1. Like many people reading this, I had many backpacks/camera bags; maybe too much. I'm very familiar with the Lowepro line, partly the Tamrac line and more recently the Think Tank line. The bottom line is that there is no perfect camera bag. It's always a work in progress, and you end up with what works for you, for your current needs and equipment.2. Still, I prefer the various Lowepro backpacks; most recently the Versapack (a really great traditional camera backpack). But since I mainly photograph landscapes, i.e. hike quite often, I always wanted a hybrid backpack. There's been an explosion of different hybrid packages in recent years, but for one reason or another nothing fits the bill...at least for me. Firstly, I don't like the current wave of packages where you can move sideways and pull the camera from the side. If you've ever really inspected them the idea might sound tempting, but the actual gear space is pretty small and you're limited/constrained in what you can fit in there. Also, depending on the situation, it's still difficult to slightly loosen the strap and swing the backpack, etc. The biggest downside of the various backpacks was the lack of an easy way to carry a tripod. Don't people use tripods anymore? Anyway, some Lowepro hybrid backpacks advertise that you can carry a tripod, but it's on the side etc. 3. Enter the Think Tank line anyway. When these guys were just starting out years ago, I was interested in their very first version of this pack...I forgot what it was called, but it was a concept model. It looked good but was missing some features so I passed. I have bought various Think Tank products in the last 1-2 years and they are all 1000% great; very well thought out, well done and, as I mentioned before, very well thought out. These guys then formed a subsidiary of Mindshift Gear and when their first Pro Rotation Back (i.e. their larger version) came out I checked it out in the store and was impressed but... I was also surprised by the size (dude, it's quite big...too big for me), definitely beefy (I don't need the beefy one) and the feel-good factor was so-so (maybe because he's so beefy). I was very excited when this version was announced, checked it out in store and bought it.4. Sorry for the long ramble, but here are my main impressions of this bag: a: Size: Perfect...for me. At the moment I'm taking photos with a small camera; The Olympus E-M1 usually has an extra lens (e.g. a fairly small lens like the Panasonic 35-100mm). I have to agree with various online reviewers that the bag is small and has a good space for carrying photos) but the overall top storage area is smaller than expected. It would be nice if it was a bit bigger; It's all about compromise, but the point of a hybrid backpack is to carry non-photographic gear, and that's standard storage for a significantly smaller size. Since there's no way to tie things on the outside of a backpack (quite a bit), you're also limited in terms of other things you can carry (I think you can carry an extra jacket in a pinch). by tripod straps). b: Comfort: Seems to be very good. I actually feel that this pack is more convenient than the more powerful professional version. Haven't actually downloaded it yet, but everything feels and works well. By the way, I have to give Lowepro credit for making the most suitable and comfortable photo backpacks in general. If comfort is important to you and you have to carry a lot of gear, check out these guys. c: Function: Of course, if you want a perfectly functioning backpack, it should be there. It is comfortable, the rotation of the hip bag works (it takes a little practice), the ability to attach a small pocket to the right belt adds functionality, I wish there were more pockets here/there, but there are enough, and the tripod attachment system is simple but secure. e: Build quality: excellent. The Pro version has a higher build quality (in terms of fabrics) but I like this style of fabric as it reduces weight and like all Think Tank products is very well tailored. e: Meaning: Excellent. Lowepro will often be cheaper because it is a much larger operation but at 200.00 this bag really is great value based on high quality, functionality and unique feature set etc. 5. In summary, ever according to your needs as a photographer (and you have to figure it out yourself), this bag can definitely be a top contender, especially for a landscape/outdoor photographer. Well done (as always) Think Tank / Mindshift Gear guys.
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