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Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack

BH #THBSBP13 • MFR #720448
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Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack
Key Features
  • Large Compartment Holds Lots of Gear
  • Ideal for Photo, Video, Drone Equipment
  • Rear Access with Quick Top Flap Opening
  • Deep Front Gear/Organizer Pocket
Move fast and shoot faster with optimum security for your gear with the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack. Its backpack straps are fully adjustable to maximize comfort with a stabilizing sternum strap and removable waist belt.
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Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Overview

Move fast and shoot faster with optimum security for your gear with the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack. Its backpack straps are fully adjustable to maximize comfort with a stabilizing sternum strap and removable waist belt.

Designed to be your go-to bag, it was built with versatility and durability in mind. The roomy main compartment is padded to protect your delicate gear and comes with a set of adjustable and removable dividers so you can customize the layout for all your gear. You can easily carry multiple camera bodies with lenses attached, plus extra lenses, flashes, external drives, and other essentials—or bring along your favorite mini drone. Access to the compartment is from the back for maximum security, with a top access flap that allows you to grab your favorite camera and lens to capture that one-in-a-million shot when it presents itself unexpectedly. Three interior zippered mesh pockets provide organization for cables, cards, and batteries.

Its minimalist exterior hides more storage than you might think at first glance. A deep front pocket has organizers for smaller personal items with a slip pocket for a 13" laptop plus a 10" tablet. Deployable straps carry a tripod or monopod, and you can stow them away when not needed to eliminate unsightly hanging or dangling straps. A small side pocket is perfect for a water bottle and another microfiber-lined pocket will hold a phone or sunglasses without scratching.

This bag is useful for professionals of all kinds including photographers and videographers, audio and sound engineers, and even drone pilots.

Exterior
  • Access to main compartment is on the back for optimal security
  • Quick access to top part of the main compartment allows you to grab your primary camera when opportunities present themselves
  • Deep front pocket has an organizer to hold small personal items
  • Padded slip portion in front pocket accommodates 13" laptops and 10" tablets with easy access for working on the go or to quickly get through TSA checkpoints
  • Small, zippered microfiber-lined phone/sunglasses pocket
  • Tripod/monopod retention strap system on the front with quick release straps and a stowable foot pocket on the bottom for added support
  • Side water bottle pocket
Interior
  • Dimensions: 9.8 x 14.2 x 5"
  • Roomy and fully customizable interior holds multiple camera bodies with attached lenses, plus additional lenses, flashes, drives, and other accessories
  • Zippered top access allows you to keep a preferred camera/lens combo ready for fast shooting on the go
  • Padded 210D nylon lining protects valuable and delicate gear
  • Light silver-toned interior makes finding the right gear easy
  • Closed-cell foam and PE board reinforced dividers are adjustable and removable, allowing you to customize the compartment to your needs
  • Zippered mesh pockets are useful for accessories like cables and chargers, with the ability to easily see what's inside
Backpack Straps
  • Adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of users
  • Sternum strap stabilizes load and eliminates the shoulder straps from shifting while moving
  • Waist belt offers maximum stability when moving over rough or rocky terrain, or when you need to run through an airport to catch a flight
  • Remove the belt to travel fast and light without hanging straps
Construction
  • Made of durable 500D 2-tone polytech-weave nylon
  • Abrasion-resistant YKK RC Fuse two-way zippers
  • DWR water-resistant and polyurethane coatings keep water out to protect contents and make cleaning easier
  • Semi-rigid back support with air-flow channels improve comfort with handle pass-through sleeve to put the pack on the handle of rolling luggage
  • Seam-sealed rain cover included for added protection against heavy rain or for extra security in crowded areas where pickpockets are active
UPC: 874530004483

Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Specs

Key Specs
Color
Black
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle
Type of Closure
Zipper
Interior Type
Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Compartment 1: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 13.4 x 9.1 x 1" / 34 x 23.1 x 2.5 cm
Compartment 2: Fits 10" Tablet
Water Resistance
Water Resistant (Material), Rain Cover Included
Dimensions
16.9 x 10.2 x 7.1" / 42.9 x 25.9 x 18 cm
Weight
3 lb / 1.4 kg
Color
Black
Camera Compatibility
Universal
Carry/Transport Options
Backpack Straps with Sternum Strap, Handle
Type of Closure
Zipper
Interior Type
Adjustable Dividers (Hook & Loop)
Laptop/Tablet Compatibility
Compartment 1: Fits 13" Laptop
•Up to 13.4 x 9.1 x 1" / 34 x 23.1 x 2.5 cm
Compartment 2: Fits 10" Tablet
Features
Bottle Pocket
Yes
Hydration Bladder Compatible
No
RFID-Blocking Pockets
No
Stand/Tripod Holder
Yes
Side Access
No
General
Water Resistance
Water Resistant (Material), Rain Cover Included
Padded Interior
Yes
Materials
Exterior: Nylon [with Polyurethane Accents]
Interior: Nylon
Dimensions
Exterior
16.9 x 10.2 x 7.1" / 42.9 x 25.9 x 18 cm
Interior
14.2 x 9.8 x 5" / 36.1 x 24.9 x 12.7 cm
Weight
3 lb / 1.4 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.2 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
16.5 x 10.7 x 8.4"

Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Reviews

Still The Best For Micro Four-Thirds

By John
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-11

I shoot Olympus/OM System gear. Until some calamity ensues, end of story. For the past dozen or so years, I've been using a Think Tank Urban Approach 15 backpack for this specifically-sized equipment. I chose it after an extensive trial-and-send-back period, during which I determined most photo backpacks were made for DSLR-scale bodies and lenses. Turns out, they still are. So about the same time I determined I maybe wanted a second, top-access bag for a long OM zoom lens I've been eyeballing, this BackStory 13 came up as a daily Deal Zone special. And just like the still-new-looking Urban Approach 15, it's an amazing bag, built like a proverbial tank and scaled for OM gear. The design not brand new, is about five or six years newer than my other TT bag, and features thicker padding and more hard-core shoulder straps, built for longer carries, as opposed to airport sprints. The tripod attachment options are also much better on the BackStory than the Urban Apporoach. And while the Urban Approach is more of a business briefcase, with all the gear accessible under the long front flap, the BackStory is more contemporary, with the main flap located toward the wearer's body for security. Importantly, this bag is actually a tiny bit shorter and narrower than the other bag, making it even more ideal for under-seat airline storage. That's why I chose the 13 over the 15 -- I definitely didn't want anything bigger than I already had. Both my TT bags are sleek, relatively frictionless, unobtrusive packs, which is crucial for traveling and on-site work applications. The one minus on this bag is that the laptop compartment is a bit shorter than advertised, so my 13" laptop will slide in, but not enough to get the front flap zipped. That's fine in my case, since I don't plan to use this bag for the kinds of trips which require a mobile office. I already have a "work" bag for that -- this is the wildlife bag. It won't accommodate the same amount of gear, specifically as many Oly/OM PRO lenses, as the Urban Approach 15, but that's not the idea. However, YMMV.

Ticks all the boxes in a great size

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-23

This was the only backpack I found that had all the items I wanted at the right size. Just enough room for the camera body, 3 lenses (wide, 2 zooms), easy access to assembled camera, room for batteries, tabletop tripod, chargers, cleaning kit, a rain cover,13" laptop, portable tripod and lots of pockets for stuff. Also I really wanted a chest and belt straps along with comfortable shoulder straps for touring/hiking. The strap for putting on a roller suitcase is a great plus. I tried 3 other packs before this one and I'm glad I spent the extra $$ to get this quality that ticked all the boxes. The zippers are like butter! If I had another camera body to add I'd of gone for the 15 instead of this 13. When I buy another bag, it's going to be another ThinkTank.

See any errors on this page?

Will this fit a z6ii, z6iii, z 24-70, and ...

Will this fit a z6ii, z6iii, z 24-70, and z70-200?
Asked by: Brian
Yes, the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack is compatible with that combination.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2025-01-10

Will this fit a Canon R7 with RF800 attached?

Will this fit a Canon R7 with RF800 attached?
Asked by: Michael
Yes, the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack will accommodate a Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera with a Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens attached.
Answered by: Samik G
Date published: 2024-09-02

Does the 13 have a separate top compartment to ...

Does the 13 have a separate top compartment to store a camera with attached lens for a quick grab like the backpack 15 model?
Asked by: Fred
Yes, the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack has a top access flap that allows you to keep a preferred camera/lens combo ready for fast shooting on the go.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2026-02-08

Will a R5K2 with a RF 100-500 attached fit this ...

Will a R5K2 with a RF 100-500 attached fit this bag?
Asked by: Paul
Yes, the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack will fit the Canon R5 Mark 2 camera with the 100-500mm lens attached.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2025-09-11

Will this hold a Canon R5 with 24-105 attached ...

Will this hold a Canon R5 with 24-105 attached and two other lenses (14-35 and 70-200) stored off the camera? Room leftover?
Asked by: Bill
Yes, the Think Tank Photo Backstory 13 will accommodate all pieces and more mentioned.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-07-23

Will this bag fit a nikon z6ii, nikon z6iii, ...

Will this bag fit a nikon z6ii, nikon z6iii, z70-200 lens, and z24-70 lens?
Asked by: Brian
Yes, the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack fits the Nikon z6II and z6III Mirrorless Cameras, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens.
Answered by: Ejona G
Date published: 2025-01-06

Is this bag waterproof?

Is this bag waterproof?
Asked by: David
The Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack is treated for waterproofing and comes with a rain fly cover.
Answered by: Gary L
Date published: 2026-04-28

I won't use this as a backpack per se. Is it ...

I won't use this as a backpack per se. Is it designed so that the various straps etc can be tucked away ?
Asked by: Bill
No the main straps on the Think Tank Photo BackStory 13 Camera Backpack do not come off to stow a away.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2023-07-23
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