The Think Tank FocusPoint 30L: A Lightweight Contender for Icelandic Adventures

The pursuit of the ideal camera backpack is a perpetual journey for many photographers, a quest driven by the need to balance gear capacity, comfort, and portability. For an extensive photographic expedition to Iceland, the author sought a lightweight solution, his attention drawn to the sleek aesthetics and promising features of the new Think Tank FocusPoint 30L. This review delves into the practical application of this compact camera backpack during a two-week photo tour in the Land of Fire and Ice, evaluating its performance against the demands of diverse Icelandic landscapes and challenging weather conditions.

The Photographer’s Dilemma: Balancing Gear and Portability

Like many professional and enthusiast photographers, the author possesses a substantial collection of camera bags, each designed for a specific purpose. For previous extended trips to Norway and Iceland, a larger 50-liter Shimoda backpack had been the go-to choice. While offering ample storage, its considerable size and weight often pushed the boundaries of carry-on luggage regulations, presenting a potential logistical hurdle. The Shimoda Action X50, lauded for its spaciousness, was deemed "perhaps a bit too large for carry-on luggage" on certain occasions, highlighting a common trade-off between capacity and travel convenience.

For shorter day excursions, the Think Tank Retrospective 15 backpack served as a more compact alternative. This bag typically accommodated a single camera body, two lenses – including a substantial 100-500mm telephoto – and essential personal items such as lunch and a rain jacket. However, fitting an additional lens into the Retrospective 15 necessitated compromising on the space allocated for these personal necessities. While the author acknowledged the possibility of attaching an external lens pouch, a personal hesitation prevented this solution. This limitation became particularly relevant when planning the Icelandic tour, where the desire to include an extra lens without sacrificing critical provisions for the unpredictable Icelandic weather became a primary consideration.

Introducing the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L: A Stylish and Compact Alternative

It was against this backdrop that the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L rolltop backpack emerged as a compelling candidate. Its slim profile and stylish design immediately captured the author’s attention. The promise of ample extra space for essentials like lunch and a rain jacket, combined with a lower profile than his existing options, sparked curiosity about its gear-carrying capabilities. The critical question was whether his chosen photography equipment could be effectively housed within this seemingly compact pack.

The author’s intended gear for the Iceland trip comprised a Canon EOS R5, the versatile RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L, the wide-angle RF 15-35mm f/2.8L, and the all-around RF 24-105mm f/4L. Upon testing, it was confirmed that this ensemble, along with the author’s essential personal items, could indeed fit into the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L. This successful initial fitting led to the purchase of the bag for its intended purpose in Iceland.

FocusPoint 30L: Key Specifications and Design Features

The Think Tank FocusPoint 30L is available in a range of attractive colorways, including Urban Rust (the author’s choice), Asphalt Black, Greenway, and Golden Hour. While specific dimensions and weight figures were not detailed in the initial report, the bag’s design emphasizes a balance between capacity and a compact footprint, crucial for air travel and navigating varied terrain. The rolltop closure, a hallmark of many modern backpacks, offers expandable storage, allowing for adjustments based on the day’s needs.

A significant design element of the FocusPoint 30L is its inherent versatility. It is engineered as a dedicated photo backpack but can be readily transformed into a general-purpose daypack by removing the specialized photo insert. This adaptability makes it a suitable companion for a variety of activities, from dedicated photography outings to general travel. The aesthetic appeal of the bag, described as "stylish," further contributes to its broader appeal.

Access to the main camera compartment is primarily through the rear of the backpack, a common security feature. However, the inclusion of side access provides a convenient option for quickly retrieving a camera without needing to set the entire backpack down. While the author personally does not utilize this feature frequently, its presence enhances the bag’s functional repertoire.

Above the main camera compartment lies an additional storage area, designed to hold items such as a rain jacket, lunch, or extra camera accessories. This section also provides access to a dedicated laptop compartment, capable of accommodating devices up to 16 inches in size. The rolltop closure is secured by a magnetic flap and a buckle, offering a combination of ease of use and a refined visual finish. The author noted that this expandable rolltop space could also be utilized for an additional lens or even a second camera body if necessary.

On the Ground in Iceland: A Two-Week Trial by Fire (and Rain)

The true test of any camera bag lies in its performance under real-world conditions. Iceland, with its dramatic landscapes and notoriously unpredictable weather, presents a formidable challenge. The author’s two-week expedition provided an extensive opportunity to evaluate the FocusPoint 30L’s capabilities and limitations.

Initially, the author had planned to bring his Canon EOS R5 with three lenses: the RF 100-500mm, RF 15-35mm, and RF 24-105mm. However, a last-minute change in plans saw him opt for a dual-camera setup. He decided to carry his Canon EOS R5 along with the RF 100-500mm lens, and an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III equipped with the M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4 PRO and the M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO. This adjustment in gear, particularly the addition of a second camera body and two more lenses, pushed the FocusPoint 30L to its capacity limits.

