Need some thoughts on thinktank backpacks

So, I think I'm thinktank obsessed now. So many great products, they make it easy to go overboard with all of the different ways to carry gear for different situations (come on guys, I've seen y'all's bag collection pictures)

Anyway, I've been looking at backpacks for a while now and was set on the Streetwalker Harddrive. I've looked at the airport line but for some reason they nev grabbed my attention... well, until last night. Now I'm torn. Of course ive been all over their website and seen the size and specs. I'm just curious if anyone else has debated between the Streetwalker and say an Airport Essentials or even the Commuter, and what were your thoughts throughout the process. Or even better anyone that has gotten their hands on them to compare. Unfortunately there isn't anyone close by that carries thinktank products, but I'm having great luck on my previous impulse buys from them

I've done a little research here but am not finding a lot of info on the Essentials bag, or much in the terms of comparison. I'm basically looking for something to hold my gear listed below, plus my 13" macbook, probably ipad and maybe a 300 f/4 IS in the near future hopefully, and the small stuff (eg. memory cards, filters, the small essentials stuff) This would be a bag for travel/transport, either road trips or flying, but not particularly to work out of, so I don't need to store lenses with hoods ready to shoot or anything.

I know I probably can't go wrong with either one, but am interested to hear thoughts from others in terms to little features or functionalities that might have sold one over the other. Thanks!!

I have owned the Streetwalker Hard Drivefor a cople years and have to say, it comes with me anytime I travel! along with the Retro 7 and/or Retro 20! Love Thinktank as well!

I have had the StreetWalker Hard Drive for a little over a year now and I love it. Can hold all my gear with plenty of room to expand, plus my laptop, plus accessories. You can't go wrong with that bag IMHO.

I like the streetwalker hard drive for simple day trips, but it's not the most comfortable camera backpack if you load it down. If you're looking to carry a lot for any long period of time, look into an f-stop backpack. If you're using it just to travel light in an urban environment or carry gear on a plane, look into the Thinktank wheeled bag that also has backpack straps. That way you can walk with it if you load it down and it gets too heavy.

You're not alone... I love my ThinkTank bags. I have the Streetwalker Hard Drive for most everyday use, the Streetwalker Pro for daytrips, the Airport Security 2.0 for travel, A Speedfreak that I keep one camera in in my work van, and a Sling-o-matic that I keep my small flashes and accessories in, a coupe, and a couple of LowePro bags. ( Geesh... I need to get some professional help... )

Thanks guys for the replies. It's good to know I'm not alone out there I bought a Retrospective a little over a month ago, a belt and some pouches a few weeks ago, and now I can't wait to get my hands on a backpack!

So this explains why I find info on the Streetwalker and not the others, sounds like a popular bag! I started looking into the Airport essentials, but I think I like the slightly larger depth on the other two bags better, at least for how I imagine I will organize it.

PhotogNY, I appreciate the feedback. That is a good point about it being loaded down. That thought had crossed my mind earlier. It's always fun to find a bag that carries a lot of stuff but you don't always think about if its really practical or not. I don't really see myself carrying the bag around too much other than when traveling or maybe from my truck to a media room. I have the retrospective for light loads and walking around, or a belt system for 'work.' So maybe I should stick with my gut instinct and go with the streetwalker.

I do like the rolling bags, but might be a little more than I was wanting to spend right now. They look real nice though!

Sean,
I have a Streetwalker Hard drive backpack and I am here in El Paso. Let me know if you want to see it in person if that will help you make a decision. Just PM me and we can arrange to meet if you want.

posted this in the camera bag thread; but here's my load out in an Airport Commuter.

TBH I wish I'd gone for something bigger than my essentials, especially since it won't fit gripped bodies -.-

Buy big

awad wrote in post #15955360
posted this in the camera bag thread; but here's my load out in an Airport Commuter.

http://redfieldphotogr​aphy.com/ttac.jpg

That was for a destination wedding, my regular set up is in an Airport Security.

Thanks for the pic! I had missed that in the pic thread, but then its hard to look for something specific there. I like this set up.

dliu wrote in post #15955910
TBH I wish I'd gone for something bigger than my essentials, especially since it won't fit gripped bodies -.-

Buy big

That is sound advice, and should have been a lesson learned from me in the past. Never fails if I had gotten something to fit exactly what I had, I would end up with a new lens by the end of the next week lol. I think I will rule out the essentials bag. I like the exterior dimensions but don't want to rule out a little 'wiggle' room

Mr Bill, I appreciate the offer. I just might have to take you up on that. It would be nice to at least get a feel for overall size and layout. I'll message you soon and we'll try to work something out. Thanks!!

arctic98z wrote in post #15958294
Mr Bill, I appreciate the offer. I just might have to take you up on that. It would be nice to at least get a feel for overall size and layout. I'll message you soon and we'll try to work something out. Thanks!!

Anytime, just let me know.

I have both the Streetwalker Harddrive and Airport Antidote.
The streetwalker is my Sports shooting bag, while the AA works for most other uses.

Have an Airport Addiction for storage and use a Streetwalker Pro and Hard Drive for my walk around backpacks. Also have a Retro 20 which can hold a 1Dx and 3 lenses for day to day. And lets not forget the Retro 7 I use for my Fuji mirrorless kit.

Also own a thinkTANK belt system for some event shooting where I need to leave the backpack in the car.