Think Tank Photo Urban Approach at a glance:
- Subtle all-black design with BGG leather detailing
- Stylish and ergonomic
- Designed to fit CSC kit with lenses
- Inner pockets for 8in tablet and personal belongings
- Price: Around £81
- Website: www.thinktankphoto.com
Think Tank has just released a new series of Urban Approach backpacks and messenger bags for mirrorless cameras. The messenger bag comes in two different sizes: 5 and 10. The former will house up to a large-sized CSC with lens attached, plus up to three extra lenses and a 8in tablet, while the 10 has space for an additional lens and a 10in tablet.
The styling is minimal, with an entirely black exterior, matt black leather accenting across the front, and a durable woven nylon fabric on the front flap and underside. The bag is also coated in a waterproof DWR (durable water-repellent) coating, though there’s also a seam-sealed rain cover in case users get caught in the rain.
Two large dividers spit the main compartment into three, with extra, small Velcro dividers allowing users to store multiple lenses in each section. A tablet can be stored at the back, while the frontside has a large pouch for storing accessories and personal belongings.
Think Tank Photo Urban Approach – key features
Padded shoulder strap
The shoulder strap is breathable and padded, with small lines of silicon to hold it in place.
Silent opening systems
The velcro can be covered over and the bag fastened with a clip for silent operation when needed.
Bottle holding pouch
The side pouch is designed to hold a bottle, which is really useful when taking your camera kit with you on long walks.
Think Tank Photo Urban Approach – verdict
Though not extensively padded, the Urban Approach bag does a reasonable job of protecting kit. It’s comfortable to carry over one shoulder, and the strap is soft and breathable. The bag easily took an Olympus OM-D EM-5 Mark II with a small prime attached, plus three further small primes and a pro zoom. The bag is of exceptional quality and clearly built to last.
SCORE: 4 out of 5
You may wish to consider:
Ona Leather Prince Street
Price: Around £239
Website: www.onabags.com
A great, but expensive, option, this messenger bag will house a large amount of kit, is heavily padded, and looks subtle and stylish.
Think Tank Photo Mirrorless Mover 20
Price: Around £40
Website: www.thinktank.com
Similar in size (but not styling) to the Urban Approach bag and made of the same high-grade materials.
Lowepro Event Messenger 100
Price: £37
Website: www.lowepro.co.uk
An inexpensive messenger bag with enough space for a small compact system camera and a couple of lenses. Comes in a choice of black or mica – a type of muted greyish green.
