Think Tank Urban Access 13 Backpack, Black

2024-07-12T20:00:00

I bought the Urban Access 13 backpack some time ago, but only recently had a chance to try it out, as I use a Retrospective 10 messenger bag that is perfect for my needs most of the time. With a recent assignment, I was carrying gear for several hours a day, a few days a week, so a backpack made more sense for comfort over the long haul. I opted for the Urban Access line because I also need to work out of the backpack, mostly to access a second body and lens, and the side panels help facilitate that. The Urban Access 13 is just the right size to hold a Canon R6 with a 24-105 f/4 (hood attached) and a second R6 with a 70-200 f/4 (hood attached), with enough space remaining for a speedlight and various accessories. The top compartment also holds things from keys, to batteries, to sunglasses without any issue. I had read a complaint about the cinching side pockets, but I found them perfectly capable of securely holding a 16-ounce water bottle, even when the pack is laying flat (I imagine if the pack were completely inverted the water bottle would slide out, but a total inversion situation has never happened). The other side pocket I leave flat, as that is the side panel I use to access gear, but I find it great for sliding in my phone if I don't want it in my back pocket. I don't normally transport a tripod, so I haven't had a reason to try the tripod carrying pocket, but it's nice to know it's there if I need it. Likewise, I don't often pack a laptop alongside my camera gear, but the laptop compartment is a perfect fit for my 13" Macbook Air, and it's nice to know it's there if I really need to load things up. In conjunction with the pack, I use a Think Tank belt with a Peak Capture and Pro Pad in order to holster my primary camera while I access the secondary one. Consequently, I can't use the backpack waist belt, so it's nice to have the option to completely remove it rather than have it hanging loose and getting in the way. With its comfortable shoulder straps and generously padded back panel, I found the backpack perfect for several half days of shooting and carrying. The side panel access came in handy, as expected, although it tended to make more sense to go through the back panel when I needed to take out or put away the primary camera, which goes in the bottom section. The side panel opening partially blocks both top and bottom sections, so going through the side actually takes more effort to get out an item that takes up the whole section space. That's my one minor complaint, that the side access really works best for the middle section, while the top and bottom sections only somewhat so. Overall, I'm quite pleased with the backpack and hope to use it more often now that I know it will be just as functional as the Retrospective 10.

CY

Originally posted at

2023-11-03T20:00:00

This backpack exceeded my expectations! The amount of thought that went into the design is clear. It's so versatile and the quality of the materials is top notch. Would absolutely recommend!

Zach H.

Originally posted at

2021-07-30T20:00:00

I am a photo enthusiast and love to travel. Out of over 10+ Photo bags I own, this is the most useful, compact backpack. I am 5?3? tall - rather small. I need a bag that can hold Nikon D810, 28-300mm lens, 16-35mm lens, Sony A7RII, 24-240mm, 100-400mm(Sigma) with side access capability (2 bodies, 5 lenses). Think Tank Urban Access 13 is perfect for my needs. It almost has 2 in one - Think Tank Streetwalker and Lowepro 250Aw II combined. Please see the attached photos. I am very grateful to the Think Tank designers to produce this great product. Highly recommend this BP to fellow photographers!

Ja H.

Originally posted at

2021-06-26T20:00:00

Just a paying customer here... PROS: Excellent materials and construction. Flexible configuration. Large capacity for its size. Good content protection. Comfortable to carry. Safe, easy access to contents. CONS: None so far. A comment: If it were an inch wider (at the bottom), my Sigma 150-600 lens would fit sideways nicely. (The next larger bag size would be too big for me.) It is not cheap. However, I did get what I paid for: Easily the best camera bag I own. Nice execution and delivery, ThinkTank.

Efrain S.

Originally posted at

2021-05-23T20:00:00

I love using this bag especially walk with the extra back support it has help with my back pain.

Julio S.

Originally posted at

2020-07-24T20:00:00

I think its a great asset to my rollings bags I have the Airport Advantage and Airport International , and I wanted a smaller bag for additional camera that can ride on my handle. This is small and light but holds more than I thought and more than your video shows. I can put a D850 with a 70-200 attached and it fits fine and I can use the side opening to remove it so I have that an Sb910 and 2 lenses and still have additional room on the top area. I think all the bags I have gotten from you are terrific Thanks Jack Edwards

jack E.

Originally posted at

2019-11-20T19:00:00

This bag is great very light weight and holds all my gear. I love how it had side zips so I can get at my gear from both sides. I keep one camera on the right and I keep my other camera with a 70-200 on the other side. Love the pocket for my jacket or sweatshirt!

Garret C.

Originally posted at

2019-10-30T20:00:00

I can't think of much to improve on this design. I've really enjoyed it. Fits what I need including a change of clothes for my 4yo, wipes, and a few toy cars to get us through our urban adventures. It's comfortable. Fits my large Hydroflask. Front stuff pocket could be a tad bigger, but big enough for books and stuffable jacket. Nice work, Think Tank!

STACY B.

Originally posted at

2019-10-19T20:00:00

awesome bag well tought you did it again think tank I been buying think tank bag of their built quality design and tuffness Best every day bag for travel

Dan S.

Originally posted at

2019-10-04T20:00:00

This pack is so thoughtfully designed. Multiple access points to the main compartment and places to store some accessories, jacket, and water bottle. The luggage pass through on to my wheeled carry on takes all weight off my back in airports.

Gayle D.

Originally posted at

2019-09-19T20:00:00

I had been using a competitors backpack that had a zip bust open and nearly dropped a camera. This new bag gives me confidence that that won't happen. It seems strong and I can fit all my gear in without issues even though I bought the smaller size. It's a great design and I like being able to open the sides or the back to pull stuff out. The top and front pockets are also very useful. On humid NY days it does make my back sweat profusely however, and that's been it's only down point. This is my fifth bag from Think Tank and I would heartily recommend them.

Chris L.

Originally posted at

2019-09-19T20:00:00

I had a tough time deciding between this backpack and a similar (and very popular) backpack from a competitor. Both packs offered a clean, urban design and side access. What sold me on this bag was the better padding on the shoulder straps and waist belt. This pack distributes the weight well, and doesn't dig into my waist or shoulders. I am primarily a m4/3 shooter who occasionally shoots full frame, and it is a huge bag by my standards. At the moment, I have it loaded with an Olympus EM-1 with a Panasonic 8-18mm, a Nikon d750 with a 50mm prime, a full size flash, and a flash trigger, with plenty of room to spare. It's not an everyday bag for me, but it's great when I need to cover a lot ground on foot with a lot of gear. The only drawback is that it looks like a black camera bag -- there's no disguising that I am carrying camera gear. Overall, though, I am happy with this extremely functional, sturdy and well-made bag.

Marie

Originally posted at