Think Tank Photo StreetWalker® Rolling Backpack V2.0 

A Review

Wilbur Norman

November 2017

The Think Tank Photo StreetWalker V2 is a great way to fly with a moderate-to-large amount of photo equipment as carry-on luggage...

BUT, let’s get the negative out of the way first:

Be aware (as I was not from the specs) that it DOES NOT FIT in the overhead compartment of some small 'commuter' airlines (I'm thinking of those Embraer jets that are seeing increased usage in the U.S.) when the bag's main body is fully loaded and the outside pockets have smalls like your keys, pens a passport in a cover, SD cards, and a moleskin notebook. (these do not appreciably extend the bag dimensions.)

The problem is that the dimensions seem fine but, in practice, the backpack straps in their zipped enclosure take up enough depth that the bag will not fit no matter which way one orients it - or how many other passengers try to lend a hand because it seems like it ought to fit (everyone will be observing you with a "why can't that guy fit that smallish bag in the overhead?" look on their faces!)

So, I just check mine gate-side and hope the padding (not enough dividers provided for a couple rangefinders, 6 lenses, flash, etc., by the by) cradles everything well enough.

NOTE: It also does not fit UNDER the seat of large jets like the Boeing 777. If it did it probably would not be as suitable for carrying as much camera gear so this is not a big-deal, in my opinion.It does fit in the overheads.

On the plus side, the bag does not easily wobble when being pulled on its wheels and the handle is, thankfully, composed of two verticals so a small bag can be stacked atop with its strap wound around the StreetWalker's handle - something not possible with T-Type extension pull handles like on the otherwise great Victorinox wheeled-backpacks. The handle collapses into the bag and has a zipped cover so it will not accidentally open/extend when checked as baggage.

Other plus points:

-  purchase includes a rain cover and a shoulder strap

-  holds a 15 inch Mac laptop

-  strap with Velcro closure in the front pocket that will hold a key ring (I’ve modified mine with the addition of a small carabiner because a clip action is easier & quicker)

-  two inside see-thru zip pockets

-  water bottle pockets on each side backed by a long L-shaped zipper that opens to a small, tall area to carry whatever

 - a tripod can be attached to the bag with two of the three feet tucked into an exterior pocket (that zips for other use if you have no tripod to carry). The bag will not fit into an overhead with a tripod attached to the front of the bag.

-  see-thru business card pocket under the top cloth carry handle

-  padded back section covering the pack straps

-  guaranteed and warranted against any defects in material or workmanship for as for long as the original owner uses the product (I suppose that means “owns” the pack

Think Tank does not say on its web site where the Photo StreetWalker V2 is manufactured but I presume it is Vietnam.) I ditched the tags and have forgotten what was written on them.)

I have wished for a long time that some testing agency would rate the out- or off-gassing of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in new camera gear products. It seems only natural that if the interior of new automobile windows fog over with residue from the off-gassing of upholstery and components, many synthetic items made to hold camera gear will have VOC issues, too. I suspect many lenses that one sees for sale that mention haze may be suffering from the effects of not only aging internal lubricants but also long-term storage in association with foam, polycarbonates, neoprene, etc.

Specifications (from Think Tank Figures)

Internal Dimensions: 11.8” W x 19.7” H x 6.3–7.1” D (30 x 50 x 16–18 cm)

Exterior Dimensions: 12.6” W x 21.9” H x 9” D (32 x 55.5 x 22.9 cm)

Laptop Compartment: 9.8” W x 14.5” H x 0.9” D (25 x 36.8 x 2.3 cm)

Phone Pocket: 3.9” W x 7.5” H x 0.6” D (10 x 19 x 1.5 cm)

Weight: 8.2 lbs. (3.7 kg)

Materials

Exterior:

Durable water-repellant (DWR) coating

Polyurethane coating

1680D ballistic nylon

YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers

420D velocity nylon

550D polyester, 320G air mesh

Ultra-stretch pockets

Y-buckles

Antique nickel-plated metal hardware

Nylon webbing

3-ply bonded nylon thread

Interior:

Closed cell foam & PE board reinforced dividers

200D polyester

Polyurethane backed “super-stick” velex liner and dividers

2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover

Laminated clear mesh pockets

3-ply bonded nylon thread

Warranty

To the original owner, we guarantee and warrant our products against any defects in material or workmanship for as for long as you use the product. If you have any problems with the product, please contact us for return authorization at warranty@thinktankphoto.com before sending the product to us.