Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 Backpack for 17" Laptop and Up to 12" or 13" Tablet

2024-06-16T20:00:00

This bag has checked all the boxes for what I needed. This is a very durable and functional backpack.

Evan C.

Originally posted at

2023-12-31T19:00:00

Think Tank makes the top of the line backpacks for journalists and stands by their product

Adam

Originally posted at

2023-10-13T20:00:00

It's actually hard for me to believe that it's been over seven years since I first got my Shape Shifter 17 V2.0. When I got my Shape Shifter 17, I carried a 1DX mark II and a 5D mark III, EF 24-70 F/2.8L II, EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II, and a 2018 Dell XPS 15. Seven years later, that Shape Shifter has outlasted ALL of that equipment. Now that very same Shape Shifter holds an EOS R3, EOS R5, RF 24-70mm F/2.8L IS, RF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS, and a 2021 Dell XPS 15. I'm a professional photojournalist, and I have quite literally used my Shape Shifter every single day since the day I got it. My laptop and primary cameras live in this bag. If I go anywhere, my Shape Shifter comes along with me. One of my least favorite things as a photojournalist is keeping my cameras in a bag. No matter what bag you're using, if your cameras aren't ready, you're not ready. With that in mind, one of my favorite parts about the Shape Shifter is being able to compress it down to the 3 inches when there's no camera in the bag. That way, you can have all your laptop and technology with you, while not walking around with a massive turtle shell on your back when working through a crowd. Back when I first got this bag, I was taking a train down to DC on a weekly basis. This bag meant that I could bring my full camera kit and my laptop/tech with me on the train, then when I get to the location I can get my cameras ready, compress down the bag, and be able to go to work. Now as a photojournalist who mainly works out of my car, it's a perfect companion to the Modular Belt System, and that's part of what I love so much about it. I don't like keeping batteries, memory cards, or valuable items in my modular belt, which I leave in my car all the time. This bag, especially with the interior padded neoprene sleeves, is perfect to use to ferry items between my home to my car, or the newsroom to my car, where they then get put into my modular belt before an assignment. I can grab a lens, toss it into the shapeshifter, grab fresh batteries and toss them in, all while always having anything else I might need for the day, including my laptop and card readers. Normally, my Shape Shifter gets left in the car or, if covering sports, up in the press box. You might think any camera bag can do the same, but I know VERY few camera bags as flexible and inconspicuous as the Shape Shifter. It never gets in the way, and it never feels like those annoying, hard-shelled camera bags that basically every other camera backpack is.

Harrison J.

Originally posted at

2022-09-18T20:00:00

I bought a v1 of this pack a decade ago when I was a photojournalist. It worked flawlessly when travelling to, then shooting assignments, then filing from the field. Sometimes I'd use the neoprene pouches, while at other times I'd arrange my TT modular belt kit inside, ready to be taken out and used on my hips at a moment's notice. Always ready. Many years on, I'm no longer a photographer, but have shifted industry and now regularly motorcycle or go by train to and from work. This is still the best backpack imaginable. When I don't need my laptop, the sleeve can carry a folded rain jacket, iPad or magazine. The neoprene pouches now hold gloves, lunch, a bottle, and other assorted gear, perfectly arranged and ready to grab. Once a photographer, always a photographer, so at the weekend it now gets filled up with a drone, GoPro gear or my smaller cameras. It still hasn't dropped a single stitch despite having been used and abused around the globe. I can't imagine owning any other backpack for a busy, tech-filled life.

James M.

Originally posted at

2022-05-17T10:26:23

Fantastic laptop backpack. So versatile - carrying camera lenses and a body is easy.

PRESTON M.

2022-04-12T20:00:00

I love my new Shape Shifter 17. It holds everything I need for a shoot plus my computer. Also, my gear is protected and does not knock against each other. I've now have less bags to keep track of on a shoot.

Judith R.

Originally posted at

2022-04-10T20:00:00

I have now 7 Think Tank cases.. This backpack is great for everyday use! It is expandable to turn into an amazing designed camera bag. All there cases are made extremely well and durable! The customer service is also amazing.

