i bought the think tank antidote today in palo alto....

[ed rader]

at Bear Images which is the only store in the south bay that carries think tank products, and they have the full line. the people at Bear were super nice and answered all my questions. i lined up the three bags i was interested in -- streetwalker HD, ultralight and antidote -- on a bench and made my decision.

i was really trying to like the ultralight because they had the old model on clearance for $118 but the lack of a tripod/monopod attachment was a deal killer for me. otherwise i would have snagged this bag. they also had the rolling hard case that the ultralight is designed to fit into. very cool system.

i almost bought the streetwalker HD but eventually decided on the antidote even tho i don't really need or want to pay for the laptop case. what sold me on the antidote over the streetwalker was....

-- able to carry a little more gear because of the shape.

-- i'd rather have the laptop compartment in the back of the pack. in the field this space can be used for a windbreaker or rain gear and fully collapses when not in use.

-- the security lock can be used as a locking safety latch for the two main compartment zippers, which are drilled and overlap and can be locked together.

-- while both packs accomodate pro bodies the antidote is a hair deeper.

-- the antidote is an internationally legal carry-on.

i need a backpack to transport gear, not because i go hiking with a lot of gear but the antidote is comfortable enough (it seems) to be worn for long periods of time.

it was a close call and i waffled back and forth but in the end i walked away with the antidote :D.

ed rader

[holland_patrick]

excellent man let's see that bad boy..

[profec291]

Let's see that bad boy loaded up! I too am debating on the SW HD and Antidote.

[ed rader]

Let's see that bad boy loaded up! I too am debating on the SW HD and Antidote.


i'll try to take some pictures later after i get the bag configured. with all my lenses and two bodies we're talking 23.5 lbs so far :D!

ed rader

[profec291]

Happy Traveling!:lol:

[tvphotog]

Nice purchase, well-considered. Would like to see it loaded.

[Jason Kim]

Congrats Ed.
I carried Antidote on my back for 2 hours straight fully loaded (21 lbs). It was as comfortable as any backpacks that I have. It does carry a lot, the main reason I bought the bag.

[jklewer]

+1, good bag for sure!

[pigtailpat]

I'm glad you FINALLY made up your mind.....:D

I'm sorry I didn't post pics like I had promised, I will do so the first minute I get..

so busy......

Pat


it was a close call and i waffled back and forth but in the end i walked away with the antidote :D.

ed rader

[Jason Kim]

This is how I packed for this weekend trip. I don't normally carry all these but I just wanted to find out how much Antidote will carry. I will let you guys know if I got away with 31lbs load. Size should be legal and should fit under the seat since I did not put anything in laptop pocket. Crossing my fingers.;)

[Jason Kim]

100-400 under the Pro Belt16-35 & 24-70 inside Trim Changer

[Jason Kim]

one more

[ed rader]

Jason -- thanx for the pictures. a light just clicked on for me when i saw your two lenses in the trim changer and the speed changer belt beneath the 100-400L....that's how i carry another camera bag without carrying on another bag.

of course that means i'll have to spend more money :D.

ed rader

[Jason Kim]

Okay. I took Antidote loaded with 32lbs of gear to Boeing 737. Antidote fits over the bin storage area with ease. It also fits under the seat. I didn't have any trouble getting this thing on board although weight was probably over the limit. ;)

[pigtailpat]

Just curious, did you use the laptop case packed with laptop in it, and did everything fit inside in overhead, or did you have to separate the laptop case?

My trip is next week, but I'm not flying in a 737, just wanted to know.

Pat

Okay. I took Antidote loaded with 32lbs of gear to Boeing 737. Antidote fits over the bin storage area with ease. It also fits under the seat. I didn't have any trouble getting this thing on board although weight was probably over the limit. ;)

[Jason Kim]

Just curious, did you use the laptop case packed with laptop in it, and did everything fit inside in overhead, or did you have to separate the laptop case?

My trip is next week, but I'm not flying in a 737, just wanted to know.

Pat

I did not use laptop. I think it would've fit overhead bin even with laptop. But not under the seat.

[ed rader]

I did not use laptop. I think it would've fit overhead bin even with laptop. But not under the seat.

sounds like the bag was a success, Jason. i think i can get by with the antidote as my only carry on if i use the laptop pocket to store other stuff.

my laptop is so small i can lay it on top of my lenses in its neoprene sleeve.

ed rader