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Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack (Small, Black)

BH #THAEBP • MFR #720483
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Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack (Small, Black)
Key Features
  • Holds Standard DSLR System
  • Holds 300mm f/2.8 / iPad / 13" Laptop
  • Security Cable and Lock / YKK Zippers
  • Adjustable Harness/Removable Waist Belt
The small black Airport Essentials Backpack from Think Tank makes a photographer's life easy since on the outside, it resembles an ordinary piece of luggage while the inside speaks differently. The pack is rated to hold your standard DSLR, 4-6 basic zooms plus your iPad and 13" laptop. It's sized to handle your 300mm f/2.8 so if you're a nature or sports shooter, you're covered.

Think Tank has designed this bag both for functionality and security since it comes with a security cable and lock that can be tied to a reception hall column or fence leaving you to remove your gear while the rest of the pack stays safely tethered. Even the strong YKK zippered sliders accept user-supplied locks for maximum protection and peace of mind while on the job. Inside, padded movable dividers allow you to arrange the guts of the bag in whatever way you choose. Your computers are stored in their own, separate lockable, zippered compartment. For even more flexibility and security, you can store your optional Artificial Intelligence Laptop case within the computer pocket.

You have multiple ways of carrying the pack from its adjustable harness system and removable waist belt to the very convenient handles situated on three sides. The harness has enhanced lumbar support and air mesh paneling that will help keep you cool while the pack is on your back. And no need to worry about getting caught in bad weather since the pack is supplied with a neat rain cover that stores inside when not needed. A sternum strap is also provided to help maintain balance while walking. The Airport Essentials also accepts Think Tank's optional Pro Speed Belt or Thin Skin Belt that will assist with stability as well as increased load capacity.

Your tripod can be secured to the pack with its feet in a supplied exterior pocket and head tied with a supplied strap. For small accessories, the inside flap has laminated mesh pockets for everything from memory cards to a snack.

The exterior of the pack is made from a combination of ballistic nylon, polyester and nylon webbing all treated for water-resistance. The inside is nylon and polyurethane with padded, closed cell foam dividers. For a small pack that holds this much gear, it's relatively lightweight at a maximum of 3.6 lb. Think Tank backs the Airport Essentials with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects.

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Think Tank Photo Essentials Overview

The small black Airport Essentials Backpack from Think Tank makes a photographer's life easy since on the outside, it resembles an ordinary piece of luggage while the inside speaks differently. The pack is rated to hold your standard DSLR, 4-6 basic zooms plus your iPad and 13" laptop. It's sized to handle your 300mm f/2.8 so if you're a nature or sports shooter, you're covered.

Think Tank has designed this bag both for functionality and security since it comes with a security cable and lock that can be tied to a reception hall column or fence leaving you to remove your gear while the rest of the pack stays safely tethered. Even the strong YKK zippered sliders accept user-supplied locks for maximum protection and peace of mind while on the job. Inside, padded movable dividers allow you to arrange the guts of the bag in whatever way you choose. Your computers are stored in their own, separate lockable, zippered compartment. For even more flexibility and security, you can store your optional Artificial Intelligence Laptop case within the computer pocket.

You have multiple ways of carrying the pack from its adjustable harness system and removable waist belt to the very convenient handles situated on three sides. The harness has enhanced lumbar support and air mesh paneling that will help keep you cool while the pack is on your back. And no need to worry about getting caught in bad weather since the pack is supplied with a neat rain cover that stores inside when not needed. A sternum strap is also provided to help maintain balance while walking. The Airport Essentials also accepts Think Tank's optional Pro Speed Belt or Thin Skin Belt that will assist with stability as well as increased load capacity.

Your tripod can be secured to the pack with its feet in a supplied exterior pocket and head tied with a supplied strap. For small accessories, the inside flap has laminated mesh pockets for everything from memory cards to a snack.

The exterior of the pack is made from a combination of ballistic nylon, polyester and nylon webbing all treated for water-resistance. The inside is nylon and polyurethane with padded, closed cell foam dividers. For a small pack that holds this much gear, it's relatively lightweight at a maximum of 3.6 lb. Think Tank backs the Airport Essentials with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects.

