Today we are going to take a look at the ThinkTank Logistics Manager 30 V2. This is the updated version of the company’s successful rolling gear case and this will be a long-term review after more than six months of using the bag for our daily work and our commercial projects outside the studio.
About ThinkTank
ThinkTank is a big name in the photo world, backed up by multiple awards and the trust of many professionals around the world. There are ThinkTank bags, cases, and accessories for any kind of scenario.
Our thinktank bags
We’ve been using ThinkTank bags for years. In early 2021 we reviewed another bag from the Logistic series (Tripod Manager 44) and even before switching to the Logistic Manager 30 that we’ll look at today, we had used the Airport International V3 for a few years (see our original review).
The Logistic Manager we’re looking at today has been our main bag since July 2021, so this can be considered as a long-time review and our thoughts about how useful this bag is.
Build and design
As we’ve come to expect from ThinkTank, the Logistic Manager 30 is a heavy-duty bag with premium materials and a tough build.
The ThinkTank Logistics Manager 30 V2
Size and weight
The Logistic Manager 30 is a big bag with lots of space. It measures 40.1 x 76 x 32 cm (15.8” W x 30” H x 12.6” D) it weighs in at 16.8 lb / 7.6 kg.
It’s not only taller than the airport series bag but also about 50% deeper. While this adds a lot of room to fill it with lights, stands, and other big accessories, it’s not exactly meant to house camera bodies and lenses.
That’s how we’ve been using it for the last 6 months, and we’ve found a way to make it work, but it’s not ideal.
Materials
The outer materials are similar to the ones used in the airport bag and the other logistic bag that we use. But this one doesn’t have the protective flap to cover the zipper.
Inside, the bag is lined with a felt-like material to allow for the velcro dividers to attach to the sides.
High-quality durable materials
Features
The inside wall of the bag is tough plastic and is actually removable so that the lining can be washed or replaced. It is secured in place by velcro and gives the bag its sturdiness and protection.
Compartments
The main compartment is huge. The dividers are all adjustable, and in order to accommodate all of our daily carry, we actually added some extra generic dividers.
The main compartment with both stills and video gear
Pockets
There are three flat mesh pockets on the inside of the top lid, a large front pocket, and a space to carry a stand or a small tripod on the side of the bag. We feel that the space under the lid could have been used for more organizer pockets, like in the airport series bags.
without the pockets, we had to resort to storing small accessories in pouches. There’s definitely space for them, but it’s harder to keep things tidy.
Straps and handles
The top lid is secured with removable straps that keep the top from falling back when you pull things out of the bag.
There is also a heavy-duty strap lined with velcro on the sides and the top of the bag that allows securing gear to the outside of the bag.
The Logistic Manager 30 comes fashioned with handles on top, bottom, and right side, so that you can easily move the bag around, even between a couple of people.
Skid plates
One feature that is particularly useful in the field are the back skid plates. There is a big one on the bottom and two more that protect the back of the bag. This bag gets beat up a lot as it travels and gets thrown around, so this tough protection is pretty useful.
Wheels
The bag comes equipped with large shock-absorbing wheels in a metal chassis. The wheels also have proven to be very rugged after months of use and rolling over different surfaces. The best part about these wheels is that they are replaceable if they ever give out.
Lock
There are a few other useful features that come standard on the bags in this series, like a nameplate on the back of the bag, the integrated lock on the top in a little pocket, ID pocket on the side strap, and replaceable trolley handle, feet and skid plates.
The top handle and built-in lock
Some thoughts and Suggestions
We switched to the Logistic Manager 30 from our Airport series bag that we had used for a few years before and needed some extra space for a new camera body and a couple of new lenses.
The Logistic Manager 30 V2 definitely gave the needed room, but the depth of the bag makes it hard to organize smaller accessories inside. If all you carry are long lenses (70-200mm size), then you definitely need the depth, but in our case where we have a lot of small-mid size prime lenses, we have to stack the lenses in the compartments to maximize the space and prevent the lenses from moving around.
We’ve thought about using inserts, but that doesn’t really solve the issue. In our opinion, the space would’ve been better utilized with some pockets or an organizer section under the lid.
This would be a perfect bag for our use if it were the same height and width, but only as deep as the airport series bag and we really hope that ThinkTank will consider making such a bag for daily camera work with lots of gear.
Quality large YKK zippers
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Logistic Manager 30 is a very durable, versatile bag with lots of room to carry plenty of gear. It’s made of premium materials and features replaceable parts to make sure that it can outlast even the harshest treatment.
Just remember that it’s more designed for bigger pieces of equipment, so in order to accommodate camera bodies and smaller lenses, you will need to implement some kind of an organization system. But that definitely is not a deal-breaker, because having plenty of room to carry extra gear is always welcome.
Part of the backplate of the bag
Pricing
As for pricing, the Thinktank Logistic Manager 30 V2 currently sells for $500.
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