[Review] The Perception Pro by Think Tank (You Need This)

Traveling with your camera gear just got a whole lot easier thanks to Think Tank’s Perception Pro. Not only is the Perception Pro ideal for photography travel, it is an exceptional way to organize! I’ve used Think Tank products in the past for camera gear storage solutions, but I’m not one to need a camera-gear only pack or bag.

I got tired of ruining my expensive gear (busted plug on a $300 external drive) and I knew I needed something more ideal for my lifestyle. While the Perception Pro houses ample gear in a protected way, it is not a bag that should/can be used only for serious photographic outings.

Most recently, on a climbing trip to Kentucky and Southern Illinois, I forgot a daypack for hiking gear in to various crags. Luckily, I had with me the Perception Pro and while I did bring along my Sony a6000 and a couple of lenses, I was also able to use it for climbing gear, extra layers, water, guidebooks and maps, and of course some snacks. This kind of versatility, while keeping my camera gear protected, is essential for what I do.

The internals of the Perception Pro are genius and can house a lot of different variations of camera gear whether you are traveling with a DSLR and lenses, a mirrorless camera and lenses, or a combination of both. In addition to the space inside the pack, there is also a dedicated, appropriately padded laptop sleeve (up to 15”), which also includes a separate sleeve for a tablet (up to 10”). No matter what you are bringing with you and what you intend on doing with this pack on your back, your gear will not be affected.

The organization pouches are padded and soft so as not to scratch any lenses or gear. There are 5 main pouches, some larger than others, and on the opposite side of the pouches, the interior wall has smaller pockets that are ideal for pens, business cards, etc. This is a little bit hard to explain but if you see photos, you will understand just how well equipped the Perception Pro is with pouches, pockets, and sleeves. There will be no excuse for your disorganization once you start using this pack!

Perhaps one of my favorite features of the Perception Pro is the fact that the zippers open all the way down the side of the bag and it basically scissors open so you can see absolutely everything inside your pack. There are plenty of packs out there that have great organization features within them, but once you get your gear into the appropriate pockets, you can’t see or find it. Not with the Perception Pro.

On the front exterior of the pack, there are 3 additional pockets. These are perfect for books or journals and the bottom pocket transforms into a perfect tripod carrying spot. There is a hidden loop at the top of the pack to secure the top of your tripod. I love how Think Tank included a place for a tripod, but when you are not carrying a tripod you can easily use the pocket as… a pocket. The top pocket is lined with a soft and scratch free material making it the ideal place to stash a pair of sunglasses. Whenever I’m on a plane I always worry horribly about what is going to happen to my sunglasses when I stash them away in my bag. Now I know they are safe and sound.

Additionally, there are two elastic water bottle carrying holds on the side of the pack which fit your standard size water bottle (this is the one I’m using). Also included with the Perception Pro is a seam-sealed rain cover for those super wet days.

After using this as a daypack for hiking, strictly a camera gear bag, and as a travel pack, there is only one thing that I wish it had more of. I wish there were a few straps on the exterior of the pack so that it would be easy to tie down extra layers and gear. I realize that the strappiness probably does not fall into the sleek design of the Perception Pro, but for my experiences, having a few extras points to tie down to would be ideal.

Overall, the Perception Pro is the perfect pack to take out into the backcountry hiking or traveling through airports around the world while safely carrying your camera gear. The design is simple and sleek enough to be used in even the hippest of cities yet can also fit into the depths of the roughest outdoor adventures.

If you need a safe traveling solution for your camera gear, look no further than the Perception Pro. This comfortable backpack will keep you organized, protect your gear, and allow for some extra room for your daily essentials.

What’s in my Perception Pro:

• Sony a6000 w/ Sony 16-50mm
• Canon 50mm w/ adapter
• GoPro Hero4 w/ accessories
• Chargers/cables/extra batteries
• External Hardrive
• Charger for my Macbook (why are these so huge?)
• Snacks—including but not limited to—Clif Bars, Candy, Apple, Yogurt covered Crasins, Fruit Snacks, Almonds, PopTarts (emergency only yes I know they’re horrible for you)
• The book Animal Dialogues By Craig Childs which is an amazing book but I’m a slow reader so yeah, I’m hoping to finish it in the next year
• Two notebooks: one for important lists, one for ???
• Pens
• Headphones
• A pair of socks
• A lightweight down jacket
• My wallet
• A Pair of sunglasses
• Two magazines (which coincidentally fit perfect in the tablet sleeve that I don’t use)
• Some random documents
• Toothbrush and few other essential personal hygiene items
• Business cards
• Battery bank

I realize two things as I list out the contents of what is currently riding in my Perception Pro. First of all, this pack is amazing. I am carrying so much in it and I don’t even feel like it is bursting at the seams. I can easily access anything I’ve packed, even when it is stowed on the airplane at my feet underneath the seat in front of me and I can barely touch my toes without my face going into my neighbor’s crotch. Second of all, I probably over pack and yes, I’d say it’s a problem but I’m not going to worry about it because it fits and it fits well. Think Tank has done it again.