User Review:
First Impressions -
ThinkTank Airport Antidote
Introduction.
I went down to TK Foto to get the bag. For those who are targetting this bag, it's being sold at $279 (inclusive of GST).
Build Quality.
The build is excellent. IMHO it beats the hell out of Lowepro. The fabric feels very well put together, and I would be confident that my equipment is well-protected when inside the bag.
Interior.
The internal dividers are very Crumpler-style; you can attach them to each other and the walls of the main compartment. In all, TT gave me 6 larger sized dividers, 5 smaller ones, and two main dividers that can run across the length of the bag.
IMHO a very nice touch to have, so you can customise the interior however you want. So far, I've been through two configurations, namely an almost empty bag for modular system components to be dumped inside, and a lite setup, so I can carry all my stuff inside with use of the dividers.
I foresee myself using the first option more often, especially when shooting church or other events.
Also, two see-thru, semi-transparent pouches on the inside of the flap provide easy storage for extra batteries, cards, cleaning kit and other miscellaneous odds and ends. Because they are see through, you can quickly check that you have what you need to bring, without having to open the compartment and rummage through the whole pocket.
Exterior.
Straps take a bit of getting used to, but I'm sure in due time I'll grow to love it. The bag feels good when being worn - it doesn't feel awkward or unergonomic. A nice small pocket at the top for keys or an MP3 player is a nice touch.
There are three carrying handles: on top, on the side and at the bottom. This is rather overkill, but it helps when you need to grab it quick I guess. I do not foresee any use of the other two handles besides the top one.
Usage of the elastic band to secure stray excess strap is a little dodgy IMHO. The straps often find themselves moving around soon after, and I find one shoulder strap longer than the other. However, this is a minor point. Otherwise, the bag is excellent.
There are also attachment loops off to one side of the bag, so you can attach a tripod/monopod strap (provided) to the side, then slot a tripod/monopod into the side pocket, securing it with the strap. TT also provides a tripod pocket for longer tripods, so the legs hang off the bag into the pocket, rather than into the side pocket, where it will stick out a large bit on top of the bag. TT also provides a folder with instructions on how to attach the tripod/monopod straps, and the tripod pocket.
Other Stuff.
The bag comes with a folder that has pictures and captions of some professional ThinkTank users in the field. In the folder also, are instructions on how to attach the miscellaneous tripod/monopod loops and tripod pocket.
The bag also comes with ThinkTank's Artificial Intelligence15 (AI15), meant for 15" Notebooks. Slimmer 15" notebooks such as the Apple MacBook Pro will fit comfortably, but thicker ones will be a squeeze. There is a front compartment on the AI15 for pens, odds&ends, a notepad, your AC adaptor, a notebook mouse and other stuff. Handy, and it might find use as a schoolbag if I don't have much to bring.
The only thing I dislike about the AI15 is the top-slinging design. This is to say that if I attach the shoulder strap to the AI15, it would be slinging with the breadth of the notebook facing the ground, as opposed to the more conventional length of the notebook facing the ground. I think it looks downright weird.
The AI15 fits into a large stretch pocket at the front, which has a zipper on its side to secure the AI15 in place.
Overall.
I have yet to extensively use the bag, but so far, it has impressed me. I will be trying it out over a long event this coming weekend, and will update you guys.