Does not look like a traditional camera backpack. Included security cable and combination lock allows you to lock the laptop case or to immovable objects. This security cable is very effective when you have to leave your gear for a period of time in a media room, wedding hall, hotel room, or other open area
Contoured adjustable harness with lumbar support and Air Mesh paneling to help keep your back cool
Robust handles on three sides ensures rapid and easy retrieval from overhead bins, car trunks
Seam sealed rain cover helps protect your gear. Stows away inside backpack when not in use
Compatible with optional Think Tank Artificial Intelligence Laptop cases
The inside flap has see-through laminated mesh pockets for various accessories such as note pads, energy bars, memory card wallets, instruction books, and other items
Includes tripod/monopod mounting system
YKK RC-Fuse zipper and highest quality materials throughout. Lockable zipper sliders for additional security
The removable waist belt allows the optional Pro Speed belt or Thin Skin Belt to be used which increases carrying capacity, stability and functionality
Compatibility
Standard DSLR with 4-6 standard zoom lenses. Quick access pockets hold a 13" laptop and iPad; holds 13" laptop and iPad in a separate, integrated, locking zippered compartment: accommodates a 300mm f/2.8 lens attached a standard sized camera body
Carry-On Form Factor
FAA and airline carry-on specifications are subject to change without notice, please check with your airline before designating this case as a carry-on item. Most airlines require carry-on items to have an external linear measurement that is equal to or less than 45.0" (114.3 cm). The external dimensions of this case add up to 36.5" (92.7 cm)
UPC: 874530004834

Think Tank Photo Essentials Specs

Key Specs
Color
Black
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle, Waist Belt
Type of Closure
Zipper
Interior Type
Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Single Compartment: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 15 x 9.8 x 1.2" / 38 x 25 x 3 cm
Water Resistance
Rain Cover Included
Dimensions
18 x 11.5 x 7" / 45.72 x 29.21 x 17.78 cm
Weight
2.9 lb / 1.3 kg (Empty)
3.5 lb / 1.6 kg (Including Parts)
Color
Black
Camera Compatibility
Universal
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle, Waist Belt
Type of Closure
Zipper
Interior Type
Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Single Compartment: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 15 x 9.8 x 1.2" / 38 x 25 x 3 cm
Features
Bottle Pocket
Yes
Hydration Bladder Compatible
No
RFID-Blocking Pockets
No
Stand/Tripod Holder
Yes
Side Access
No
General
Water Resistance
Rain Cover Included
Padded Interior
Yes
Materials
Exterior: Nylon, Polyester, Polyurethane
Interior: Foam, Nylon, Polyurethane, Taffeta
Dimensions
Exterior
18 x 11.5 x 7" / 45.72 x 29.21 x 17.78 cm
Interior
16.3 x 11 x 5" / 41.4 x 27.94 x 12.7 cm
Weight
2.9 lb / 1.3 kg (Empty)
3.5 lb / 1.6 kg (Including Parts)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
19.2 x 12.5 x 9.6"

Think Tank Photo Essentials Reviews

Perfect For My Needs!!

By Carl
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-08-05

This Think Tank bag is perfect for my needs as a compliment to my Think Tank Airport Advantage XT. I’ve tried them all…many different brands. But I continually circle back to the Think Tank Photo brand simply because they do photography bags the best!!! They are well thought out and designed, so very well constructed and hold up to all kinds of the normal travel abuse. I was looking thru the Think Tank collections and landed in the Airport series for this bag, my latest in their lineup - the Airport Essentials. My specific need was for something that I could use solely as a “personal item” carry-on for US domestic flights. This bag’s dimensions met the standard personal item dimensions posted by most US airlines. It fits under the seat in front of me while one of the other Think Tank Airport rollers gets stashed above in the overhead bin. This bag holds quite a bit for its size. Granted, it will not hold my complete army of lenses and Sony bodies, but it does hold some of my smaller primes, a tripod ball head, gadget/tool bags, batteries, etc. There’s also room for other non-photo travel essentials, such as my Bose headphones, keys, passport, iPad Mini and 13” Macbook. As all of us photographers know, there is no one perfect bag, no matter how hard we continue to search…don’t believe anyone that says they have one!! Your needs are not the same as the guy next to you. However, Think Tank offers so many options, it makes it easier to find one that comes close. Even if it means buying two bags that complement each other.

