Review of the Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 V2.0 Camera Bag

 Review of the Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 V2.0 Camera Bag

I have been using Think Tank products for many years and am continuously amazed at the bullet proof construction (Ballistic Nylon and YKK Zippers) and innovative ideas. Finding that my Think Tank AirPort Check In at times can be limiting size wise especially if I want to pack a pro camera with me on my travels, I needed a bigger bag. I went out and got the Thank Tank Urban Disguise V2.0. The AirPort Check In is not really a camera bag beyond packing a pro point and shoot like the Nikon P7000, Fuji XE1 or Canon G12. The Urban Disguise 60 V2.0 will carry up to a 17” laptop, a regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom attached and three to five additional lenses. It can actually hold a lot more stuff. This bag can swallow up a lot of gear. The nice thing that this briefcase sized bag is as the name suggests is that it does not look like a camera bag but a laptop business briefcase.

 It also is very versatile because it can also be used as a back pack with the optional shoulder harness and have additional items attached as follows:

• Urban Disguise Attachment Straps allow the 6 straps in the kit to add the modular components on the size or a tripod on the bottom
• The Shoulder Harness V2.0 can convert the bag into a backpack

 

This photo shows a sweet carbon fiber tripod and modular pouches attached for expanded carrying versatility

The V2.0 version has some new changes and they completely redesigned the front pockets on this new bag based on pro user feedback and places the main zippered pocket right on the outside flap. I find the Urban Disguise 60 to be the perfect size. It’s big enough to carry my laptop (or iPad and, Kindle or Blackberry Playbook), a pro-size body and an attached lens. There is room for additional lenses or a flash. Since I am traveling by air I have room to carry all my documents, airline tickets and tickets, iPhone and headphones. I also use the Cable Management 10 case to keep all small items and cords neat and safe. 

Remember that this bag is really a briefcase style camera bag and it does work very well for its intended use. I have tried several messenger style bags and for me the large flap was always an issue with me while I really enjoy the top zippered approach.

This bag is super versatile because if you take the dividers (It comes with 14 additional dividers) out I can slip a Cable Management 50 case in there and turn the bag into a really large travel briefcase. I use this where I find my Airport Check in is too small. Again it really depends on what are you bringing and how are you travelling. The UD60 fits easily underneath the airline seat and getting to your items is easy. I usually take the strap off, waterproof rain cover and back pack strap as well, and put that with my jacket in the overhead bin so I don’t step on the strap throughout the flight. This bag really makes it easy to travel with your camera on a business trip or family vacation. This bag can really swallow up a lot of stuff.

Ok, let’s take a look at its features

The front flap is held down with a quick release clip and large Velcro tabs. The front zippered pocket inside it has several smaller pockets and dividers one of which is inside zippered. This is a perfect spot for travel tickets and a passport. There are pockets to contain the lens cleaning pen, Multi tool, and flashlight or pocket wizards. There is a blue strap to hold your keys as well.

Underneath the front flap is another zippered document pocket as well as a section with a divider. You could put some flashes here but I put my Photographic Solutions Digital Survival Kit and the Cable Management 20 (keeps all the cords and small items in place. This is a flat bag. You could also put a camera body without a lens in this pocket.

These Cable Management cases are perfect for ensuring items do not fall out and get lost while traveling.

There is also a red D strap that allows you to clip the Pixel Pocket Rocket to it. One of these CF/SD card holders is included as a nice surprise.

The Center Section is where the camera will fit in and the divider(s) that allows the camera to be placed with the lens attached is provided. There is room on either side for extra lenses or a flash. You could also tuck a backup camera (not a pro version) in one of these pockets.

The UD60 also comes with a removable shoulder strap that is contoured and padded for maximum comfort. There are leather handles with a clasp that keeps the two carrying handles together.

There is an expansion zipper that increases the depth to fit a pro size DSLR with standard zoom lens attached, in main compartment.

On either side are Stretchable side pockets on both sides that are convenient for carrying small water bottles or a cell phone. They even stretch far enough to keep most hot shoe mounted flash units easily accessible. 

On the back we have another zippered pocket for documents or magazines, a business card ID holder, a roller handle attachment pocket with a zipper. The D rings for the back pack harness is there as well and the two bottom ones tuck into pockets to avoid rubbing up against your clothes.

Next up is the padded zippered pocket for the laptop. A 17” version can fit here and there is a divider that could be used for a mouse or power cable. 

As you can see the UD60 is a very thought out piece of kit that offers a ton of storage room and can simplify the way you travel or add a bit of professionalism on your next photo shoot.

 

I can still cram more than a Nikon D300, 28-70/2.8, 85/1.8, 35/1.8, 12-24/f4, Kindle, iPad, Lomo Sardinia, iPhone, Sb-800 and Sb-600 flash, Pocket Wizards and cables etc in the Cable Management cases, Photographic Solutions sensor cleaning kit, Pocket Pixel Rocket, Rain Cover, Mulittool, Water Bottle, Sony HD Cam, Kodak Master Guide

Passes through TSA and Security Check Points no problemo!!

I personally found the 70 to be too big and the 50 to be too small, the 60 model is the perfect size for my needs

Good luck and happy shooting!!

Improvements: I would enjoy 4 rubber feet on the bottom or a rubber skid plate so there is a reason for a V3.0 model. Honestly, I don't see too much room for improvement for this style of bag.

Specifications:

 ID:  16” W x 11.3” H x 4.3” D (40.6 x 28.7 x 10.9 cm)
*Opening Expansion Zipper adds 2.25" (5.7 cm) to main compartment depth 

**Laptop Compartment ID:   16” W x 11.3” H x 1.5” D (40.6 x 28.7 x 3.8 cm)
ED:  16.5” W x 12” H x 7” D (41.9 x 30.5 x 17.78 cm) 

Weight:   3.7–4.4 lbs (1.7–2.0 kg)

Exterior - All fabric exterior treated with DWR while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance, 1680D ballistic nylon, YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, antique nickel plated metal hardware, Ultra Stretch pockets, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread