MindShift BackLight Elite 45L Backpack, Storm Proof Construction, Gray

2025-04-30T20:00:00

10/10 product. From build quality to how comfortable it is to wear. I love this bag!

Jon L.

Originally posted at

2024-11-25T19:00:00

Best pack I have ever used, I have had mine for 10 years or more, certainly since they first came out and I have had no damage to it and I beat my gear up pretty bad. The Backlight elite is perfect for me, I want a pack that can fit 2 x z9's with 24-70 and 70-200 attached for quick access on film sets, in some crazy locations and room for a couple primes and accessories. If it fell apart today I wouldn't be sad I would just go out and buy another one but whatever I do to it it just keeps going. Most likely out last me!

JASIN B.

Originally posted at

2024-05-15T20:00:00

I've used my Rotation 180 First Edition since it was originally introduced, and I still find it to be a perfect backpack for me. But, there are times when the ratio of camera gear to personal gear required some of the space that the rotation feature eliminates. This Backlight Elite 45 is the answer to my personal gear vs. camera gear ratio change dilemma for some multi-day travels. Another winner from ThinkTank!

Randy S.

Originally posted at

2024-05-04T20:00:00

It carries great! Will be super versatile! Will carry everything I need it to! I probably would have been fine with the 36L, but the harness and suspension will be far more comfortable.

Robert U.

Originally posted at

2024-03-25T20:00:00

I am disappointed with this backpack - not because it's bad, but because it's so good and I can't use it. The overall design, functionality, and craftsmanship are excellent. I've owned many camera, hiking, mountaineering, and travel backpacks, and this one blends some of the best features of all of them. It's evident that a lot of thought and testing went into the design of this bag. I've been searching for the perfect adventure photography backpack for years, and this one is so close? But it doesn't fit me! And it's not going to fit a lot of people because it doesn't have any torso sizes or adjustment. I am of average build: 175cm, 80kg, and the torso length on this backpack is too long for me. I don't understand why the designers decided not to include any torso adjustment. The Rotation 50L backpack uses a very similar harness and it is adjustable. If they made the back panel opening a couple of centimeters shorter to make room for the shoulder strap mounting points, it would be perfect. It wouldn't even impact the access to the camera compartment much. I've actually had this backpack for around 2 years now and really tried to make it work. But with any load above 10kg, it just becomes uncomfortable due to the bad fit. If they ever make a version of this backpack that has different torso sizes and/or adjustment, I will buy it in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, I will have to keep using backpacks that are much worse from a design and functionality standpoint, but do actually fit me and allow me to carry heavy loads all day.

Filip

Originally posted at

2024-01-03T19:00:00

This is a great pack. I especially like - they added the adjusting Load Lifter straps (they keep the bag tight against your shoulder blades - my 26L BackLight does not have these). All the compartments are usable for your system needs. I all the space in the included camera case cube thus for more personal space there could be a roll top expanding even more space.

Jerry P.

Originally posted at

2023-10-05T20:00:00

Faruk abdulla

Faruk A.

Originally posted at

2021-07-25T20:00:00

This bag is built to last. I've been very impressed with the build quality and also the comfort level. It's clear that a lot of thought went into this backpack, and I appreciate that.

Alex G.

Originally posted at

2021-02-14T19:00:00

The Backlight Elite 45L is the perfect backpack for a single day out in the field. I can bring a camera body and a full arsenal of lenses: 70-200mm, 24-70mm, 17-40mm, and 180mm macro. I bought this camera backpack to replace my LowePro Trekker AW. The LowePro did not have enough torso length. So the weight was on my shoulders and spine. Ouch The Backlight 45L fits me just right. I'm 6' and this backpack has the right torso length and rides right on my hips, where it belong. The extra large lumbar support is very welcome, too. I suffer from previous thoracic back fractures, compressed lumbar discs, and a reverse shoulder replacement. I can walk with this backpack comfortably for hours. There are so many nice touches to this camera backpack, demonstrating how much thought and engineering went into it. I wish that Think Tank made a 70L camera backpack in their MindShift line for overnight camping. I'd buy it in an instant!

