There are at least two different types of gear reviews.  There is the "Fresh Out of the Box" or "First Impressions" review, and there is the "I've Been Putting This Through Its Paces for a Few Months and This Is What I Think" review.  The first type might snag your interest, but the second really breaks it down for you.  I did a FOTB review of Think Tank Photo's City Walker 20 over on Facebook a few months ago, and now it's time for a closer look at what has become one of my favorite bags.

The CityWalker 20 is part of Think Tank's new line of messenger-style camera bags.  Currently available in three sizes and two color-schemes, this bag has everything I've come to expect from a Think Tank product, along with a new added twist.  There are a few things that immediately stand out the first time you pick up any Think Tank bag.  The first is superior construction.  It's built to last without adding unnecessary bulk.  Right down to the zippers, you know you're dealing with quality.  The second is the straps.  As photographers, we spend a lot of time with a lot of weight hanging on our shoulders.  Think Tank's shoulder straps are designed to not only hold the weight, but to distribute it evenly and comfortably.

So, what's new about this bag?  Besides it's casual, soft-sided, light-weight design, the City Walker has been conceived with the urban street photographer or photojournalist in mind, as well as any photographer looking for an "essentials" bag.  It would also make a great bag to take on vacation.  There is no shortage of pockets, compartments and dividers, and the dedicated interior iPad pocket is a very welcome addition.  In what I am pretty sure is a first, the entire padded gear section can be easily removed, converting from camera bag to messenger bag (and back again) quickly and easily.

Fresh out of the box, this bag did not look like it was going to hold very much, but I was very pleasantly surprised.  Without even packing it all the way, it is pictured here with a Nikon D90 with 24-70mm attached, 35mm and 70-200mm lenses, SB800 Speedlight, iPad, rain cover (included), and Black Rapid strap-- plus spare cards, batteries and other essentials like notebook, pens, and business cards.  For the working professional, this would be a great secondary bag.  Serious hobbyists and amateurs looking for a durable, comfortable bag with quick access to all of their gear might find their solution with the CityWalker series.