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MindShift Gear Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack

BH #MIR22LB • MFR #520206
5 reviews
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MindShift Gear Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack
Key Features
  • 16L Backpack & 6L Rotating Camera Pack
  • Access Camera Pack without Removing Bag
  • Holds Gripless Camera and 2-3 Lenses
  • Use Camera Pack as a Standalone Bag
Form meets function with the innovative Think Tank Photo Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack. Made specifically for adventure photography, it offers nearly instant access to your camera so you can shoot and scoot without missing a step.
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$299.75
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Capacity
24L
34L
50L+
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MindShift Gear Rotation 22L Overview

Form meets function with the innovative Think Tank Photo Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack. Made specifically for adventure photography, it offers nearly instant access to your camera so you can shoot and scoot without missing a step.

At first blush you would think it's just a standard bisected backpack, but you'd be wrong. The bottom camera pack portion rotates independently from the top for instant access to its 6L interior that holds a standard DSLR or mirrorless camera body, without a grip, plus three lenses or an attached 24-700mm 2.8 lens. The upper 16L holds personal items like food and clothing. An array of interior and exterior pockets provide ample room for organizing everything from your keys to a water bottle, a tripod, or trekking poles. A ten-point harness system allows you to adjust how and where you distribute the load for optimum comfort. Further design details include wear- and water-resistant nylon materials, polyurethane coatings, and durable YKK zippers.

Rotating Belt Pack
  • Designed for outdoor adventure photography
  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 6.7 x 6.1", 6L volume
  • Adjustable padded dividers
  • Holds standard DLSR or mirrorless camera body without battery grip and 2-3 additional lenses or an attached 24-70mm 2.8 lens
  • Pack rotates forward to give you immediate camera access—go from stowed to shooting in 3 seconds
  • Two bags in one so you can separate the belt pack from the backpack and use it as a standalone bag when you want to go even lighter
  • One-handed magnetic opening for fast reaction with zipper closure for complete security
What It Holds
  • Interior measures 11.2 x 11.4 x 5.9" and the 16L capacity holds personal gear like food and clothing
  • Tripod easily attaches on the front or side panels
  • Multiple pockets inside and out for personal items such as food, clothing layers, and outdoor gear
  • Top pocket to grab small items quickly
  • Daisy-chain attachment points and mountain axe/hiking pole loop
  • Water bottle pocket holds a 25 fl oz (750mL) container
  • Attach optional Think Tank modular pouches to belt wing
  • Expandable camera carry with optional Stash Master photo inserts
How It's Made
  • Water-repellant polyurethane-coated nylon fabrics inside and out
  • Elements barrier protects your gear from moisture, dirt, and more
  • Internal and external load compression straps
  • Lining is 200D polyester with closed-cell, cross-linked foam padding
  • YKK AquaGuard and RC Fuse zippers with weather flaps to keep upper compartment dry
  • Bottom panel is 1680D nylon ballistic for wear resistance
  • Weighs under 4 pounds empty
How You Wear It
  • Adjustable backpack straps, sternum strap, and waist belt
  • Fine tune how you carry your load with the 10-point adjustable harness
  • Torso height adjustment fits a wide range of body sizes
  • Perforated, angular foam back panel for increased airflow and quick drying
  • Top grab handle
UPC: 819865012062

MindShift Gear Rotation 22L Specs

Key Specs
Color
Gray
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle, Waist Belt
Type of Closure
Zipper
Interior Type
Camera Compartment: Insert with Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Water Resistance
Water Resistant
Dimensions
20.5 x 12.6 x 8.7" / 52.1 x 32 x 22.1 cm
Weight
3.9 lb / 1.8 kg
Color
Gray
Camera Compatibility
Universal
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle, Waist Belt
Type of Closure
Zipper
Interior Type
Camera Compartment: Insert with Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Features
Bottle Pocket
Yes
Hydration Bladder Compatible
No
RFID-Blocking Pockets
No
Stand/Tripod Holder
Yes
Side Access
No
General
Water Resistance
Water Resistant
Maximum Volume
744.1 fl oz / 22 L
Padded Interior
Yes
Materials
Exterior: Nylon [with Ballistic Nylon, Foam, Twill Accents]
Interior: Foam, Nylon, Polyester
Dimensions
Exterior
20.5 x 12.6 x 8.7" / 52.1 x 32 x 22.1 cm
Interior
11.4 x 11.2 x 5.9" / 29 x 28.4 x 15 cm
Accessory Pocket
10.6 x 6.7 x 6.1" / 26.9 x 17 x 15.5 cm (Belt Pack Interior)
Weight
3.9 lb / 1.8 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.85 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
20.5 x 13 x 11.1"

