As a music photographer, travelling safely with my DSLR gear from airport to performance is fundamental. Besides being durable, my camera bag must be versatile enough to roll through airports and then be carried across a muddy festival site or through a crowded venue. A year ago, that was my weekly schedule.
Think Tank is known for their premium quality and variety of products, from lightweight totes to trunk-sized storage. The Essential Convertible Rolling Backpack is perfectly suited for an overnighter or day trip. Happily, I had the opportunity to test out Think Tank’s Essential Convertible Rolling Backpack on a quick trip to Nashville to shoot a performance at the Ryman Auditorium, and I jumped at both the backpack and the show.
Weighing only a hair over seven pounds, the Convertible Rolling Backpack does not look like a classic camera bag, two important features when you are carrying 25+ pounds and $10,000 worth of camera gear. But the stroke of genius is unzipping the back compartment, and—Voila!—deploy the wide, padded shoulder straps and it becomes a backpack. That payload distributes evenly to both shoulders and yes, it is comfortable and does not put excessive strain on the lower back, an ongoing problem for any roving photographer. I can pack it easily, and I have literally broken my back.
For added protection for my $10,000 package, there is a security cable and lock— attached to the bag, so it cannot be lost—to secure the main compartment or fasten the bag to an immovable object (airport bench, train seat, photo pit rail or tent pole) in the upper side pocket. Other hidden assets include a strong telescoping handle with a cushioned grip under the top handle, four wheels that glide smoothly but don’t ig into your back, a petite size that fits into overhead compartments or under the seats in theaters or planes. Three grab handles make it easy to pull it out from anywhere.
The exterior is durable and entirely waterproofed, with abrasion-resistant, lockable zippers which provide a good seal. If further protection is needed, a separate rain cover is included, handy for heavy rain, snow or boating adventures.
Big enough to accommodate two DSLR bodies and multiple lenses, the dividers are thicker and sturdier than those found in most other camera bags, and customizable for lenses and cameras: I fit a DSLR body with 70-200 mm lens attached, ready to shoot stageside. A zippered separate outer pocket fits up to a 16-inch laptop (alas, mine is 22″), plus inner mesh pockets for miscellaneous cell phones, camera cards, batteries and cables. A pocket and straps on the side can house a tripod.
With both form and function, The Essential Convertible Rolling Backpack will last, protect and travel, and is going to my next concert…whenever that is. Meanwhile, I’ll carry it for slice-of-life shots, nature walks, and bring it to our little holiday get-togethers, where I can tuck it behind the couch.
—Laura Carbone
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