NYC Street Tested: The City Walker from ThinkTank Photo
After being on assignment in NYC for extended periods in the past year, one thing we know is that the messenger bag is part of the street uniform.
Don’t take that the wrong way and feel that any certain age group is more prone to use it.
Nope, from the financial whiz kids, ad folks, accountants, fashionistas, and yes, messengers, it seem to be the preferred carry sack.
So when ThinkTank Photo introduced the City Walker, we had to take a test run.
The “20″ size seemed best for the walkabout. And the city to walkabout in? NYC , of course.
The bags come with a foam “bucket” including velcro connectors on the bottom, and sides to keep it secure in the bag.
There are included dividers with flaps, which can be used either in the bucket, or straight into the bag.
Now before we get into all of the pockets, pouches,and other details, we have to bring up the security alarm, built right in to the bag.
The noise of the velcro, will alert you to bag activity, even in the loudest environment.
OK, the cover flap has not only 2 very strong velcro fastening straps, but a clip lock that makes it tough for the street person to get at what you got.
Slightly hidden, it takes a maneuver to unlock.
Yeah, we were wearing this all over NYC: subways, Time Square, jammed public places.
The shoulder strap has an additional design of rubber gripping, along with stops along the strap to keep it in place.
An interior zipped pocket the width/height of the bag, keeps things a bit more outta site.
And there is exterior pocket for a mag, or putting your tablet in a more accessible spot.
Have a look at the video:
First of all, we loved the bag for our smaller cameras: The Sony NEX 5N, with a couple of lenses, The Olympus OM-D, with an extra lens, and even a Widelux with a light meter and a bunch of film cassettes.
Not all at the same time,mind you, but depending on the mood. Yep, Widelux. At least in NYC there are still a bunch of film labs.
We have gone both ways on the “bucket”.
For the Widelux, it felt better protected using it, and in it’s slot.
(overhead shot w/bucket in)
When we added the flaps to the interior without the bucket, it still kept items where they needed to be, and the pliable structure of the bag, wrapped around my body better.
There is an interesting cross strap/handle, letting you carry the bag at the main body of it, without always reaching for the shoulder strap.
Here we are holding it, showing off one of the flexible side pouches for a water bottle. Stay Hydrated!
Nice touch.
And they’ve added the option of all black or blue trim, for that splash of color. Eh, black is just fine.
Overall, we highly recommend this bag for the city street shooter. Discreet, and built with the all of the photog features you need and expect from ThinkTank.
City Walker costs from $125-$160.
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