Glenn M.

Originally posted at

2020-11-21T19:00:00

So I have a thing for bags... they never are quite right. Too small, too cumbersome etc. I was back and forth between the backlight 45 and one of the 50L F-Stop hiking bags. But this one just called out to me. I love the heavy dutyness of the exterior. I love the support of the harness. I love that I can get to my camera gear without dealing with my hiking stuff (this was a big issue in my last set up) I love the large dedicated Laptop Sleeve which can double for a water bladder spot. It is obvious this bag was designed by an outdoorsman whom photographs.... Kudos! I LOVE IT! (oh and if anyone is interested I found a Large Thule Subterra PowerShuttle Electronics Carrying Case fits perfectly on top of the camera area allowing you to pack that fully with all cables batteries power bricks etc)

Mike P.

Originally posted at

2020-10-28T18:54:53

So far, I love all of the features of this pack, (too many for me to list, check out all the pic.'s & video of this pack). I haven't tested it as extensively as I plan to yet, but for somebody like me with a bad back, so far this bag is very comfortable to carry, even with heavy camera equipment. One of my biggest reasons for buying this pack was because I can fit my Nikon D5600 + grip with attached 2X Teleconverter, 200-500 Nikkor Zoom with lens hood attached & extended in it & access it from the top or back of the pack. I also carry my other lenses, 70-200 Nikkor Zoom, 105 Nikkor Macro & 18-140 Nikkor Zoom & lens filters, extra battery, etc. & still have room to spare. This pack also seems to be very durable so far. Great job MindShift!!! Also, great service from Adorama!!!

GARY B.

2020-03-10T20:00:00

After trying serveral other bags, this one fit the bill. I wanted it big enough to carry my camera gear including a 200-600 Sony lens along with a few others, plus a dedicated sleeve and pass through for a water bladder. Also having additional capacity for jackets and snack for the trail is a big bonus. Well done thinktank!

Gary R.

Originally posted at

2020-03-05T09:01:04

I'm a rock climber and hiker and this bag is the greatest camera back pack I've ever owned. Durable, comfortable and a great design that was well thought out making the pack very versatile. I even use it to transport my gear to the local studio that I rent. I've recommended this pack to several of my photography friends.

Jeremy C.

2020-02-20T19:00:00

I have carefully reviewed the best adventure photography packs on the market, including Shimoda, F-Stop, Lowepro and Atlas. These are all great bags but the ThinkTank Backlight Elite 45L is the best. It offers capabilities the other ones don't. I particularity like the large back access to the ICU. I can attach my Nikon d810 to my large Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens with hood attached and fit it in my bag. With the hood off, I can also fit my Nikon 16-35, Tamron 24-70, Tamron 70-200 G2, filter case, ditty bag and still have leftover room. It has internal stays to help take the load off your back and shoulders and it has a removable top lid compartment with a strap underneath to attach a rope or coat. It even has straps to attach skis or snowshoes on the front of the pack. The large front pocket has a dedicated water bladder pocket or you can carry a water bottle on a side pocket. The pack can carry all the weight well and comfortably. I am 6'2" and I was worried the pack would be too short like most packs. The pack even has two ways to carry a tripod, either on the side or on the front. As with the other Backlight packs, I don't have to put my pack down in the mud, water, dust, etc. to access my gear, simply take off one of the shoulder straps and swing the pack around, unzip the back panel three fourths of the way down on both sides and you have great access to the ICU. The customer service has also been excellent. This is an extremely well thought out pack.

Bryan A.

Originally posted at

2020-01-07T19:00:00

I bought this bag to take on my Upper Peninsula vacation in October 2019, I own 3 Tamrac bags, because of the extra storage it had for clothes, jackets, water bottles, etc. None of the Tamrac bags has this extra storage. I found this bag very comfortable to carry on long hikes over some rough terrain. Also, being able to just swing the bag around on your waist and open the back to access the equipment is great. I like the fact that I access my equipment from the back. This keeps the front of the pack on the ground and the back clean. The padding is great and it wears great. Easy to wipe the outside clean with a damp cloth. Great bag! I am going to get the smaller bag in the next month.

John H.

Originally posted at

2019-11-06T19:00:00

I’m ecstatic to review the Backlight Elite 45L! On a recent trip to Nepal I needed something capable of carrying a Panasonic HC-X1, a Cannon 7DMII, Movi Cinema Robot with counterweights, GoPro, batteries and power supplies (for all the above) shotgun mic, 2 wireless lavaliers, Macbook Pro with power supply, Sirui carbon monopod, Monfrotto Bee free carbon tripod, Trek poles, sleeping bag, jacket, & snacks! This bag was capable of holding it all! Though my load was heavy, the bag was very comfortable & breathable and made my 3 day trek painless, despite the thousands of rock stairs we climbed up and down. If you need a workhorse pack that can comfortably & safely transport your gear, congratulations!!! ... you found it!

Joel B.

Originally posted at

2019-11-05T19:00:00

It is my second Mindshiftgear camera backpack for landscape photographing. I already have FirstLight 30L for day pack, but need bigger backpack with additional space for store personal stuff in case of overnight camping. This back is comfortable and perfact size for this use. I ordered the stash master 13L with it I can store more personal stuff.

Myungkeun N.

Originally posted at

2019-11-03T19:00:00

Picked this up for a photo trip and it’s worth every penny. The customer service was exceptional and resolved a problem with Amazon in time to make the trip. Loved using the bag. Not only did it fit all of my gear but it accommodated the changing weather with the ability to strap on coats as needed. Had no issues using this as a carry on bag.

Robert O.

Originally posted at

2019-10-18T20:00:00

I have the Firstlight 30l and the Backlight 36l and this bag is so much better. I do wish it was carry-on size and the zipper pulls are garbage. I am willing to deal with the extra height for the comfort that it gives and I have no problem replacing the zipper pulls that kept slipping between my fingers when I try to grab them. You can pull the frame out with a little effort and compress the bag own to and probably good enough to carry on. Frankly, those are the only negatives to this backpack. The waist belt and harness system is so comfortable. This is a big deal when my pack normally weighs over 30lbs. I have always found the camera storage design to be great and this bag is no different. I do like having a removable ICU, but the cover has no padding or rigidity, so your gear is basically unsecured and unprotected on that side when you pull the ICU out to use alone. I have a fold-able foam seat that I carry and will put over my gear if I have to take the ICU out to check my backpack. The material feel higher grade and more durable than previous models that never seemed to show any wear anyway. The zippers feel better than the other models by not hanging up or getting stuck like they always did on the Backlight 36l especially. Plenty of straps and tie downs like the Backlight 36l. I have also tried the Atlas Athlete and this is just as comfortable, but the camera storage is ten times better and the materials and craftsmanship are superior on the Backlight Elite.

Travis S.

Originally posted at

2019-09-03T20:00:00

Great, using it for my medium format Fujifilm GFX100, four lenses, accessories, and filter system. Wish it had a side handle for a suitcase style carry, would make it easier to lift in and out of the trunk of the car. Very well made, I replaced several of the zipper pulls with ones of brighter contrasting colours enabling me to quickly see them and determine if they were zipped. Comfortable to carry on my 6'2" frame, nice that the waist belt is removable.

Bruce C.

Originally posted at

2019-08-15T20:00:00

I have tired many bags but all have failed in key ways. So far this new bag really delivers. My initial experience so far, given this bag was recently released: The modular ICU can be vital if you run into strictures of cabin weight / space on a flight (ie regional flights, especially light planes and or draconian regulations). Plus the detachable Top-Lid + hipbelt metamorphoses on separate assembly into a hipbelt of copious volume. The top lid is a big plus to get at a big rigged telephoto. The only -ve is the lack of side panels (with zips) to open the interior (as in PD Travel B'pack) but I can live without these. The Exterior Side pouches work in practice; so does the exterior strapping system for a tripod. I can pack water or food either side in these panels plus big tripod strapped outer centre. And it goes without saying any backpack for wildlife must have rear panel access; in this case the padded Hipbelt works well to access the bag off the ground (swung off one's shoulders). Another +ve is the PeakDesign camera cubes fit this pack almost perfectly. As the largest PD cube is shorter than the native camera cube supplied by Mindshift, this only applies to smaller cubes. This Elite has excellent weatherproofing against light rain or dust with exterior spec fabrics and robust zips, plus raincover is included in the price. IMHO this bag is worth the price.

