| I have a "Whickey and Cox" Crumpler backpack that I use to carry a 17" laptop and camera gear whenever I travel for work. Briefly,
Pros:
-Solid construction
-Weather resistant
-Doesn't look like a camera bag
-Theft deterrant due to lack of external pouches and zippers
-good balance
-Separate pouch for laptop
-Can carry one body with lens attached, one body without lens, ~2-3 lenses, flash, other gear
-Individual compartments may be altered to save space or fit larger objects
-Protective shell for camera gear is very sturdy
Cons:
-Must place on ground to open to gain access into camera shell
-Bulky when fully loaded
-Two external zippered pockets seem to be an afterthought
-No place to store a monopod or tripod
Travel:
-Will not fit underneath a standard airline seat (i.e., in front of you); therefore , you must stow the pack in the overhead storage compartment. On CRJs and ERJs (regional jets), the laptop must be removed from the bag so the pack can fit into the overhead bin. When in first class, you may be able to store the bag underneath the seat in front of you. This depends on whether the attendants will permit it, as the pack will slightly protrude into the leg space.
The "Whickey and Cox" is best used as transporting gear from Point A to B with minimal stops between. I wouldn't recommend this for using on daily walks where the camera would be frequently taken in and out of the pack - for that I have a sling bag. |