In search of the perfect backpack
Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2021 12:51 am
There is no such thing which is why I have purchased numerous camera backpacks over the years. Or maybe I just haven't found the right one. There is a bag for every purpose.
Based on my good experience with the Think Tank Glass Limo, I started to explore more of the Think Tank line of backpacks particularly the Street Walker model. There were two I was interested in, the Street Walker PRO and the regular model.
Like anyone, I did my research online first, even contacting the vendor for advice. I told them what camera and gear I was planning to carry, a DSLR with a battery grip and a smaller lens like the 70-200 2.8L + 1.4x or 100-400L IS. They recommended the Street Walker PRO because of the battery grip. They said the non-Pro version would put a strain on the zipper.
So, I ordered the Pro model. Nice bag but still felt a bit big to me. I'm not going to order the non-Pro because apparently, it is not recommended for gripped cameras.
I still kept doing more research and saw in one video that someone had a gripped camera in the non-Pro bag. I'm starting to have my doubts. One person told me that he had both bags and he used the non-Pro model for home use and the Pro for travel. Made sense. When you read the dimensions of the 2 bags, it doesn't look like there is much of a difference in capacity. I wouldn't want to end up buying a backpack too small for a gripped camera. I already have the Pro. Still, it kept nagging at me. You have to try it to rule it out. See for yourself which is the more appropriate bag.
So, I contacted the vendor again and asked, 'is it really worth trying the non-Pro model as the dimensions seem very similar to the Pro. Doesn't seem like much difference. The vendor rep said, 'the non-Pro is a much smaller bag'. Much smaller? Hard to see the difference even in the Think Tank demos on Youtube. But when I was told that there is a noticeable difference, my curiosity had to be satisfied. I will just return it if not what I want.
So, I purchased the Street Walker non-Pro. Was I ever surprised. You need to see the bags side by side and I don't see any videos out there doing that. The non-Pro version is much better for my needs. Definitely less bulky and fits what I want in a much more compact form. Now, I see why the other fella said he had both models. One is definitely more compact and will do for everyday use. I may even take it traveling. Now I see why the vendor rep said the bags are noticeably different in size. But they were wrong telling me it was not for a gripped camera.
Street Walker Pro vs non-Pro
This view says it all. Difference between the Street Walker Pro and Street Walker.
Non-Pro with Canon 7D MK2, 1.4x, Canon 70-200 2.8L IS III and lens hood extended. Wimberley Lens foot attached. Fits nicely. Zips up comfortably with no strain on the zipper. I think it will even fit a 1DX + grip. Pro version. Same gear.
Based on my good experience with the Think Tank Glass Limo, I started to explore more of the Think Tank line of backpacks particularly the Street Walker model. There were two I was interested in, the Street Walker PRO and the regular model.
Like anyone, I did my research online first, even contacting the vendor for advice. I told them what camera and gear I was planning to carry, a DSLR with a battery grip and a smaller lens like the 70-200 2.8L + 1.4x or 100-400L IS. They recommended the Street Walker PRO because of the battery grip. They said the non-Pro version would put a strain on the zipper.
So, I ordered the Pro model. Nice bag but still felt a bit big to me. I'm not going to order the non-Pro because apparently, it is not recommended for gripped cameras.
I still kept doing more research and saw in one video that someone had a gripped camera in the non-Pro bag. I'm starting to have my doubts. One person told me that he had both bags and he used the non-Pro model for home use and the Pro for travel. Made sense. When you read the dimensions of the 2 bags, it doesn't look like there is much of a difference in capacity. I wouldn't want to end up buying a backpack too small for a gripped camera. I already have the Pro. Still, it kept nagging at me. You have to try it to rule it out. See for yourself which is the more appropriate bag.
So, I contacted the vendor again and asked, 'is it really worth trying the non-Pro model as the dimensions seem very similar to the Pro. Doesn't seem like much difference. The vendor rep said, 'the non-Pro is a much smaller bag'. Much smaller? Hard to see the difference even in the Think Tank demos on Youtube. But when I was told that there is a noticeable difference, my curiosity had to be satisfied. I will just return it if not what I want.
So, I purchased the Street Walker non-Pro. Was I ever surprised. You need to see the bags side by side and I don't see any videos out there doing that. The non-Pro version is much better for my needs. Definitely less bulky and fits what I want in a much more compact form. Now, I see why the other fella said he had both models. One is definitely more compact and will do for everyday use. I may even take it traveling. Now I see why the vendor rep said the bags are noticeably different in size. But they were wrong telling me it was not for a gripped camera.
Street Walker Pro vs non-Pro
This view says it all. Difference between the Street Walker Pro and Street Walker.
Non-Pro with Canon 7D MK2, 1.4x, Canon 70-200 2.8L IS III and lens hood extended. Wimberley Lens foot attached. Fits nicely. Zips up comfortably with no strain on the zipper. I think it will even fit a 1DX + grip. Pro version. Same gear.