p.2 #1 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
I actually own the shape shifter 17 and thought it was the perfect bag when I came across it. I've traveled with it under airline seats a few times. The biggest issues I have with it is the lack of any real dedicated non-camera gear space and the lack if quick access. It takes forever to get gear out of and lenses get kind of hung up coming out of the proprietary divider system. The expansion zipper also gets hung up on the bags fabric all the time and takes me literally 5-10 minutes to dislodge. The zippers are super beefy and it's the best made bag I own along with my Mindshift 45l. Unfortunately I've mostly stopped using it for those reasons.
fgphoto wrote:
You might also want to consider the ThinkThank Shape Shifter 17 v2.0
It will hold up to a 17" laptop and has a very versatile layout that will hold a ton of gear and can be modified to slim down if you are traveling particularly light. It is also a very comfortable backpack to wear all day fully loaded. I have traveled extensively with this and the version that preceded it.
p.2 #3 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
AlphaPhotography wrote:
I have the incase DSLR pro backpack too and love it (it's actually my main bag for my business right now) but my biggest complaint is the lack of dedicated separated non-camera storage for traveling as I typically only travel with 1-2 lenses and occasionally my Mavic 2 Pro. How do you like the Shimoda 40 and Tenba DNA 15 in comparison for less photo gear use and more personal space? How is accessing your gear quickly in them? The DNA 15 design looks a little cumbersome to access fast being on the back (front?) side
I tried to use Shimoda several times but for some reason I just don't like how cumbersome all those zippers and tripod bag feel. Also, I am not fan of ICU styled design. I still used it once for Swiss alps trip where I took 2 lenses, 1 body, 1 backup RX100 and few pairs of cloths for the trip. I felt it's good once you get used to it. I still prefer Incase as I really like the top loading of camera. Also, I feel the non-camera gear opening that can be used to place laptop, ipad, etc is deep and expands at the bottom quite a lot to stuff in down jacket, and a pair of clothes. I managed to pack all my clothes and camera gear for a week long Caribbean trip in it :-). I removed some camera gear seperators and put some clothes in there as well and travelled with just A7Rii and 25-75 GM.
Tenba DNA 15 is nice but like you said the camera compartment feels little awkward and not great to carry decent size tripod. I bought it mainly for Europe trips where some airlines are strict with the size of second carry-on. I only used it so far for day trip shooting to DC where I just carry tripod with hand.
p.2 #4 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
AlphaPhotography wrote:
I actually own the shape shifter 17 and thought it was the perfect bag when I came across it. I've traveled with it under airline seats a few times. The biggest issues I have with it is the lack of any real dedicated non-camera gear space and the lack if quick access. It takes forever to get gear out of and lenses get kind of hung up coming out of the proprietary divider system. The expansion zipper also gets hung up on the bags fabric all the time and takes me literally 5-10 minutes to dislodge. The zippers are super beefy and it's the best made bag I own along with my Mindshift 45l. Unfortunately I've mostly stopped using it for those reasons.
Those are all good points. I look at it as a great travel bag, but definitely not the best working out it while shooting bag. I find I can carry key camera gear, batteries, cards, laptop, assorted laptop accessories, water bottle and a few other little odds and ends. Not a ton of extra room for bulky non-photo items.
I've never run into any issues with the zippers catching... hopefully writing this has not jinxed me.
p.2 #5 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
BH photo has Gura Gear UINTA 30L Multipurpose Backpack for $49 today. Small camera module is on sale as add on for $10. Maybe it's not bad at this price 😀
p.2 #6 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
Thanks for the tip on the $10 add on
kits_VA wrote:
BH photo has Gura Gear UINTA 30L Multipurpose Backpack for $49 today. Small camera module is on sale as add on for $10. Maybe it's not bad at this price 😀
p.2 #7 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
kits_VA wrote:
BH photo has Gura Gear UINTA 30L Multipurpose Backpack for $49 today. Small camera module is on sale as add on for $10. Maybe it's not bad at this price 😀
Bought the bag and the add on... thanks for the tip!
p.2 #8 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
AlphaPhotography wrote:
Anyone have experience with any of these bags? I travel frequently and have gone through several bags trying to find one best suited for underseat airline travel to store my camera gear, 16" macbook pro, and other essentials. I typically use a larger 40l Osprey bag for my overhead bag/clothes/etc. If the bag could also double as my onebag travel bag that would also be great (roll-tops usually seem better suited for this). I was looking at the 21l Wandrd Prvke too but found enough negative reviews that steered me away.
I have a few upcoming trips where I'd like to bring a fairly minimal amount of gear including my A7RIV, 16-35 GM, Voigtlander 10mm, possibly a 24 GM, and a tripod.
-Think Tank Urban Access 15: Non-roll top but allows the camera divider to fold down and give more space for non-camera gear. A bit big since it's fairly structured and not sure how well it'd fit under airline seats. I own a couple Think Tank and Mindshift bags and they might be the best quality bags I've ever used. One YouTuber said the 16" Macbook Pro fits.
-Shimoda Action X30: Not available yet but several people have gotten their hands on them with positive reviews. 16" Macbook Pro supposedly fits but is tight and has to be "tucked" under the back panel when closing/opening. Looks like the most promising option and I love the way the roll-top clips down instead of sticking out to the sides. Also love that it comes in all black instead of just grey.
-Shimoda Explore 30: Very well reviewed but not roll-top. Not sure what advantages/disadvantages it has compared to the Action X30.
-Tenba DNA 15 Backpack: Also great reviews and a roll-top but I don't know if I like the way the camera is accessed. It's on the back (theft risk?). And instead of side access it would involve swinging the bag around using the hip belt then opening either the front or back compartment.
I'll be traveling to Italy and Amsterdam this year with Norwegian airlines which has pretty strict weight limits but standard underseat capacity IIRC...Show more →
I asked one of the bag reviewers on YT which would he choose if me (mountains, hiking, urban, street, travel) from the Action, Explore or Athlete and he said without a doubt the Action 50.
I don't think you need to go as low as a 30. I take the Explore 50 (I couldn't find the Action locally and import costs were horrendous) on all our flights (I take 15-20 flights a year, and included 4 flights on Norwegian - UK-Oslo-Bodo-Lofoten and return - a couple of years ago).
In fact I've never been checked, ever, even with a Mindshift Rotation. However if I was asked to gate check it then the Explore (and I assume the Action) has a pull out core with all the cameras/lenses in them so nothing of value would be left in the bag.
I'd definitely go for a 50 over a 30 as it's easy to strap down and has lots of space for clothing etc. when required.
p.2 #9 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
My only concern with the x50 is that I had planned for the x30 to be my underseat bag. I have a great rolling backpack that I use for all my flights overhead bin (Osprey Ozone that doubles as a backpack and has a second convertible backpack attached when needed). Previously I had used my incase camera pro backpack or the convertible piece of my Osprey Ozone backpack as my underseat bag. The problem is once I get to my destination I don't have a great way to transport the few pieces of camera gear I bring (usually just A7RIV, 16-35, Voigtlander 10mm, 135 GM). I tried last trip to jam a peak design 10l sling into the Osprey convertible backpack but it was awkward and barely fit.
I worry the x50 would be too large for under the seat. This video show the x30 barely fitting:
If the x50 had a larger compartment for the 16" macbook pro I'd be more interested in it but I think they're the same. The 16" fits very snugly in the x30 (also shown in that video at 3:13)
Frogfish wrote:
I asked one of the bag reviewers on YT which would he choose if me (mountains, hiking, urban, street, travel) from the Action, Explore or Athlete and he said without a doubt the Action 50.
I don't think you need to go as low as a 30. I take the Explore 50 (I couldn't find the Action locally and import costs were horrendous) on all our flights (I take 15-20 flights a year, and included 4 flights on Norwegian - UK-Oslo-Bodo-Lofoten and return - a couple of years ago).