Still the best backpack for carrying a lot of gear in a small/medium backpack

By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-03

I've tried several other backpacks over the past 10 yrs, but keep coming back to this one. I find it very comfortable to wear, small enough to put under an airplane seat if overhead bins are full, and the rectangular shape holds more stuff than a much larger rounded shape bag. Compact but effective padding on all sides, with top and side handles that are compact but comfortable to use even with > 22 lbs of stuff in the bag, plus a modest strap handle on the bottom which is occasionally useful. I almost forgot the zippers which work smoothly and have never snagged or stuck. Using the provided configurable dividers, I'm able to pack 2 FF mirrorless bodies, 3 premium zoom lenses (17-28, 24-70, 70-200, 2 camera straps, spare batteries & charger, 14" laptop plus accessories, cleaning accessories, spare glasses, small hot shoe mic, wireless microphone kit, USB cables, a few food bars, and more. Plus a monopod strapped firmly to the side where it does not wiggle around or get in the way. The attached photos are of my bag after 10 years of frequent use including travel. =============================== Additional Info: I just purchased my 2nd Airport Essential backpack. My 1st one has seen 10 yrs of use with only a few modest signs of wear. I expect to get several more years of use from my original copy, but I love this backpack so much I'm buying an extra one as insurance in case the 1st one gets damaged or they discontinue this model before my original one wears out. Waist belt Tip : for those who do not like/need the waist belt - you can tuck the entire belt inside the tunnel where it attaches and it feels like extra lumbar padding/support when you carry a heavy load. It is out of the way without taking up precious space inside the bag, but avail if you ever want/need it. Monopod Tip: I keep a monopod strapped to the side using the built in elastic pouch and a strip of velcro to hold the top in place. With many other bags the only way to keep it from wobbling around is to strap it to the rear of the backpack (farther away from my body), and when I turn around I sometimes smack the monopod into nearby people, doorways, walls, etc. Laptop location : the laptop is stored in the part which flaps open. I don't love this location as it moves the center of gravity away from your body, and it makes the flap very heavy as you flip it open. BUT, I've tried other bags where the laptop sits right up against your back and found those to be less comfortible to wear and less space efficient which, so I prefer the Airport Essentials design. Laptop Size : the spec says 13" laptop, but you can fit many 14" models and even some 15" ultalights since they are thin and have a narrow frame around the display. When it doubt, check the dimensions. The inablity to carry a 15" or larger laptop, is one of the few limitations for this bag, so if you carry a lot of camera gear AND a large laptop, then consider the larger Think Tank Airport Photos Commuter or Think Tank Photo Essentials Convertible Rolling Backpack. Larger camera bodies : If your camera body(s) is larger than the very biggest Sony FF mirrorless or use an attached grip, check the dimensions carefully and consider the larger Think Tank Airport Photos Commuter or Think Tank Photo Essentials Convertible Rolling Backpack.

See any errors on this page?

About Sony: Is there room for both A7R IV & A7R ...

About Sony: Is there room for both A7R IV & A7R IV bodies, the 200-600mm & wide angles?
Asked by: linda
Yes, your gear will fit.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-02-11

Would this fit a Nikon Z8 with a 180-600mm lens?

Would this fit a Nikon Z8 with a 180-600mm lens?
Asked by: Tina
Yes, the Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack would fit the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens.
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2025-11-25

question

Would the Airport Essentials fit in a Pelican 1510? As a replacement for the dividers.
Asked by: David D.
Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Exterior:11.5 x 18.0 x 7.0 (29.2 x 45.7 17.8 cm)Pelican 1510NF Carry On Interior: 19.8 x 11.0 x 7.6 / 50.3 x 27.9 x 19.3 cmOne dimension of the bag 11.5 is larger than the case 11.0. It is only .5 so we think you should be OK.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-28

Is there only one side pocket?

Is there only one side pocket?
Asked by: Nancy
Yes, there is only one side pocket on the Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack (Small, Black).
Answered by: Ejona G
Date published: 2024-12-01

will this fit the canon r3 with a rf 100-50mm ...

will this fit the canon r3 with a rf 100-50mm lens detached?
Asked by: cory
The Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack has an interior depth of 5" and the height of the Canon R3 is 5.6" so the camera will not fit inside the backpack. Please get the Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator Backpack (Black) BH #THAABP • MFR #720489 https://bhpho.to/485xx1O.
Answered by: Samik G
Date published: 2024-03-28

Will "ASUS 16" ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED ...

Will "ASUS 16" ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED Multi-Touch Notebook" fit in the laptop compartment?
Asked by: Amir
The laptop compartment in the Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack (Small, Black) is too small for an 11 x 14" laptop.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-07-26

question

Does this bag have a trolley sleeve?
Asked by: Jamie
Unfortunately, no, the the Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack does not have the trolley pass-through sleeve on the rear of the backpack.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2025-07-17

Does it fit 16 inch macbook pro

Does it fit 16 inch macbook pro
Asked by: Rakesh
The Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack (Small, Black) will fit laptops of up to 13".
Answered by: Erik H
Date published: 2025-02-28
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