Clip to fit on the shoulder strap, but it took a lot of trial and error. TBH I have trouble fitting that clip on most bags, and the straps on this one are rather thin compared to most.
👍 Your reviews are worthy! Thanks
nice bag ! I am using the backlight 36L version and was looking for a smaller version ....
There aren't many options smaller than 15L, but this is a great option IMO.
I’ve been using this bag for a couple of years now, and agree that its brilliant!
Perfect timing, I am looking for a new bag, I currently use a sling and need a backpack for even weight distribution on my shoulders. I’ve discovered most smaller bags don’t have a waist strap, so this really seems ideal. We don’t all want to carry a hulking great bag, we are not all 6ft men! Thank you 👍
Definitely take a look at this bag -- it's the best for it's size, in my opinion.
i can never find the ideal camera bag, I have tried them all!!!
I don’t think the6 have the 13 in the backpack now.
Wonderful review! Hoping you can comment, do the hip straps have pockets? I’m looking for something with quick and easy access for my phone.
No pockets on the hip straps, unfortunately. I added a Timbuk2 velcro pocket to the shoulder strap, which is perfect for holding my phone or wallet.
@@Gemini_Connect good to know. Thank you!
Great review. I note that it is “water resistant”. How waterproof is that?
Not super waterproof, but it does come with a compact rain cover in case it is really wet.
i think you might like the ThinkTank Battery Holder case instead of that Tenba one that you have. The ThinkTank Battery Holder is more low profile and less bulk.
I didn't even know about that. Thanks for the tip!
Great review. Spent some time looking at this bag in my local store but your review does a great job of laying out the features and usability. I currently use the Photocross 10 sling but it's not ideal for travel That one is good for carrying the camera around and a few lenses but is just a bit too small as a carry-on (for all the other items you need to carry when travelling).
PS. Those little hooks also have a second use besides being convenient pulls. You can hook the little anchor into the other pull's loop and vice versa. This makes it harder for anybody to zip open you bag then you have it on your back. It's an anti-pickpocket measure (Edit: Looks like this work son the sling and not the backpack - unless you don't mind you front compartments being a bit open.... nevermind)
I would like a video for the Godox V1S.
I have that same Godox Flash, excellent piece of gear!
Good comparison and nicely done! Funny, I was in REI just the other day, thinking "Why doesn't Osprey make a camera bag?". Cool that you had the same idea.
Why not just get the 15L peak design ZIP bag, it's lighter than the 20L and everything else you want the 15L still has?
I tried the 15L, but still found the stiff back and lack of padding on the back section to be uncomfortable. Over a year later of using the ThinkTank backpack, it is still my go-to for hauling my camera gear and laptop around.
That makes sense I use it mostly for an everyday bag and when I do travel with my camera I don't have that much gear so my bag weighs less than 10 lbs usually
Excellent review and agree with everything you said. I own the peak design 13 sling bag, and your right, it starts to dig into one's shoulder after awhile. I was thinking about the backpack you reviewed, and your review convinced me...so big shout out to you for doing the video. I subscribed to your channel. Thank you again. BTW, as an FYI, I just picked up the Ulanzi Coman travel tripod, and it is perfect for travel, I plan to head to the Tetons in a few weeks, so will take it with me. I bought the Peak Design Carbon tripod last year and really liked it, but the Ulanzi is noticeably lighter and the ball head design is much better than PD, you can actually turn your camera in portrait mode on either side!
That's awesome, thank you so much for watching the channel. Have a blast in the Tetons -- I have yet to go there, but I hear it is beautiful!
Thank you for the product information. It would be cool if you could create your own backpack & fill the void for female body. I used to have a big Pelican case....but a good bag like this one will be my next go to bag. ❤
I wish there were more camera accessory options made specifically for females. They’re all so male oriented 😕
I have enjoyed listening to your camera backpack philosophy 👍
I love this backpack too! I do landscape/nature and some architecture. I love it for hikes where I don't need a lot of extra layers. I can fit my Sony full frame with 24-105, 100-400 and 16-35 f4. I use the straps on the back for my tripod because I always want a water bottle....or thermal mug with coffee. For heavier duty outdoor adventures I have Shimodas which are amazing but much bigger.
Great review, I don't know why this bag isn't more popular! I have the Photocross Backpack 15 (which confusingly has a volume of 20l) and I'm amazed how much I can fit in it. I shoot wildlife and often have to hike far into the jungle so need room for extra gear. I'm able to fit my a7riii with Sony 100-400 attached on the bottom and my binoculars and teleconverter in the middle, which leaves a big space on top and in the front pocket for miscellaneous hiking gear. My only concern is the thickness of the padding on the side walls while traveling, but I just sandwich my camera/lens between some extra dividers for a little extra padding.
I feel like Think Tank products have been overshadowed by more "trendy" bags by Peak Design, Nomadic, etc, which is a shame b/c Think Tank has the best camera bags IMO.
The 13 and 15 in the names refer to the size of the laptop that fits!
Can you fit a the Sony 200-600mm into the backpack sideways? Or suggest a bag that can?
Great video! Love the removable waist strap on your new bag. I, too, am getting more disgruntled with my PD and have been seriously thinking of selling it. Where do you usually go to sell your used gear/bags?
I've been using Facebook Marketplace and Gear Focus. Will be doing a video about selling gear soon!
Thanks for the video.
Grazie e ancora grazie. Oggi mi è arrivato lo zaino come il tuo è comodissimo sono davvero contento
Great bag review. This one has a lot of useful features, and it’s priced affordably. I’m currently using the latest PYGTech bag, and I like it, but it’s not perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Im the same with my camera bags like my wife with purses. Always looking for a newer one. Cool.
Same! Glad someone else understands 😂
I have found this video helpful. Never heard of this bag until seeing this video. Not sure that I like side only access. I think that's restrictive but maybe it is worth trying. Still, I don't want to spend in the region of $160 only to find it is not the bag for me. Food for thought. Anyhow, your video is tops with me. I'm impressed with the level of sincerity this communicates as well as the factual knowledge.
I'd love to see how you can fit in those two a7 bodies with lenses and ensure that they do not collide with one another. I like my expensive hardware well separated.
My thanks.
Good points. I've come to like side access the most because I can clearly see and access everything in the bag without putting it down. Back access is nice too, but I hate removing my bag every time to do that. I should have showed the interior more clearly, but it's nicely padded with removable inserts, so you can make your own configuration or remove them altogether and use the bag however you please. Thank you for watching 🙏
@@Gemini_Connect I’ve just taken possession of this bag having ordered it online (160 US Dollars) and without actual sight. Your video inspired this move. I’m more impressed than I had anticipated. It’s a Goldilocks (and the 3 bears) bag, not too big, not too small, just right - for me and I am 6 feet tall. I can fit in my kit admirably, securely and easily. It seems well made and durable. But an unexpected bonus is that it sits comfortably on my back like no other, meaning I shall be able to carry it around on full day events without having to moan. Lastly, it does not draw unwanted attention, so I can safely go about my business. I have no laptop issues. I like it a lot. Thanks.
Hi. Great video. Can you fit a small drone?
For sure! The Mini or Mavic would fit just fine.
Side access for me is a no, i find when travelling i want taking my camera from the back. I lived in South America and i would not use anything with access on the side or front because you will find out missing gear. Just preference.
That's a fair point. I still prefer side access. I feel like it's a personal preference.
lmao. and im looking for something bigger than 40L! I have lots of lenses including a 600 gm
You should try out the Wandrd PRVKE backpack
Does it have a waist strap?
@@Gemini_Connect it comes with it if you get it with the photography bundle.
@@SYEP the PRVKE is gorgeous, and handy with the roll top, but it isn't nearly as comfortable, and its waist strap is almost laughable. So unfortunately it's a great bag, with plenty room for improvement 😎👍
I am only watching because I suffer from GAS. I use a Nanuk 935 hardshell wheeled case. I bought it when I outgrew my Peak Design messenger bag. But even the Nanuk is not really big enough, so the PD is an overflow and event bag.
I have a Pelican 1510 (in addition to all of these bags!), and used to fill that to the brim, also needing an overflow bag. There are times when I have so much gear that I still need a setup like that 😜
I wonder why they call it the Photocross 13 backpack when it's 12 liters.
Oh, I see... it fits a 13" laptop.
This MindShift bag doesn’t hold a candle to the bags from Shimoda Designs. Their Explore V2 25 bag while larger offers so much more practicality and is feature rich. It also easily fits under an airplane seat and is designed for travel as well as field work.
I like the look of the Shimoda Explore, but the smallest size it comes in is 25L, and it weighs over 4lbs. The MindShift bag is quite a bit smaller at 12L, and just over 1lb. Obviously each bag is made for a specific use case, but my search was for the smallest, most lightweight ergonomic backpack.
Osprey can be used and is a great bag (back pack)but maybe too big for your use also fairly exxy, but tuff. Think Tank looks interesting though.
I have several Osprey bags for backpacking and day hiking that are great, but usually they're stuffed full of outdoor gear. I suppose using a padded camera insert would work, but would love to see Osprey's take on a dedicated camera bag.
Nice video! I have the 15 version and it's great, I love my backpack and I totally agree with everything you said, I value the exact same things you do and these bags are awesome! 👍👍👍
Can you close the bag one handed while holding your camera with the other hand?