chambeshi

Originally posted at

2019-08-04T20:00:00

This bag has been so well thought out. It's addressed all the problems that other photog packs are missing! I bought the stash master 13l as well which allows you to carry a smaller setup and more space for touring gear when going backcountry. The honey comb shoulder straps and back pads make it super comfortable with a heavy load. Thank you for making the perfect bag for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers!

Tom

Originally posted at

2019-07-21T20:00:00

I have traditionally used a climbing backpack for my nature photography. It is light weight, fit great, comfortable, etc. Your Elite 45L is a bit heavier but it is equally comfortable and what it costs me in extra weight it more than makes up for in convenience and speed of changing out lenses, etc.

Ed C.

Originally posted at

2019-07-21T20:00:00

I currently have three photo backpacks. This is by far the best in so many ways. Waterproof zippers, removable camera compartment, removable top pack and belt. More useable pockets than any other pack. Comfortable to wear and handles very heavy load.

Codi W.

Originally posted at

2019-07-21T20:00:00

I use my backpack in the jungle in Costa Rica, rain, mud and hot sun and humidity. The product gets the job done????????

Bryan J.

Originally posted at

2019-07-21T20:00:00

I love this bag for all the reasons it makes carrying my gear easier. But the best part is that if you ever get into a situation where a nasty airline employee tries to force you to check this bag, you can just smile and pull off the top part with critical paperwork, then open up the back and pull out the camera/lens container and hand them a mostly empty backpack. Peace of mind.

Alan R.

Originally posted at

2019-07-01T20:00:00

At last I have found a bag that can carry my Fuji medium format gear for landscape shoots - body, three lenses, filter system, levelling and pano heads plus extras; all in a comfortable carry. AND I still have room for water, snacks, waterproof jacket etc. etc. This bag has been very well thought out, and will be my companion in the outdoors for a long time to come, I am sure. It seems to be very well made.

Bryan T.

Originally posted at

2019-05-14T20:00:00

I own 3 Mind Shift Backlight bags. They are all awesome but this one is by far the most thought out. It is the nicest pack that I have seen. I have researched several and this pack has the best features from all of them combined into one. It really is an amazing bag with all of the features and expand ability.

Codi W.

Originally posted at

2019-04-24T20:00:00

The successful maiden adventure for this pack was 9 days of cruising in Svalbard above the Arctic Circle. It worked splendidly! This is the best pack I've ever owned (and there've been lots of them!). There's lots of room for both camera gear and other equipment/clothing. The weather sealing is excellent. While on our ship, I left the pack sitting on a hatch in the snow on deck, including when I went inside for a break, confident the gear would be safe. Furthermore, when I quit for the day, I'd take the pack inside fully closed and the fine sealing allowed the internal atmosphere to adjust slowly to indoor temperatures, avoiding fogging. When we did zodiac cruises, I needed to be fully waterproof, so I moved the camera compartment to a waterproof duffle bag and continued shooting just as I had been on the ship. My next trip is to Madagascar, where the carry-on weight limitations for internal flights are onerous. I'm looking forward to using the super light camera compartment on it's own as a carry-on to deal with those constraints. My most recent previous bag was a Mindshift Firstlight 40L. While that's also an excellent bag, the back opening style of the Backlights is definitely preferable for me. With the rain cover on, if you need to lay the bag down on some messy surface, only the rain cover gets dirty or wet, not the harness. There are many more thoughtful features to this bag, but I don't have room to cover them here. Like I said: one terrific backpack!!

Mark O.

Originally posted at