Think Tank Signature 13 Review

User report

The Signature bags elicit a feeling of refined elegance. While the antique look might not be to everybody’s taste, there is little to criticize here. Think Tank went for a specific look and successfully stuck to it.

The Signature definitely has an urban look to it. The wool-like fabric is easier to clean than actual wool, but will probably not relish being splashed in mud. Likewise, the leather bottom will survive water and humidity with ease, but could scratch if placed on a too-rough surface.

The Signature has many design elements well-suited for travelers, from the boxy and rigid shape to the suitcase handle sleeve. The bag will also shine in more formal settings. For instance, corporate events, weddings and professional portrait sessions are all scenarios where a photographer is expected to dress up, and the Signature will appear right at home there.

The choice of materials is exemplary. In particular, the blend of older (leather, wool-like cloth, metal) and newer (neoprene, nylon) elements is well balanced. The dividers and internal padding are quilted, making their sewing more durable and adding another finishing touch.

This is a modern bag that looks nothing like a modern bag. In short, when discussing form and function, the Signature 13 certainly has the “form” nailed down.

What about function? The Signature has many strong points. One is that its padding is strong and gives a healthy level of confidence that it can protect gear. Another is that it’s roomy (in particular the 13). Coupled with the ease of configuring the dividers, the bag can be made to hold quite a lot of equipment. The spacious front pocket adds to this, and this pocket can fold flat when not required. Yet another perk is the presence of TWO laptop/tablet sleeves, one on the outside and another on the inside. Access to the main compartment is made easy thanks to the wide opening. The straightforward organization makes finding items a breeze.

In use, the Signature 13 surprised us. First, the strap is among the most comfortable we have used, a far cry from the usual strap where padding is an afterthought (often in the form of a thicker sliding sleeve). Boxier messenger bags tend to bounce when worn on a hip; the Signature 13 manages to balance pretty well length versus thickness, offering a slim enough form factor that it can hug the body closely.

Weather resistance is, surprisingly, one of the bag’s strong points. Or course, Think Tank provides a rain cover for heavy weather but, even without that cover, the bag can survive difficult conditions. Quite unwillingly, this reviewer found himself outside during a thunderstorm while testing the bag. Even without zippering the inner cover, the bag survived the downpour without a drop reaching inside. Both the leather and the fabric survived looking brand new, a testament to their protective coatings. The lack of protection to the sides of the main flap could be a weak spot; closing the inner cover is advisable in that case.

This messenger bag is not perfect, of course. For starters, the Signature is not particularly intended for quick access. There is no zipper opening for the main compartment. The two metal buckles are partially hidden by their leather bands and, even though they are not cumbersome or hard to operate, they are not particularly fast either. Closing the inner cover adds a layer of protection but it then takes longer to access the main compartment.

Making adjustments is also a more involved process than some might like. Adjusting the length of the leather bands closing the top flap is done via a belt-like buckle, not particularly quick. Reconfiguring the internal layout, even the folding dividers, involve removing and reattaching strong Velcro, again not particularly quick.

Even though there are some workarounds, the bag offers no straightforward solution for carrying a tripod, even a compact one. There is also no external store apart from the laptop sleeve: everything requires the top flap to be lifted. A small side pocket (for filters, lens caps, sunglasses) would have been welcome, although to be fair these are rare on messenger bags.

At 3.1 pounds, the Signature 13 is far from being too heavy, but is marginally heavier than some of its competitors. The difference is often less than the weight of a medium-length prime.

Verdict

What it may lacks in cool, the Signature makes up in quality and timeless elegance. The craftsmanship and the choice of materials are impeccable. The bag is comfortable and easy to operate. Its only limitation is almost a philosophic choice: configuring and using the bag is more deliberate than quick.