DANILO H.

Originally posted at

2022-02-28T19:00:00

This is the bag. Just the right size for 2 gripped bodies and 3 lenses, all the accessories and laptop. I can get two bodies, a wide lens, a 70-200 AND my 100-400 in this bag for a days shoot. Best feature (of course) is that it flattens down. I can transport 2 bodies and lenses to the venue and on days when I need my laptop with me, the slimmer bag with the laptop goes to the shooting position. Packed full and sorta heavy, the suspension system is as good as it gets. I like the water bottle carrier, and as always it's nice to have the rain cover.

Graham S.

Originally posted at

2022-01-10T19:00:00

The sheer amount of gear I can fit into this bag is amazing. Two gripped DSLR bodies (Nikon D4 & D810 w/battery grip), a Sigma 150-600 lens, a Sigma 50mm lens, a Nikon 70-200 lens, a 15 inch HP laptop, a Blackrapid double harness, 3 chargers, and misc items like lens cleaner, blower bulb, two rain covers, etc. Keep in mind, this isn't counting the ability to strap a tripod to the outside, or stick a water bottle in the holder. I'm impressed!

Marc M.

Originally posted at

2020-11-11T19:00:00

I use the Shape Shifter for at-home storage and as my primary bag for traveling. It fits in the overhead on the smallest of planes and allows me to hold 2 pro SLR bodies, 24-70, 70-200, 85 1.4, and 2 flashes. It also comfortably fits my 16" MB Pro and all necessary cables and chargers. The included water pocket is great for a bottle of water or my Manfrotto travel tripod. The bag can hold a lot of weight but it does so comfortably. Really happy with this, well worth the investment.

Milan S.

Originally posted at

2020-10-19T20:00:00

Love the flexibility of this bag. Holds everything as described. Great upgrade for my Urban Disguise and look forward to many years of use. Quality craftsmanship.

Milan S.

Originally posted at

2019-08-27T20:00:00

It fits all the camera gear I use all day long. Perfect size and weight.

Fermin

Originally posted at

2019-08-01T20:00:00

The most versatile, comfortable backpack camera bag yet.

George C.

Originally posted at

2019-07-21T20:00:00

Excellent product that holds plenty of gear safely along with accessories for gameday!

John M.

Originally posted at

2019-07-01T20:00:00

I love the Think Tank Shapeshifter for photojournalism. It allows me to carry all the equipment that I need when on assignment. My only wish is that the main compartment could open all the way so that it would lay flat. Other than that Think Tank rocked it again!

Ethan S.

Originally posted at

2019-06-01T20:00:00

Overall I am delighted with this item. It fills a unique need when I need to cameras and smaller lenses to shoots, especially when a rolling case is inconvenient. I do have some concern about how safe the gear is, in terms of padding, when putting this bag into an overhead bin in the plane. I would be concerned that, lacking a harder case, gear could get damaged if other passengers cram their bags into the bin too. Also one caveat on what this bag is not: It is not for walking around taking photos. Since cameras and lenses must be detached from each other to fit in the case, it’s not practical for walking around town, quickly pulling out your camera, and taking photos. It’s a “point A to B” bag, meant to transport gear. If you keep those limitations in mind, I think you will love this bag.

Peyton W.

Originally posted at

2018-09-21T20:00:00

I can't be more happy with this bag, after buying every conceivable bag. Prior to getting I really struggled with would the pouch system work? and would it be restrictive, answer its a dream, makes loading and access to things super easy. The wrap which is described as only holding a camera without lens can in fact hold my A7R2 with a master 24-70 perfectly, I do it all the time, safe and secure easy to get at. You can load it up nice. Only thing I wish it had was a good side mounted tripod carrier, the front way of doing it doesn't really work well

Sully

Originally posted at

2018-09-09T20:00:00

Just got my 3rd Shape Shifter! My first 2 were the original versions and they went everywhere with me....locally around San Diego and over 15 trips in the last 10 years to Jamaica, Philippines and to Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Mexico City Merida! Super versatile! Holds all my essential gear, accersories laptop...and an occasional bottle of mezcal!! My new ver 2 Shape Shifter looks great and is working fine. I love the improvements ThinkTank made! It's an even better pack than the my old one!! Bottom line, It works well and it doesn't scream "rob me, I'm a photographer!" Highly recommend!

