Totally jazzed about my new Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Camera Backback. Seriously, I’ve cycled through my fair share of camera bags over the years. However, every once in a while one sneaks up on me and ends up doing more than expected. That’s exactly what happened with the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Camera Backpack. I nabbed this addition initially for two reasons.
One, with my recent trip to Iceland, I needed a smaller carry-on to complement my Think Tank Streetwalker Rolling Backpack. Iceland Air’s weight 22 pound weight restrictions on the roller carry on forced the need for a smaller, efficient backpack. And two, I needed a lightweight, grab-and-go option for shorter outings for travel and home. (Note: always check each air carrier’s carry-on requirements, they make changes over time as in the case of Iceland Air)
What I didn’t expect was how seamlessly it worked its way into my travel and overall photography workflow. It was almost as if I could walk on water.
Air Travel & the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Camera Backpack
This backpack pairs perfectly with my Think Tank Streetwalker Rolling Backpack. When I’m moving through airports, those two bags together feel like an efficient little system. One rolling bag, and one on my back or looped on the roller handels. Everything I need is exactly where I expect it. The Mirrorless Mover easily qualifies as a personal carry-on without looking bulky or overstuffed.
As compact as the backpack looks, it holds quite a bit. When packing for Iceland, offloading weight from my roller bag was top priority. I needed to move gear around to meet their strict roller weight requirement. Otherwise, Iceland Air checks ANY roller weighing over 22 pounds, period. There is absolutely no way I will ever check camera gear!
Packing my Gear for Air Travel
There’s air travel and then there’s usability once on the road. The roller bag included all camera and drone batteries, my Nikon Z9 with a Z 24-70 f/2.8 lens attached, my DJI Mavic 4 Pro, controller, power cables and external drives. My backpack included my Nikon Z8 with 100-400 f/4-4.5 lens attached plus my Nikon Z 14-24 f/2.8 and 24-120 f.4 lenses. The outer pocket was large enough to squeeze in my MacBook Pro. For my personal reviews see my camera gear review.
Once at the hotel, time to rearrange gear to my daily photography workflow in the field. My laptop goes into my normal luggage and the cameras. Lenses and drone gear organized into respective bags for easy access. Photography time when traveling? We do not need to spend our time struggling and hunting for our gear. This combination minimized the need to move my gear around while on the ground.
Versatility Back at Home
The Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Camera Backback serves multiple photography purposes. The efficient size makes it easy to carry my camera, a couple of lenses and supplies. Or, it it comfortably holds my drone, controller with spare batteries and my camera with a lens attached. The fit on my back sits comfortably too (see featured image above that my hubby took).
But where it really surprised me is the use as my go-to drone backpack. The layout just works. Everything is quick to access—no digging, no shuffling gear around, no “I swear I put the controller in here.” It’s all right where it needs to be and where I can see everything when I unzip the bag. And, with breathing room to spare.
At home and car travel all my camera gear stays in my ‘home base’ Think Tank Streetwalker Rolling Backpack and my drone gear stays in my Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Camera Backback.
Additional Consideration for Nikon Z9 Users
I love this backpack! However, with the Nikon Z9’s size with my attached L-bracket makes it too tall for Mover backpack to easily zip. Without the bracket it’s snug but not unusable. In the event I’m hiking or needing my Z9 – I use my already owned Think Tank’s Digital Holster. The holster works great for trips too. I flatten or stuff with socks and pack the holster in my checked luggage. This combination gives multiple options for when I’m traveling or out in the field.
Do I Recommend the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Camera Backpack?
Yes! The size, efficiency, flexibility for short trips and air travel pushes this backpack from a backup bag to an essential travel tool. I shoot, fly, edit, and upload without having to unpack or constantly reorganize half my life. Its flexibility supports the way I work. Whether I’m hiking a trail, traveling via car, camping or squeezing into a tiny airplane seat, it just works and it’s easy.
If you’re looking for a compact, versatile camera backpack that can flex between drone missions, still photography, and travel logistics, the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover is a smart choice.
