Think Tank Urban Approach 15 Backpack for Mirrorless Camera Systems

2023-03-01T19:00:00

A perfect sized bag for 3-bodies and 3 lenses. Easy access for all of my gear and it fits comfortably on my back. It's durable, subtle and highly functional.

David M.

Originally posted at

2022-07-19T20:00:00

I have many of your backpacks and roller bags, perfect designs for all of my work.

Achille B.

Originally posted at

2022-04-02T20:00:00

Fits the essentials, looks sleek and takes the abuse of constant traveling. Couldn't ask for anything more in a bag this size

Paul V.

Originally posted at

2021-05-16T20:00:00

Bought it 5 years ago and still is my go-to backpack, it's been through mud, rain.. almost everything, and still looks like brand new. One of the best purchases I've ever done.

Samuel

Originally posted at

2020-09-09T20:00:00

After a few years of light use, I realized my ThinkTank Urban Approach 15” has a seam that had somehow come loose. It wasn’t going to stop me from using my favorite bag, but it did worry me that over time, it may get worse. I sent in a few photos of the issue, and ThinkTank sent me a new bag without hassle. That’s why I will stick with think tank for my future purchases!

Mark N.

Originally posted at

2020-06-29T15:27:50

Super Comfortable on the back with its padding and chest strap, I loaded the bag much as I was able to and the weight distribution all around works very well. I would recommend Water-Proof cover is provided inside the bag, it is an external add-on(that's why it did not get a 5 start rating from me/Over all, I am very satisfied) This is of course a compact carrying bag, Not a monster of a beast that carries your whole studio set up around, LOL

Francisco m.

2020-05-30T20:00:00

Over the past 10 years I have purchased a number of camera carrying cases - backpack, Think Tank Airport Advantage Roller, Think Tank Shape Shifter Backpack and over the shoulder camera bags of different sizes, all for different purposes and gear. Now I have the Think Tank Urban Approach 15 after careful consideration of my needs for worldwide travel on aircraft, ships and trains! Although I haven't used it yet, I have great expectations that it will be efficient, lightweight and compact to enhance my travel and photographic needs. There may never be the perfect camera bag for all endeavors, but I am looking forward to using the Urban Approach 15 to carry two mirrorless bodies, several lenses and accessories around the world in safety!

Ned D.

Originally posted at

2019-12-10T19:00:00

Like most photographers I have more camera bags than I can shake a stick at. I have a larger bag that can hold two bodies and most of the lenses I own, but I use it a couple times a year. I use this bag almost every day for 4 years now. It says it's for mirrorless but it can hold a D700 with a L-bracket attached with a little bulge, and it can hold my Z6 with ease. I will often take a body, and 2 or 3 lenses in the top half of the main compartment, and then a bunch of accessories in the bottom half. My 14" ThinkPad fits easily, along with an e-reader. Actually, I have taken this bag on weekend trips as well. I'll put my laptop and a Small Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder with a few shirts in the laptop compartment, a few other clothes and toiletries in the bottom half of the main compartment, and my camera and one or at most two lenses in the top. The leather pulls are a classy touch, and the zippers are robust. What would make it better. Not much, but a few niggles: The front zip pocket is very small and tight. I can barely get my passport in and out, and nothing else will fit. Side pockets are a little small for many water bottles. I wish the rain cover were integrated into the bottom. I wish the carry handle were both lower profile and padded. The over-bag strap fits over my rolling bag, but it's tight. I wish the straps had built-in ways to roll up (I use zip-ties). Overall, it's comfortable, well-built, classy-looking and premium-feeling. It's a perfect size.

Samuel L.

Originally posted at

2019-11-11T19:00:00

I wanted a smallish back pack that would still hold my 15 inch MacBook Pro. Overall the backpack is as I would expect from a ThinkTank product well built - good design. My issue is no the fault of the BP or TT just an observation that I take folders of paper when I travel and it proved to be too much for the laptop area and the main compartment is too narrow for letter size documents. I will use the back pack but not for the purpose I had hoped. I probably would have returned it for another product but my trip was over lasted longer than the return option.

