Some of the best bags get better as Think Tank updates StreetWalker and TurnStyle series
posted Friday, May 26, 2017 at 7:00 AM EDT
Think Tank Photo releases new StreetWalker Rolling Photo Backpack and updates classic StreetWalker series backpacks
The new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 features the new ability to quickly transform from a backpack to a roller. This versatility doesn’t come at the cost of space as the new Rolling Backpack V2.0 can hold two DSLR bodies with attached lenses, including a 200-400mm f/4 lens, and a 15-inch laptop.
The roller is designed with travelers in mind. The backpack has a harness system that allows you to carry it on your back or roll it and it is designed to maximize the amount of gear you can carry without going over standard airline carry-on restrictions. For those who want to roll reliably for a long time, the Roller V2.0 has a reinforced telescoping handle with rubberized touch points and custom-designed 80mm wheels with sealed ABEC grade 5 bearings. If something happens to your backpack, fret not, as the handle, wheels, wheel housings, feet and kick plate are all user-replaceable. For carrying your non-camera gear, there are two side water bottle pockets and a dedicated smartphone pocket designed to fit most modern phones.
It is not just the new backpack that’s been announced as Think Tank has also updated their three classic StreetWalker backpacks with the new StreetWalker V2.0, StreetWalker Pro V2.0 and StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0. (Note: I reviewed the original Think Tank HardDrive backpack in 2015 and loved the backpack. It became my go-to backpack and I have used it to carry gear on many of my photography adventures since then.) The three updated StreetWalker V2.0 backpacks vary in their size and features, but they do share many features. All three models are designed for all-day comfort and include high quality materials for extensive durability and protection. They all – and the Roller V2.0 as well – include movable padded dividers to customize the interior to your personal gear. For carrying heavy gear for extended periods of time, there is also a detachable waist belt. Like other Think Tank products, the StreetWalker V2.0 backpacks are compatible with Think Tank’s Camera Support Straps, Thin Skin belt and Pro Speed belt (sold separately).
Like the Roller V2.0, the new backpacks include a dedicated smartphone pocket and two side water bottle pockets as well. The front panel includes a tripod mount, although the Pro and HardDrive models do include a cup for carrying larger tripods. Let’s take a closer look at the differences in capacity between the three updated StreetWalker V2.0 backpack models. The standard StreetWalker V2.0 backpack weighs 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) and has internal dimensions of 9.4 x 16.1 x 6.3 inches (24 x 41 x 16 centimeters) (width x height x depth). The StreetWalker Pro V2.0 weighs 3.5 pounds (1.6 kilograms) and has internal dimensions of 9.4 x 17.3 x 7.5 inches (24 x 44 x 19 centimeters). Finally, the StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 weighs 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms) and has internal dimensions of 11 x 19.7 x 7.1 inches (28 x 50 x 18 centimeters).
Of the new StreetWalker V2.0 backpacks, Think Tank Photo CEO and lead designer Doug Murdoch said the following, “With the release of the new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack and the new versions of the three classic StreetWalker backpacks, we made three of the best pro-level backpacks in the photo industry even better. The one thing we’ve heard over and over since they first launched is how comfortable and durable they are. Now, with the hybrid rolling backpack and the upgraded core backpacks, we’ve integrated even more photographer feedback to expand their functionality.”
You can preorder the new StreetWalker V2.0 backpacks from the links below:
StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 - $300
StreetWalker V2.0 - $170
StreetWalker Pro V2.0 - $200
StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 - $230
Think Tank introduces version 2.0 of their TurnStyle sling camera bags
While the StreetWalker series backpacks are large and designed for carrying a lot of gear comfortably, the TurnStyle sling camera bags are designed for more casual shooting and offer a lighter, smaller and more streamlined design. To make the TurnStyle V2.0 more comfortable, it includes a new stabilizer strap that holds the bag steady while shooting but can also be tucked away when it isn’t needed. The sling design lends itself to quickly accessing gear while on the go.
There are three TurnStyle V2.0 bags, all using the same design but offering different carrying capacities. The TurnStyle 5 is aimed at mirrorless camera users and it can hold a mirrorless body and two to four lenses, plus an eight-inch tablet. The TurnStyle 10 holds a standard DSLR with a lens or two and an eight-inch tablet. Finally, the largest TurnStyle V2.0 bag, the TurnStyle 20, holds a standard size DSLR with one to three lenses and a 10-inch tablet. All three sizes are available in charcoal and a new indigo blue colorway.
Murdoch says of the TurnStyle V2.0 bags, “The new version of our popular TurnStyle sling bags reinforces their reputation as the ideal ‘grab and go’ camera bag. One thing we’ve learned from serving professional photographers for so long is that they always need one, pre-conformed gear kit that gives them access to their core gear. The TurnStyle is that bag.
The slim, contoured bag conforms to your body and is constructed using lightweight, breathable materials. It has a front organizer pocket for things like batteries, memory cards and other small accessories. For your camera gear, the interior has customizable dividers. If you get caught out in the rain, no problem, the bag comes with a seam-sealed rain cover as well, plus the bag is coated with water repellant.
You can preorder the new TurnStyle V2.0 bags through the links below: