Think Tank TakeOff?

[Headshotzx]

Is this a new bag? I'm in the market for a roller bag. Was about to get an Airport Airstream when I saw this was put on their site just today.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-takeoff-roller-camera-bag.aspx

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/product-images/large/Airport-Takeoff-5.jpg

Looks perfect for me. Anyone has any experience with it?

Cheers


EDIT: Yup, it's a new bag.

Edit 2:


FIRST LOOK AT THINK TANK PHOTO AIRPORT TAKEOFF:

http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1130401

[tdodd]

I'm sure it's a fine bag, but it looks pretty weighty for carry-on luggage. On some flights (e.g. Air New Zealand (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/before-you-fly/baggage/cabin-baggage.htm)) your carry-on weight allowance is only 7Kg and the bag alone tips the scales at up to 4.7Kg. If you can only fill it with 2.3Kg of "stuff" it hardly seems worth having the bag at all.

Of course, plenty of airlines have larger allowances and the bag has plenty of uses other than for air travel, but I just thought it was worth pointing out the weight, as it is part of the "Airport" series.

[fungry]

Zexun, this is the first time I've heard of this as well. Thanks for the heads up!

[Headshotzx]

I'm sure it's a fine bag, but it looks pretty weighty for carry-on luggage. On some flights (e.g. Air New Zealand (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/before-you-fly/baggage/cabin-baggage.htm)) your carry-on weight allowance is only 7Kg and the bag alone tips the scales at up to 4.7Kg. If you can only fill it with 2.3Kg of "stuff" it hardly seems worth having the bag at all.

Of course, plenty of airlines have larger allowances and the bag has plenty of uses other than for air travel, but I just thought it was worth pointing out the weight, as it is part of the "Airport" series.

Singapore Airlines also has the 7kg limit. However, when wearing a photo jacket or waist belt with pouches, the staff won't weigh them, so most of the gear goes on my body itself till I get through the gantry.

I'm not a frequent traveler and I'm just gonna get a roller for local use. Don't need 12kg on my shoulders all the time. Of course, when I have no access to elevators or escalators, I'll have to either hold the roller in one hand (airport airstream) or use the shoulder straps (airport takeoff).

[Dermako]

Called Adorama and it is a new product. Expected delivery is mid October.
Called Thinktank and it came on the website today and is ready for shipment directly from them now.

[dandig]

Yes theres actually a number of new items on there today including the Take Off and the Urban Disguise 70. Also numerous smaller items if you dig through the whole site.

[Headshotzx]

What's weird is that a fellow local photographer said that he saw the bag for sale at a local gear store about a week ago...

[PaintballPhotography.com]

I just ordered one of them today for an upcoming assignment in Turkey. From what I have heard from previous photogs there they usually only weigh roller bags and they seem to ignore backpacks. This bag is slightly smaller inside than the Airport International due to the backpack straps and hopefully they will not notice it on my back.

I am bring two Mark III bodies, a 300 2.8 and a 70-200 and a few other lenses so I might be slightly over the 7kg allowance :rolleyes: . All this stuff is too heavy to carry on my back and I am hoping if I wear it as a backpack getting on the plane I might be able to slip by.

I will report on my experiences …

[Headshotzx]

I just ordered one of them today for an upcoming assignment in Turkey. From what I have heard from previous photogs there they usually only weigh roller bags and they seem to ignore backpacks. This bag is slightly smaller inside than the Airport International due to the backpack straps and hopefully they will not notice it on my back.

I am bring two Mark III bodies, a 300 2.8 and a 70-200 and a few other lenses so I might be slightly over the 7kg allowance :rolleyes: . All this stuff is too heavy to carry and I am hoping if I wear it as a back pack getting on the plane I might be able to slip by.

I will report on my experiences …

Haha, all the best in fooling the authorities (:

[PaintballPhotography.com]

Yep and since I just saw the movie Midnight Express now I am a bit worried :lol:

[MGW172]

I just ordered one of them today for an upcoming assignment in Turkey. From what I have heard from previous photogs there they usually only weigh roller bags and they seem to ignore backpacks. This bag is slightly smaller inside than the Airport International due to the backpack straps and hopefully they will not notice it on my back.

I am bring two Mark III bodies, a 300 2.8 and a 70-200 and a few other lenses so I might be slightly over the 7kg allowance :rolleyes: . All this stuff is too heavy to carry on my back and I am hoping if I wear it as a backpack getting on the plane I might be able to slip by.

I will report on my experiences …

I went to New Zealand this year with a fully loaded Airport Acceleration that was over the weight limit. I decided to take my chances and if necessary take out two bodies and wear them on me with a lens each if I needed to, till I could make it to the gate.

Getting there was fine, flying out of San Fransisco on Air New Zealand they were not checking any carry on for weight. But coming back through Auckland, they were checking very carefully. Fortunately, they waved me through with me wearing the AA on my back without asking me to put it on the scales. Whew! Standing in line waiting to get through I noticed what you said......they made everyone with a roller bag put it on the scales, but those with backpacks were just waved on in like me.

[Headshotzx]

Oh. Hm, so I guess I'll get this instead of the International V2. Kinda like trading security functions for the backpack straps eh?

[fungry]

Oh. Hm, so I guess I'll get this instead of the International V2. Kinda like trading security functions for the backpack straps eh?
Eh? It still has the security features you would expect from the Airport series. The lockable zippers as well the steel cable lock.

[MGW172]

Oh. Hm, so I guess I'll get this instead of the International V2. Kinda like trading security functions for the backpack straps eh?

Yeah, ^^what fungry said. No less secure.

[Headshotzx]

Yeah, ^^what fungry said. No less secure.

Oh, I meant ease of securing. The other roller bags have 2 locks built in. If I wanted the same secure-to-a-pole feature, I'd have to get a bicycle tie or similar (thus taking up more gear space).

[ed rader]

Oh. Hm, so I guess I'll get this instead of the International V2. Kinda like trading security functions for the backpack straps eh?


have you also considered...........

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-ultralight-backpack.aspx

this one fits in a pelican case with wheels.

ed rader

[Headshotzx]

have you also considered...........

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-ultralight-backpack.aspx

this one fits in a pelican case with wheels.

ed rader

Costlier, though. I can't spend too much on a roller bag solution because I gotta get myself other camera bags as well (daypack & shoulder bag) for different situations.

[ed rader]

Costlier, though. I can't spend too much on a roller bag solution because I gotta get myself other camera bags as well (daypack & shoulder bag) for different situations.


the ultralight can be used as a day pack or you can wheel it in a secure, waterproof case.

ed rader

[PaintballPhotography.com]

I went to New Zealand this year with a fully loaded Airport Acceleration that was over the weight limit. I decided to take my chances and if necessary take out two bodies and wear them on me with a lens each if I needed to, till I could make it to the gate.

Getting there was fine, flying out of San Fransisco on Air New Zealand they were not checking any carry on for weight. But coming back through Auckland, they were checking very carefully. Fortunately, they waved me through with me wearing the AA on my back without asking me to put it on the scales. Whew! Standing in line waiting to get through I noticed what you said......they made everyone with a roller bag put it on the scales, but those with backpacks were just waved on in like me.

And so what happened to the people who had over weight roller bags, did they have to pay an additional fee or were they forced to gate check their bags? I have heard stories of people watching their bags being thrown 5 meters down to the tarmac from the gate before being thrown in to the plane

[Headshotzx]

And so what happened to the people who had over weight roller bags, did they have to pay an additional fee or were they forced to gate check their bags? I have heard stories of people watching their bags being thrown 5 meters down to the tarmac from the gate before being thrown in to the plane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

[dandig]

Regarding the security, headshotz is right it does seem to be missing the locking cable and lock that comes out of the back of the other bags. Thats a favorite feature of mine I must say.
Regarding New Zealand.... yes they are very strict. I recently traveled with my Airport INternational roller to NZ. They weighed it and despite me taking my cameras and lenses out they still had to check it. Though they did stick a "top hold" label on it which means it goes into a different compartment which is apparently for fragile items.... it came out fine at the other end.

[MGW172]

And so what happened to the people who had over weight roller bags, did they have to pay an additional fee or were they forced to gate check their bags? I have heard stories of people watching their bags being thrown 5 meters down to the tarmac from the gate before being thrown in to the plane


I only saw one guy with photography gear get weighed. He did what I planned on doing, taking a lens out, mount it on a body and then he was able to pass through carrying that on his shoulder. Doesn't make sense to me what the difference is.....but I don't make the rules.

I also noticed another couple putting on some jackets from the carry on and then putting things inside the jacket pockets. I don't remember seeing them get through, but by that time I was getting on through the line.

[MGW172]

Regarding the security, headshotz is right it does seem to be missing the locking cable and lock that comes out of the back of the other bags. Thats a favorite feature of mine I must say.
Regarding New Zealand.... yes they are very strict. I recently traveled with my Airport INternational roller to NZ. They weighed it and despite me taking my cameras and lenses out they still had to check it. Though they did stick a "top hold" label on it which means it goes into a different compartment which is apparently for fragile items.... it came out fine at the other end.

Hearing things like this makes me realize how lucky I was to get through in one piece.

[MGW172]

Oh, I meant ease of securing. The other roller bags have 2 locks built in. If I wanted the same secure-to-a-pole feature, I'd have to get a bicycle tie or similar (thus taking up more gear space).


No, the Airport Acceleration 2 (along with the other airport series backpacks) has a cable lock to secure it to poles, ect.....

[MGW172]

And to add to Ed's comment about the TT airport ultralight.......I keep getting a link to a new version (2.5) on the TT website in "featured products", but when I click on it, it goes to an error page. Just in case anyone was thinking about this backpack, maybe they are about to update it also.

Here is a shot of the page with it listed:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3943284181_ea5b23ac31_o.jpg

[Headshotzx]

No, the Airport Acceleration 2 (along with the other airport series backpacks) has a cable lock to secure it to poles, ect.....

Not on the TakeOff, though.

[MGW172]

Not on the TakeOff, though.


Ah yes, you are right. Wow, that's kind of backwards for TT to not include that feature on something marketed like their other airport series bags.

[Headshotzx]

Now this guy's fast:

FIRST LOOK AT THINK TANK PHOTO AIRPORT TAKEOFF:

http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1130401

[Dermako]

Well, pulled the trigger. After talking to TT customer service I ordereded the Takeoff.
Should have it by end of the week. I'll let you know how it works out.

[mcluckie]

Originally Posted by PaintballPhotography.com
And so what happened to the people who had over weight roller bags, did they have to pay an additional fee or were they forced to gate check their bags?
Happened to me in August on a return trip to Beijing from Ohare. Had to check it. Thankfully it was well-packed inside, lots of pouches, some jeans wrapped in there. Scared the f-stop out of me, but all was well. Cost me for the extra bag, though. Oh, and had kept my 5DII, 16-35 and 70-200, and laptop with me. So just a spare body, lots of hard drives, some small primes and a 300 f4 got checked.

[jdizzle]

Sounds like a pain having to go all through that. I've loaded up all my backpacks and never had a problem getting through security.

[Headshotzx]

I've confirmed with local photographers that the bag's been on sale for the last three weeks or so already. I'm gonna get one next week!

[dandig]

As well as not having the lockable cable at the back , its also seems to be missing the locking zippers of the other bags. Now that one i cant figure out... why get rid of that?

[Headshotzx]

As well as not having the lockable cable at the back , its also seems to be missing the locking zippers of the other bags. Now that one i cant figure out... why get rid of that?

I think they sort of created this one as a backpack with roller capabilities, not a roller with backpack straps. Similar to the airport backpacks, perhaps?

[jdizzle]

The Airport Take Off looks like a nice bag but, is it comfortable? I like their products but, it lacks back support. If you carry more than 30 lbs. in that bag it's not gonna comfortable for long hikes. Considering the gear you have, it's overkill imho.

[dandig]

In no way is this bag designed for hiking though! And i'm certain thats not what they are targeting at so that seems a little unfair. It's still part of their Airport range whos soul purpose is to make air travel an easier experience.

The backpack straps are just there for those times when wheels are not ideal. Got a lot of stairs to climb? Or too many roller bags than you have hands to pull them with? Thats when you might need this bag.

[Headshotzx]

In no way is this bag designed for hiking though! And i'm certain thats not what they are targeting at so that seems a little unfair. It's still part of their Airport range whos soul purpose is to make air travel an easier experience.

The backpack straps are just there for those times when wheels are not ideal. Got a lot of stairs to climb? Or too many roller bags than you have hands to pull them with? Thats when you might need this bag.

I agree. Too heavy / large for a hike pack. If I were hiking, I'd get a lowepro pro adventure or vertex or something.

[Headshotzx]

It is also confirmed that the Ultralight V2.5 is 'on the way' for the US market. It's already here in Singapore. Some guy in my local forum had this to say:

"Just bought a Think Tank Airport Ultralight V2.5 from John 3:16 for below S$200 today. (not sure if the price is mistake since the V2.0 retails for $239 though).

The V2.5 differs from the V2.0 in that the front flap for the laptop slot is held down only by velcro and not a strap and buckle (which I would prefer actually). Their website still shows the V2.0."

[PaintballPhotography.com]

I just received my and it is obvious this bag is NOT designed for hiking. The reason I purchased it as I mentioned in my previous post, is that roller bags always seem get weighed on international flights and backpacks seem to be ignored. The only time I plan on using this bag as a backpack is boarding an aircraft in the hopes it will not be noticed and weighed.
I am traveling on assignment to Turkey to shoot a sporting event and the 300mm2.8 and two Mark III bodies plus the usual other lenses in my kit are way over the carry on limit.

My only concern now is that since this is a smaller bag than my Airport International it will require a very tight fit to get all my camera equipment in and if I do not get past the gate and I am forced to gate check the bag there is no padding around my equipment. I am concerned that when the nice gate people thrown my new bag 5 meters down to the tarmac from the gate before throwing in to the back of plane that I will probably see broken glass flying out of this thing. :rolleyes::mad:

I guess I will need to be prepared to have my wallet lightened if they notice this bag on my back. I am leaving in about a month and I will repost my experiences and adventures on the over 12 flights I currently have planned

BTW yes it is missing the locking zippers but it does include a light cable lock in the inside pocket of the top flap, but I can not imagine anyone trusting that.

[tdodd]

I've recently bought a Domke Photo Vest and I'm very pleased with it. The main front pockets can comfortably take a 1D3 each, which might be a cunning way to temporarily circumvent a problem with heavy cabin baggage. There are other pockets that might take smaller lenses too (not a 300/2.8 ) :)

[mcluckie]

I guess I will need to be prepared to have my wallet lightened if they notice this bag on my back. I am leaving in about a month and I will repost my experiences and adventures on the over 12 flights I currently have planned
Isn't it fun to try to casually have 80 lbs of gear on your back, pretending its half empty, so no one notices? I do it 4+ times a month.

[PaintballPhotography.com]

And so may I ask how many times do you get away this it?

[mcluckie]

99 out of 100

[Headshotzx]

Just got my TakeOff today. Best SG$419 ever spent on a camera backpack. Ever.

[NicolasRubio]

Just got my TakeOff today. Best SG$419 ever spent on a camera backpack. Ever.

Would you please post some nice pictures? I still can't believe the crappy and small pictures this guys post on their website! Come on, AREN'T YOU PULITZER WINNER PHOTOGRAPHERS?

Also, I have a question: is this bag compatible with the Pro Speed Belt like the Shape Shifter is? I am debating between those two bags!

[Headshotzx]

Would you please post some nice pictures? I still can't believe the crappy and small pictures this guys post on their website! Come on, AREN'T YOU PULITZER WINNER PHOTOGRAPHERS?

Also, I have a question: is this bag compatible with the Pro Speed Belt like the Shape Shifter is? I am debating between those two bags!

Im gonna do a preliminary review today, so hopefully it'll be up by tomorrow.

No, it's not compatible with a speed belt (unless you wanna be dragging dirt all around as the belt digs into the ground). What you can do is fold your pro speed belt and stash it inside. Alternatively, do what I do with my steroid speed belt, which is sticking one end into the monopod/tripod cup, lock it with the tripod compression strap, and on the other side of the bag, use a velcro wraparound loop thing to secure it. Worked well yesterday when I tried it. Only thing you can't do is bring a monopod/tripod that way.

[fungry]

Congratulations on the new purchase :). I look forward to your review.