TS_eXpeed

I've been searching with a lack of luck.
I'm searching for a do-it-all, or rather carry-it-all backpack.

I currently have a Lowepro Fastpack 250, but I've been considering changing. It holds my D300 and MBP nicely, and there is the top compartment that you can stuff relatively small things in, but I'm looking for one that has a large central compartment that you can put larger books, as well. Such as textbooks.

Anyone know of any backpacks that can hold

-A D300 w/ room for accessories
-15" Laptop
-Books



If not, I think I may go for a pack that can hold my MBP and some books, and then just have a dedicated camera bag.

Osamu

I was looking at the da kine sequence. Looks a little big for my needs, but might be alright for what you need to carry.

I think tamrac also makes a pretty good size backpack w/ room for camera/laptop. like the adventure series, or something. Haven't heard too much about them though. Not sure how big the top pocket actually is.

want to donate me your fastpack? I'm thinking of picking one up on amazon w/ the 20% off.

jupitersolo

Lowepro CompuTrekker, also Tenba has a few, http://www.tenba.com/c-3-backpacks.aspx

Osamu

just looked up some reviews, and not sure either of these will hold books.

The only other really big looking backpack that comes to mind is the crumpler customary barge. Still not sure that it is big enough for a lot of books. I'd really try checking out stuff in person, as I'm always deceived by pictures online, as to the scale of bags.

TS_eXpeed

Thanks Osamu and jupiter

....and Osamu, if I end up finding one I like, I'll sell you mine for a good price. It's still in excellent shape.

Billiam

Pretty much every photo backpack I've ever seen is designed to be laid down on its back and then opened up. Sounds I know, but after a few weeks I think you'd find it to be a major PIA to get books in and out of.

jupitersolo

After slowing down and reading this again, this is your best option. I have only once put my laptop in my photo backpack. I just don't need it while out shooting. I got a nice Brenthaven when I bought my MBP. I love that bag. If I wanted to just carry a body and a lens or two, I could do it in the Brenthaven with some lensbags.

jupitersolo

You can also look at Kata.

TS_eXpeed

Thanks jupiter.
I'm actually considering that now. Just having a dedicated camera bag. The only thing that bugs me about that idea, is that I usually have a roller board and backpack when I travel. If I have a dedicated case, that means I would have a 3rd bag, and I would end up having to check one. I hate checking bags.

Billiam

The TSA allows you to have an additional third carry-on that is just for your camera equipment. It's up to your airline, however, as to whether they allow the third bag.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1248.shtm

ChodTheWacko

My serious travel (aka flights) bag is my Tenba DB-15C.
http://lishutterbug.com/toys/tenba/

It's big, but it holds all my gear, and my laptop. It's big, but it let me carry everything in one carryon. I do not want to lug another laptop bag and/or check anything.

If I'm on a daytrip, I just use my Kata R-102 combined with a T-212. It works great.
They have a R103 that has a laptop area, and there seems to be a new R106?

- Frank

waTSX

I've had good luck with my Tamrac Expedition 5 and have taken it everywhere, most recently to Hawai'i. It's comfortable, not overly large and lets me carry everything I need including the 40D, four lenses (total) and my flash and related bits and pieces. Tripod too, if need be, but that can be a bit cumbersome. It also has a pocket for a laptop. The bags are extremely well made.

The entire Expedition line is good, IMO, but Billiam is right, you do have to take them off to get stuff in and out. It can be a pain, but I've gotten used to it. I've tried the sling style packs and they just don't work for me.

You pretty much have to go into a store and try them out to see what feels best to you. Lots of options these days,

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

I picked up this bag as a replacement when I sent in my last Booq bag in for warranty:

Python

http://www.booqbags.com/s.nl;jsessio...&category=-119

15" MBP Vyper Sleeve (fits inside backpack, comes in special sizes for each of the macbooks):

http://www.booqbags.com/s.nl/it.A/id...&category=-113

It's a camera bag or a normal backpack and also has a slot for the Vyper sleeve they also sell to store your notebook. Their products are specially made for Apple products. So if you pick up their Vyper sleeve, just pick the sleeve based on what size screen Macbook or Macbook Pro you have and it'll fit. I picked up the 15" MBP sleeve and it's a great sleeve. Very durable. The 5 year warranty is great IMO. I've had great customer service with the company as well.

My only quarrel with this bag as well as a couple others, is that the shoulder straps seem to be weak. This particular bag seems to have weak connection points for the shoulder straps and the bag.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

^^^ Forgot to mention. the sleeves can fit other non apple notebooks too, just gotta measure your's up and buy the right one.

EuRTSX

I have a question for you guys.

