Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack Review

The Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack is the latest addition to an extensive line-up, shaped by years of experience and user feedback.

A long-standing name in the camera gear world, Think Tank is known for offering high-quality, versatile bags that photographers can trust.

This lightweight, urban-style camera bag comes with all the essential features you’d expect, plus a handy expandable roll-top for extra flexibility.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack

Urban-style camera backpack featuring quick gear access, a slim profile, and an expandable roll-top.

So how does the FocusPoint hold up in today’s crowded camera bag market?

Let’s take a closer look at the 22L version so you can see for yourself.

What is the Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack?

The FocusPoint RollTop is a lightweight, urban-style camera backpack that includes all the essential features you may need, along with a convenient, expandable roll-top for added flexibility.

The Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop is designed for style-conscious photographers who want a versatile backpack that allows for quick and convenient camera access and is equipped with expandable storage.

Available in four colours and two sizes, it offers side access, back access, and a roll-top for three convenient ways to reach your gear. Additional storage pockets and pouches keep accessories neatly organised.

Built for urban environments and capable of travel, the slim, lightweight build of the FocusPoint suits the avid traveller and commuter.

For this review, I’ll be focusing on the smaller 22L version rather than the 30L model.

Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack Specs

The Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack features a boxy yet slim profile and includes generous padding at key touchpoints.

Design and Build Quality

The FocusPoint RollTop is a stylish, urban-inspired camera backpack, designed for photographers who enjoy exploring cities and who may even commute daily within their own sprawling urban environment.

Slender and smart, this backpack is built with travel, commuting, and sustainability in mind.

Crafted from heavy-duty, recycled, bluesign-certified materials that are PFAS-free, it’s tough enough for daily use and will endure unpredictable weather.

If conditions really turn, the included rainfly steps in to keep your gear safe and dry.

Offered in four distinct colours, the FocusPoint can blend in with ease on your commute or stand out as a stylish companion on your adventures.

Its slim profile sits close to the body, making it easy to move through busy terminals or train stations, and the 22L tucks neatly under an airline seat if you’d rather not stow it overhead (30L likely would need to be stowed).

The Think Tank FocusPoint has a lightweight yet firm and rigid build, which helps when loading it up and improves portability. Added chunky grab handles and an expandable roll-top further enhance usability.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. Breathable air mesh, a cushioned foam back panel, and padded shoulder straps spread the load without digging in.

Up top, the roll closure is reinforced with magnetic strips that snap together for a tighter seal, while a quick-release parachute buckle keeps everything locked down.

It looks pretty beefy, and perhaps a little overbuilt (in a good way, I love that buckle!).

For added convenience, it also features a removable waist strap, magnetic sternum strap, sturdy grab handle, plenty of pockets and pouches, plus both side and rear access.

Both shoulder straps include a reinforced attachment point for Camera Clip users.

The Think Tank FocusPoint has many thoughtful features and additional pockets, but it would be better if the extra straps, including the buckles, could be fully removed when not in use.

While the waist strap is removable, the buckles attached to the bag itself are fixed.

Only the straps can be taken off, so it would be nice to have the option of removing the buckles entirely when they’re not needed—perhaps by using a C-clip like the one already supplied for the side cargo strap.

The same goes for the sternum strap, as I don’t need one for commuting!

Storage Capacity, Compartments and Accessory Organisation

You can carry items externally on the FocusPoint using the pocket on the right, keeping them secure with the included cargo strap. The exterior bottle pockets are quite tight, but can also be used to keep other small accessories within reach.

The FocusPoint RollTop Backpack is built around two main compartments, supported by a range of pockets and pouches for organising smaller accessories.

The lower section is made up of the removable camera cube, which can be reached through the rear clamshell opening or the left side access panel.

On the opposite side, a larger cargo pocket is designed to carry a water bottle or travel tripod. There’s also a removable cargo strap above it to secure taller items in place.

Inside, the camera cube fits my Sony A7 IV with a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 attached. It’s a tight squeeze through the side access due to the Peak Design Mini Clutch attached, but workable.

Alongside the camera, there’s still room for a full DJI Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit and the included rainfly.

Think Tank has included a generous number of internal dividers and two padded inserts to help protect and organise your gear. The top compartment offers plenty of space for extra items and provides access to the laptop sleeve.

The upper compartment offers space for everyday items or additional tech/accessory pouches.

Here, you’ll also find an additional internal pocket and the laptop sleeve. The roll-top design provides extra room when needed.

If you’d rather maximize capacity for general use, the camera insert can be removed, giving you a more traditional backpack interior.

Think Tank has added upwards of ten small storage pockets and pouches throughout the bag, giving you plenty of options to organise loose items.

Inside the rear panel and left-side access panel, you’ll find slim sleeves, perfect for stowing filters, cables, batteries, or booklets.

The full-height front panel also opens wide, revealing a mix of differently sized pockets and pouches, and the panel itself flexes and shapes around bulkier items.

There’s also a more discreet phone-sized zipper pocket located on the upper back of the backpack, behind the roll-top. There’s an even more discreet AirTag/Tile pouch tucked between the left side of the camera cube and the inner edge.

