AtL Gear Reviews – ThinkTank RollTop Camera Bag Review: Form over Function

Introduction

The ThinkTank RollTop Camera Bag (Golden Hour, 30 L) has one major unique feature that helps it stand out from the rest: the ability to roll the top compartment up and down. While traditional camera bags have static features and sections that don’t change shape, the RollTop offers some flexibility, allowing on-the-go storage. While this camera bag offers unique features and looks great, its overall form and functionality limit it in key areas, making it suitable only for certain types of photographers.

Functionality

The RollTop Camera Bag, as the name suggests, features an expandable top that allows storage of either a large or a small amount of items. The top can then be compressed when space is not needed and expanded when it is. This functionality worked well in my testing, and the space allowed me to store the Switch 2 gaming console, a lunch bag, a drone remote, and other accessories. Keep in mind, though, that, aside from the laptop holder and a few zippable pockets, there is no other way to segment this section, so whatever is placed in here will move around freely.

While the expandability of this section is a nice feature, I fail to see its practicality outside of the aesthetics it provides to others looking at the bag. I’m used to bags retaining a certain static shape, as that is how all my other bags are designed, so the added feature seems more aimed at those who are concerned with bag aesthetics. This appeal to aesthetics seems to apply to the entire bag; more on that later. The only other thing I’ll mention about this section is that it also houses the laptop compartment. While I like that the laptop is stored on the outside edge of the bag, which helps reduce compression damage, I found getting the laptop in and out of its compartment a little difficult at times, especially when there are a few things in the top compartment.

Besides the titular roll top, the bag also features a standard main compartment with typical dividers. While I appreciated the additional dividers that allowed me to customize this section, I felt the overall space was generally lacking. While I realize that ThinkTank sells numerous camera bags with copious space, when I select a camera bag, I like to have the option to bring enough lenses to provide some flexibility in what I can shoot. While the space provided in the compartment is good, it definitely limits flexibility, at least for my camera kit.

I was able to fit an R5C, a 24-105mm L-series lens, a flash, and a drone into the bag. There was a little bit more room for some accessories and a microphone, but that was it. Keep in mind that the bag I tested was the 30L capacity bag, the bigger of the two, so if I’d reviewed the other option, the 22L, my options would have been even more limited. That said, ThinkTank doesn’t hide that this compartment is small, so keep that in mind before selecting this bag. This bag isn’t really designed to hold a three-lens kit alongside a camera with a battery grip; it just wasn’t really designed for that, unless the camera is smaller than normal. For example, I think this bag would have been perfect for my GH5 camera kit with lenses, but that camera was also a Micro Four Thirds.

Besides the removable main compartment, which can be accessed from the back or the side, the bag also features an exterior pocket for smaller accessories, pens, memory cards, and batteries, along with two side pockets and a side pouch. The side pockets are exceptionally small and seem only designed to hold something very thin and small, or to hold the feet of a small tripod alongside the optioned external strap. The side pocket that opens into the main compartment seems almost unusable because it’s in the same place as the opening, but I’m glad it’s there in case I want to use it. That being said, my guess is that it serves more of an aesthetic function than an actual pocket anyone would use for anything larger than business cards.

Style

What this camera has in spades is style. It looks stylish and feels more like a status symbol than a functional tool. I’m personally not one for style, as I’m typically not wearing a camera bag to appeal to anyone’s fashion sense, but I’m glad a bag like this exists for those who are more conscious of those things. Everything about the bag’s design feels deliberate and considered, from the fabric to the latch that closes the top portion to the padding on the back. In general, this is a pretty bag to look at, even though its functionality is somewhat limited by its size.

Comfort

Wearing the bag was a comfortable experience overall. The bag has thick padding on the back, and the shoulder straps are very comfortable and easily adjustable. It doesn’t feature a waist strap, but it’s not necessary; even at full capacity, it can’t get overly heavy, and that’s by design. All the zippers open and close smoothly, and in general, every part of the bag feels comfortable to the touch.

The only time I felt uncomfortable wearing the bag was when the zippers, which close the main compartment, were positioned so they stuck out and rubbed against my back. While I appreciate the back-loading style for both security and functionality, be careful where the zippers end up; if they’re both at the top, they could brush against the back, causing irritation.

Usability

In general, I found the bag very usable during my testing. I liked the roll-top compartment and found it large enough to fit my lunch while I was out on a shoot all day. The small main compartment, though, was the major limiting factor, as I couldn’t really use this bag as much more than a vacation travel companion. Not being able to fit much more than an extra lens or a flash meant I had to be pretty deliberate about what I packed. In general, though, I couldn’t see this bag being my daily driver.

The only other thing I’ll say about usability is that the bag can be a little top-heavy when it’s in use. Keep in mind that the main compartment is so small that it can’t hold much gear, so when the camera is taken out with a lens and flash, the majority of the main compartment stays empty. While it never affected my comfort while wearing the bag, this design choice makes the bottom portion noticeably lighter than the top, which could lead to balance issues due to the weight differential.

Conclusion

I found my time with the FocusPoint Rolltop Camera Bag to be mostly enjoyable once I got to know its limitations. When I accepted that I’d have to be more deliberate and judicious in my camera and lens choices, I came to appreciate the bag’s features. This bag isn’t for everyone, and I’d say working photojournalists and photographers probably won’t find much use for it due to its limited capacity, but I don’t think they’re the audience for this type of bag. And that’s OK, as ThinkTank offers a number of other bags that fit the bill and provide immense space and functionality, such as the Firstlight or Walker Pro series.

If you’re looking for a camera bag for small camera kits, or you’re willing to limit what you bring with you, this bag offers a nice, stylish option with the flexibility to carry extra cargo. I’d select this bag for vacations, short hikes, and day trips, but I’d never make it my go-to for professional ventures. Regardless of need, this is still a very high-quality, well-made bag that will satisfy the targeted customer.