Think Tank Urban Approach backpack at a glance:
- Designed to fit CSC kit with lenses
- Enough room for personal belongings
- Back pocket holds a 15in laptop
- Price: £133
- Website: www.thinktankphoto.com
Think Tank’s Urban Approach 15 Mirrorless Backpack sits alongside two shoulder bags in the range. As the name suggests, it’s designed for mirrorless cameras, including larger models such as the Sony Alpha 7 models, with additional battery grips, or the large Fuji X-series cameras and grips. However, it also comfortably houses most small DSLR cameras. The rucksack’s inner comes equipped with lots of dividers, housing up to two large compact system camera bodies with lenses attached, and five to eight additional lenses. A handy zipped pouch at the back is designed to
hold a 10in tablet and a 15in laptop.
Everything about the bag, from its monochrome exterior to the black leather accenting across the front, is low-key and discreet. The majority of its construction is a black woven nylon fabric, covered in a DWR (durable water-repellent) coating to protect contents from light rain. For extra comfort, its straps are padded and boast air-mesh nylon for increased airflow and sweat reduction.
Think Tank Urban Approach backpack – Key features
Tripod transport
The side of the bag houses a stretchy pocket that can fit a small travel tripod. The kit includes a strap to secure a tripod to the bag.
Laptop pouch
The rear of the bag sports a pouch to house both a 10in tablet and/or a 15in laptop.
Padded shoulder straps
The shoulder straps are well padded and comfortable to wear. They’re also made from breathable air-mesh nylon to help prevent sweating.
Think Tank Urban Approach backpack – Verdict
Although the Urban Approach 15 has enough space to house two camera kits, I removed some of the dividers to carry battery chargers, headphones, filters and a jacket. This was a major benefit of the bag, and I liked how easily customisable it is. The materials used are of a high standard and the bag’s durability is very good. In addition, the all-black discreet design is an asset when travelling in high-risk areas.
SCORE: 5 out of 5
You may also consider:
Lowepro Transit Backpack 350 AW
Price: £82
Website: www.lowepro.com
Designed for DSLR users, a similar amount of kit fits into the Lowepro Transit: a CSC, three to six large CSC lenses and a 15in laptop. There is a side tripod attachment.
Think Tank Urban Approach 10 Mirrorless Bag
Price: £105
Website: www.thinktankphoto.com
If you want an all-black look and similar high-grade materials, the Urban Approach Mirrorless Bag 10 is ideal. The messenger-bag style is a bit smaller than the backpack.
Vanguard 2GO 32 Backpack
Price: £44
Website: www.vanguardworld.com
It may seem like the budget option, but the Vanguard is a quality backpack. It has a front quick-access camera pouch to house a small camera and room in the top for belongings, although no laptop space.
