MindShift BackLight 18L Backpack for Up to 13" Laptop and 10" Tablet, Charcoal

2024-12-08T19:00:00

My old Lowepro was asking to be retired. I tried one bag from that manufacturer; it was too small. Tried another - too big. Then I listened to a friend who said, "Hey, the MindShift Backlight 18L is my favorite bag - you'll love it." So I bought and yes, I love it. That's why I named it Goldilocks!

Anne P.

Originally posted at

2024-10-14T20:00:00

I bought the BackLight 18L based on my experience with the BackLight 36L which I love but needed a smaller backpack with the features and quality of the 36L. So far Think Tank meets almost all my expectations in quality, craftmanship, features, durability and pretty important: weight, amazing all around. They also look good, and I really like the Woodland Green color, as it reminds me of one of the main reasons for my photography, preserve the environment. I would suggest adding a lanyard with a hook/carabiner for storing your keys (much better to find and retrieve your car/home keys after a long hike), something I find missing on the BackLight line, but present in the MindShift PhotoCross or Photo Vision shoulder bag.

Luis L.

Originally posted at

2024-10-06T20:00:00

Really well thought out with a great support system. I wish it was a little bigger though, but it is fine for most outings where I don't need as much gear. Might have to buy the next largest size...

Tim L.

Originally posted at

2024-09-22T20:00:00

This bag holds everything I need for a full day of photography. Finally, a bag that can hold my Sony 200-600 with the camera attached that fits my torso. Most bags are too tall/long for me and I end up sacrificing gear to use my smaller bags.

Katherine S.

Originally posted at

2024-09-18T20:00:00

I love this backpack. I have a RollerDerby I fly with and it has been superb. I needed a lightweight backpack for short trips and knew Think Tank would be quality. I have not been disappointed. It has everything I wanted and more.

Barbara K.

Originally posted at

2024-08-03T20:00:00

I have been using this bag for over 100 hours now, mostly to contain my field macro gear while out in the woods. While the build seems to be high quality, has held up to being tossed around a bit and is comfortable to wear even for extended periods, I am disappointed in how easy it is to store and retrieve gear- It is just not efficient to use and the front feels like a huge missed opportunity to provide many quick access options. This bag is better suited as a way to transport gear like on a flight than for use in the field as it is purported to be. The back functions as expected, although it works better with large lenses and cameras than smaller gear or accessories. There is no way to make a vertical division. If you are wearing the hip strap as tight as you should be to relieve your shoulders, it is not easy to turn the back around on your body causing you to have to loosen the straps and then turn the bag, slowing you down quite a bit. The front really needs to be re-designed because it is basically a series of bottomless pits. The laptop sleeve is a waste of space as is because there are no smaller pockets along the top (the only space readily accessible due to the straps on the side) and perhaps a pouch on the inside of the front portion that opens. Because of the straps on the side, the pouch does not open much without un-doing those straps, again slowing you down if you need to get to the few pockets they do provide. Only tall skinny things, or things with a clip you can attach to one of the sleeves work in the front. They need to come up with some features for quick access like perhaps a clamshell design that opens without interference from the side straps, and many more pockets. I was able to make a plastic and duct tape insert to add some pockets near the top of the laptop sleeve to add some functionality to it. While I am making the bag work for me, it is just not as efficient as it could be for field use especially if you have a lot of small/medium sized gear for lighting and field work. The bag has potential, and I hope they take some of what I say into consideration.

Evan

Originally posted at

2024-07-03T20:00:00

Best bag they offer in my opinion! It's comfortable and carries a ton of gear

Bucky

Originally posted at

2024-05-30T20:00:00

I love the functionality boost this bag brings me! However If I could re-buy the backlight series, I would probably have gone for the next size up, as the general size doesnt seem to be that much bigger! If there was a way to trade-up, I would! Also I wish there was a big more organization for the front section. Though it already comes equipped with quite a lot!

Matthew S.

Originally posted at

2024-05-10T20:00:00

It is very well made, like all of the think tank products. I replaced a bag that evens out my carrying weight. I would recommend this product for daily use.

Tom G.

Originally posted at

2024-05-04T20:00:00

It is rides very comfortable and loads well,yet small enough to keep me from overloading when I travel.

Bruce K.

Originally posted at

2024-04-25T20:00:00

Well built. Comfortable.

Erik

Originally posted at

2024-04-18T20:00:00

I already had the BackLight Sprint which is great for what it was designed for, Long Lenses. But I also needed to at times to bring my 13 inch computer or iPad, so the next step up in this series of backpacks is the BackLight 18L, and it delivers. Even if I don't need to bring my computer, the computer compartment holds other stuff like a light jacket. Very versatile and the usual quality build.

RJ C.

Originally posted at

2024-03-23T20:00:00

Bought this as a present for an avid photographer. Exactly what she was looking for.

Tyler J.

Originally posted at

2024-03-17T20:00:00

First thing I noticed is how solid and well made this backpack is. I feel confident carrying my gear and it easily fits my 150-600.

Jen A.

Originally posted at

2024-03-01T19:00:00

My wife says I need a 12 step program for camera backpack purchases. I can't tell you how many I've purchased (and returned) but I think I finally found the one that will fit my needs. I bought the BackLight 18L primarily for day trips. It fits my Nikon Z8 with the 180-600mm on one side and my 70-180mm lens on the other side with room for more lenses. I attached my monopod and threw in a light jacket and a full size water bottle with still plenty of room. So I was a very happy camper today, walking over to our local lake, swinging the pack around by the hip belt and pulling out my camera without the backpack touching the ground - very cool! I am very impressed with the back support and belt system and the quality of all materials including zippers. My next test will be to take the same gear plus a few more items on a flight sitting in economy. Based on the dimensions, the pack should fit under the seat in front of me. If this fits, it will be the icing on the cake. Thanks MindShift for such an awesome product.

Larry D.

Originally posted at

2024-01-01T19:00:00

Every computer, camera body, lens and disc has to come out of the bag for security out of Paris. The bag eased the process with all the sections. It's very easy to fit and carry around.

catherine c.

Originally posted at

2023-11-11T19:00:00

Really super. It's small but carries well and fits a lot of stuff still!

Therese I.

Originally posted at

2023-11-10T19:00:00

The backlight 18l is a great bag well built super high quality and perfect for my need with a hasselblad X2D and 2 lens. My 14 inch MacBook Pro M 2 fits in the laptop space. Unfortunately my iPad Pro 12 inch does not fit. But Thinktank says only 10 inch iPads fit. Still fantastic well made bag.

Randall S.

Originally posted at

2023-10-24T20:00:00

This camera backpack is no joke! The quality and durability exceeded all of my expectations. All the many features offered in this camera back pack have been very well thought out for the end user. I have had my Backlight 18L for a couple of years and highly recommend this product!

Wayne S.

Originally posted at

2023-10-12T20:00:00

I've been looking for a bag that will fit my 600mm for some time, that is also not massive as I'm 5'2". I also needed something air travel friendly. This bag is absolutely perfectly designed for my needs (birding/hiking).

Lindsay S.

Originally posted at

2023-10-07T20:00:00

Has all I need in a backpack. You guys thought of everything. Love it.

Will T.

Originally posted at

2023-08-17T20:00:00

I have my Canon gear and fits cool. I feel so comfortable on my back.

Serkan

Originally posted at

2023-07-30T20:00:00

I bought this because I went to Iceland and wanted something to protect my camera while having some flexibility with other items as well. It also needed to fit IcelandAirs strict restrictions on carry-on under the seat items. It fit perfectly under the seat in front of me and honestly was just really cool. I used the waist-strap to take out or put away my camera everytime while hiking which to be honest I thought was a gimmick at first but was super helpful. It ended up being one of my favorite features lol, not needing to set the bag down to open it. Really happy with it, I am still new to photography but as I accumulate more equipment I will definitely go here for a bigger bag. It fit everything too, i even put shot glass souvenirs where i had space so they wouldn't break lol. Solid backpack!

Zachary C.

Originally posted at

2023-07-26T20:00:00

I love this bag. It is really well made and designed, and clearly well thought out in terms of features. It's very versatile, and carries a lot.

Matthew B.

Originally posted at

2023-07-20T20:00:00

Step 1 -- book a trip to Iceland. Step 2 -- get a camera backpack that didn't exceed Icelandair's strict carry-on allowance. For the flight I packed my compact camera, GoPro, iPad, chargers and accessories like memory cards in a Secure Pixel Pocket Rocket , Platypod and ball head, notebook and pens, a few microfiber towels, sunscreen, rain pants and hat, gloves, food, wallet, sunglasses, water bottle and probably other things that I don't recall right now. Once there, I just carried what was needed each day. There was plenty of room without making the cameras hard to grab quickly. It was easy to manage on a cramped tour van. It stood up to the elements experienced in early June. Thanks for including the rain cover and plenty of dividers.

Cindi C.

Originally posted at

2023-07-18T20:00:00

It's not that comfortable on my back, I'm thinking I should have maybe gone bigger. Like the looks, nice material

Nazaire T.

Originally posted at

2023-04-18T20:00:00

Love this bag! I found that I kept accumulating lenses and gear, so I needed a bigger bag. So far, this fits the bill. Would 100% recommend!

Matt

Originally posted at

2022-11-16T19:00:00

A fantastic well made bag, as are all ThinkTank products.

Kelly P.

Originally posted at

2022-09-30T13:04:54

Used this on an excursion through Jordan. Worked great and protected my gear!

Tina E.

2022-09-11T20:00:00

I bought the Mindshift 18l for carry-on use. Because of the light weight of the bag, I can carry a lot of gear without hitting airline limits. The two column design is essential for anyone using bigger lenses. The bag stays upright even when loaded, as long as you carry your tripod in the side pocket.

RT

Originally posted at