I’m going to be upfront with you… I really like Think Tank Photo.

I’ve been a photographer now for just over a decade and there’s really only a few companies I know I’ll always stick with… and Think Tank is one of them.

I first started using their products about 6 years ago when I was shooting predominantly sports assignments. I needed a roller-bag to accommodate my 400mm lens and other assorted gear, so I went for the original Airport Security Roller and absolutely loved it. I used that bag for years, rolled it to countless Yankees, Mets, Jets, and Giants games… to World Series and Super Bowls.

I’ve continued adding Think Tank gear to my arsenal as I began shooting more and more portraits. I have two lighting kits, one slightly larger than the other, and I lug them around in the Airport Security Roller V2 (the company’s largest roller) and the Airport International (a slightly smaller roller manufactured to fit international airplane cary-on regulations).

Recently, I got my hands on Think Tank’s newest and smallest rolling bag, the Airport AirStream… and once again my expectations were met as I pulled it out of the box.

One Tough Bag

The first thing I noted was the tough, seemingly water resistant fabric used on all their camera bags. The wheels are very sturdy and resemble the wheels on in-line skates and also come with a free replacement guarantee should you ever wear them out. The base of the bag around the wheels is reenforced with durable plastic to counter all the stairs and curbs I so often roll my bags over.

Safety First

Another wonderful attribute of Think Tank’s Rollers are the added security components. There’s not one, but three built in locks on the bag. First, there’s a clever built-in combination lock that secures the zippers giving you the ability to secure the contents of your bag. Second, there’s a rear security cable and lock that gives you the ability to attach your bag to an immovable object so you can feel reassured it’s not stolen when you’re away from your bag. Also, there’s a slightly smaller security cable and lock built into the front zippered pocket on the front of the case used to secure another bag or laptop case that you may carry in the bag’s stretchy front pocket. Finally, Think Tank also includes a security ID plate on every rolling bag with a unique identification number. Should your bag somehow lost and found, anyone can simply alert Think Tank who will return it to it’s owner ASAP. Many levels of protection for your valuable gear.

Gotta Love Pockets!

There’s nothing photographers like more than clever pockets on their camera bags… and the Airstream has no shortage. To start, there’s a front stretchy pocket that I often use to cary my bounce reflector for portraits. I’ve also used it to cary a laptop or a reading book. Because it’s stretchy, you can throw nearly anything inside and roll away in a pinch. Just above, there’s a zippered front pocket that can be used for storing items like pens, pencils, card wallets, CD’s, notepads, and keys. On the top of the bag there is an additional clear zippered pocket directly under the bag’s fabric handle with where you can keep and display your business cards. It’s a very slick way to display your logo and have your contact information visible on your bag at all times. Lastly, on the side of the bag at the base (when sitting upright) there is another small stretchy pocket that can be used for carrying a monopod or small light stand.

It’s What’s on the Inside that Counts.

It’s always fun to open a Think Tank bag because they give you an abundance of Velcro foam pads of different sizes and shapes allowing you to customize the bag to conform to any conceivable piece of equipment. I’ve customized my arsenal of Think Tank Rollers for lighting kits both big and small, sports photography, and miscellaneous grip gear. Now that I have the AirStream, I have an option to roll (not carry) my cameras, lenses, and other assorted gear without straining my back or shoulders as I would with both a backpack or large shoulder bag. The AirStream comes with the padding inside prebuilt to accommodate two camera bodies, at least a half-dozen lenses, as well as space for miscellaneous gear, both large and small. The back of the front flap is equipped with three transparent pockets to store small, loose items or cables making it a breeze to locate items inside those pockets without opening and searching.

But wait, there’s more!

On top of the three locks and security tag mentioned above, Think Tank also supplies extra foam padding for interior customization, a rain cover to waterproof the already water resistant roller, and an additional ad-on pocket that attaches to the base of the bag enabling you to secure a full-size tripod.

I highly recommend this bag for photographers, videographers, or anyone simply looking for a super versatile piece of luggage to carry fragile equipment.

Protective rain cover comes with the bag.

Be sure to use our links to order your Think Tank gear and you’ll get a FREE small bag as a gift, compliments of Photo Brigade!