New Bag Release - Think Tank DarkLight (14L & 20L)

[Dollar]

Got an email about this new backpack release from Think Tank this morning. A new backpack series featuring MOLLE and other "tactical" features, debuting in a 14L and 20L size.

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DarkLight™ Backpack Series

We are a group of product designers and professional photographers on a mission to design and create the highest quality travel gear for the world’s Venturing Observer.

www.thinktankphoto.com

I didn't want to post these in the existing "Big Prime Backpack" thread since the larger size is still only 20L and really this is probably too small for many bird/wildlife kits. However I did want to inquire to see if this community finds this backpack intriguing at all. The MOLLE webbing offers some opportunity for customization but I feel that the list of things I want to carry externally like that is pretty limited; Even looking at their example photo above, I feel like one could choose the BackLight 26L and just fit the contents of those pouches into the bag itself. I also always hear people say that MOLLE is a very weight-inefficient way to add customizability.

Curious to know what others think. Any interest in this bag? Would you consider one in a larger capacity if they offered one?

 

[Harmonicat]

I agree about your point regarding the 26L option of the BackLight bag being a choice which essentially wipes out the usefulness of this bag from a wildlife photographer standpoint. I think a size larger than 20L would be necessary for my use case even though the accessory strapping possibilities look very useful on this bag.

 

[jeffnles1]

I have a Lowe Prow bag with the MOLLE attachments. Honestly, I rarely use them as I use the bag more for storage than daily carry. I have a "duty belt" with MOLLE attachments I use every day. I have a pouch (for cell phone, spare batteries, folded up small micro fiber clots, and in winter hand warmer packets, lip balm. In addition to the pouch, I have al medium size lens case and a larger lens case. In the smaller one, I carry a compact wide angle zoom (Canon RF-s 10-18) and a rain cover, in the larger one, I carry my 100mm macro. I carry my camera on a Black Rapid strap attached to the foot of my 100-500 lens. On the belt, I also have a Peak Design Capture Clip and the mating attachment foot on the base of my camera. When shooting macro or wide angle, I allow the tele lens to remain on the strap and hang the camera and smaller lens off the belt.

This system works for me. My wife likes the cotton carrier in summer but reverts to a strap in winter. She doesn't like the idea of a belt around her waist. Everyone has different systems.

Back to the original question, if one has stuff that needs quick outside the pack access the MOLLE system offers a secure attachment point and there are nearly unlimited options for gear to attach. It is more or less a standard for use in military and "tactical" communities.

Jeff

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

FWIW, I use a Peak Design 20L. Why? It's the side access which makes it a dual sided sling. That makes it so handy and useful. Agree that this isn't really a wildlife size kit with the caveat that I have mine configured different than most and it will fit a Z9 with a 100-400 on it. I have the sides set up so they are vertical not horizontal if that makes any sense.

 

[Calson]

I have not found anything better than the Gura Gear Bataflae in 18L, 26L, and 32L sizes. I even have bought used ones on eBay to have a backup should one of my bags get stolen. The 600mm PF with the Z9 attached fits easily inside the 18L backpack which is pretty sweet.

Where a 14L bag may be good is for the personal item on aircraft that need to fit under the seat in front of the passenger. Not a lot to choose from at the present time.