Think Tank StreetWalker HardDrive 2.0 Post Trip Thoughts

So I recently took a trip down to Walt Disney World for a photography trip. Think Tank Photo was kind enough to send me one of their best selling bags, the Street Walker Hard Drive 2.0. I want to go over some of my thoughts about the bag after using it for 4 days straight, over 16 hours a day.

First of all, lets go over exactly what I had in the bags while I was in the parks. Yes, I know its a lot of gear to carry.

Nikon D850 with grip and RRS L Bracket
Nikon D5 with RRS L Bracket
Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII
Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E
Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E (only for Magic Kingdom day, to shoot MNSSHP)
Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 fisheye
Extra XQD and SDXC cards
MeFoto Globetrotter tripod
Nikon MC-36 Remote Shutter Release
Extra EN-EL18a Battery
Black Rapid Hybrid Breathe Strap

So my initial thoughts were…. “I sure hope this doesn’t dig into my shoulders like my ProTactic 450 did..” And it sure didn’t do that. This bag was comfortable from beginning to the end of the trip. I was really surprised that it was this comfortable and I was actually expecting it to hurt after the first day. Think Tank’s straps are hands down my favorite of any bag manufacture. The weight distribution was fantastic and the padding on the backside never poked any gear into your back.

Going thru security, I had different experiences. Some security cast members did a quick pass over the main compartments and a quick look into the side and front pouches, and on you go. But there were a couple security cast members that decided to molest each and every lens and body inside the main compartment. At the same time telling me not to touch the bag while they are searching it. I had my hand close to the bag when they started lifting and moving gear around, hopefully preventing anything from tumbling to the ground if they just so happen to drop it. In retrospect, I shouldn’t be concerned, they are Disney, if they break something, I am sure they are insured. Worst case scenario, I file a claim thru my insurance.

In any case, the large opening was nice and helpful in getting thru security fast. What doesn’t help getting thru security is when the Security Cast Member decides to strike up a conversation with each guest and take their dear time (at EMH mind you), and there are hundreds of guests trying to get in the parks. Seriously, now is NOT the time to make friends, just check my bag and let me get inside the park.

The bag also held up pretty well in the rains, I had accidentally left the seam sealed rain cover at home, so my bag got a little wet, but the contents stayed nice and dry.

In my experience, the Airbus A320 has more under the seat room than the Boeing 737. I had no issues getting the bag underneath the seat on my Airbus A320, even though it did stick out a little bit. The flight attendants gave no issues on this, but your mileage may vary.. While it fit fine on the A320, I am not so sure it would fit under the seat on the 737. It will definitely fit overhead with 0 issues.