As a few of you know I'm off to Toronto in a few days, and I was preparing my camera bag and was filling up my Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW and glanced at the airline website and it says the Maximum size for personal baggage (camera bag) is 6in x 13in x 17in.

Do I need to find a smaller bag?

stogie1020

Jeez, people bring giant cases on as their 'personal' bags, so I wouldn't worry about it. As long as it will fit in the overhead or under the seat in front of you, you should be fine.

hdcolumbus

I've taken my 300 as a carry on many times. I usually just stuff it under the seat in front of me.

Edit: Or what stogie said

hdcolumbus

And with the deep top compartment, it actually makes for a decent carry on bag. Easy access to ID, boarding passes, passport, etc.

drigo

you should be fine...
this is what i use when i travel and i bring all my gear including my macbook...21" x 12" x 9"

drigo

btw..i fly southwest...dunno if it's different with other airlines...
i just stuff it underneath the seat...it doesn't fit all the way under but they have never said anything...

stogie1020

Drigo, which Burton bag is that?

F-Stop?

drigo

its the Zoom L...really nice bag..if you look at the front area...there's a strap where you can put your tripod on..there's more than enough room in the bag..iv'e had this bag for a while now...i was gonna do a review on it and post pics but i got too lazy...
when looking for travel bags...it was betwen this and the Dakine sequence...
i chose the Burton..iv'e been really happy with it...i bought the Lowepro Flipside 200 to compliment the Burton for lighter trips...

stogie1020

Thanks

stoopid Burton website doesn't show the inside of the bag...

EuRTSX

^ It's a surprise. Or a trap.



Thanks guys. I'll just swing with it and take it.

drigo

if you are interested in buying one...let me know...everywhere i looked...it was around $120....i bought mine for $80+ shipped

stogie1020

Putt some road flares and an alarm clock in your GF's bag.

Trust me, they wont even care how big yours is...

stogie1020

Wicked! I gotta go to one of the places around here that carries Burton and see if they have the bags...

I am on a mission to find a perfect camera backpack. It may need it's own thread.

EuRTSX

Unhappy GF = Ruined Trip.

drigo

is your friend...here's a good review on the Burton..
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3D54%26um%3D1

stogie1020

What is this "google" you speak of? I use Northern Lights, and it rocks...

Thanks!

drigo

lol...fyi...i got the bag from tactics.com
its back to regular price...i got mine a few months ago for like $68 and had it overnighted since i needed it the following day...came out to a little over 80 bucks..keep checking the website as they run specials all the time...they carry all kinds of stuff...check it out..

jupitersolo

Never going to happen

Mizouse

So true, no such thing as a perfect bag

hdcolumbus

You don't have this one?

Mizouse

There's a bag there???

stogie1020

Well, I need:

• Padded waist strap
• Separate compartment for 'other' stuff like samwich, first aid kit, filters, blower, etc...
• Photo compartment that can be accessed w/o removing all the other stuff and can carry body + 4 lenses
• H2O bladder compatible (3L)
• Ability to carry at least one (pref 2) more 1 liter bottles of h20 (total of 5 liters)
• Tripod holder (not straps that dangle it off the bottom)

Truthfully, I need a real hiking backpack that also carries photo gear, not a photo backpack that looks kinda like a hiking backpack.

O my last hikes (Sedona, Flagstaff) I used small carribeaners (4) to attach a 3L Camelback bladder to the outside of a Tamrac Adventure 9. I used one of the side water bottles to hold a 1L Nalgene bottle with reserve H20, and used the other to hold the base of my tripod, which was secured with a lashing strap to the top handle of the backpack.

While it worked, and provided enough room for everything, it was a real pain having to remove the bottom clasps holding the hydration pack to the Tamrac to swing it out of the way anytime I wanted to get into the Camera section of the Tamrac.

I would have used the laptop compartment of the Tamrac to hold the bladder, but the zipper xips down, not up, so closed, the drinking tube would be sticking down, not out the top of the backpack.

If none of this makes sense, I can take a picture of the rig...

EuRTSX

That'll be easy to find.

wndrlst

I really feel your pain on this. Design one & make lots of $$$$. I'll buy it!

hdcolumbus

Gotta' go Spec Ops:

http://www.naneupro.com/products.mdv?p=ug-u220
http://www.core77.com/blog/object_cu...tary_11641.asp
http://www.dndindustries.com/patrolpack.htm
http://www.video-direct.com/accessor...backpacks.html

stogie1020

Thanks HD, they are all so close, but all are missing one key element from the list above.

This one is close, too:

http://www.amazon.com/Wolverine-BP20...cmu_pg__header

Doesn't hold as much camera stuff as I would want, but the laptop zipper zips UP, so maybe I could put a bladder in there...