One might guess that the you just can't come up with anything new in camera bags, but you would be wrong. Recently at the PDN PhotoPlus Show in New York City, I was scheduled to interview ThinkTanks president Doug Murdoch and find out more about this companies line of innovative ballistic nylon bags. When I approached the booth, I realized something special was going on and it wasn't only because ThinkTank was taking tons of orders at the show for their bags. It just might have been because there line of bags excited photographers enough that they were willing to put their money on the line and add to their current bag collections.

I introduced myself to Doug and fumbled a bit, pulling out my IPA presentation book, to show him what IPA is all about.  Doing that while juggling my Nikon and traditional camera bag was not easy at one of these crowded shows.  Doug, turned to me and said, "I have just the bag for you" and showed me their Urban Disguise 60 as a logical solution for my dilemma.  He said "You will no longer have to carry two bags, this one will be the only one you will need".

Their Urban Disguise line of bags is interesting in its concept. Design a photographers bag capable of carrying and protecting essential photo gear and a laptop and do it in a way that the would look like a typical business mans case.  I suppose this idea came as one solution to those of us who travel and fear being attacked for our gear.  Carrying our expensive equipment in a traditional case somehow cries out to would be thieves, "take me".  The Urban Disguise bag says, "don't bother taking me, you will only get some business papers and a current newspaper if you do".  A bag for our time, wouldn't you agree?

The Urban Disguise 60

 

The Urban Disguise 50 & 60

Inside Camera Section Of Bag - Dividers Provided For Custom Fit

Inside Computer Section Of Bag Inside Front Flap - Enough Space For Camera Bodies, Computer Power Supply, More

As you can see from our photos, this bag is quite simple on the inside with two major storage areas.  With the supplied dividers you can custom fit the interior for the equipment you have.

As you examine their cases closer, you will note the tremendous quality and detail that goes into each bag they produce. The secret pockets, the Pee Wee Pixel Pocket Rocket (cool memory card case) that will hold your CF or SD cards and a nice business card slot on the outside of the bag.  Then their is the heavy duty YKK zippers and the real leather handles that makes this line of cases hard to beat. Frankly, from the guys that design these bags (they came from another other leading photo bag manufacturer) I wouldn't expect any less.

Now remember, this is not the case that will replace your huge top load traditional bags that have compartments for all of your equipment, but rather a great way to take what you really need on your photojournalistic or photo assignments.  Of course, this bag has all sorts of extra storage from the two side stretch pouches that can hold a full size flash, cell phones, small water bottles or an extra lens.  Then there is the large zipper pocket on the rear to hold your papers, manuals, passports and travel documents. Another plus is the seam-sealed (taped on the reverse side of the seams) raincover that protects the bag from dust, water, snow, and other potentially harmful elements.

I also found their curved Comfort Shoulder Strap was top notch too and made carrying this bag easier on the shoulder. If you are inclined, you can even purchase their optional shoulder harness, but for me, that really would defeat the purpose of my Urban Disguise case.  The Urban Disguise family of cases can also slip over the handles of your rolling luggage bags for easy travel and is built to withstand anything your quality luggage will endure. 

On a recent assignment to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and then to Montego Bay, Jamaica, I took my Urban Disguise 60 on the plane as my carry on bag. I also took my smaller traditional bag that I would use only when I needed my camera, flash and extra lens. The UD60 was great and perfect for any airline travel. I had my magazines in the zipper pocket, my laptop, my principle gear (Nikon D90, SB800 Flash, Tamron 10-24mm, Tamron 28-300mm, Nikkor 50mm, Sanyo HD Camcorder, plus lots of my small items, all in the one bag. It also breezed through airport security and they didn't even ask me to open the bag. Of course I did have to remove the laptop as we all do at the airports.

I found myself taking it to the pool, beach, meetings and just about anywhere and I had the necessary equipment to shoot assignments like the beautiful 5 star resorts, Dreams and the Iberostar Grand and Bavaro. Visit  these reviews and view my videos there as well. 

What About Other ThinkTank Photo Bags and Cases?

You can see ThinkTank Photo here or on YouTube now and find out more about Urban Disguise and some of their other bags.

Visit Their Web Site To See Their Full Line Of Quality, Rugged Bags.

Today, quality and cost are always a big concern for me, as it is for many photographers. If you are a pro shooting for major clients and spending $1000 or more for a lens or thousands of dollars on your other gear, then spending anywhere from $149-$189 for one of these quality bags is a no brainer.  If you are a shooter and don't have the big bucks now, but still understand the value in purchasing quality equipment, then include one of these bags in your budget too.

More About The Company

Think Tank Photo was started in January 2005 by two designers, Doug Murdoch and Mike Sturm, and two photographers, Deanne Fitzmaurice (www.deannefitzmaurice.com) and Kurt Rogers. Deanne Fitzmaurice won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism in 2005, (www.pulitzer.org/works/2005-Feature-Photography).

They focused on studying how photographers work, and developed inventive new carrying solutions to meet their needs.  “Think Tank”, which is defined as an idea producing organization, perfectly describes Think Tank Photo’s company culture and mission of creating inventive new carrying solutions. Think Tank has created a string of inventions since 2005 unmatched by their competitors.

Share The Moment

Visit their web site and see the great images of their bags being used by professional photographers on some of the most difficult and intense assignments.  Also see their wonderful intro video below that will give you a better understanding of why you should be part of the ThinkTank Photo family too.