• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Jeff Bartlett Media

Adventure. Photography. Writing

  • About
    • About JBM
    • Partner With JBM
    • Equipment List
  • Portfolio
    • Film: Choosing to Live
    • Photography
    • Video
  • Workshops
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • Blog
    • Adventure
    • Photography
    • Reviews
    • Travel Guides

Field Test: thinkTANK MindShift PhotoCross 15 Backpack

July 13, 2019 by Jeff B. Leave a Comment

My thinkTANK Mindshift Photocross 15 backpack review is possible because thinkTANK provided me with this sample backpack. I used it, reviewed it, and now I am giving it away. I also am a member of their affiliate sales, so links via this blog post are affiliate based.

Earlier this spring, I received a thinkTANK MindShift PhotoCross 15 Backpack to use and abuse field test.

the thinkTANK mindShift photocross 15 backpack

I’ve had the backpack for nearly two months now. I’ve carried it on long day hikes in the Scottish Highlands, hauled it on a 4-day bikepacking trip in the Canadian Rockies, and disguised it as a lightweight carry on for multiple flights. Overall, the thinkTANK MindShift PhotoCross 15 Backpack is a solid backpack; however, I encourage you to read on to learn its key features, pros, cons and my overall impression.

Key Features: MindShift PhotoCross 15 Backpack by thinkTANK

But the signature feature that makes this bag unique, is it’s quick-access side panel that provides access to the camera gear without setting the bag down. This might not sound like a big deal, but it’s quite useful when shooting in wet or snowy environments, shooting fast-action sports, and travel scenarios where it might not be safe to leave equipment on the ground.

thinkTank made it clear its new PhotoCross 15 backpack is designed with adventure photographers in mind. It’s weatherproof and built from durable materials that’ll endure countless abuses.  It’s quite comfortable, too, and the hip belt is removable (which I appreciate when using the bag in a city).

Photocross15 Backpack from Think Tank Distribution on Vimeo.

Essentially, the bag blends the carrying comfort of a backpack with the functionality of a sling bag.

For such a small backpack, I am blown away by how much gear it can carry. Here are two distinct packing setups I’ve carried using this backpack:

Photography Kit

  • Sony A7Riii with 16-35mm f/2.8 attached
  • Sony A7Rii with 70-200mm f/4 attached
  • Sigma 14mm f/1.8
  • Sigma 50mm f/1.4
  • Filter Kit
  • Spare batteries
  • Water bottle
  • 4 clif bars
  • 1 down jacket

Video Kit

  • Sony A7Riii with 24-70mm f/2.8 attached
  • Sony A7Rii with Sigma 50mm f/1.4 attached
  • DJI Mavic 2 with controller + two spare batteries
  • Filter kit
  • Spare batteries
  • Water bottle
  • 4 clif bars
  • 1 down jacket

Overall, My Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • Holds tons of gear
  • Quick access side panel
  • Small and inconspicuous
  • Small carry-on size
  • Removable hipbelt

Cons

  • No room for additional gear
  • Poor tripod carry sleeve
  • Limited colour choices

thinkTANK MindShift PhotoCross 15 Backpack overall Impression:

I really like this bag, but it doesn’t truly fit my adventure photography style. I love my thinktank Mindshift ROTATION 180 HORIZON for everyday shoots. For larger assignments, I require a larger bag that can carry multiple camera bodies, lenses, tripods, and video equipment.

While I wish I could justify keeping this backpack and use it for shorter trips – I think it’d be the ideal camera daypack for a prolonged trip that included day hikes, city walks, and occasional flights – but it’ll spend too much time in storage.

Instead of keeping it, I’m giving it away!

Camera Bag Giveaway!

To be clear, I am not giving away a brand new thinkTank Mindshift PhotoCross 15 backpack. I am giving away the one I’ve had for the past two months. It’s used but trust me. It’s in great condition and it’ll last for years!

Winning is easy. Join my Adventure photography talks, tips, and trips facebook group between now and August 15, 2019. Find the giveaway thread and follow it’s instructions!  Good luck!

You are here: Home / Reviews / Field Test: thinkTANK MindShift PhotoCross 15 Backpack

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Blog Categories

  • Adventure
  • Jeff Bartlett Media
  • Photography
  • Reviews
  • Travel Guides

About Jeff


Jeff Bartlett focuses on the art and craft of adventure, blending photography, writing, and video with a keen passion for story.

Follow Jeff

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Subscribe to Newsletter

* indicates required

Recent Posts

  • Upcoming Vancouver Island Photography Workshops
  • Limited Edition Print Sale for Give Back to Nature
  • Give Back to Nature
  • Dell XPS17 9700 Review
  • Gift Ideas for Adventure

 

Footer

Jeff Bartlett Media Inc.

Cumberland, British Columbia, Canada
+1-780-931-2962
jeff@jeffbartlettmedia.com

Follow Jeff

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Upcoming Vancouver Island Photography Workshops
  • Limited Edition Print Sale for Give Back to Nature
  • Give Back to Nature
  • Dell XPS17 9700 Review
  • Gift Ideas for Adventure

Newsletter

© 2023 · Jeff Bartlett Media · Powered by Imagely

  • About Jeff Bartlett
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy