ThinkTank Photo StreetWalker Camera Backpack Review

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We’ve already looked at a number of bags for carrying your camera, photographic accessories and, in some cases, a tablet or laptop. Those bags all fell into the category of shoulder bags or slings. This time out we are taking a look at a backpack-style system for carrying all your gear. The Think Tank Photo Streetwalker “holds a regular size DSLR with 70-200 2.8 attached and hood in position ready to shoot”.

The company targets this bag as being a good fit for “all photographers, from pros to serious enthusiasts” and, having run it through its paces, I have to agree. It is a well-made backpack with plenty of storage and possible configurations. This is the smallest backpack in the Streetwalker line and it already holds a ton.

The bag’s exterior dimensions are 9.5” W x 17” H x 6” D which yields an interior of 8.5” W x 16” H x 5.5” D  and it weights under 3lbs. As has been the case with all of the Think Tank Bags we are reviewing, it is constructed from high-quality materials and has a superb build-quality as well.

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From ThinkTank:

Designed for use in urban and crowded environments, this slim, lightweight backpack is sized as an international travel carry-on. It holds a DSLR and a 70-200 2.8 with hood attached and multiple DSLR cameras and lenses.

Top Features:

Vertically thin design with contoured curved top.

Carry monopods and tripods in the bottom front pocket.

Contoured harness with air channel for men and women.

Removable seam-sealed rain cover.

Here’s our video review.

The backpack has a vertical design with a contoured curved top. As the company notes, it can hold a DSLR and 70-200 2.8 attached and the lens hood can also remain attached in shooting position. The “bottom front pocket can be used to carry a tripod or monopod” and the accessory straps are included!

As noted in the introduction, it is a lot of backpack and just might be more than I need. I was initially disappointed that it was not designed to specifically hold a tablet or laptop. I expect that, at a minimum, I will always want to have my iPad with me and, as a result, a tablet-specific pocket is ideal for me. It doesn’t have one. At the same time I COULD make this backpack work for me without much trouble, and the features make it an incredibly attractive option. What are the features about which I write? Let’s use Think Tank’s own images to run them down.

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There is the airflow channel with breathable mesh at the back of the backpack. It keeps the air flowing and your back cool while wearing it.

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There is the removable seam-sealed rain cover for those times when the sky opens up on you… and your precious gear.

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There is the business card pocket at the top for easy identification.

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There is the fantastic upper organizer pocket. It is good for pens, memory cards, passports, and (much) more.

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There are the two side pockets that include two stretch pockets for things like water bottles, and there is room for much more. As you can see in the video there is a large, easily configured interior space that will work for most anyone who wants to carry their camera and some key accessories.

If you like a backpack-style bag for your gear and you want the flexibility to carry a large amount of it with you this is a great option to consider. And it is under $150. You can learn more and order it here on the Think Tank Photo website. Or you can grab it here through our Amazon Affiliate Store.

MSRP: $149.95

What I Like: Well made; Flexible; Plenty of room; Rain shield included; Extra straps included; Comfortable to wear; Amazing attention to detail

What Needs Improvement: No tablet or laptop-specific pocket; May be more bag than you need

We’ve signed up to be part of Think Tank’s Photographer Support Program. With this program, any time you visit the company website using this special link to go to Think Tank and, when you order $50 or more you will get free gear added to your order. You will also help support Gear Diary in the process, and we thank you in advance. Yes, it is a win-win-win prospect and, best of all, their camera bags are awesome!!!

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.