Mind Think bags

Evening all,

 

Is anyone familiar with Mind Think camera bags? My 10 year old LowePro Globe Trekker has gotten a little small for some of the stuff I want to carry. I have a few others for different uses but I wanted to put together a single bag with two FX bodies, a D800 and a D4 along with 4-5 lenses, maybe a flash, a laptop, battery chargers, a card reader, lens tissue and other stuff' I normally carry around all the time. The one I am looking at won't carry more than a small laptop or tablet but will hold chargers and the rest in different compartments. One of the problems with the Lowe Pro is that it isn't waterproof, if I'm out in weather the compartment covers leak more than a little. I found this out the hard way. The Mind Shift is different than anything I've ever used but looks interesting and capable of holding more than I want to haul around. It seems durable. Anyone here had experience with this brand? Thanks.

 

Rick H.

Mind [shift] is closely associated with Think Tank. I have some of each. The design and quality of construction is first order, especially the zippers. They tend to be significantly lighter than similar bags by LowePro, yet sturdy and protective. Some bags, like the ShapeShifter, started as ThinkTank but ended as MindShift. Their backpacks have a semi-rigid foam shell, which is light and holds its shape well, with handles on three sides.

 

Think Tank bags are mostly directed to travel by air or automobile, and professional applications. The most popular color is black. They have backpacks which are very space-efficient and light, but the straps are not well suited to hiking. Their straps are effective but not as versatile (or fiddly) as hiking versions, and easy to tuck away for air travel.

 

Mind Shift bags are perhaps more innovative, ranging from specialized carriers for GoPro cameras to heavy duty backpacks for serious hiking. The most popular color seems to be light blue or grey. You can get black.

 

Backpacks from both companies come with a waterproof rain cover (blue), which stores nicely in one of the pockets. There may be some waterproof models, but they're something recent. I've only deployed a rain cover once since 2007 (my first ThinkTank backpack). The heavy YKK zippers and fabric resist misty or even light drizzle very well.

 

If possible, my laptop is carried in separate bag, as my "personal carry-on." Many bags have a laptop (or tablet) pocket, but not much room for chargers, cables and hard drives, which you don't really need on the trail. Even in the city, every ounce counts.

For what it's worth, I'm a fan of Think Tank's stuff (I've mostly been carrying things in an Airport Acceleration). That said, I've just picked up a LowePro because it's a little more rigid and has more access ports (my stuff often ends up layered in a bag).

Another vote for Think Tank - I have been using the Sub Urban 30 for several years. Holds 2 FX Nikons 4 lenses, batteries etc. Has an excellent built in rain cover. Will hold a small laptop or large tablet as well. Fit under the seat on every type of aircraft that I have been on - even commuters.

This one turns out to have a Think Tank label on it so I'm guessing its a different line from the same company. It's quite good, well built and plenty of room. The only things I won't put in it are chargers, not enough room to do it comfortably. It comes in green also and that's what I brought home. First time I've bought a brand new bag in 10-11 years.

 

Rick H.