Recommend a Camera Bag/Backpack

[apeman]

Hi All -

I'm looking for a new camera bag/backpack that can fit my K100D Super with the DA*16-50/f2.8 attached, my DA* 50-135/f2.8, a FA 50/1.4, and my AF360FGZ flash unit, along with my 13" macbook. I'd like to hear some suggestions based on your experiences with carry-on camera/laptop combo bags.

I'd prefer to carry just one pack, and it has to be carry-on sized for WestJet in Canada. I've been looking at several bags online from Crumpler, Lowepro, etc. but most seem to be slightly larger than the dimensions allowed: 55cmX23cmX40cm / 21.5"X9"X15.5" and a second bag: 43cmX16cmX33cm/16.5"X6"X13"

The less it says camera bag, the better

Thanks!

[Livewireshock]

My vote for the Kata R-103, I love the bright yellow interior that allows me to find everything and it very ruggedly built. I have had one on trial for a couple of weeks and have loved it. Although I think I may buy the slightly bigger new R-106 which has side pockets for regular storage.

My local regional airline, Rex, is very strict on carry on luggage. We only have tiny Saab turbo-prop aircraft out of the airport here. All bags are weighed religiously on full flights.

[paolojackson]

I have the R-103 and I like it very much. It carries a lot, well built, and most importantly it is comfortable to wear. The one thing I didn't like was packing a laptop with it. I have a 12.1'' HP laptop and though it fits, it seems a bit snug. But even if you don't always carry the laptop, you could use the slot for other things like magazines, books, etc.

The bag is best for hikes, etc., when I want to bring most or all of my gear. Many people on the forums have several bags for different situations, and I am one of those people

[JonPB]

I like my Timbuk2. Put inserts or an old camera bag in it and you're good to go. It doesn't say "camera bag," but you can change a lens without taking it off.

[kerrowdown]

I switched to Crumpler after many years with Lowepro.

It's really about finding the right bag to meet you needs, if you stick to the well known makes you wont go far wrong.

[apeman]

Thanks everybody.

I'll have a look at the Kata bag. I think I'm going to head down to the Crumpler store in Vancouver with some of my gear.

Thanks!

[lbam]

here's a handy review perhaps :

Review: Backpack Alternatives (Professional Photographer Magazine Web Exclusives)

[DanLoc78]

Anyone out there have an Ape Case? There are a few different kinds (backpacks, shoulder bags). I was thinking about getting the large shoulder bag. Apeman...it'd be a perfect fit..."apecase"

here's the backpack, which is very large and has a spot for a laptop

Amazon.com: Ape Case Pro Backpack for a Film / Digital SLR System with a Laptop,Designed with multiple compartments ,rain cover: Camera & Photo

and here's the shoulder bag I was going to get. Anyone out there have this?

Amazon.com: Ape Case Pro for Digital Slr Cameras Large Size By: Norazza: Camera & Photo

[Ben_Edict]

Originally Posted by apeman

Hi All -

I'm looking for a new camera bag/backpack that can fit my K100D Super with the DA*16-50/f2.8 attached, my DA* 50-135/f2.8, a FA 50/1.4, and my AF360FGZ flash unit, along with my 13" macbook. I'd like to hear some suggestions based on your experiences with carry-on camera/laptop combo bags.

I'd prefer to carry just one pack, and it has to be carry-on sized for WestJet in Canada. I've been looking at several bags online from Crumpler, Lowepro, etc. but most seem to be slightly larger than the dimensions allowed: 55cmX23cmX40cm / 21.5"X9"X15.5" and a second bag: 43cmX16cmX33cm/16.5"X6"X13"

I am researching exactly the same sort of bags. I am personally not a big fan of Crumpler, as those bags I have seen and held in my hands in the past had a bad bult-to-capacity ratio. The padding was way too thick and left hardly room for the equipment. The Katas are too technical for my taste. So I have left two bags for consideration, the LowePro Stealth Reporter 550 and the completely new LowePro Classified 250. Both should swallow your equipment with ease and are carry-on luggage compatible in general (though I have no idea about the special airline you mentioned).

I have tried both bags at Photokina with some some equipment (K20+battery grip, 18-50/2.8, 70-200/2.8, 50-500 Bigma). To my astonishment both bags would even swallow the Bigma, if one re-arranges the internal dividers. The Classified definitely doesn't look like a photo bag, by the way, which makes it a perhaps better choice. The Stealth Report, on the other hand, is a bit wider and easier to fit to my equipment.