Camera Clip users will also find a reinforced attachment point on both shoulder straps.

The Think Tank FocusPoint has plenty of extra pockets throughout the backpack. The top phone pocket is large enough to fit an iPhone 16 Pro Max, as shown.

The outer side pockets (the non-zipper ones) are a point of contention for me.

The openings feel too tight, though the pleated design does allow them to shape around items lower down. If they were slightly taller with an elastic opening, I believe they’d work better as true bottle pockets.

Even squeezing in a soft plastic airport-purchased water bottle posed a challenge; my daughter’s princess-themed bottle was even harder to fit.

Protection and Security Features

The Think Tank FocusPoint offers generous padding, and the included rainfly is a welcome bonus—especially since many other brands sell them separately.

Think Tank has done a great job of protecting your gear in the FocusPoint, with generous padding throughout the bag.

The roll-top design also adds a natural layer of weather resistance, making it harder for water to get inside.

The materials used by Think Tank provide additional water resistance, and for heavier downpours, a rainfly is included as standard.

The camera insert comes with a handy set of removable dividers and a few extra “pillows” that solve a problem you might not have thought about. These secure to the walls or dividers of the cube, giving extra support for L-shaped camera setups, like a wide camera body with a long lens.

They also help fill out gaps, keeping your camera snug and reducing movement while you’re weaving through crowded tourist spots.

As with most backpacks, security is a different story. There aren’t many built-in ways to lock down the zips, though there are a few DIY options.

A small padlock can be attached to the front panel zips, along with the left side panel zip. Only one side can be secured at a time, so I went with the left, which covers the camera access.

For the rear panel, the zips can be locked to the small tabs near the base of the pack using a cable lock. The RollTop, however, cannot be secured further than the included buckle, but I don’t believe a pick-pocket would be able to access this without you realizing (unless you’ve left your bag unsupervised), as they also have to unroll it to access your items.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

The FocusPoint’s roll-top adapts easily to what you need to carry, with the buckle strap extending to fit the required size. Built-in magnets also mean the buckle doesn’t always need to be used (but is recommended).

The Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack is straightforward and intuitive to use. The rear panel opens wide for full access, and the YKK RC Fuse zippers around the rear panel glide smoothly along the tracks.

Side entry is especially handy when you’re on the move, though space can feel a little tight depending on your camera setup and accessories.

The roll top itself is made easier thanks to magnets along the edges, which snap together and help you roll it down neatly.

It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, and honestly, feels like a must-have feature on any roll-top bag. The Shimoda SideStreet doesn’t have magnets; the difference is noticeable, and therefore, the FocusPoint definitely earns a bonus point here.

In fact, when the magnets snap together, the roll top stays closed even without using the buckle. The magnets alone are enough to keep it secure!

But, in any case, adjusting the buckle strap is just as seamless. Think Tank has made tightening or loosening the roll top effortless, and the same goes for the additional straps around the pack. Lengthening or shortening them is simple, and elastic ties keep any excess neatly secured.

The front panel also opens wide, keeping everything within easy reach. It’s a backpack designed for access, not hassle.

Camera Clip users will find a reinforced attachment point on both shoulder straps.

Comfort and Portability

The Think Tank FocusPoint sits securely on your back. With the included waist and sternum straps, it feels almost like an extension of your body.

Comfort and portability are where the Think Tank FocusPoint really stands out. There’s generous padding at all key touchpoints, and the top grab handle is thick and easy to hold.

Its firm structure, combined with a lightweight build, makes the pack easy to carry without weighing you down, even in crowded spaces.

Softer backpacks can sag or sway when packed, but a firm-structured pack feels solid and stable.

Active photographers will also notice how securely it sits on the back. With the waist stabiliser and sternum straps fastened, the FocusPoint feels almost like an extension of yourself rather than just a backpack.

The rear panel’s shape and breathable air mesh help keep things cool. In hotter climates, it won’t eliminate heat entirely, but it does make a difference.

The FocusPoint doesn’t have any extra grab handles, only the chunky one on top. But really, this bag is so slim that you could probably just grab it anywhere else and go!

Versatility and Travel-Friendliness

Think Tank has included a luggage pass-through on the FocusPoint, and I will always be grateful to brands that add this feature.

I believe Think Tank carefully considered how much someone interested in this backpack would travel, making it very versatile in a travel context.

With 22L of space, the FocusPoint easily accommodates the small amount of camera gear I usually take on trips.

I don’t like being weighed down by too much gear on holiday, and I also need to account for my daughter’s needs, such as spare clothes, snacks, water, and chargers.

It joined us on a couple of short trips, and it didn’t disappoint. Being relatively light, it didn’t add much to carry-on weight limits and slid easily under the seat on tight domestic flights.

On the shoulder straps, a reinforced area is ideal for Camera Clip users to secure to.

The roll top proved handy for stashing jackets or extra shopping, while the large front panel allowed smaller items to be dropped in and kept within reach without digging through the main compartments.

