Reviews Summary
Here's what the reviewers think about the Think Tank Retrospective:
Reviewers like these things about the Think Tank Retrospective
- A lot of users thought that the materials, textures, colors, and shapes used in the Think Tank Retrospective pack are all very subtle and simple.
- Other users noted that it does not attract much attention at first glance, but closely, it is a very well-sorted and sophisticated-looking object.
- Many of those who have tried the pack noted that it is a properly made shoulder bag and everything in it feels quite premium.
- Several users observed that it is exceptionally rugged and strong.
- Reviewers have felt that its strap is quite wide and very thick, but still comfortably soft to use.
- Many wrote that the underside of the padding has a rubber pattern to keep it from sliding off the shoulder, naked or otherwise.
- Another user said that the pack strap has a silicone that is quite soft and no matter the surface of contact or weather, does its job very well, the bag stays on the shoulder securely.
- Testers said that the zippers are easy to undo with one hand and the velcro is showing virtually no signs of wear.
- Reviewers raved about the see-through business card pocket on the inside of the main cover.
Reviewers don't like these things
- A user remarked that it is not as styled and, arguably, not as beautiful as some other bags.
- Another user thought that the corner-cutting of the bag is noticeable.
Specs
Crowdsourced specs across all Think Tank Retrospective models and sizes:
 | Weight | 2.15-3.3 oz (1-1.5 kg) |
 | Length | 6-16.5 in (15-42 cm) |
| Width | 8-16 in (20-41 cm) | |
| Height | 8-14 in (20-36 cm) | |
 | Laptop Size | Max. 13 inches |
Popular Models
Think Tank Retrospective 5
39% choose the Think Tank Retrospective 5
39 %
Colors and combinations:
Black
Black
Specs
| Weight | 2.2 oz (1 kg) |
| Length | 6 in (15 cm) |
| Width | 10 in (25 cm) | |
| Height | 8 in (20 cm) |
Think Tank Retrospective 7
28% choose the Think Tank Retrospective 7
28 %
Specs
| Weight | 2.6 oz (1.2 kg) |
| Length | 7 in (18 cm) |
| Width | 14 in (36 cm) | |
| Height | 9 in (23 cm) | |
| Laptop Size | Max. 13 inches |
Think Tank Retrospective 30
17% choose the Think Tank Retrospective 30
17 %
Colors and combinations:
Black
Black
Specs
| Weight | 3.3 oz (1.5 kg) |
| Length | 7 in (18 cm) |
| Width | 16 in (41 cm) | |
| Height | 11 in (28 cm) |
Think Tank Retrospective 10
17% choose the Think Tank Retrospective 10
17 %
Colors and combinations:
Blue
Blue
Specs
| Weight | 2.15 oz (1 kg) |
| Length | 16.5 in (42 cm) |
| Width | 12 in (30 cm) | |
| Height | 9 in (23 cm) |
Think Tank Retrospective 5 vs Retrospective 7
The two most popular Think Tank Retrospective models are the Retrospective 5 and the Retrospective 7, so let's compare them:
Popularity and Prices
In total, 67% of the people interested in the Think Tank Retrospective bags choose one of these two models. The most popular choice is the Retrospective 5 which is choosen by 39% (1.4 times as many as the 28% that choose the Retrospective 7).| Retrospective 5 | Retrospective 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Most popular |
Weight and dimensions
The weight of the Retrospective 5 is 0.4 kg (14.1 oz) lower than the weight of the Retrospective 7.| Retrospective 5 | Retrospective 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Lightest |
If we look at dimensions, the Retrospective 5 is 1 in (2 cm) longer than the Retrospective 7 (6 vs. 7 in). It's 4 in (10 cm) wider (10 vs. 14 in), while the height of the Retrospective 5 is 1 in (2 cm) less than the height of the Retrospective 7 (8 vs. 9 in).
Feature Summary
Many sources mention these Think Tank Retrospective features:
- Laptop compartment
- Raincover included
- Tablet compartment
Actual features depends on the model, so check the features before you buy.
Rankings
vs Think Tank Bags
The Think Tank Retrospective ranks #4 compared with the other Think Tank bags.Top 30% Think Tank bag
| 2 | Think Tank Airport |  |
| 3 | Think Tank Urban Disguise |  |
| 4 | Think Tank Retrospective |  |
| 5 | Think Tank Brain |  |
| 6 | Think Tank Lily Deanne |  |
vs All Bags
The Think Tank Retrospective ranks #119 compared with all the bags we have checked.Top 5% bag
| 117 | Delsey Journee |  |
| 118 | Think Tank Retrospective | |
| 119 | Camelbak Phantom |  |
| 120 | Velo Transit Edge |  |
| 121 | Source Fuse |  |
Vs Other Bags
Crowdsourced comparisons of the Think Tank Retrospective vs 6 other, similar bags.
Many sources mention this feature
Some sources mention this feature
Think Tank Retrospective vs Billingham Hadley
Think Tank Retrospective
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
- The Retrospective is rated a little bit better than the Hadley.
- In total, we have checked and analyzed 463 reviews of the two bags.
- The weight of the biggest Retrospective is 38% heavier than the biggest Hadley (3.3 oz vs 2.4 oz).
| Feature | Retrospective | Hadley |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop compartment | ||
| Raincover included | ||
| Tablet compartment | ||
| Waterproof |
Both bags are available in these colors:
Black
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Blue
Black
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Blue
Think Tank Retrospective vs Domke F2
Think Tank Retrospective
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
- The Retrospective is rated quite a lot better than the F2.
- In total, we have checked and analyzed 333 reviews of the two bags.
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Black
Blue
Black
Blue
Think Tank Retrospective vs Lowepro Event Messenger
Think Tank Retrospective
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
- The Retrospective is rated a little bit better than the Event Messenger.
- In total, we have checked and analyzed 965 reviews of the two bags.
Both bags are available in these colors:
Black
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Blue
Black
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Blue
Think Tank Retrospective vs Tenba Cooper
Think Tank Retrospective
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
- The Retrospective is rated better than the Cooper.
- In total, we have checked and analyzed 507 reviews of the two bags.
- The weight of the biggest Retrospective is 9% lighter than the biggest Cooper (3.3 oz vs 3.6 oz).
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Black
Blue
Only the Cooper is available in these colors:
Grey
Black
Blue
Only the Cooper is available in these colors:
Grey
Think Tank Retrospective vs Tenba DNA
Think Tank Retrospective
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
BEST
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
- The Retrospective is rated a little bit better than the DNA.
- In total, we have checked and analyzed 1,081 reviews of the two bags.
- The weight of the biggest Retrospective is 10% heavier than the biggest DNA (3.3 oz vs 3 oz).
Both bags are available in these colors:
Blue
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Black
Blue
Only the Retrospective is available in these colors:
Black
Think Tank Retrospective vs Think Tank CityWalker
Think Tank Retrospective
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
Based on 333 reviews
Capacity:
Weight: 2.15-3.3 oz
Price: $$$
- The Retrospective is rated a little bit worse than the CityWalker.
- In total, we have checked and analyzed 360 reviews of the two bags.
- The weight of the biggest Retrospective is 14% heavier than the biggest CityWalker (3.3 oz vs 2.9 oz).
Both bags are available in these colors:
Black
Blue
Only the CityWalker is available in these colors:
Grey
Black
Blue
Only the CityWalker is available in these colors:
Grey
Selected Reviews
Tools & Toys
The Think Tank Retrospective 6 has quickly become my most used bag, and that’s saying a lot. I tend to obsess over bags, and I’ve tried a lot of them over the years. No other bag to date has given me such a seamless and worry-free experience, and that’s probably why I keep coming back to it.Posted 27 December 2016 by Alvaro Serrano - Read full review
Mac Sources
The heavy cotton canvas material and heavy duty shoulder strap are reminiscent of a military bag and I have no doubt that the Retrospective Laptop Case will withstand daily use.Posted 11 February 2016 by Robyn - Read full review
The Phoblographer
The Think Tank Retrospective 30 Leather camera bag is an extremely useful bag for the photographer that NEEDS it.Posted 13 October 2015 by Chris - Read full review
Tools & Toys
All in all, the Retrospective 5 is a really solid performer, and a great walk-around camera bag. It’s big enough to carry more gear than you’re likely to need on a daily basis, without being as bulky as other bags out there. If you never want to leave home without your camera, this is the right bag for you.Posted 28 April 2015 by Alvaro Serrano - Read full review
Photography Life
It’s not just good and well thought through as a shoulder bag, it’s an insanely impressive example of how a product should be designed regardless of its function.Posted 8 March 2015 by Romanas - Read full review
Photography Life
The bag is genius. The design is flawless and the craftsmanship is high quality.Posted 9 May 2013 by Laura - Read full review
The Phoblographer
In short, I love this bag and will be happy to recommend it to anyone that is looking to meet one or all of the aforementioned needs.Posted 3 January 2013 by Christian - Read full review
The Phoblographer
If you’re a photographer who likes to pack some serious heat and bring an arsenal of equipment with you on shoots, then the Retrospective 50 is a must-have.Posted 1 December 2012 by Bobby - Read full review
Cult of Mac
It’s become my favorite DSLR day bag, and if you like to look sly and travel light, there’s no other bag I would recommend more highly.Posted 9 October 2012 by Erfon - Read full review
The Phoblographer
I can only give nothing more than overwhelming and absolute love and support to the Retrospective 7 camera bag. In fact, I’d go as far to say as this is Think Tank’s best bag yet.Posted 16 June 2012 by Chris Gampat - Read full review
The Phoblographer
If you are in the market for a shoulder bag that can hold a consumer or prosumer body, 2-3 lenses and all of your accessories, this bag should really be at the top of your list.Posted 18 December 2011 by Mike - Read full review
The Phoblographer
This will be the bag that I carry for my personal shooting needs anytime I need to carry more than one lens and my flash which is 95 percent of the time.Posted 22 June 2011 by Chris - Read full review
The Phoblographer
If you need something to carry around a DSLR and a lens or two plus other items (flash, papers, accessories, phone, wallet, map, etc.) or if you have a growing rangefinder or Micro Four Thirds kit, you should definitely check out this bag.Posted 21 May 2011 by Mike - Read full review
The Brotographer
I really believe that Think Tank did it right when they updated the Retrospective Leather 30. It’s big enough, durable, and arguably most important, looks great.Posted by Ross - Read full review
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Bag ID 34049. Images from Amazon Product Advertising API and shop datafeeds.
Last updated on July 03, 2019
