In just a short time, I’ll be heading out on my next photo expedition—this time to Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. 

Tenerife is about 4,430 miles (7,129 km) from my home in the US. Carrying a backpack through a series of airports for a day is rough. Using a roller bag is great, until you get to places where you can't roll things.

Perfect timing for the trip—I have a new camera bag to put to the test: the Walker Pro Rolling Backpack by ThinkTank Photo. 

This review is just my initial impression; I’ll be back with an update after I’ve spent some real time using it in the field.

So, this is what we are looking at, this is the Walker Pro Rolling Backpack.

And here are the specs

If you’ve read my reviews before, you already know that ThinkTank is the only brand I consistently rely on. Over the years, I’ve tested bags from several other companies, and I often find myself wondering whether the designers have ever actually been out on a real photo shoot.

ThinkTank is different. Their bags are thoughtfully designed and built to handle the realities of the field. For the past ten years, they’ve been the only brand I use.

Now, before I get into the details of the Walker Pro Rolling backpack, I’ll admit—I was skeptical at first. I already own both camera backpacks and roller bags, but in my experience, when manufacturers try to combine the two, the result is usually disappointing. These hybrid bags tend to be uncomfortable, unbalanced, and awkward to maneuver. It often feels like they just slapped a trolley system onto a standard backpack. The result? Metal bars digging into your back and a bag that’s a nightmare to navigate through airports.

So, how does the Walker Pro Rolling backpack compare?

Spoiler alert: this one’s different.

Before sitting down to write this review, I packed the Walker Pro Rolling Backpack with just the basics, you know, . . .  stuff.

This is the gear I will be bringing on my next journey.  

And how did the Walker Pro Rolling backpack handle all the stuff?

Take a look.

Not only did I get everything in, but I have space left for the really important things like Tic-tacs and Reeses.

This bag was able to handle 2 camera bodies, 4 lenses, flashlights, batteries, battery backups, solar panels, other stuff, a tablet, and a full-size laptop.   

Just like every other ThinkTank Photo  bag I've used over the years, the inside is completely modular.  You can adjust the interior space to accommodate whatever gear scenario you have.  It's like having a custom-made bag for whatever you want to take with you.  This backpack is great.  

Next up: the test.

Before heading out on any photo trip or safari, I always spend a few days preparing for those long hikes to the perfect shooting spot. To get ready, I load up my backpack and take it out for a few trial hikes—just to get used to the weight and feel.

This morning, I took my new Walker Pro Rolling Backpack out for a 2.2-mile (3.54 km) hike.

So, what did I learn?

First off, yes—I’m getting older (but that’s beside the point). The good news is, the Walker Pro Rolling Backpack is surprisingly comfortable. I didn’t feel the wheels pressing against my back, and the handle supports didn’t dig in at all.

I also tested how it rolls, and it handles beautifully—steady and balanced, with no wobbling or tipping. One feature I really like is the zippered section in the back that completely hides the shoulder straps when you don’t need them.

My first impression is very positive. Being able to roll it through airports instead of carrying it on my back is going to be a real back-saver. Then, once I’m in the field, I can easily switch to backpack mode.

Next, I’ll be putting the ThinkTank Photo Walker Pro Rolling Backpack through its paces in the Canary Islands. Check back for my full review once I return!

In the meantime, if you want to check out this bag, use this link. 
 

Next stop, . . . . Tenerife!