ThinkTank Photo recently released two new daypacks: Perception 15 and Perception Tablet. These packs are built to ThinkTank’s high quality standards yet are priced affordably and offer a lot of features photographers will appreciate. These daypacks can hold a mirrorless or small DSLR with lens and have room for everyday essentials in addition to photography gear. My favourite feature is the ergonomic padding for all day comfort.
Perception Daypacks are made with ThinkTank’s tough and durable 600 Denier nylon exteriors that’s treated with a water repellent coating. A seam-sealed rain cover is included with both packs. A sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps together. The blue accents add a touch of classy colour to the packs – the accents on the shoulder straps double as sliders for the sternum strap so you can adjust it to fit your body.
Perception Tablet is the smaller pack. There’s room for a small tablet such as an iPad (in its own pocket) plus a camera with lens, an additional prime lens or two, small electronics such as a GoPro or GPS, radio or headlamp.
Perception 15 can hold a laptop up to 15” as well as a small tablet – each in their own section. You can fit your camera plus a couple of lenses, your GoPro, GPS, headphones and similar devices.
Perception 15 Backpack
Perception Tablet Black
The camera/lens/device pockets have a stretch-cord drawstring to secure your gear inside the packs so it doesn’t fall out – especially handy if you’ve been rock collecting and your bag is filled with crystals and minerals.
Pockets for batteries and memory cards are easy to access and you can fit a notepad and couple of pens in each bag.
Each Perception daypack includes a large area below your camera to store essentials, such as lunch, rain gear and other bigger items.
Tripod holders are included in both bags – there’s a hidden strap on the top and one or two legs of your tripod go in the outer pocket. There’s also a padded cellphone pocket which is big enough to fit my Samsung S22 Ultra!
Perception daypacks are perfect if you’re heading out for a day of fun with the family or friends and want to bring your camera and some essentials plus that other “stuff” that never seems to fit in your regular camera bag. It’s also great for travellers who need a carry-on, even for the most stringent size requirements. Perception 15 is only 11” wide x 17.5” heigh x 9” deep – it’s practically Personal Article size. Perception Tablet is under the Personal Article size for air and rail travel.
The Perception series are the smallest and lightest backpacks made by ThinkTank – they’re so light you can barely feel them on your back. The ergonomic panels against your back are very comfortable, as are the wide padded shoulder straps. I was pleasantly surprised just how comfy and versatile these packs are.
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Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
