photos by Kevin Stanford
We have already looked at a number of offerings from Think Tank Photo. We reviewed the ThinkTank Retrospective 7 Camera Bag. (Read the review.) We also reviewed the ThinkTank Photo StreetWalker Camera Backpack that has now taken up residence with Judie. (Read the review.) And finally we reviewed the Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 35 V2.0. (Read the review.)
As I was finishing this initial series of reviews I commented that I wish I had something that would carry all my gear AND my 15″ MacBook Pro Retina. A short time later the ThinkTank Photo Street Walker HardDrive Backpack arrived at my home. Initially, I thought it was just too big for my taste but, after spending some time with it, I am rethinking things. Yes, it is big, but it is amazingly well-designed and it does what I need, carries all my gear and protects it in Think Tank-style. Here’s a video look and some additional details from Think Tank Photo.
So that’s the video look. Now lets dig a bit deeper.
From Think Tank Photo:
Designed for use in urban and crowded environments, this slim, lightweight backpack also holds a 15” laptop, as well as a pro-size DSLR and a 70-200 2.8 with hood attached.
Top Features:
Carry monopods and tripods in the bottom front pocket.
Additional tripod cup for larger tripods.
Thin Skin Belt, Pro Speed Belt or Steroid Speed Belt (sold separately) can be attached
Contoured harness for men and women with air channel.
The Street Walker HardDrive can hold a Pro Size DSLR with a 70-200 2.8 attached with hood in position, so you are always ready to shoot. That’s more camera than I use, but as the company notes, this backpack is for “all photographers, from pros to serious enthusiasts”.
I mentioned in the introduction that it is large, and the specs show just how big it is. The backpack measures 11.5” W x 19.8” H x 8.5” D and includes a laptop compartment comes in at 13.5″ H x 11.25″ W x 1.5″ D. It weighs 3.8 to 4.6 lbs empty.
It is worth letting Think Tank run down the specific features of this backpack; after all, this $200+ backpack is feature-rich. In addition to holding most 15” laptops, the backpack…
Holds a pro size DSLR and 70-200 2.8 with an attached with hood in position. For example it can carry a Nikon 400 f2.8 attached to a pro size DSLR body.
It has a bottom front pocket that can be used to carry a tripod or monopod. The accessory straps are included.
It has a pop out tripod cup that is built in for carrying a larger tripod.
It works with a Thin Skin Belt, Pro Speed Belt or Steroid Speed Belt (sold separately). The belts allow you to keep gear around your waist where it’s most accessible.
It has an airflow channel with a breathable mesh liner that keeps your back cool while you are wearing the backpack
It includes a removable seam-sealed rain cover.
It has an upper organizer pocket for pens, memory cards, passports, and more
It has a zippered side pocket with an outer stretchable pocket on both sides of the backpack.
It includes a removable webbing waist belt that detaches easily.
It has a contoured shoulder harness—designed for men and women—with stretchable pockets, D-rings and a sternum strap
It also features a clear business card holder for quick identification and has lockable YKK zipper sliders.
The Think Tank Photo Street Walker HardDrive is a serious backpack for people who need to carry and protect their camera gear, 15″ laptop and more. The backpack is large, but with its size you get great organizational possibilities, fantastic construction and a backpack that is designed to be as comfortable as possible while you carry an assortment of gear. You can learn more here. The backpack is currently out of stock, but you can sign up to be notified when it is available once again.
MSRP: $219.75
What I Like: Well constructed; Offers great comfort and equally great protection for your gear and laptop; Includes a rain shield; Designed for use in the real world
What Needs Improvement: I do wish it had a handle on the side so you could carry the backpack horizontally