THINK TANK BACKLIGHT ELITE 45L BACKPACK (STROM GREY)

This gray BackLight Elite 45L Backpack from MindShift Gear is designed to serve the combined interests of the adventure photographer and winter sports enthusiast. Along the front and sides of this backpack, multiple compression straps and gear loops allow skis, a snowboard, snowshoes, or other outdoor mountain equipment such as an ice axe or hiking poles to be conveniently harnessed and carried. Inside, the spacious main compartment accommodates an included camera equipment pouch. The equipment pouch and its ten padded, touch-tab dividers can hold a two-DSLR camera kit with three prime lenses along with a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm, and a 70-200mm zoom lens. Alternatively, the equipment pouch can be configured for a multimedia kit with two mirrorless cameras, three zoom lenses, a prime lens, and a small drone. For users of ultra-telephoto optics, even when the equipment pouch is dedicated to a 600mm lens and a DSLR, additional capacity remains for a second camera, a 70-200mm zoom lens, or other accessories.

Complete access to the equipment pouch is provided by a rear-facing zippered panel with a 180° downward opening, while an additional zippered opening allows items closest to the backpack’s top to be reached. Three touch tab fasteners along the interior of the BackLight Elite 45L allow the equipment pouch to be securely mounted when it is placed inside the backpack. The equipment pouch is then prevented from shifting and can be made to have its own top and rear-facing zippered openings aligned with the backpack openings for seamless accessibility to the cameras and lenses inside. To quickly convert the BackLight Elite 45L into a storage and transport solution for items other than cameras and lenses, the equipment pouch can be zippered shut and removed from the backpack’s main compartment. Though designed to be used within the BackLight Elite 45L, the equipment pouch features durable polyester and nylon construction, a top handle, and its own adjustable backpack straps to serve as a practical carry solution when needed.

During storage or transport, the top opening of the BackLight Elite 45L can be capped by an included top lid that buckles into four adjustable straps along the backpack’s front and rear panels for a secure fit. The top lid features a zippered pocket that faces the back of the wearer, which allows its contents to be reached without having to remove the BackLight Elite 45L. Similarly, zippered pockets along both sides of the backpack’s waist belt provide secure on-the-go storage, while a zippered pocket along the front panel can hold photo accessories that are intended for use whenever the BackLight Elite 45L is set down.

Between the front panel’s pocket and the main compartment, a zippered gusset pocket expands to accommodate up to 17L of gear that can include survival essentials or additional items for a mobile photo studio. Divided into the three sections, the section of the gusset pocket closest the wearer’s back is designed to hold either a 17″ laptop or a hydration pack and includes an exit for a sip tube. With its touch-tab retention flap, the gusset pocket’s middle section can secure a 10″ tablet computer or personal items with minimal shifting during transport. Capable of the most expansion, the section most adjacent to the front panel is suitable for packable clothing, gloves, a hat, or a towel.

For side trips or destinations that do not require the full capacity of the BackLight Elite 45L, its top lid and waist belt can be removed and combined to form a compact daypack that rests comfortably against the wearer’s hips and lower back. When fully assembled, the BackLight Elite 45L can be lifted via its built-in haul handle, and carried by its adjustable, padded shoulder straps. The backpack’s waist belt then serves to transfer weight away from the shoulders to the hips for additional comfort, while the sternum strap further limits unintentional shifting around the wearer. Featuring durable nylon construction, the BackLight Elite 45L is built to be weather resistant and includes a seam-sealed cover for use under heavy rain.