Richard K.

Originally posted at

2019-11-09T19:00:00

I had a seam issue with my Urban Approach 15, purchased Aug 2018, and the great folks at Think Tank promptly replaced the bag. I’m VERY pleased with their customer service and their products I own.

Daniel B.

Originally posted at

2019-10-13T20:00:00

Fantastic camera bag! I used it extensively while traveling through Alaska and very glad I got it.

Thomas M.

Originally posted at

2019-03-10T11:34:51

We are preparing to visit Australia and New Zealand where carry on bags are restricted to a maximum weight of 15 pounds. I was able to fit my EOS-R, with the 24 to 105 RF lens, a 100-400 4.5-5.6 IS II lens, a couple of smaller lenses, flash, charger extra batteries, instruction book and other accessories in the bag with room for some personal items. Total weight 14lb 6 oz. It will also fit under the seat in front of me.

DENNIS S.

2019-01-31T19:00:00

I love this bag! It’s perfect for my Olympus camera lenses and there’s still room in the top for extras which is great when traveling. It’s super comfortable, I spent all day carrying my tripod around the city and wasn’t fazed at all.

Lauren W.

Originally posted at

2018-10-06T20:00:00

I bought this backpack as I was downsizing camera gear to mirrorless and also needed a pack with a laptop sleeve. This bag worked well on a recent Road Scholar trip. The only problem is that the sleeve for the water bottle is much too small and flimsy, in fact, it has already begun to tear.

Bruce S.

Originally posted at

2018-09-24T20:00:00

I have used this camera bag almost daily with my Fuji system, laptop, and iPad. This is my everyday setup and the bag is the perfect size and carries everything I need. Woo hoo!

David D.

Originally posted at

2018-07-02T20:00:00

This bag is magic, it has stored all our gear in a slim and sleek bag. The bag allows bulky items to have a place where it will still be protected and stored well. I really like how they also provided a weather cover to place over the bag. We have taken the bag to Hawaii and traveled around with it, it has provided such an ease to work with.

Katrina A.

Originally posted at

2018-06-01T20:00:00

I used this bag all throughout Italy while teaching photography. It holds two Sony mirrorless cameras w/ attached lenses, a 70-200 mm telephoto, batteries, chargers, filters, cords, AND a 15” MBP laptop! It is a great workhorse in a very compact design. ThinkTank has crazy fast customer service. I don’t work for them.

David W.

Originally posted at

2018-04-23T20:00:00

I bought this bag to replace an old LowePro bag whose zipper had failed. I spent a lot of time doing the research and being familiar with ThinkTank products - I own an Airport Roller Derby and Airport Takeoff v2.0 - I had a good idea of what kind of product this could be. I was not disappointed. This fits my Sony A7III with attached lens and a Metabones adapter and two additional lenses. I also carry an Odin II flash transmitter and Mitros+ flash. I have additional room for a bag full of chargers, a mini tripod and the rain cover. I could stuff in a few more items if needed. There are plenty of dividers such that one can arrange an ideal setup for their needs. The computer/iPad area fits my iPad Pro 10.5, a MacBook Pro 13" AND a MacBook! I don't carry those all at one time but it's good to know I can. The front pocket is a bit tight and is not able to carry my iPhone 7s+, but it is good for keys and smaller items like credit card wallets, etc. The backpack itself is very sturdily constructed and will likely hold up for many years to come. I use this on a daily basis so time will tell. All in all I'm very happy with my purchase. This is staying with me for a very long time.

Dan M.

Originally posted at

2018-04-23T19:35:26

I purchased this backpack for daily use to and from the office. What a great find! It holds my A7III with lens, a couple of lenses, a Mitros+ flash and Odin II transmitter, assorted chargers, a Mini tripod, a 13" MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro 10.5. Surprisingly, this is built much like their rolling cases. Tough as nails and offers great protection for my gear. I can see using this for many years to come. Very well thought out product. Meets my needs precisely. The only downside is that it's a bit heavier than I expected. But as stated before, it gives great protection.

Daniel M.

2018-03-10T07:59:25

This bag fits 2 sony a7s' with battery packs, and about 6 of my lenses. The backpack is stylish and even holds some of my other peripherals such as a monitor and ipad. I love this thing!

Mark W.

2017-12-28T19:00:00

Love the compactness. Only issue is there isn't enough padding on the top where you put the camera and the outside pocket is too tight & small, material not expandable so not much use.

Albert

Originally posted at

2017-11-05T19:00:00

This bag is a great little backpack. Initially I used it for my Mirrorless camera gear, and it did a great job, but then I realised it can fit my DJI Ronin-M gimbal. Generally people use Pelican cases for the Ronin-M and they are huge and really heavy. This bag is much much smaller and lighter than a pelican case and fits the Ronin-M, 3 extra batteries, charger, stand, and all tools really nicely. It almost feels like it was designed for the Ronin-M. Great bag!

Luke B.

Originally posted at

2017-06-28T06:35:00

This can do almost everything the Airport Commuter can in less space and actually fit into overheads and under seats in airplanes. Having the laptop and iPad pocket in the back makes everything feel more solid and safe. Great low profile bag.

Elise H.

2016-02-23T19:00:00

Since switching from Canon to the Fuji X system I've been looking for a bag to carry my full kit. I had tried to retrofit a few Lowe Pro bags I had but they were DSLR based and the smaller stature of the Fuji kit just had stuff getting lost. I'd tried the Ona Brixton and while I loved the looks and styling I hated stacking lenses and the messenger bags were just never wide enough even for the X-T1 with battery grip. I had loved my TT Airport Commuter from my Canon days but the bag was huge for the Fuji kit. Then I found the Urban Approach 15. For me it was like hitting the jackpot. Designed and built like everything TT makes but sized perfectly for the mirrorless kit. I can fit everything I have with room to spare. Currently and X-T1 w/battery grip, X-E2, Rokinon 8mm FE, Fuji 16, 35, 56, 90 and 55-200, Nissin i40 flash, battery pouches for cameras and flash, SD card wallet, battery chargers and any other accessories. If I didn't carry the Chargers I could fit at least another body and 1-2 more lenses. Overall this is the best bag I've found yet for a mirrorless set up. Sized for the smaller system but with all the features of its larger siblings.

Scott D.

Originally posted at

2015-09-09T20:00:00

A veritable TARDIS of a bag. At last a company who takes mirrorless seriously and makes a bag that fits a complete mirrorless kit - with appropriate sized compartments for mirrorless spec bodies and lenses. Volume-wise there isn't that much difference between this bag and my large Tenba messenger (my other favourite bag) but it manages to organise itself so that you can hold many more items of kit, partly through being a backpack, and partly through the neat compartments. Just in case you were wondering Fuji X-Pro1 with 18 - 55 attached Fuji X-T1 with 55 - 200 attached Fuji Primes: 14mm, 18mm, 35mm, 90mm Fuji X100S 3 further slots available for lens(es) flash or whatever Well done ThinkTank! I don't think this bag could be improved on (perhaps one more external pocket?) but heartily welcome the move to accommodate a complete set of mirrorless kit. Would love to see this series and other lines expanded further