Caught in a sudden downpour, the rainfly kept gear dry when umbrellas weren’t on hand. The luggage handle pass-through also helped take weight off my shoulders.

Beyond travel, I used the backpack for commuting for a couple of weeks before writing this.

One minor drawback is the fixed-size camera cube. If full space isn’t required, some area goes unused. This is common for many camera bags, but for most people and typical use cases, it’s not much of an issue.

Alternatives to the Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack

These are two other options I already had in my collection, but inclusions, functionality, and budget should be taken into account.

Think Tank has a wide line-up of camera bags, ranging from heavy-duty workhorses built to carry your entire kit, through to street and adventure-ready backpacks.

Most of their range is dedicated to camera storage, with the full capacity designed to be arranged and organised however you need.

Their offering spans everything from hiking-inspired packs for outdoor use to smaller urban-style options for everyday carry. Capacities start at 13L and 15L for light-duty bags, right up to 22L through to 50L for larger loads.

Two alternatives to the Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop found in my own collection are the Shimoda Side Street and the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. Both sit in a similar capacity range and size, but each takes a different approach that might suit what you are (or are not) looking for.

The Shimoda Side Street is a recent release that shares the expandable roll-top, weather resistance, and removable camera cube features. It comes in 22L or 28L, with two colour options.

The camera cube can be taken out and used as a messenger bag, and the top compartment can be removed to act as a small tray-style carry.

It feels like a more heavy-duty option aimed towards more adventurous tasks. The trade-offs are that it only provides one camera access point, it’s bulkier, and is more expensive.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack offers another path. Available in 20L or 30L, it’s weather-resistant, has dual side access, plenty of storage pockets, and a smart urban look.

Instead of a removable cube, you get dividers that let you organise your gear horizontally inside the bag. It’s simpler in functionality and has a more premium feel, but it is much more expensive.

Price and Value for Money

The Think Tank FocusPoint delivers strong value, thanks to its capabilities combined with a lightweight yet sturdy build.

At the time of writing, the Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack 22L is selling for around US$235 (~AU$389) and the 30L for US$269 (~AU$407).

That sits well within Think Tank’s typical pricing range and gives it a solid competitive edge in the wider market.

The backpack’s lightweight design means it won’t add much to airline carry-on restrictions. On top of that, the slender 22L FocusPoint easily slides under the seat, keeping your gear within easy reach.

It’s a more streamlined option compared to similar competitors, giving it an edge by cutting down on the extra bulk often found in heavier-duty bags.

With its versatility and ability to shift between daily commuting and dedicated photography adventures or travel, it represents excellent value.

FAQ’s

To remove the camera cube from the FocusPoint, there are four strips of Velcro along the top, a small strip at the bottom, and a little tag on the right.

How easy is it to remove the camera cube?

While some backpacks feature a simple drop-in camera cube, the one inside the FocusPoint is secured by multiple strips of Velcro. This creates a stronger shape and doubles as the base of the top compartment.

The Velcro can be fiddly to remove around the top, but the small strip along the bottom and the small tag are easy. Putting it back in neatly can take a bit more effort, depending on how precise you want it to sit.

Once removed, the FocusPoint transforms into a more traditional single-compartment backpack.

So, what do I mean by not being able to completely remove the additional straps?

The buckles that the waist strap attaches to on the backpack cannot be removed. You can take off the straps themselves, but the buckles remain. They don’t get in the way, but it’s not as clean a solution as I would prefer.

The sternum strap might be removable, but it required far too much force for me to attempt safely. As a result, it stays dangling when not in use. The cargo strap is the only one that can be cleanly removed, as it comes with C-clips. It’d be great if the waist strap also had the same C-clips.

Should you choose the FocusPoint 22L or 30L?

It really depends on the gear you plan to carry and how much extra space you need for everyday items. If you regularly use multiple camera bodies or long lenses, the 30L model is likely the better fit, offering a larger camera cube for more equipment.

On the other hand, if you travel lighter or prefer to carry only the essentials, the 22L version will serve you well. For an indicative list of what fits in each model, head to the Specs section at the top of this review, where you’ll find two example gear lists provided by Think Tank.

Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack Review | Conclusion

The FocusPoint RollTop Backpack is a great, versatile option for photographers, travellers and commuters alike.

In summary, the Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack is a solid bag. It’s comfortable, easy to use, versatile, and looks great.

There are a few minor details I might change, like removable buckles or stretchier side pockets, but these are small points that don’t take much away from the overall experience.

A potential V1.5 or V2 update could address these, which would make it even higher on my list of ideal bags. For commuting, or times when I want to carry more gear or go on urban explorations, it’s a perfect grab-and-go option.

For tougher and rougher adventures off the beaten path and through dusty trails, I’d probably choose a different pack to avoid cleaning dust and debris from all the small folds and crevices.

Once again, Think Tank has produced a thoughtfully designed, high-quality backpack. I’m excited to see what they come up with next!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Think Tank FocusPoint RollTop Backpack

Urban-style camera backpack featuring quick gear access, a slim profile, and an expandable roll-top.