MindShift PhotoCross 15 Backpack, Carbon Gray

2024-02-01T22:57:32

Replaced my older backpack with this beauty - very thoughtfully designed, with lots of convenient features. Easy access to my camera while carrying, and ergonomically designed to balance the weight of a camera and two good sized lenses, with a slim profile. Very happy with this purchase.

KATHLEEN N.

2023-07-18T20:00:00

For the past 14 years, I have been using the Streetwalker Pro and Hard drive models, and I am still using them. Recently, I added the Photocross 15 model to my collection, and I'd like to share my experience using it. This product is an extremely lightweight camera bag with a side access design. The wide side access, specifically designed for 4-slots, is exceptionally unique and its greatest advantage. 1. Only one water bottle holder and No secure compartments During photo shoots, there are many items that need to be stored quickly and accessed easily, such as water bottles, mobile phones, and cigarettes. Additionally, secure storage compartments are necessary for items like wallets, car keys, and passports. This bag does not cater to such storage needs. It should have included water bottle/tripod holders on both sides, similar to Backstory models. Moreover, since it lacks top access, a zippered pocket on the top surface would have been beneficial. Additionally, the main compartment should have had two zippers to allow for vertical or side access when the bag is positioned differently. Creating a pocket inside the laptop compartment to store items like passports would have been useful. 2. Flat Back Panel and Thin Shoulder Straps The flat back panel doesn't provide enough ventilation, and the thin shoulder straps cause discomfort and shoulder pain. It requires more ergonomic padding and support. It's surprising to see such a poorly designed product from Thinktank, considering their reputation. Additionally, adding a luggage pass-through feature to the back panel would be beneficial for travelers. 3. Unpadded Top Handle The bag's excellent storage capacity means it can become quite heavy when filled with camera equipment. In such cases, a padded top handle is essential for comfortable carrying. I'm extremely disappointed that they overlooked adding padding to the top handle. 4. Trapezoidal Shape Like the Urban Access model, this backpack has a trapezoidal cross-section. The trapezoidal shape is highly inefficient when it comes to maximizing space utilization. Moreover, when the side access bag is positioned upright, it tends to lean or tip over, making it frustrating during lens changes. This is a significant drawback. It should have been designed closer to a more rectangular shape, which would provide stability when placed on its side. In side access models, side handles are essential, and the ones on the side cover feel quite insecure. It would be better to relocate the handles to the end of the back panel, making them suitable for both carrying and attaching to a luggage cart. Additionally, creating flexible storage pockets on the cover section would be a valuable addition. (Note: This feedback also applies to the Urban Access model) It's essential to remember that this product is a side access model !!

Bach K.

Originally posted at

2023-05-06T20:00:00

I took this bag on a shoot in Alaska as I knew I'd be out in the elements. It was perfect for my needs; we had full day excursions hiking, on canoes, etc. This bag was perfect for the basic things I needed with me. I kept my phone, wallet, sunscreen, bug spray etc. in the exterior zip pocket, while I was able to pack up my R5, 100-500mm, 5D Mark IV with a 16-35 as well as a flash (not attached to the camera for packing,) in the main area with dividers. Perfect for hiking or more adventurous activities where you need a smaller bag that will also hold a MacBook Pro if needed.

Kelly

Originally posted at

2023-02-05T19:00:00

I love the PhotoCross 15 pack. I have used it for over a year and it's held up well. Still like new, even after many rainy days in Alaska and lots of bad weather in Montana. But what I really like about it is I can set it up for two layers, with the space it has and dividers that were included, especially the two angled ones. They give me flexibility and the ability to quickly reach under them to access what is on the bottom, without removing them. On the bottom layer goes a Sony body and lens, maybe two, depending on what I am shooting, plus extra batteries and misc stuff in a baggie. On the top layer is a Sony mirrorless with the 200-600 lens. That is on top because I mostly shoot wildlife, but if I want to shoot landscapes I have the 24-70 with me. I prefer not to carry everything with me, as I do not like hiking with a large, heavy pack, and most of my photography is out in the wilds. There is also another section that is very roomy, and I have the blower brush, rain jacket, lens caps and other flat stuff there. I can strap a jacket, water bottle and tripod to the outside. It is very comfortable to wear and hike in, plus I can get to my equipment without setting the bag down on the wet ground. It fits well in the holds of smaller planes and is padded well for the bumps encountered. It fits well on the front seat of the car, with easy accessibility. I have had so many back packs in the past, but I have finally found what really works for me. Thanks Think Tank designers!