Of course the Billingham 555 should also easily fit your bill, as Billingham has recently introduce an notebook insert (the G4 Computer Slip), that should
also fit the smaller 445. I can testify, that these bags (I have the older modells) are not only very big inside, but very well-made. I use the 550 now for roughly 20 years and it is still going strong, so they are well worth their money. On top, they don't cry out "expensive cameras inside" loud.

If I have to carry as much as possible, I use the Tamrac Cyberpack 8, which is the biggest Tamrac backpack, that is within carry-on regulations. It has room for a big laptop and quite some photo equipment. But when fully loaded it can far exceed the cabin luggage weight limit (usually between 6 - 8 kgs). The trick is, to look relaxed at check-in, even if you have a 17 kgs load on your back (that was the max. I could cram into the Cyberpack).

In my experience with airtravel, the security people do not measure the last centimeter, especially if you use a soft bag, which can always be a bit compressed. But this might be different in Canada and/or the US.

Ben

P.S.:Bags are a highly individual choice, so I would not give any recommendation.

[Bactman]

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.

[soccerjoe5]

I can't recommend the Kata DR-467 enough. It's very affordable compared to the R-103. Not as tough but tough enough.

Fit my D80 + 10-20 + 18-50/2.8 + 50-150/2.8 + SB-800 Flash + 77mm filters when I was using a Nikon system. Has a "raincoat", can strap on a tripod, water bottle pocket, compartment for a small towel, extra shirt, phone, wallet, notebook, pens, cleaning essentials.

Oh and it fit my 15" MBP and its charger too!

Quite a heavy load but I was fine in the mountains, riding motorbikes on real tough terrain and all. I was on the rice terraces for hours in the rain and a little water seeped in. But I'm always prepared with some plastic bags, wrapped my mac as soon as it started pouring.

Sold it now that I'm using pancakes hehe.

Hmm I think it costs about $60 or $70 now.

While I wanted the R-103, it costs more than double Tremendous value for the DR-467!

[apeman]

Thanks for the suggestions everybody. I'll have to check those bags out.

Cheers!

[panoguy]

Originally Posted by soccerjoe5

I can't recommend the Kata DR-467 enough. It's very affordable compared to the R-103. Not as tough but tough enough.

<snip>I was on the rice terraces for hours in the rain and a little water seeped in. But I'm always prepared with some plastic bags, wrapped my mac as soon as it started pouring.

I have a Kata R-102 (no laptop slot) and have been around the world with it - tough as nails. It's zippers (and seams) are pretty water-resistant even without the supplied cover. It has rained on my pack numerous times and not even a drop got in. (By habit, I only use one zipper-pull, so they meet at the bottom... that might have something to do with it.) That said, I think the Kata GDC line is over-engineered to the extreme... nearly bulletproof, but that makes them heavier than the "thin bags" to start with.

I also have an Kata GDC H-12 "holster," and it holds my K20 w/ grip and 17-70 with just enough room at the bottom for 50 f/1.4. Perfect for walking around...

[Venturi]

Originally Posted by DanLoc78

Anyone out there have an Ape Case? There are a few different kinds (backpacks, shoulder bags). I was thinking about getting the large shoulder bag. Apeman...it'd be a perfect fit..."apecase"

here's the backpack, which is very large and has a spot for a laptop

Amazon.com: Ape Case Pro Backpack for a Film / Digital SLR System with a Laptop,Designed with multiple compartments ,rain cover: Camera & Photo

and here's the shoulder bag I was going to get. Anyone out there have this?

Amazon.com: Ape Case Pro for Digital Slr Cameras Large Size By: Norazza: Camera & Photo

I've got the Ape Case shoulder bag (ACPRO1400). It's a darn good, sturdy bag. Very roomy, nice thick padding with lots of dividers. It's tall enough to comfortably hold the DA*50-135 vertically. When I had two bodies it was wide enough to carry the K10 & K20 (grips attached) with Tam17-50 on one and the DA18-250 on the other without the lens caps bumping on each other and my other lenses stowed nicely below in the lower compartments.

[raider]

I just received my lowepro fastpack 200 to replace my caselogic 340. The lowepro is pretty good and convenient to use. u might want to take a look.