In this configuration, the Olympus 7-14mm lens had to be temporarily housed in the rolltop compartment, necessitating the use of an additional small bag for this specific lens. The author mentioned that if he were not keeping his camera inside the bag while actively shooting, the 7-14mm could have been placed in the main compartment. This scenario highlights a potential drawback related to the internal dividers. Due to the side access feature, the dividers within the main compartment cannot be permanently fixed to one side, leading to a risk of equipment shifting if not carefully arranged, especially when the compartment is not fully packed. The author advises placing items at the bottom of the compartment if there is excess space to prevent them from moving around.

Weather Resistance: A Crucial Consideration in Iceland

Icelandic weather is renowned for its rapid and dramatic shifts. While the author experienced periods of pleasant weather, wet conditions were also a reality. The FocusPoint 30L’s material proved capable of withstanding light rain showers. However, the zippers were identified as a potential vulnerability. To prevent water ingress through the zippers, the included rain cover is essential. The author’s experience with a medium rain shower revealed some leakage through the zippers, underscoring the necessity of deploying the rain cover.

Another observation related to moisture was the performance of the breathable foam mesh on the back of the backpack, which is designed for ventilation. While effective in keeping the wearer cool, this mesh can become saturated during prolonged exposure to rain. Drying time for this component was noted as being lengthy. Furthermore, the rain cover, while protecting the main body of the bag, does not extend to the portion of the backpack that rests against the wearer’s back, leaving this area susceptible to moisture.

Detailed Analysis of Features and Performance

The Think Tank FocusPoint 30L, despite its compact size, boasts a thoughtful array of features designed to enhance the photographer’s experience. The interior of the bag includes a lanyard for keys and protective covers for internal zippers, safeguarding delicate camera equipment from scratches. The adjustable sternum strap enhances carrying comfort and stability, and numerous smaller compartments facilitate the organization of accessories such as memory cards, batteries, and cleaning supplies.

The author’s primary point of contention, as previously mentioned, revolved around the camera insert’s dividers. The flexibility afforded by the side access feature, while beneficial for some, compromised the rigidity of the internal dividers for the author’s preferred packing style. This could be a subjective issue, potentially ideal for photographers who frequently utilize side access for quick gear retrieval. However, for those who prefer a more static and secure internal organization, this aspect might require adjustment.

The expandable rolltop proved to be a significant asset, offering valuable extra space for necessities like a rain jacket and lunch, which the author deems critical for his photographic excursions. This feature, coupled with the bag’s low-profile design, makes it an excellent candidate for carry-on luggage, particularly for airline travel.

Concluding Thoughts: A Stylish Companion with Caveats

After two weeks of rigorous use in Iceland, the Think Tank FocusPoint 30L garnered significant praise from the author. Its well-executed design, attention to detail, and aesthetic appeal were consistently highlighted. The bag is adept at carrying a compact camera setup along with essential personal items and a laptop. Its suitability for daily use and urban environments is undeniable.

However, the review also points to specific limitations. The FocusPoint 30L is not engineered for rugged, extreme outdoor conditions. While it can withstand light rain, it is not designed for prolonged exposure to harsh weather. This distinction is crucial for photographers planning expeditions to environments where weather resistance is paramount.

What the Author Liked:

• Stylish and attractive design.
• Compact and low-profile form factor, ideal for carry-on.
• Expandable rolltop offering valuable extra storage.
• Well-thought-out interior features like key lanyards and zipper protection.
• Versatile design allowing conversion to a general daypack.
• Sufficient space for a small camera set and essential personal items.

Areas for Improvement:

• Internal dividers’ tendency to shift due to side access, potentially impacting gear stability.
• Zipper vulnerability to water ingress, necessitating consistent use of the rain cover.
• Breathable back panel’s susceptibility to prolonged saturation and slow drying time.
• Not designed for extreme rugged use or prolonged exposure to harsh weather.

Should You Buy It?

The Think Tank FocusPoint 30L is, without question, a commendable camera backpack. Its beautiful design, practical storage solutions, and suitability for carrying a moderate amount of gear alongside personal necessities and a laptop make it an excellent choice for daily use and general travel. For photographers prioritizing style, portability, and efficient organization for less demanding environments, it is a strong contender. However, for those embarking on extensive, adventurous trips into remote or challenging terrains where robust weatherproofing and extreme durability are non-negotiable, alternative options might be more appropriate. The FocusPoint 30L excels as a sophisticated daily driver, but its limitations in extreme conditions mean it may not be the ultimate solution for every photographer’s adventurous pursuits.