The Think Tank BackLight 18L Is The Traveling Photographer's Best Companion
Hiker With Think Tank BackLight 18L, Valley Of Fire
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A Travelogue Review of the Think Tank BackLight 18L Camera Backpack
I knew I had the right camera bag less than a week into a 30-day journey that stretched more than 15,000 miles over 3 continents. Through the urban landscape of Lima, Peru through the hills of the Sacred Valley and the heights of Machu Picchu, my Think Tank BackLight 18L had already proven itself.
The next leg of my trip was a flight to Buenos Aires, and my fully loaded pack comfortably slid under the seat in front of me. I never had a concern I’d need to check my precious camera gear. It’s slim design made it easy to maneuver though the city, navigate bustling streets, and tight-quartered cafes.
The BackLight 18L continued as my steadfast companion on hikes along the rugged coastline of Tierra del Fuego outside of Ushuaia, Argentina and onward to the jewel of the trip - Antarctica. Heat, cold, rain, snow - my gear was always safe and always at the ready. Designed with the traveling photographer in mind, this compact yet robust pack has earned its place in my gear lineup.
First Impressions: The Unassuming Ally
At a glance, the BackLight 18L doesn’t scream “adventure.” Its sleek, understated design blends seamlessly into urban environments, which is precisely part of its charm. The matte black exterior with subtle branding avoids drawing unnecessary attention—a discreet feature, especially valuable when traveling through bustling markets or remote villages.
Yet don’t let its modest facade fool you. The moment I hoisted it onto my shoulders, I noticed the ergonomic design. The padded shoulder straps, coupled with an adjustable sternum strap and hip belt, distributed weight evenly. Even after hours of trekking, my back remained remarkably strain-free and my shoulders didn’t ache.
Capacity and Accessibility: A Tetris Masterpiece
Despite its compact size, the BackLight 18L is a masterclass in spatial efficiency. The rear-panel access is a game-changer, allowing me to swing the bag around my waist and unzip the main compartment without ever setting it down—a blessing on muddy trails. Inside, customizable dividers cradled three Sony cameras, each with a mounted lens, with room to spare for batteries and the rain cover.
There’s a dedicated hydration sleeve that doubled as a laptop compartment when city-bound, and multiple zippered pockets for filters, batteries, and memory cards. The front compartment easily swallowed a light jacket and snacks. Think Tank’s meticulous attention to organizational details meant I was never fumbling for gear when the perfect shot appeared.
Urban Environments: Sleek, Secure, and Subtle
Navigating crowded city streets with the BackLight 18L was effortless. Its streamlined design kept me agile in busy train stations and narrow alleys. The discreet look made me feel less like a tourist and more like a local, reducing the risk of drawing unwanted attention. The padded compartments provided excellent protection against the occasional jostle from bustling crowds, and the rear-panel access kept pickpockets at bay. Its compact design was also great when stopping in cafes for a coffee or quick snack. I could sit with the pack between my feet and recharge, without clumsily trying to navigate tight quarters with a larger camera bag.
The BackLight 18L also traveled extremely well. Whether traveling by Uber, Lyft, taxi, bus, train, or plane, its unassuming stature made it to carry or stow. I never had to worry about checking my gear. My fully-loaded pack easily fit under the seat on smaller, regional plane flights. And in a pinch, I’d sit the bag on my lap for a bus or car ride.
Photo by Silke Flint
Hiking Trails: Built for the Long Haul
On rugged trails, the BackLight 18L truly came into its own. The ergonomic support system kept the load balanced and comfortable over long distances, while the breathable back panel minimized sweat buildup. The rear access design was a lifesaver on muddy paths, letting me grab my camera without placing the bag on wet ground. Its compact yet spacious layout carried all my essential gear, and the durable materials withstood scrapes against rocks and branches with ease. The external straps secured my tripod snugly, too.
Antarctica: A Test of Extremes
In the icy expanse of Antarctica, the BackLight 18L faced its ultimate challenge. Sub-zero temperatures, biting winds, and snow flurries tested every stitch. The water-resistant fabric held up admirably against ocean spray when zipping around in zodiacs, and the included rain cover added extra protection. Despite the cold, the zippers remained smooth and functional, a testament to its high-quality construction. The bag's structure stayed firm, shielding my camera gear from the harsh elements. Even wearing thicker gloves, I could access my equipment quickly, thanks to the thoughtful design of the pulls and straps.
Its rear-panel access was again critical. To minimize disturbing the habitat, you don’t put anything down on the ice in Antarctica. With 2 and sometimes 3 cameras with me, switching to another body or lens was no problem at all. I’d swing the bag around my waist, access the gear I needed, and didn’t miss a shot - all without putting anything down on the ice.
Final Verdict: More Than Just a Backpack
The Think Tank BackLight 18L isn’t merely a vessel for your gear; it’s a reliable partner in your creative journey. Whether navigating urban jungles, trekking remote trails, hustling through airports, or braving Antarctica's icy frontiers, it strikes a harmonious balance between functionality and comfort. And all with the confidence that your gear is protected and is as ready as you are.
