Streetwalker Backpack is Good Choice
Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 8:27AM 
Most photographers who travel are in constant search of the perfect photo equipment backpack. The Streetwalker Backpack by Think Tank Photo is a compromise, as are all backpacks, but I received one for Christmas and got a chance to test it on a two-day walkabout in Rome.
One of the selling points of the Streetwalker is it's a relatively narrow pack, which makes it ideal for moving through crowds in narrow streets, a description of Rome if there ever was one. Its outside dimensions are a diminutive 9.5” W x 17” H x 6”D (24 x 43 x 15 cm). Nevertheless, these dimensions allow its adjustable interior dividers to be moved around to allow a digital SLR with a 70-200mm to be carried with the lens hood in the normal extended position, along with several smaller supplemental lenses, a small battery charger, and cleaning materials.
Flash units are another problem altogether. Nikon's huge SB-900 can be fitted length-wise like a long lens, but you'll probably have to leave a lens home. There are two side pockets on the exterior of the pack, but both are too small to accomodate the SB-900 or even the still-popular SB-800. For my trip, I settled on an older SB-80 flash unit that fit in the exterior side pocket nicely.
The front pocket will hold several compact flash cards, a couple of cables, and batteries. There's also a zippered pocket inside that would hold documents such as a passport or quick-reference cards. Finally, there is a zippered foot pocket that will open to hold the bottom of a tripod and an included strap is used at the top to secure the tripod for travel.
I"m 6'2" tall, so finding a backpack that fits comfortably is sometimes difficult. The Streetwalker was quite comfortable to wear, with the waist belt taking most of the weight of the pack and the well-padded shoulder straps adjusting comfortably with no irritation.
All in all, I'm satisfied with the Streetwalker and can recommend it as a lightweight backpack for photographers who can plan their photo equipment inventory well.
The Streetwalker Pro is a slightly larger version of the Streetwalker, adding an extra inch or so of height and depth while maintaining the narrow width.
Streetwalker, $139, available from www.thinktankphoto.com, or photography stores everywhere.