A Question about Bags/Backpacks

[kipperfan]

As the title says, I have a question about bags/backpacks and thought I'd turn to the often knowledgable CP brain trust for an answer. I am going on a trip, need a bag and really hate carrying a large backpacking type backpack, in addition to a smaller backpack as I've done in the past. A piece or pieces of "luggage" is/are not really viable for the kind of travelling I do, so I pretty much am stuck with needing some sort of backpack, but I only want one, I don't want to carry a 2nd one.

Here is where the caveats come in, I also need my future bag to be able to carry both my laptop (13" mac) and my DSLR camera and a spare lens or two. And not only that, but I want it big enough to be able to carry a pair of shoes and a few changes of clothes, in addition to the gear detailed above. But not too big, because I also want it to be small enough to be carried onto flights.

Am I asking too much? More then likely, yes. And if I had to give up one feature it would be the ability to carry the bag on, while that would be nice, it is not essential.

I've tried googling backpacks and bags and of course looked at the MEC website and other similar sites, but can't find anything that fits the bill. If anyone knows of any site/store/etc. that might sell the kind of bag I've described, let me know. Alternatively, if you think you might have some sort of better idea with regards to how I can carry this junk in a simple and easy way, again, let me know.

[awildermode]

how much are you willing to spend?

Triple Aught Design makes a really good backpack. they are a bit pricey, but really well made.


i have the Litespeed. fits under the seat in front of you on the plane. still had some leg room. of course, i am kinda a smaller built guy (5'6"), but i have long legs. comfortable to carry, had about 20 pounds in it, walked around most of the day with no real problems.

they also have the larger EDC pack. not sure if this will fit under seat, but should fit easily in overhead compartment

both backs use the MOLLE system, so you can get pouches to strap on to the pack. MOLLE is military spec, there are a handful of companies that make bags, packs, pouches to strap on to each other. easy to customize to your needs.

other manufactures of similar products (lesser quality, but still good): Condor, 511 Tactical, Maxpedition. Oakley, also makes pretty good bags that may fit your needs

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by awildermode

how much are you willing to spend?

Triple Aught Design makes a really good backpack. they are a bit pricey, but really well made.


i have the Litespeed. fits under the seat in front of you on the plane. still had some leg room. of course, i am kinda a smaller built guy (5'6"), but i have long legs. comfortable to carry, had about 20 pounds in it, walked around most of the day with no real problems.

they also have the larger EDC pack. not sure if this will fit under seat, but should fit easily in overhead compartment

both backs use the MOLLE system, so you can get pouches to strap on to the pack. MOLLE is military spec, there are a handful of companies that make bags, packs, pouches to strap on to each other. easy to customize to your needs.

other manufactures of similar products (lesser quality, but still good): Condor, 511 Tactical, Maxpedition

Thanks for the advice, but I need a bag that is specifically designed to carry a dlsr camera (and a laptop) and unless I am missing something (which is very possible), it doesn't seem either of those ones are. Darn nice bags though!

Edit: And with regards to how much I'd spend, if I could find a bag that fits all my needs, probably quite a bit, if needed.

[Northendzone]

Could you put ally our stuff in a hockey duffle bag, then use a backpack on an as needed basis?

[DownInFlames]

Originally Posted by kipperfan

Thanks for the advice, but I need a bag that is specifically designed to carry a dlsr camera (and a laptop) and unless I am missing something (which is very possible), it doesn't seem either of those ones are. Darn nice bags though!

Edit: And with regards to how much I'd spend, if I could find a bag that fits all my needs, probably quite a bit, if needed.

I recommend Think Tank bags for travelling with camera gear. The Airport series is designed to be used as a carry-on and will hold a laptop.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/catego...backpacks.aspx

[awildermode]

most bag these days are designed to carry a laptop. i imagine you want something padded and fitted for your camera body and lenses. you might need to find a 'camera bag manufacturer' to get something that is designed for a dlsr camera. it would most likely have a laptop compartment.

you might run into room issues with your shoes and clothing. you might be looking at something larger than a carry on i was thinking you could get some MOLLE pouches designed for your lenses and hang them outside the main bag. then, have your body, laptop, clothing, shoes, etc., in the main compartment.

good luck in your search, have a fun trip.

