Think Tank Rotation 360 part 1

December 21, 2006

Today we finally got our hands on one of Think Tank Photo’s “Rotation 360” camera back packs. So we thought we’d test it out over the holidays.

But meantime some first thoughts.

It arrived in a substantial box. The bag is substantial too, pretty firm with no hint of floppiness. Its a backpack configuration with heavily padded shoulder straps and pads to protect the lower back and shoulders; this allows some airflow across the back as well. It comprises a larger upper static part and lower part which is the bit that swivels round when you want it to. Along with the bag is a small glossy brochure and a photocopied four page picture guide. The photocopy wasn’t that great, but maybe that was because it was a review sample. It certainly would help if the images were clearer. In fact it was a bit off putting, so lets just get stuck in and see if it makes sense without the manual. Unzipping various pockets there’s the obvious things like the main compartment with numerous partitions. Another reveals a rainhood. But then there’s a few things that don’t make immediate sense, such as the pocket containing a sewn in strap. Does it make more sense when you wear it? Time to try it on. It slips easily enough over the shoulders and there seems to be quite a lot of adjustment available in the straps. The larger bottom one goes around the waist and a smaller one across the chest keeps the shoulder straps in place. There’s a small strap ending with a dog clip, attached to each shoulder strap, each tucked into a little sock to stop them floating around when not in use. Close by there is a pair of ‘D’ ring enabling other attachments.

Reaching around the waist strap there must be a way to bring the 360 part of the pack around to the front. But it looks like its time to get some clues from the picture Guide.
That points us to a toggle that “unlocks” the rotation pack. A firm tug and grabbing and pulling one of two loops on the waist strap successfully brings the bag around to the front. The “locking mechanism” consists of a pair of Velcro pads, one half of which is moved to a conceal position to achieve the “unlock” function. It certainly does a good enough job to keep the pack in place.
One thing to note is that both the waist strap and pack rotate together around your body, therefore there is going to be friction against your clothing. First impressions are that the bag’s materials allow a fairly smooth action without too much drag but we’ll see when its used in anger.

So much for how it seems in the comfort of the studio… and it does seem quite comfy and adaptable. Part 2 will give the story of what its like to use in the field. Watch this space!…

link: review part 2 

Posted in reviews