Digital Photography Equipment Review: The Think Tank Photo Shape Shifter Backpack
If you’re a serious digital photography enthusiast or professional, then nothing is more frustrating than being without that piece of equipment you wish you had brought with you. That’s why you’ll love the Think Tank Photo Shape Shifter Backpack because it literally changes its shape to accommodate two DSLR bodies with small lenses attached, as many as three separate lenses, as large as a 17-inch laptop and a full assortment of accessories.
At first glance, the Shape Shifter Backpack looks like a thin (3”/8cm) laptop carrier, which many digital photographers have discovered is a great use for it, without any equipment. Open the expansion zipper, however, and almost supernaturally, there is an additional 4” of depth, or a total depth of 7” (18cm). Open the second zipper to access the main compartment and you have plenty of room for a full selection of equipment. The Shape Shifter’s other dimensions are a height of 20” (51cm) and a width of 12.5” (32cm). The separate laptop compartment is 19” H x 12” W x 1.5” D (40 x 30.5 x 4cm).
The nifty concept behind the second, or inner, zipper is that it opens around the entire outside dimension of the backpack, giving you complete access to whatever equipment you’re carrying. It’s almost like peeling away the front of a multi-story building and being able to see what is on each floor. With the Think Tank Shape Shifter Backpack, you no longer have to unpack half, or even most of it, to grab quickly any equipment at the “bottom” of the bag. The inner compartment contains 5 Neoprene pocket sections for camera bodies and lenses. The other side of the inner compartment contains 3 nylon-mesh pockets (the largest is zippered) where you can store lens and body caps, a battery charger, flash unit, etc.
The separate laptop compartment is between the equipment section and the straps, so it is fully cushioned and secure, even when you carry it into the wilderness. The 3 zippered compartments on the front of the Think Tank Shape Shifter Backpack add even more storage space, especially for personal items. The upper front pocket is configured like an organizer in a general-use shoulder bag, briefcase or purse. You’ll find 4 penholder slots, a larger pocket for a small notebook and 3 card carriers for business cards, etc.
The second compartment on the front is even larger and is typically where the seam-sealed rain cover is stored, which is included with the Shape Shifter. Within this second compartment are also two additional pockets, secured with Velcro straps. These sections are the perfect size for your mobile phone, compact camera, etc. The third compartment on the front of the Shape Shifter is positioned lower, but it contains a large, open pocket and 2 zippered pockets for even more bits and pieces of equipment.
If you’re a nature, landscape or sports photographer, you won’t have to leave your tripod or monopod at home. The Think Tank Shape Shifter Backpack has an additional outside zippered compartment that carries the legs of a tripod or monopod. Then, use the two tripod straps to attach the unit to the outside of the backpack very securely.
In designing the Shape Shifter Backpack, the people at Think Tank Photo were also sensitive to making the pack comfortable to carry, especially when fully loaded with equipment. The shoulder harnesses are not just well padded (which they are), but also include small pockets, D rings and a sternum strap. Think Tank designers also addressed your comfort during a hot day. The harness is contoured and an airflow system was developed to help circulate air between you and the backpack.
Think Tank Photo made the Shape Shifter Backpack even more versatile. Its waist belt can be removed and Think Tank’s Pro Speed Belt attached (sold separately). With the equally comfortable Pro Speed Belt, you can use many of Think Tank’s modular general-purpose and lens pouches and other containers (sold separately) that hang from the Pro Speed Belt.
To purchase the Think Tank Photo Shape Shifter Backpack click here
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