cantellow

Originally posted at

2015-08-30T20:00:00

A seemingly bottomless bag, such is its capacity. Like many photographers, I've owned many bags, most of which I came to regret buying. So I was skeptical about the capacity and convenience claims for this Think Tank Urban Approach 15 bag for mirror-less systems. I purchased it, figuring I could always send it back if it proved oversold and inadequate. But the bag is like some sort of magician's top hat: once it is full, you could surprise an audience at a photography show by pulling one thing after another after yet another out of it. I'm still amazed; and I'm the one who packed it. If, before I bought this compact bag, someone shown me the list of things I actually put into the bag, I would have thought he was grossly exaggerating. And you may think that I am, too. But it is remarkable how well designed the Urban Approach 15 is for a mirror-less system like the Olympus Micro Four-Thirds OM-D E-M1 and its M Zuiko lenses and accessories. Believe it or not, here's the list of content of this bag (it does sound a bit like "The 12 Days of Christmas") and they all fit in together at the same time: CAMERA AND LENSES: OM-D E-M1 body with Crumpler Industry Disgrace camera strap M.Zuiko ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO Olympus BCL-0980 Body-cap Lens for Micro Four Thirds - 9mm - F/8.0 M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 M.Zuiko ED 60mm f2.8 Macro M.Zuiko 75mm f1.8 M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14 for the 40-150mm telephoto-zoom M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 II ACCESSORIES: Lens caps (stored on lenses) for all lenses that come equipped with them Haze filters and polarizers for all lens that can take them (these are on lenses or in a wallet pouch) Olympus HLD-7 Camera Grip for Olympus E-M1 with OM-D GS-5 Grip Strap Olympus CABLE REMOTE USB RM-UC1 Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader Several SanDisk Flash Memory Cards in a Ruggard Nylon Protective Pouch E-M1 USB computer cable Two Olympus BCN-1 Battery Chargers for BLN-1 Battery and cords Two SF Cable, 2 Prong Right Angle Plug Adapters (US and European) Three extra BLN-1 batteries in a Think Tank Holder # 2 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI Mini Tripod Three Manfrotto Quick Release Plates (200PL) and tripod adjustment Allen-wrench Manfrotto 337 Hot Shoe Double Axis Bubble Level Olympus FL-LM2 Shoe Flash Olympus MAL-1 Macro Arm Light Extra Olympus hot shoe covers Think Tank rain cover Lens cleaner and tissues Strapped to the right side of the bag is a Manfrotto BeFree compact aluminum tripod (its length exactly matches the bag's height). Finally, a 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro slips very easily into this fully loaded back. The bag has a separate compartment for this between the main equipment compartment and the shoulder straps. There is still room for an iPad, but I don't have one. LIKELY QUESTIONS: Is this bag jammed full, so that I can't easily close the zippers? No, not at all: the high-quality zippers move quite freely (they can be locked, too). Is the bag carefully and tightly packed, making use of all available space? Yes on both points. Can I get things into and out of the bag easily or do I have to pry them out? Yes, things move in and out very easily . Can I get anything else into the bag? Probably not -- a BB maybe. A larger flash (like the Olympus FL-50R Wireless Flash) would be nice, but the law of physics forbid it. Anyway, it can travel in the suitcase. How are the shoulder straps? These are padded and adjustable so as to be comfortable enough. There's a sternum strap to keep the bag from shifting. The plastic buckles seem well-designed and of durable material. The hang-carry loop on the top of the bag is adequate, though it might have been a little broader. Is the bag conspicuous? No, not at all. Without the tripod strapped to it, it looks like something that might carry a few items for a day-trip. It doesn't scream "Steal me, I'm a camera bag!" Is the bag heavy? Yes, it is but not terribly so -- although I won't want to lug it about all day. The virtue is that the kit is all there in one package, if I need to take everything with me. As I won't carry this around on hikes or in the street, a Think Tank TurnStyle 20 Convertible Sling Bag & Belt Pack rounds out the kit, ready for the few things I might use on any given day. SHORTCOMINGS: Does the Urban Approach 15 have any serious faults or drawbacks? No matter what you get, you always want that one more thing. The only shortcomings I see are minor. The outside pockets would be far more useful if they were bellows pockets with velcro closures. The zippered pocket is said to be useful for an iPhone, but it looks to tight and shallow to be of much use for that. Perhaps it could hold business cards or something of little bulk. The side pockets are of stretch material: one pocket is supposed to hold a water bottle, but it would have to be a very narrow and sturdy cylinder of limited capacity to fit into that pocket and not be crushed; the other stretch pocket is to support one or two feet of the tripod that is secured by a strap above (the tripod strap itself is of very clever design with a hidden velcro patch so it won't fall off and get lost), but you wonder whether the stretch material will hold up over time the way a ripstop nylon pocket would. The rain cover is well designed: It folds up into its own an attached pouch for compactness and to shield things from moisture after the rain stops. It would have been better designed if Think Tank had followed LowePro's example and permanently attached the rain cover inside a velcro-closed compartment at the bottom of the bag so it could be pulled out and wrapped around the bag and stored afterwards (of course, this would have entailed extra cost and higher price, but probably not a lot for the convenience of carriage and insurance against losing the cover). The shortcomings are minor and not at all vexing. I don't want to end the review on a negative note -- so let me say that is is a superior bag, it is reasonably priced, and it is perhaps the most utilitarian bag I've ever own (out of many over the years). Try it; you'll like it. And if you don't, Think Tank has a generous return policy. So what's the risk?