@@pretor706 hello! Yes, it's doable, but I prefer to rest my backpack somewhere or ask someone to hold my camera if I need to grab something from the bag 👍
Nice review. On my side I would prefer model 15 to have more space for my computer. The only issue I see vs the pd v1 (I don t like v2 with zip) is the lack of access from the top which is useful to put non photo stuff and to avoid mixing it with the photo stuff but the price is also interesting.
Yeah, the top access is nice. The only problem for me was being unable to fully lock or secure that top flap.
Wish you could show the bag from inside just to know how much room it has and the way the equipment goes inside but anyways.
Yeah, I could have showed more detail there. The gear dividers are padded and removable, so you can divide the space up accordingly.
I also left PD (for bags), including literally giving one away during a recent overseas shoot. Too rigid.
I don't get why the bag is so rigid and how so many people think it's a good thing 🤔
I have the TT messenger bag and I love it. However I think TT bag's protection layer is too thin. For this backpack, I more like the PD's design. Especially their V2 did very nice job. To me, this TT backpack just looks like an old fashion bag for a middle school student ( Sorry |-) ). From the feature perspective, I did not see anything this one did better than the PD one. Maybe as you said, this bag is lighter and more comfortable.
One feature sorely lacking on the PD bag is the waist strap. If it had that, and a less stiff back, it would still be my top choice for a bag. I agree with you on the design though -- PD looks way sharper and more modern. I wish TT would make a more urban and less rugged looking version of this bag.
@@Gemini_Connect pd 20l or 30l does have the waist strap. There is a tips video on UA-cam tell people how to figure it out.
I guess UA-cam didn't like the URL in my last comment and deleted it, you REALLY need to check out this option. It has everything you're looking for minus the anchors and more and it's 60.00 from Japan. Normally I would never advocate buying a bag for that price but I've been shooting for over a decade and couldn't be more pleased after owning tons of other backpacks and camera bags.
Search it up and let me know what you think.
Off Toco High Grade L2 Camera Bag
DGB-S037 series
Ooooh that is a great looking bag. I've never heard of it, but it looks sleek and has a lot of features I want...gonna have to see if I can get it here in the states. Thanks for the tip!
@@Gemini_Connect I own both the small and larger sizes of this bag now, the small actually looked too small on my back 😭
As of now I'm leaving Tokyo today and this bag is packed with my a7iv, a6400, 90mm macro, 85mm, 70/200 f4, 10-18mm, 15" MSI Gaming Laptop, 13" Surface Laptop Go, GorillaPod Pro strapped outside. Upper compartment has all the accessories like MX100 light, chargers, mice and every souviners I could cram into the empty spaces. Some how it fits perfectly over my roller bag, and if it's on my back is still manages to remain sleek and not like a three day bag.
I am also not a large person, so it would likely fit you nicely as well.
Also would be nice to have a luggage strap.
Agreed, that would be a great addition. Although in practice, I rarely use it and generally don't mind carrying my backpack.
@ThinkTankPhoto would you consider making a Think Tank version of this Photocross 13/15 Series? Just like Suzi told us, more or urban in vibe.
Proud owner of Think Tank bags, especially the Hubba Hubba Hiney. :)
I LOVE this idea -- would love to see a more urban looking version of this backpack.
@@Gemini_Connect The closest I could find is the Urban Access 13 but I could be wrong.
Check out the think tank backstory. 13 or 15. I have the 13 and echo all that’s said in this video about think tank 13L day packs . The backstory has an urban grey material - still durable though. Mine got drenched in Iceland and was all fine.
I need a bigger bag with more shoulder padding. Traveling around with two kids, I need extra room for food, water and baby wipes. Nice bag though.
That is a good point. I do use this bag when traveling with Julian, and usually only carry 1 camera and lens. The rest of the space his for baby gear.
I use the Thinktank Urban Access 15,it has plenty of padding, by far my most comfortable camera bag to this day. It's quite spacious, but it all depends on how much gear vs personal items you need to log around. If max space is necessary look into the WANDRD PRVKE, with their bigger sizes. The roll top. Makes a big difference. 😎👍
@@williamaungleyraud Thank you….
Holding a tripod on a pack is still something no backpack maker understands. Side entry when you have a tripod on the outside = tripod falling out. Some external way to completely enclose the tripod would be best. Velcro in some way that can fit around the entire tripod would be great. Nobody does that. Still waiting for the evolution of a bag.
This bag does come with tripod straps to attach it on the outside, but not velcro like you mentioned.
yeah. This is my favorite backpack. Only thing it cannot do is carry my cam with my super telephoto
Yeah, that's a cost of having a smaller bag. I sometimes wish my long lens attached to the camera could fit, but then again I rarely use my telephoto anymore 😅