Think Tank BackLight 18L Camera Backpack Slate Black

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