Karren

Originally posted at

2023-01-12T19:00:00

The bag is what I have been looking for, it's unfortunate that the side tripod pocket should be made of more rugged and durable material. I had to return my original purchase because the tripod pocket literally didn't hold up and started to disintegrate while on my trip. I very impressed with CSR Johnathon who quickly assisted me in getting a replacement bag.

Gerald M.

Originally posted at

2022-08-23T20:00:00

I bought this pack for a trip with my Canon R5 kit, but found it wasn't quite the right set of features for my needs. So I returned it. I ended up with the Backlight 26 and it feels much better for my needs!

David K.

Originally posted at

2021-12-28T19:00:00

I haven't toted it out into the field yet because of the weather and the holidays but it's holding a couple of bodies with lenses attached while it waits. All my necessary accessories are tucked away in the bag with room to spare. The quality is outstanding and the belt that comes with it is so solid and comfortable that I can already picture using it without the back pack for holsters and utility bags when I go into the field and don't need the entire back pack.

Robert H.

Originally posted at

2021-12-16T19:00:00

I absolutely LOVE this pack. It fits my ungripped D850 or my gripped Z5 with large 24-70 f/2.8 lens attached and has room for 2 other full sized pro size lenses. It's even deep enough to easily accommodate my 70-200 2.8! Alternatively, I can stack a few primes with the included extra dividers. The interior flat pocket on the padded side is welcome, easily accommodating my 10" iPad. The mesh zippered pocket on the flap closure is handy for storing filters, cleaning supplies, misc items for quick access. This pocket is divided in two, but the dual zipper goes full length which is a very clever feature that I love. The outer compartment is pretty thin and at first I'd wished that it was deeper. However, it fits my spare batteries, media cards, more filters, in addition to storage for the included rain cover. On the exterior, there are plenty of useful loops for attaching carabiners, etc., as well as the included straps to tie down a tripod (or whatever else one might want to). The side pocket is perfect for holding a water bottle or can be used as an alternative way to store a tripod. The shoulder/waist harness have plenty of adjustment, but not bulky. This is a very comfortable pack. I'd say the thing I like most about this pack is that it allows me to carry JUST the essentials and nothing that I don't really need. Even the thinner outer compartment mentioned earlier got me to reconsider what I was carrying and reduce to just what I needed. This is a very well thought out pack. Thanks again, Think Tank for a wonderful product!

Fred S.

Originally posted at

2021-09-26T20:00:00

I love my PhotoCross sling bag, but it's a tad small for longer trips. This one has EVERYTHING I love about my PhotoCross, but with a lot more. I love that I don't have to set it on the ground to get my stuff out. Love all the little details, like the pull for the zipper. Love that the straps breath and don't make me feel hot. Love that I can remove the waist belt when I don't need it. Love that I have the choice of two places to put my tripod. Love that I have a spot for my water bottle. LOVE IT !!!

Macarena J.

Originally posted at

2021-09-19T20:00:00

At first I wasn?t sure if I was going to like it as much as I wanted to, there isn?t as many pockets as I am use to. But I am finding it really wonderful! It?s light but holds all the things I need for a photography session. Everything is organized and I find that I do not stuff things I don?t need in there since it really has just the right amount of space for the things I need.

Toni P.

Originally posted at

2021-04-22T20:00:00

Excellent harness very comfortable with ample waist support. Easy to configure inside I can put Nikon Z7 with 70-200 f/2.8 attached. Also second body with 4 more lenses and flash. Only weighs 3lbs empty.

David H.