In fact I've never been checked, ever, even with a Mindshift Rotation. However if I was asked to gate check it then the Explore (and I assume the Action) has a pull out core with all the cameras/lenses in them so nothing of value would be left in the bag.
I'd definitely go for a 50 over a 30 as it's easy to strap down and has lots of space for clothing etc. when required.
p.2 #10 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
Know this has been inactive for a few months but have been trying out many bags and I still own quite a few.
I own the 18L, 26L, and 36L Backlight bags but I consider all of those pure camera gear bags that hold varying amounts of gear but are they the best if you do not have other personal things. Maybe just a small jacket or such?
Also have the Shimoda Explorer 30 I bought for hiking small mountains and with a smaller amount of gear and like it a lot and I have two of the small gear holders in it so I can maximize the space for none camera gear. Also since its mostly for vertical climbs I did not want it to get really heavy and unlike regular camera backpacks it can hold a water bladder effectively in an isolated section of the bag. Also does support side access if set up right which the Backlight bags can not do even thought they can be swung around an access wince they are back access bags.
Today I received a new bag I bought, the Urban Access 15, to try another approach. All the thinkTank bags were 20% off all month. Pretty much the same size externally as a 26L Backlight but with a different type of design with multiple points of access. Also considered the 13 but went for the larger one which maybe my downfall. Will give that a try but did not buy it for hiking. Mostly for city/urban use as it was designed for. Will see how it goes. In talking with ThinkTANK there was some concern if it would handle a gripped body but I figured I would risk it. I have grips for all of my mirrorless bodies but am also willing to take them off if not using large lenses.
Finally I have an Osprey day hiking pack I use for climbing that is really the lightest of them all with a great harness. I attach a camera holster to it and that make the lightest backpack that can carry stuff. The remaining space is all for non camera gear that has a few layers of clothing and pouches I include for food.
p.2 #11 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
The need to have it hold a 16" laptop greatly limits your choices. I use a 12.5" notebook for travel as it fits inside my Gura Gear 18L backpack which in turn fits under the seat on most aircraft. The Ape Case ACPRO1900 will hold a 13" laptop and is an very good choice.
With the 16" laptop, if that is all that you have available, the option is to put it into the bag for the overhead compartment. I use the mentioned 12.5" notebook and also a 15.4" laptop but for air travel it is the smaller computer that I always take.
p.2 #12 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
elkhornsun wrote:
The need to have it hold a 16" laptop greatly limits your choices. I use a 12.5" notebook for travel as it fits inside my Gura Gear 18L backpack which in turn fits under the seat on most aircraft. The Ape Case ACPRO1900 will hold a 13" laptop and is an very good choice.
With the 16" laptop, if that is all that you have available, the option is to put it into the bag for the overhead compartment. I use the mentioned 12.5" notebook and also a 15.4" laptop but for air travel it is the smaller computer that I always take. ...Show more →
This. I have a 16" MBP myself, but I never bring it with me when traveling, even for extended trips. The last long trip I took was for close to 60 days, and the iPad Pro I took with me was perfect. If you're doing video editing on the go, I can see taking it with you, if not, I don't see the point.
p.2 #13 · Best Camera Travel Backpack: Think Tank Urban Access 15 vs. Shimoda Action X30 vs. Explore 30 vs. Tenba DNA 15?
PGSanta wrote:
This. I have a 16" MBP myself, but I never bring it with me when traveling, even for extended trips. The last long trip I took was for close to 60 days, and the iPad Pro I took with me was perfect. If you're doing video editing on the go, I can see taking it with you, if not, I don't see the point.
That's a good point. Previously when I made the original post I didn't have a very capable tablet but I recently picked up an iPad Pro 12.9". I think it can handle the vast majority of what I need to do while traveling. I did end up getting the Urban Access 15 and have the Shimoda Action X30 on pre-order but won't be traveling for a while to test any new bags