MindShift Gear Rotation 22L Reviews

18 months experience

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-20

My Rotation 180 22L was funded through Kickstarter, thus I was one of the early recipients of this new redesigned rotation pack. I had mine before B&H. Compared with the original there are significant improvements, especially that it now stands upright when taken off. If you are vacillating between the 22 L and 34 L models, as was I, only the 22 will slide under an airline seat. This made my decision. I can fly with my small roller bag in the overhead bin and the Rotation 22 L under the seat; no checked bag. There is a learning curve for using the rotation feature. Once muscle memory (proprioception) for using the magnetically guided rotation lock and the pull loop are learned, accessing and storing the belt pack is a quick automatic action. The pack carries closer to the spine than do boxy camera backpacks, such as in the Mindshift Backlight series (I have the 26 and 36 L Backlights). This is facilitated by a simple and unique internal compression strap. The ladder adjustment of the shoulder strap attachments plus the load lifting straps, both features usually found only on larger packs, have enabled tailoring of fit and comfort for my aging spine, shrinking torso (my height has dropped from 5'7 to 5'4, now in my mid 70s). The belt pack accommodates a FF Sony mounted with an f2.8 70-180 Tamron & collapsible B+H 67mm hood. A second body with a lighter lens (such as a Zeiss Batis 40 or the new Sony 16-35 PZ) is easily carried on a neck strap. Or I may have my 90mm macro, or a 24-105 zoom, on the camera in the belt pack. If I am frequently stopping to set up a tripod, the tripod will be in my hand. I'll have no need to waste time removing the backpack, no concern about contaminating my bag by placing it on sand or mud. When not stopping to shoot, the 2nd camera goes in the main compartment and the tripod goes on either of the outside mounts (left side or on the rear). Easy to tote additional lenses in the main compartment, stored in neoprene pouches. The internal mesh pocket of this main compartment will keep this weight close to the spine. The waistband is designed to mate with the Mindshift filter pouch (a previous purchase from B&H). It works very well with this pack. Unlike the larger 34 L, the 22 lacks a rear garment pouch. I stuff extra clothes into the main compartment, but should I not wish to put a wet rain jacket in the pack, I added shock cord to the daisy chain attachments. Spare battery, Bluetooth remote, etc., are handy in the interior mesh pocket of the beltpack lid. Food, headlamp, gloves, hat all fit in the lid pocket. Another review mentions the pack's weight. Compared with a general use, high end, day pack of similar volume the Rotation is heavier by perhaps a lb. The added weight comes from the rigid and padded structure of the belt pack and the overbuilding of the belt, both worth their weight. Often I use the belt pack alone, and as such it has replaced my other camera belt packs. This one carries the best and its magnetic closure is very nice. I can walk with it in the rear, on my hip, or in front of me.

I'll be ready for the shot!

By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-02

I've purchased a number of backpacks in the past but none that allowed me to quickly access my camera. Not any more with this ingenious pad design! I'm still working on the muscle memory needed to move the belt pack in position and back but I'm getting faster.

See any errors on this page?

Does it include the rain cover?

Does it include the rain cover?
Asked by: Rex
No, the rain cover for the MindShift Gear Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack is sold separately. For rain protection, please review the item shown below: MindShift Gear Rain Cover for Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack B&H # MIR22LRC • MFR # 540828 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1635844-REG/think_tank_photo_540828_rain_cover_for_rotation.html
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2023-06-05

Does it hold a MacPro 14" laptop?

Does it hold a MacPro 14" laptop?
Asked by: jeffrey
Unfortunately, the MindShift Gear Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack does not have a laptop compartment.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2023-09-07

Is the weight of the upper pack supported by the ...

Is the weight of the upper pack supported by the belt and some kind of frame or does it primarily support the cube?
Asked by: Robert
The upper pack is supported by the cross-linked foam on the inside.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2021-12-15

Do the zippers have the ability to be secured ...

Do the zippers have the ability to be secured with a luggage lock?
Asked by: Jennifer
The MindShift Gear Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack does not offer the ability to secure the zippers with a luggage lock.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2022-02-01

will thw cube hold a Z 9?

will thw cube hold a Z 9?
Asked by: William
The Nikon Z9 is too large and won't fit the camera compartment of the MindShift Gear Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack. The Nikon Z9 will fit in this 34L https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1635838-REG/think_tank_photo_520207_rotation_180_34l_photo.html
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2022-09-28

Is there a way to attach a water bottle pouch to ...

Is there a way to attach a water bottle pouch to one of the straps?
Asked by: Jessica
Yes, you can add a water bottle pouch to the straps of the MindShift Gear Rotation 180 22L Photo Backpack, like the f-stop Mano Water Bottle Carrier (B&H # FSM61170).
Answered by: Andrea B
Date published: 2025-07-28

Does this have room for a camel back bladder?

Does this have room for a camel back bladder?
Asked by: Will
Mindshift Rotation 22L does not have a space for a bladder. Only the 34L and the 50L do.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2023-07-31
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