Originally posted at

2021-01-05T19:00:00

I returned the bag only because it was too small for all of the gear I want to carry. The construction is outstanding. Very thoughtful design.

Jeff D.

Originally posted at

2021-01-03T19:00:00

This is my new everyday backpack, it carries my laptop, camera, drones with legendary Thinktank quality. I access the bag without needing to set it down. I can strap two FPV drones on the front. The design is nice although it can probably be updated to look more like like a sack (peak design).

Engel C.

Originally posted at

2020-11-18T19:00:00

I used to rarely take any camera gear mountain biking because I'd fill up a bag with coats, wrap up the camera(s) and lenses and every time I wanted to take a shot it required getting off the bike and unbundling everything. No longer! The adjustable, padded dividers are great, I don't hear or feel anything moving around while riding some pretty aggressive mtb trails. And when I want to take a shot, it's the perfect tradeoff between speed and equipment security. Undo two buckles, swing the bag around and unzip it and camera's there with a 70-200 2.8 attached. I was worried the waist strap would interfere somewhat while riding but it really doesn't. Both the shoulder and waist straps are very comfy and maneuverable even while carrying a DSLR body and 3 hefty lenses. I haven't had it out in super nasty conditions yet, but even without the rain fly on, mud splatters wipe right off the back and bottom. And the water bottle pocket is great, I don't have to worry about it spilling inside the bag. Overall there's nothing I'd want to change about this bag. It's obviously thought out and designed by adventurous photographers and it shows.

Dirk H.

Originally posted at

2020-06-25T20:00:00

This Photocross backpack was about everything I was looking for - lots of storage in a smaller, supportive pack, and the quick side access, without breaking the bank.

Jesse N.

Originally posted at

2020-02-07T19:00:00

This bag has a similar layout to the Exposure 15 shoulder bag, which I’m a big fan of. I needed a backpack to spread the weight out for longer shoots, and I love the simplicity of swinging this around and accessing my gear without having to set the bag down.

Christine S.

Originally posted at

2019-11-08T19:00:00

I find that the PHOTOCROSS™ 15 BACKPACK from thinkTANKPhoto/Mindshift Gear is an outstanding backpack for hiking with a gripped Fuji X-T3, 5 or 6 Fujinon lenses, and accessories. I realize they have since introduced a smaller version specifically for mirrorless systems, but the PhotoCross 15, with its cavernous and customizable interior, is perfect for my GRIPPED Fuji X-T3, WITH a Fujinon XF16-55 f/2.8, and WITH Lens hood attached in deployed/shooting position! I cannot say that about too many other backpacks or shoulder bags! Additionally, this backpack will accommodate perhaps 5 or 6 other lenses, nissin i60A flash, batteries, filters, and other accessories. The YKK zippers are waterproof and smooth. The exterior is a water-repellent material that seems quite durable for hiking, setting down on rocky surfaces, etc. The side access with pack on one shoulder is handy, as are the handles on top and one side. The straps and padding are all top-notch, adjustable, and quite comfortable indeed! The side pouch is yet another convenience. Overall, I highly recommend this PHOTOCROSS™ 15 BACKPACK for the landscape/nature/ hiking photographer!

Steve S.

Originally posted at

2019-08-01T20:00:00

I have switched from LowePro gear to Think Tank Photo. My first purchase was the Streetwalker Rolling Backpack. Impressed by the quality of that product and needing something lighter and smaller, I purchased the PhotoCross 15 Backpack. It has exceeded my expectations. Light but the build quality seems robust.It also seems to hold more than its exterior dimensions suggest. I was a little hesitant of getting a pack with a side zipper because it seems unconventional. That might be the reason why it stores more items that I imagined it could. Ease of access to the gear is great. I also appreciate water resistant and tough wearing portions of the pack. There were a few rain showers on our photo outings and, thankfully, all the gear stayed dry.

Hem B.

Originally posted at

2019-07-01T20:00:00

I love the easy access to reach in and grab my camera and lens. The bag handles well and not heavy. In FL a rain storm can pop up quickly, the extra waterproof is great till you get somewhere dry.

gay m.

Originally posted at