Small Pack, Big Punch: Why the Right Camera Bag Matters
I’m not here to sell anything — and Think Tank didn’t pay me for this. I’m sharing honest feedback in the hope it’s useful for fellow photographers.
A well-designed bag can make or break a shoot. It’s not just about comfort — it’s about efficiency, workflow, and having your gear ready when you need it. For example, during a mountain bike shoot capturing Kate Rath to highlight her Endura bike shorts, the pack kept all my gear organized and accessible while I stayed mobile on fast, technical trails.
Packing Light
I need a pack that supports my workflow, protects my gear, and lets me move freely. The Think Tank Backlight Sprint does exactly that — slim, lightweight, but capable of carrying a standard-sized camera body, three zoom lenses, flash gear, and essential accessories without slowing me down.
Gear Setup
For this shoot, my pack included:
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Canon R5
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RF 70–200 f/2.8 lens
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RF 15–35 f/2.8 lens
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RF 24–105 f/4 lens
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Think Tank Cards & Power Pouch (2 batteries + extra memory cards)
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Godox AD200Pro flash, trigger, and extra battery
Even fully loaded, the pack stayed light enough to ride along the trails and capture action naturally. Its organized layout let me grab my camera mid-ride and nail the shots — proof you don’t need a full studio on your back.
Why I Love the Backlight Sprint
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Rear-panel camera access without taking the pack off
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Slim, lightweight design with removable waist belt
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Two large side pockets (32oz Nalgene or tripod)
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Front pocket (2L) for snacks, rain gear, or first aid
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Dual daisy chains and compression straps for extra carry
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Padded airmesh lumbar support and ergonomic zippers
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Durable materials: 420D nylon, YKK® RC-Fuse zippers
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Travel-friendly: fits most airline carry-on requirements
This combination makes it easy to focus on the shoot without worrying about gear, even on challenging mountain bike trails.
Why I Recommend Think Tank
Think Tank consistently delivers thoughtful, durable camera transport solutions. The Backlight Sprint is perfect for photographers who want mobility, protection, and organization in a compact pack. And a big one for me, their customer service is amazing!
If a Think Tank pack sounds like your next favorite gear, here’s $15 off to get you started:
Final Thoughts
The right gear should enhance your photography, not weigh you down. The Backlight Sprint allowed me to focus on the ride, the light, and the scene — capturing Kate Rath in motion without distraction.
A note: These are my opinions and what works for me. Everyone’s needs are different, and you may need a different pack — Think Tank has options for virtually every type of photographer. If you have questions, reach out; I’m happy to chat.
Here are some photos from the bike shoot to show the pack in action, along with a few of the other shots from the day.
Happy shooting!
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