bags » Dan Carr Photography - Photography Product Reviews and Tutorials

Think Tank Launches New Airport Backpack Series

May 022012

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announced today that in May it will release the Airport™ series, a new line of travel-specific, high-capacity camera backpacks designed with maneuvering through airports quickly in mind. The three backpacks – the Airport Accelerator, Airport Commuter, and Airport Essentials – integrate quick access pockets for both laptops and iPad, a top pocket for boarding passes, and three robust handles to ensure easy placement and retrieval from overhead bins.
The Airport™ series makes life easier for the traveling photographer. All meet international carry on size requirements. The two smaller bags, the Airport Commuter and the Airport Essentials, are designed to fit under-seat in regional commuter planes.
Their light, adjustable, contoured harness provides comfort along with lumbar support. The air mesh paneling keeps backs cool. The height-adjustable sternum strap allows for the perfect fit. A removable waist belt, side water bottle pocket, tripod/ monopod mounting system and seam sealed rain cover extend their versatility. Adding even more functionality, these backpacks can be used with Think Tank’s Pro Speed Belts for additional support and capacity by adding component pouches and cases from the company’s Modular Rotation Component System. For photographers who travel by air, these bags deliver on the three “C’s”: Carry-on size, Comfort, Capacity,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank’s co-founder and lead designer. “Their design, build quality and functionality are second to none.”

The three sizes allow photographers to select the best fit for their needs.

Airport Accelerator accommodates two pro size DSLRs, six to eight standard zooms, a 500 f/4.0, iPad, and up to a 17” laptop. The largest of the three, this one has a padded removable waist belt.
Airport Commuter accommodates a pro size DSLR, four to six standard zooms, (increased depth holds a 400 f/2.8), iPad and 15” laptop .
Airport Essentials accommodates a standard DSLR, four to six standard zooms, iPad, and up to 13” laptop.

Features include:

Bottom hinge opens bag completely for quick and unencumbered access.
Cable lock and locking YKK zipper sliders for added security.
Laptop and iPad stored in a separate locking zippered compartment.
Light, comfortable and contoured harness system.
Tripod/monopod mounting system.
Top zippered pocket for boarding pass.
Removable waist belt for additional stability when walking, running, etc.
Easily accessible front organizer pocket.
Seam sealed rain cover included.

F-Stop Loka photo packpack and new ICUs – photo showcase

Camera Bag Reviews, Equipment Reviews & Articles, F-Stop Bags 87 Responses »

Oct 142010

I have introduced the F-Stop Loka backpack before when it went up for pre-order and I have been excitedly waiting for this pack for a very long time, ever since I was signed up as part of F-Stop’s Faction pro team a few years ago. At that time the Tilopa and Satori were the main backpacks in their lineup but there needed to be a slightly smaller pack to fit more peoples needs. As well as myself, F-Stop also signed up the very best action and adventure photographers like Christian Pondella, Tim Kemple and Sven Martin to test their packs and contribute to the development of the new products. On top of the new Loka pack, bag designer Ian Miller also began to develop updated ICU (Internal Camera Units) for the new bags based on our feedback and also feedback from previous customers. The final production versions of the new Loka and the ICUs have just shipped to pre-order customers so it’s time to take an in depth look at them. Continue reading »

F-Stop Satori Camera Pack

Camera Bag Reviews, Equipment Reviews & Articles, F-Stop Bags 20 Responses »

Oct 142009

Almost more than any other question I get asked is ” What camera bag do you use?” This is the answer…… well, one of them anyway. F-Stop is a company which specializes in camera bags for the adventure minded photographer. If you like to ski, hike, climb or ride a bike with your gear these are the bags for you. My main use for the Satori is backcountry skiing and my previous one saw some heavy action over an 18 month period. During this time, F-Stop was constantly seeking feedback from a group of action sports photographers including myself and others like pro climbing photog Tim Kemple. The result of our findings and feedback is this newly updated pack released this month. F-Stop bags are available in limited stores but also available directly from their web store HERE. Hopefully the photos at the bottom give you an idea of just how much stuff you can fit in this bag. There is plenty of room in the pack for all my camera gear as well as things like shovel and avalanche probe ( see photos below). This new version is available in Red, Black or Green. If you are looking for something similar but a little bit smaller then check out the F-Stop Tilopa. It is almost identical in design, only slightly smaller.

Most photographers go through a perpetual search for the perfect camera bag. Well I can finally stop that search, for backcountry ski photography this is THE bag and it will also suit photographers of many other outdoor sports. The seam-sealed zippers keep your kit safe and dry and the material is incredibly durable. The last version I had showed hardly a scuff after 18 months of use!

The HUGE internal camera compartment allows me enormous flexibility in choosing what equipment I carry with me and with the excellent harness system I can easily carry 30-40lbs all day long with no problems.

By removing the XL camera block and replacing it with a smaller one I can also use this bag for an overnight camping trip or a weekend trip away to the city where I only need a 1 camera, 1 lens setup with room for clothing and a laptop.