Think Tank Photo: New rolling camera backpack

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Think Tank Photo: New rolling camera backpack
By Mike Tomkins
(Monday, September 28, 2009 - 06:12 EDT)

Camera bag maker Think Tank Photo has announced the debut of its latest aircraft carry-on design, the Airport TakeOff.

Designed to come in at just a touch under the International Air Transport Association's recommended hand luggage size which is adopted by many international airlines, the Airport TakeOff weighs between 8.6 and 10.3 pounds (3.9 to 4.7kg) depending on configuration.

At the airport, a retractable handle plus a pair of wheels at the pack's base allow heavy camera gear to be transported to and from the gate with a minimum of effort. Upon leaving the airport, a pair of shoulder straps allow the Airport TakeOff to be carried like a regular backpack, saving effort and freeing the photographers' hands on uneven terrain.

In a clever design touch, when not in use the straps are stowed underneath a panel that zips closed over the entire rear surface of the pack. This protects the pack from damage on occasions where the airline requires the bag to be checked-in at short notice - for example, on a fully-booked flight, or a smaller aircraft where carry-on space is limited. (Traditional backpacks can pose problems as checked baggage, with baggage handling equipment and carousels prone to catching and damaging unsecured shoulder or waist straps). On the front of the pack, there's a large pocket suitable for Think Tank's Artificial Intelligence 15 laptop case, and the Airport Takeoff includes a lockable cable that allows a degree of protection against laptop theft. Other features of the Airport TakeOff include lockable zipper sliders, space for two pro DSLR bodies with lenses attached plus other assorted lenses and accessories, and storage options for either a tripod or monopod using a selection of straps and a tripod cup (both included).

The Think Tank Photo Airport TakeOff is available immediately, priced at $299. For more information, visit the Think Tank Photo website.

The Airport TakeOff rolling camera backpack, shown for scale alongside Canon's EOS 5D digital SLR with portrait grip and lens.
Photo provided by Think Tank Photo.

Original Source Press Release:

Think Tank Photo Releases the Airport TakeOff™ Rolling Camera Backpack

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces the release of a new standard in rolling camera backpacks, the Airport TakeOff™. It is designed as a transportation solution that combines the portability of a backpack with the ease of a rolling suitcase. Converting it to and from a rolling camera bag to a comfortable backpack is so easy because the straps can be simply tucked away to start rolling immediately, or, they can be completely zipped inside the rear panel.

Designed to comply with international airline carry-on requirements, the Airport TakeOff accommodates pro-sized photography gear, including two pro or regular size DSLR bodies with or without lenses attached. Its features include:

Holds up to a 300mm f/2.8 and other assorted lenses
Quickly deployable and concealable backpack straps
Front cable and lock to secure laptops
Lockable zipper sliders
Transports tripods or monopods easily
Adjustable sternum straps for tailored usage
Holds Think Tank’s Artificial Intelligence 15 protective laptop case

Inside the Airport TakeOff rolling camera backpack.
Photo provided by Think Tank Photo.

“Think Tank Photo raised the bar with the release of our Airport series of rollers and backpacks,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo president and lead designer. “We were the first company to design large bags so that they complied with airline carry-on requirements and provided extra security measures. With the Airport TakeOff we’ve taken the best of what we learned in designing those product lines and combined them into a rugged rolling backpack that will help photographers and multimedia shooters safely transport their gear from one location to the next.”

Specifications

Internal Dimensions:	13”W x 18.4”H x 5.25-6.75”D (33 x 47 x 13 cm)
External Dimensions:	14”W x 21”h x 8”D (35.5 x 53 x 22 cm)
Weight:	8.6 – 10.3 (3.9 – 4.7 kg) depending on accessories used
MSRP:	$299.00

About Think Tank Photo
Think Tank Photo is a group of designers and professional photographers focused on studying how photographers work, and developing inventive new carrying solutions to meet their needs. By focusing on “speed” and “accessibility,” we prepare photographers to Be Ready “Before The Moment,” allowing them to document those historic moments that reflect their personal visions and artistic talents. We design products that help photographers travel easier, take pictures faster, and organize their gear more efficiently.

Think Tank Photo's Airport TakeOff rolling camera backpack with shoulder straps stowed. Photo provided by Think Tank Photo.

The Airport TakeOff rolling camera backpack with shoulder straps stowed.
Photo provided by Think Tank Photo.

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