1jamesconnelly1

Originally posted at

2015-06-22T20:00:00

The Urban Approach 15 is a great backpack for hauling gear, and it is very well made. However, it's less useful for using while out shooting for the day. The external pocket on the back of the bag is so limited you can barely fit an iPhone 6 (or similar size phone) in it. The side water bottle pockets are nice, but they are also very tight. I put a plastic water bottle in one of the pockets (the kind you buy in the airport), and it simply crushed the bottle. The other issue I had with the bag is the main horizontal divider heeds to be near the middle of the bag, so you really can't put a Fujilmfilm XT-1 with the 50-140mm f2.8 with the lens facing down at the top of the bag (the side supports aren't long enough). In the end, I returned the bag and bought the Perception Pro, which has turned out to be a great bag.

hcbrayman

Originally posted at

2015-05-31T20:00:00

Just purchased this backpack for personal and work travel with my Fuji mirrorless kit. I own lots of bags, including a dozen Think Tank rollers and bags. Very few work well with a mirrorless system. The good: it holds a ridiculous amount of kit. I can fit two X-T1 bodies, an X Pro 1, an X100s, the 16, 23, 35, 56, 18-55, and 50-140/2.8 lenses, lots of extra batteries, cards, and my Macbook Air. This is far more than I expected. The suspension is comfortable even with a full load, and there is a cross strap to hold the pack on the handle of a rolling case – very useful. For personal travel I can remove the camera inserts from half of the pack, leaving room for books, a jacket, and other personal items. Fully loaded, the pack fits comfortably inside the Aiport International roller bag, should you want to lock it up inside your vehicle, or be able to roll it to an assignment. The bad: The exterior pockets are not well designed. I understand the desire to make the pack as sleek as possible, but this interferes with the utility of the pack for travel. There is a tiny flat pocket on the front of the main flap, which TTP suggest will hold a smart phone (an iPhone 6+ does not fit). There is plenty of room to make this pocket run to the bottom of the pack – then it would be large enough for a reporter’s notebook or a travel guide. As it is I can fit the little tripod strap inside. Not useful. If this pocket were longer and bellowed, it would hold a light jacket. There are two stretchy side pockets, but they are very tight – I can fit a 500ml water bottle, or one leg of a travel tripod, but my coffee mug doesn’t fit, nor does a standard hard side 1-liter water bottle. These are common items for travel, and they easily fit in the stretchy side pockets of my Think Tank Urban Disguise 40 shoulder bag. Make the pockets more useful and it’s the perfect mirrorless system travel pack.

ken

Originally posted at

2015-05-04T20:00:00

Many photos of camera bags show all sorts of 'stuff' in the bag and you wonder how they did it. I bought this for my A7R and a number of lenses including the 70-200. Everything fits just like the shots you see in the features. I will have room for the A6000 I purchase or the A7000 that is coming soon. I own at least a dozen Think Tank bags and accessories but would have to say, this will become my bag of choice for my Sony Mirrorless system. I just wish they gave Canadians the same break in terms of free stuff if you order that my friends in the USA seem to get. Finally a bag that lets you travel with all sorts of equipment and have it as carry on not check through. Got Mirrorless camera equipment? GET THIS BAG.

ron.paris

Originally posted at