Joe R.

Originally posted at

2018-09-09T20:00:00

WOW, another great product from ThinkTank, well designed, extremely well thought out, fantastic workmanship, why would anyone not want to protect their sizable investment in Professional, or otherwise, Camera Gear with this product.

Tracy B.

Originally posted at

2018-07-02T20:00:00

Best back pack ever!!! Awesome customer service!

john n.

Originally posted at

2018-05-02T20:00:00

I am an independent filmmaker, documentarist and travel photographer. Before owning this bag I had been through other gear transport systems including Pelican and LowePro. Let me get this straight : this bag's design is pure genius. What most manufacturers don't get is that a great bag is a bag that leaves you with *space* once packed... and that is flexible, not hard and stiff... Finally! Think Tank get it. By stitching neoprene pockets to the inside of the main compartment, everything collapse; the bag volume is not limited by how stiff the compartments are. This makes it... magical! Literally, I unpacked ALL my gear and I watched myself packed it all inside this ONE bag. We're talking : - 2 mirrorless cameras - 4 lenses (1 full-frame zoom, two ff primes and 1 MFT zoom) - 1 LED panel - 6 battery chargers - Filters - Audio recorder - Survival waterproof kit with SD cards and extra batteries - 11" friction arm and mini ball-head - 15" laptop (yes I chose the 17 version because you *always* need more space! ;) - Laptop charger - External back-up disk - Dehumidifier chambers for lens/camera This, ladies and gentleman, used to be packed in a carry on AND a Pelican case - because if you put a regular bag in the hand of an airline your gear gonna get back to you in dust... And still... after ALL this... I still have some room for paper manuals inside a Ziplock bag!!!! Actually, if someone need a Pelican, I have a really nice one for sale right now! :D

Jasmin B.

Originally posted at

2018-04-18T20:00:00

Although the bag itself is very light, it held a lot and the wrapping provided ample protection of my gear during a photo safari trip. I like the bag’s design because it allowed me to carry my laptop, IPAD, two camera bodies and 3 lenses with plenty of storage for batteries and accessories. Highly recommend for someone when you’re taking bus planes and weight is a factor.

Linda M.

Originally posted at

2018-03-31T20:00:00

Trip #1 was a week-long trip in Germany, not necessarily a professional trip, I had my 5-year old twins, wife and mother-in-law with me. Not to mention, I was the ‘travel guide’ so I took minimal photography gear. Trip #2 was an overnight business trip to Chi-town, that called for a couple lenses and camera body. Both trips I brought my massive 17inch computer and I wanted something compact. This is a tall order for that size of laptop, camera and multiple lenses. Oh, and I wanted my stuff to feel safe :-) The SHAPE SHIFTER 17 V2.0 was a perfect solution. I was surprise how far it zipped down while containing everything! Feel confident on a more photography focused trip it would have been stellar! This is my third ThinkTank bag. I have two other professional bags from other companies and I would recommend ThinkTank ALL … DAY.. LONG!

Nick

Originally posted at

2018-02-06T19:00:00

Handy, durable, practical. Meets all the statements found in the manufacturer's description. Like all ThinkTank gear, well built and rugged.

Robert O.

Originally posted at

2016-09-25T08:37:59

I travel allot with most of my gear to shoot bodybuilding/fitness competitions across North America. To haul my equipment and to shoot the shows I use a Think Tank Navigator and Think Tank Airport Accelerator, but I needed a another bag I could pack with me luggage and use on photo shoots without reconfiguring and repacking my other bags. The Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 V2.0 fits the bill perfectly. It's compressed size fits into my checked luggage with ease and when I'm ready to head out do photo shoots after a contest, it expands to hold just what I need to get the job done. Two thumbs up for this bag ????????.

LLOYD T.