Mirrorless Mover Camera Backpack by ThinkTank
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I have been working with a ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover backpack for the past couple of months. This versatile camera backpack definitely has a space in my camera bag lineup… and they are finally shipping! In this article, let’s take a deeper look at this backpack.
Why Use The ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover Backpack
Photographers have several camera bags because each one serves a particular purpose. I’ve been using the Mirrorless Mover Backpack for a couple of months and it’s certainly got a space in my photo bag lineup. The Mirrorless Mover Backpack is lightweight, comfortable, and secure making it a great choice for serious photo activities where you need several lenses with you. I’ve been reaching for this backpack when I am in an urban environment or embarking on a lighter outdoor activity. I need a few lenses and a couple of bodies to capture the images I need… but my larger packs are simply overkill or don’t suit the environment I’m in.
The ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover Backpack is also a great travel companion. You can pack a healthy amount of your photo gear plus a laptop or tablet and the pack fits comfortably under an airplane seat and easily in an overhead bin. I used the backpack on a cross-country flight and it was a perfect balance between having the gear I needed and being economical with space and stowage.
Overall Thoughts
I found the ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover Backpack comfortable to wear. It has a well-padded anatomical back panel and padded shoulder straps, which offer plenty of adjustability to suit how you like to have a pack drape on your shoulders. The backpack travels extremely well. It easily fits under the seat on airplanes.
I also found working with the bag easy. The inner chamber has a lot of configurability. I’ve used this backpack on several different outings and changed up the compartments to suit the gear I needed to take. The lighter gray interior also makes it easy to find items, as most camera and photography equipment is black. Accessing the outer pocket for a laptop or tablet is fluid as well. I like that the pocket zippers only go down partially, so there is no risk of items spilling out.
The build quality and construction of the Mirrorless Mover Backpack is top notch. That’s no surprise to me. I expect that from ThinkTank and MindShift products and this backpack met my expectations. The included rain cover is a very nice touch. The backpack is made with weather resistant material, yet having another layer of protection at-the-ready if the weather turns is always appreciated.
Ample Storage And Organization
The Mirrorless Mover Backpack has two stowage areas, the main compartment and the front pocket. The key specifications are:
Exterior Dimensions: 11” W x 16.5” H x 9” D (28 x 42 x 23 cm)
Internal Dimensions: 10” W x 15.5” H x 4.75” D (25 x 39 x 12 cm)
Total Volume: 18 Liters
Front Pocket Volume: 5 Liters
Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz (1.3 kg) including all dividers and rain cover
Check ThinkTank’s website for the detailed specs.
The main compartment is extremely configurable. I’ve used this pack on several different outings, from short city walks to light outdoor activities to cross-country trips. The main compartment is easily reconfigurable to carry the gear I needed for each trip… and I usually had room leftover. In the photo here, I have:
1 full-frame body w/ 24-70mm + hood attached
1 crop-sensor body (no lens mounted)
1 16-35mm lens
1 20mm lens
DJI Pocket Osmo, Rode mics, spare batteries, battery chargers, cables, and power adapters
A few examples of what fits in the main compartment from the ThinkTank website:
1 Standard Mirrorless Body, 4 to 6 lenses, small accessory bags
1 Standard Mirrorless Body and zoom trifecta with 70-200mm f/2.8 attached with hood extended
1 Standard Mirrorless Body, 2 lenses; flash, light jacket
The front pocket is more than just a front pocket. The 5 liter pocket can hold a light jacket or other personal items. It also has a dedicated padded laptop/tablet sleeve that accommodates most 14” devices. The pocket also has a small zipper pouch for items like batteries and memory cards. The mesh cover makes it easy to see what’s in the zipper pouch.
The backpack also has two expandable side for items like water bottles or a tripod. The backpack does not have straps or a tripod foot “flap” to center-lash a tripod to the back of the bag. Your tripod will be side-mounted.
Build Quality, Comfort and Ergonomics
As with all gear from ThinkTank, the Mirrorless Mover Backpack has solid construction. The backpack has a durable water-repellant coating, 3-ply bonded nylon stitching, and sturdy YKK RC zippers. The interior dividers strike the right balance, being sturdy yet flexible, and soft so they don’t scratch your gear.
The shoulder straps are well-padded and have an adjustable sternum strap. The anatomically designed back panel sits well on your back, has a waist stabilizer strap, and a lumbar pass-through for the ThinkTank Pro Speed Belt (not included with the backpack). The weight-centered top handle is strong and well padded for comfort. The chest and waist straps distribute the weight evenly, reducing fatigue.
Stylish Design
The Mirrorless Mover Backpack is highly functional, and it also looks fantastic! It’s got a sleek design, handsome but not overly flashy. The backpack comes in four accent colors, Cool Grey, Coast Green, Marine Blue, and Campfire Orange. The color schemes make it suitable for professional settings as well as casual outings. It's a bag you’ll feel good about carrying around… and knowing your gear is well-protected.
Pricing & Availability
The list price for the ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover Backpack is US$149.75 and is available now. Choose from one of the four color schemes offered.
Parting Thoughts
I’m very much enjoying using the Mirrorless Mover Backpack. I’m looking to it as my go-to backpack for some extended travel where my trusty rotation backpack is too bulky and frankly overkill for the types of photography I’ll be doing.
I will highlight this… When you’re packing a mix of heavier and lighter items, stow the heavier items toward the bottom of the bag. Weight distribution is important so the backpack will sit upright when put down, especially with a laptop or tablet in the front pouch. If the bag is top-heavy, it tends to tip over when put down.