Edit: looks like the above post is a good solution. not sure how much clothing and shoes you can cram in there, though.

[CaptainYooh]

Not many photo-specific backpacks can beat Kata-Beetle 282PL. I bought mine at Vistek in Calgary for $280 three years ago, love it. Better than ThinkTank or LowePro bags by a mile and very lightweight. Fits everything you mentioned and then some. All dividers are removable, so you can pretty much design the inside of the backpack for what you want to carry including lenses and, yes, even shoes. Straps are very well-made, they don't rub shoulders too much.



P.S. Found a link for you: http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProPhotoL...-backpack.aspx

[CaptainYooh]

Just to add to my post, backpacks are good for carrying if you are NOT intending to shoot while walking. For shooting on the go, ThinkTank components are probably the most convenient solution. Camera on the strap and a couple of lens cases on the belt will do the trick most comfortably (which doesn't exclude the backpack, of course, just complement it nicely).

[kipperfan]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, looks like some real good ones. I am going to look into a few of them a bit more and see what might work best for me.

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

Not many photo-specific backpacks can beat Kata-Beetle 282PL. I bought mine at Vistek in Calgary for $280 three years ago, love it. Better than ThinkTank or LowePro bags by a mile and very lightweight. Fits everything you mentioned and then some. All dividers are removable, so you can pretty much design the inside of the backpack for what you want to carry including lenses and, yes, even shoes. Straps are very well-made, they don't rub shoulders too much.



P.S. Found a link for you: http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProPhotoL...-backpack.aspx

That thing looks pretty sweet, almost exactly what I want. If you had to estimate, and I know this is an odd and probably hard question to try and answer, but how much stuff (i.e. clothing) would I be able to pack into that beast? Do you think, for example, 3 pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, 4-5 short sleeve shirts, one long sleeve shirt, a few pairs of underwear and socks as well as a pair of shoes would all fit in addition to the camera, 2 extra lens and laptop if I arranged the dividers properly?

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by kipperfan

That thing looks pretty sweet, almost exactly what I want. If you had to estimate, and I know this is an odd and probably hard question to try and answer, but how much stuff (i.e. clothing) would I be able to pack into that beast? Do you think, for example, 3 pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, 4-5 short sleeve shirts, one long sleeve shirt, a few pairs of underwear and socks as well as a pair of shoes would all fit in addition to the camera, 2 extra lens and laptop if I arranged the dividers properly?

That is a tough question, bud. Which camera and lenses are you taking? How big are your shoes? I mean, these are the deciding factors, right. But unless you are taking a big pro-camera body and long zoom lenses (i.e. 300mm+) and unless you're packing bulky hiking boots, I think you should be fine with this one. Shoes will go on the bottom, along with the camera. Clothing you've described should not be a problem distributed around. My 15" MacBookPro fits in the laptop pocket no problem and it doesn't "intrude" in the cargo space of the backpack.

Added: Just checked your profile, you live in Calgary. Take your stuff and go to Vistek on 10th Ave SW. They usually keep one of these backpacks in stock, but call ahead to check. This is not a cheap bag, so makes sense to see if it's the right one for what you need. Kata bags are really great though, you have to see it to understand. Originally designed for Israeli military, I believe, they're made from the material used in parachutes. Tough and weightless.

[Regulator75]

I have the Tamrac Adventure 9 backpack.

It fits all but one lens in the bottom section, plus my 17 inch laptop.
Leaving the top part of the bag to be filled with other random electronic gear.

Sure Tamrac isn't a trendy name like Thinktank or Crumpler, but for a decent price you can get an exceptional bag.

I upgraded from the Adventure 7 to the 9 series a couple years ago, as I needed more room.
Though the 9 isn't large enough to hold my shoes in the top compartment (I got big feet).

[CaptainYooh]

Tamrac is good too. I found it to be protruding too far out from your back. Could be a problem at the airport shops, when you forget about it.

[worth]

Can I ask where you are going, for how long and what kind of trip? If you are sort of bummin it around, you have way too many clothes.

[Smartcar]

Originally Posted by kipperfan

And if I had to give up one feature it would be the ability to carry the bag on, while that would be nice, it is not essential.

Really? IMO carry on is essential. I've had a cracked laptop screen and a stolen camera (both a number of years ago), but still I would never put either in checked luggage.