Think Tank BackLight 18L Camera Backpack Montane Green

2026-01-06T19:00:00

I bought this bag to replace my current everyday bag which was worn out. It is a quality item in every way its beautifully made and very well thought out. Whoever designed it has thought of everything . The main things I like about it are its very light, it has an outside pocket to each side for a water bottle plus a small tripod (the bag also has provision to put the tripod onto the rear of the bag) I also love the yay you can swivel it round whilst wearing it to access the contents . I believe I will get many tears of use from it.

Richard B.

Originally posted at

2025-12-21T19:00:00

I was looking for a bag that could accommodate two bodies with a midsize lens on each plus misc odds and ends. I'm happy with the choice and it's already packed for the next adventure!

Betsy S.

Originally posted at

2025-12-15T19:00:00

I've used a small handful of photo backpacks over the years, and I have to say this is by FAR my favorite. A lot of packs I've used were good as a photo gear (and really nothing else) hauler for fairly short distances. In fact, that's why I was hesitant at first to get this pack because I'm used to hiking/mountaineering packs that are designed to fit well and haul a bunch of outdoor gear comfortably, and in my experience, photo packs generally do not fit nearly as well and are not nearly as comfortable. This pack has changed that for me. I broke it in with a short trip over to White Sands National Park (although I did use around town where I live first) - I brought 2 cameras with a lens on each so I wouldn't have to swap a lens in case it was windy (Z8 w/ a Nikon Z 24-200mm and a D810 with a Nikon 14-24 F2.8G), a bunch of extra clothing I didn't need, filters, dust blower and lens pen, Nikon MC-36 trigger, Peak Design strap, microfiber cloth, extra batteries for camera and MC-36, Swiss Army Knife, headlamp, compass, phone, wallet, keys, tripod, and a slim 40 oz. metal water flask. While the pack certainly was a bit weighty, it handled it quite well and after a couple hours it still wasn't an issue. Obviously it's not a large pack so you're not going to cram a ton of stuff into it (that you probably won't use anyway), but for a day of shooting cameras and lenses that don't require the Glass Taxi, it's extremely good. I will say the 2 zippered compartments on the inside flap where the camera gear is are kind of useless, unless you're only putting something the thickness of paper into them - they would be good for larger maps. Same with the "wallet/phone" pouch on top?..you could stick some paper bills/money in there or a smaller map that folds very compact, that's about it. I don't carry a laptop or tablet with me while shooting, but I will when traveling??so that may have some benefit at some point, but out in the "wild", nope. I wish there was a bit more organizational pockets in the laptop/tablet area for photo gear - memory cards, batteries, extra tripod plate, filters, etc?..I stuck a bunch of photo odds and ends/accessories into a ziplock bag that I put in the "camera" part in one of the dividers that normally would go in one of the pockets of my Think Tank roller bags. All in all, it is an awesome pack, a great size and the material seems like it will be durable as well.

Dana

Originally posted at

2025-12-15T19:00:00

Recently used for first trip to Caddo Lake. Packed two bodies, two lenses and miscellaneous stuff. Bag worked well to carry gear on planes and on back. Could put on bottom of cane while out on lake. Well made looks like it will last for many years and many trips highly recommend

Robert I.

Originally posted at

2025-12-03T19:00:00

Three to four years ago, I purchased a ThinkTank Mindshift Backlight 18L from a friend. It was only a couple of months old and in "like new" condition. The very first thing I noticed was the super quality of the build and the amount of equipment I was able to get into 18 liters. It has been with me on "every" photography outing (a minimum of once a week) from then to now! Surprisingly, it still looks new and I have had "zero" issues with it. The 26L would've been nice, but at 72 years of age, I don't want to over pack. The 18L holds my Nikon Z9, Nikon 100-400mm lens, Nikon 600mmPF lens, Nikon TC-14, and a spare battery in the main compartment. Filters, raincoats, etc. all fit neatly in the two spacious front pockets. There's also room for a laptop, but I never carry one. Add a bottle of water on each side, and good for the day. I've owned more expensive cases, but this is my go to in every situation! Thank you ThinkTank for an excellent product at a more than reasonable cost!

Karl G.

Originally posted at

2025-10-13T20:00:00

Good for all day bird photos. Carries my 150-600 and a couple of bodies and accessories.

Ken R.

Originally posted at

2025-09-26T20:00:00

Excellent. Held two Nikon Z7II bodies, 70-300zoom with attached FTZ adapter, 14-30 and 24-120 f4 Z zooms, compact leica binocs, filter wallet, power supplies, spare batteries, Apple Mac air, sweater, monopod with attached tip-tilt head.

Jay F.

Originally posted at

2025-09-13T20:00:00

I have owned a Backlight 18L for many years now. In fact, my picture wearing the 18L used to be on the Think Tank website! I agree with every positive comment that I have read so I don't feel the necessity to repeat it all. It's all true, by the way! There is however, one important attribute that no one has mentioned, not even on the Think Tank website. Here it is: The 18L, loaded with gear (inside) including a laptop, still fits under an airline seat! That means I can bring both my Airport International roller as well as my Backlight 18L on the airplane with me! As a result, I never travel by air without the 18L! I can throw extra lenses or even a 500mm prime lens (without the hood) in there. None of my important gear ever has to be checked! The 18L has served me well for many years and it is an outstanding, durable bit of kit that always goes wherever I go abroad! Don't leave home without it!

John G.

