When going to a local shoot, what do you feel is the best way to carry your gear?
For speed, a backpack usually is the ticket. When the shoot is done, and you’re packed and on the move, a roller would be sweet.
ThinkTank Photo has now upgraded my favorite StreetWalker BackPack, with wheels!

Here’s a situation: Went to cover one of my favorite events, Roller Derby, and with a full pack on my back, went into the same old entrance, mid block.
OK, now there was a special event also at the same venue, and I was told to go around the corner, and enter in the middle of that block. It’s summmer and didn’t want to show up all sweaty, and hustling with a heavy backpack. would make that a certainty.
Popped open the top, brought out the handle, and beetled around the corner.
Back still intact.
After a few hours of shooting slamming action, I was ready to pack away the 2 bodies, speedlights, batteries, and empty my pockets of extras, to get on the road.
Yes, the Black Rapid straps helped save the back, but the thought of strapping on a very full backpack, and walking the 12 blocks I needed to go, was not an appetizing thought. And I was in less of a hurry.(of course, still had a night of editing ahead!)

It was a pleasure to then be able to fold in the backpack straps, pop up the handle and get on my way. Even rolled my way into a local pizza place for a fast slice.
Point being, the walk home was an easier deal, thanks to some wheels.

When shooting local, the Street Walker has been my bag of choice: holds enough gear, and sits right on my back.
The addition of wheels, sent it over the top.

What’s in the bag? 2 bodies, 4 lenses, including a 50-140 2.8, 2 speedlights, battery pack for speedlights, cables, cam batteries, smartphone ext battery, etc.

So, what are the differences between the 2 versions? (other than wheels, and a handle? And money?)

Some minor bits. here you can see a height difference:

Top down, same good stuff: window for ID, great zippers ( you’ll know when you have bad ones) comfy handle, great construction.And of course a zippered compartment to hide away the handle. Good touch. Wider.

Wheeled:
Great design on the backpack straps ability to fold away.
Different design in the inside of the top flap. Now there is a slot for a 15″ Laptop, so it’s contained internally.
Slightly diff strap layout for your tripod.
Added smartphone pocket in one of the side pockets
Larger side pockets for bigger water bottles, snacks, and stuff

Non-Wheeled:
allows for a larger laptop 17″, with a side zippered outside access, only.
It also has a velcro strap on the back to allow you to securely add a gear belt, and further customize your rig.
Slightly less room inside, yet lighter overall.

Specs for those that like em:

STREETWALKER® ROLLING BACKPACK V2.0 SPECIFICATIONS-

Internal Dimensions:
11.8” W x 19.7” H x 6.3–7.1” D (30 x 50 x 16–18 cm)
Exterior Dimensions:
12.6” W x 21.9” H x 9” D (32 x 55.5 x 22.9 cm)
Laptop Compartment:
9.8” W x 14.5” H x 0.9” D (25 x 36.8 x 2.3 cm)
Phone Pocket:
3.9” W x 7.5” H x 0.6” D (10 x 19 x 1.5 cm)
Weight:
8.2 lbs. (3.7 kg)

STREETWALKER® HARDDRIVE SPECIFICATIONS-

Internal Dimensions:
11” W x 19” H x 6–7” D (28 x 48.3 x 15–18 cm)
Exterior Dimensions:
11.5” W x 19.8” H x 8.5” D (29 x 50.3 x 22 cm)

Laptop Compartment:
11.3″ W x 13.5″ H x 1.5″ D OR 15.3″ H when not using the bag with a gripped DSLR (28.6 W x 34.3 H / 38.72 H x 3.8 D cm)
Weight:
3.8–4.6 lbs (1.7–2.1 kg)

Basically the same great bag, with the advantage of wheels. If you work trade shows, as I do, it’s perfect! backpack to get out fast, rolling to go booth to booth.
Another fine addition to the ThinkTank line. Designed by photographers, for photographers. Highly recommended!

Yes, I still use the SKB hard case, with the ThinkTank backpack, when I fly. Can’t wait for that new TSA deal to kick in. Still no word about lenses. Time to get pre-check, if you don’t already have it!
Dang!