Originally posted at

2025-08-30T20:00:00

I have been looking for a camerabag that fits my light camera setup, that can be used on hikes comfortably in multiple hours. This bag lives up to my expectation and much more. The build quality is excellent. The features of the bag is so taught thru. Simply said it's the perfect camerabag.

Jacob

Originally posted at

2025-08-16T20:00:00

I love my new bag. I wish I had gotten a Think Tank bag sooner. I love the durability and ease of customizing it all to my needs. Fits all of my gear and is comfortable to wear for a long period of time.

Diane B.

Originally posted at

2025-07-14T20:00:00

Just dropping in with some field-tested thoughts on the Backlight 18L after pushing it to its limits in one of the toughest environments I've ever worked in-the Colombian Amazon. We were deep along the Caquetá River, far past where roads reach, getting around by boat and on foot through thick, wet jungle. Days were hot and brutally humid, and the rain came without warning, often for hours. This trip wasn't a vacation-it was a documentation mission to support local communities around Araracuara and Puerto Santander who are working to develop sustainable tourism tied to conservation. I carried my Canon R5 with the RF 800mm and 1.4x extender-no second body, just the core setup I rely on for remote bird photography. Everything had to fit, stay dry, and be accessible fast. The Backlight 18L did exactly what it's built to do. It kept my gear clean, dry, and secure through days of mud, rain, and handling by people tossing it into trucks and boats. I'd put it down in the dirt, let it sit in the floor of a canoe, and it still opened up like I had just packed it in a hotel room. The back-panel access saved me so many times when the ground was soaked or muddy. Zippers held up through grit and sand. Nothing tore, nothing failed. This is actually my second 18L-my first one lasted years through all kinds of terrain across Colombia, only getting replaced because the sun eventually bleached the outer fabric. It never let in moisture or broke down structurally. Neither has this one. What I appreciated most was that the bag let me focus entirely on the job-tracking birds, finding the shots, and getting images that matter for people who are trying to protect their land and culture. When you're out in the middle of nowhere, having gear you don't have to think about is worth more than anything. If you're heading into tough terrain with a minimal but pro setup, this bag just works. The Backlight 18L is still my go-to jungle pack. Nothing else I've used even comes close.

Adam R.

Originally posted at

2025-07-06T20:00:00

Purchased this specifically for my landscape setup to tour around Iceland. I was able to configure the dividers to make it easy to switch lenses when needed. It's also quite comfortable and the belt strap gets some of the weight off the straps.

Howard Y.

Originally posted at

2025-06-06T20:00:00

I could not be happier with this bag! My first Think Tank product was the Retrospective 7 V2.0 sling bag, which I received as part of a bundle when I purchased my last camera. I was so impressed with the quality of the product that I immediately went to their website to see if they had a backpack style gear bag. The Backlight 18L is exactly what I've been looking for! I've worn it on long hikes in up and down terrain and for an extended engagement session in the woods. In both scenarios, it was so comfortable, I almost forgot I was wearing it. It's extremely high quality, super functional, and I love the look of it! The Think Tank products aren't cheap but in my opinion, they're worth every penny!

Adriane C.

Originally posted at

2025-05-19T20:00:00

Great pack, really versatile and durable

Thomas J.

Originally posted at

2025-04-08T20:00:00

My go-to camera bag has been my favorite throughout my photography career. I've owned various sizes, from 30L bags to tiny ones that only fit a camera body and a small lens, as well as many 18L and 24L bags. This particular bag fits perfectly in overhead compartments and under seats on small flights I've taken around Europe. It's ideal for quick road trips and for photographing clients at their farms and ranches. It has withstood rain, snow, and significant dust-notably from photographing brandings on ranches. I highly recommend this bag; it has truly been the best companion for my photography needs.

Veronica B.

Originally posted at

2025-02-22T19:00:00

This bag is perfect for me for my African photo Safari. Small enough to easily fit in the overhead bins of small aircraft, big enough to hold my Canon R5 with 100 to 400 mm lens attached. I like the way the pack rotates around with the waistband Still on ,So that you can access the gear without taking the backpack off. The natural toned green color is really appreciated as it help keep the TseTse flies away.

Blake H.

Originally posted at

2025-02-18T19:00:00

I like this bag. It is lightweight, yet a quality build. I can pack this in my checked bag and use it at my destination.

Wayne S.

Originally posted at

2025-01-08T19:00:00

I recently purchased a Backlight 18L. The main reason I got it is because it would fit my camera with my 180-600mm lens attached. The camera/lens combo fits perfectly, and I can get the rest of my gear in as well. The bag is very well made and seems like it is built to last forever.

Neal S.

Originally posted at

2024-12-30T19:00:00

I'm no pro. I only have a little gear and wanted a bag that would hold it all so I could safely stow it, put it in the car, carry it on a plane, or go for a hike, and have it all, nicely stored and secure. This bag holds my 200-500 zoom attached to the body, as well as 3 other lenses, a cleaning kit and some accessories. There's room for a light jacket tucked inside as well, and it still fits under the seat in a plane. If I take it somewhere in the car and don't trust leaving the gear I don't want at the moment in the backseat, I can easily put it on and carry it instead. I also had the "opportunity" to use the rain cover and it worked great. Along the way, I picked up the EDC Tech Pouch 5 and Secure Pixel Pocket Rocket. These are very helpful as well and fit easily in the front pocket. The Pouch fits my battery charger and two batteries perfectly and the Pocket Rocket is great for memory cards and extra cleaning cloths. This is a great bag that does everything it's supposed to and does it very well.

Ron

Originally posted at