Need a bag for international travel

mojoe_24 · 05-06-2014, 12:37 AM

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So I'll be flying to Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Croatia, & Romania from the USA) in June and am looking to bring my camera and three lenses. I'm looking for a bag that will carry that and also have room for storage of other items like light clothing, batteries, and chargers. More importantly it will need to be the size to fit under the seat of a plane; I am hoping to not have to check a bag. I've found a few that hover around $100 such as the Fastback 350 or the Flipside 300, but I'm not really sure what would be best. I currently have a ApeCase sling bag, but I do not find it comfortable.

StarDust · 05-06-2014, 01:34 AM

I have the DSLR Video Fastpack 350 (DSLR Video Fastpack 350 AW Camera bags, backpacks and rolling cases) and find it very comfortable with the straps. It has plenty of room and when I bought it, it needed to have room for a 15.6" laptop which this one has. Here's an example list of what it can carry, have in mind I don't own everything on this list but it will easily fit (for example grip and several lenses mentioned below):

Camera compartment
DSLR with grip and 16-50 mm attached
70-200 mm
100 mm
Flash with diffuser
Cables for laptop
One of those rocket bellows

Top compartment
Two pairs of underwear, shirts and socks
Book or small bag for toothbrush etc
Special case for small cables included in backpack
Pens, batteries etc in inner compartment

Rear compartment
15.6" laptop
Magazine

Hidden rear compartment
Some extra cash
Passport

Outer holder
Medium sized tripod, for example Manfrotto 190XPROB or a water bottle

I've actually walked with this pack filled with nearly this much in it, apart from the tripod and even then it's pretty heavy but if you have to, you have to.
I don't do any weekend business trips but I could imagine that it might work if you want to mix some pleasure in the business trip

**NZ_Ross** · 05-06-2014, 02:24 AM

I have been on the road internationally for the last 2 and a half weeks with a Think Tank Shape Shifter backpack.

It is really working well for me. I have a K3, Q+01 lens, 6 K mount lenses (DA*16-50, HD DA55-300 and 4 primes) spare batteries, filters, 13" Macbook Pro, chargers etc - and it all fits ok with careful packing. The K3 will fit in the top pocket of the Shape Shifter with the DA15 Limited attached, so it makes it very easy to get out of top of the bag.

Having had the bag on a small boat in the Pacific back in March I can also testify that the back of the bag is comfortable, well padded, and makes a very good pillow when lying on open air bunks.

It is not the cheapest bag, but is designed to fit on airlines well - even smaller bins on turboprops - and as such, because it is the right shape and compact, I haven't had any problems getting through check in with it - that includes Auckland International, LAX, Miami International, JFK, and Heathrow in the past 2 weeks.

The bag is very good quality, with high quality and lockable zips - ideal for protecting your gear during travel.

There are a couple of good review videos of the bag on Youtube if you want to see more about it.

Paul the Sunman · 05-06-2014, 02:43 AM

Originally posted by mojoe_24

So I'll be flying to Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Croatia, & Romania from the USA) in June and am looking to bring my camera and three lenses. I'm looking for a bag that will carry that and also have room for storage of other items like light clothing, batteries, and chargers. More importantly it will need to be the size to fit under the seat of a plane; I am hoping to not have to check a bag. I've found a few that hover around $100 such as the Fastback 350 or the Flipside 300, but I'm not really sure what would be best. I currently have a ApeCase sling bag, but I do not find it comfortable.

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 202AW that I use for general walk-around shooting, but I got sick of it for international travel, as I really need one cabin bag to hold both my camera gear (DSLR+4 or 5 lenses and assorted minor gear) and laptop, as well as a few items of clothing. Ended up buying the Lowepro Fastpack 250. It has convenient side entry, like my Slingshot, but with two shoulder straps (the slingshot has only one). It served me well on a trip to Japan; quite happy with it.

agsy · 05-06-2014, 03:42 AM

I hope you'll have a great time. I'll be visiting Europe in September and I just purchased the Dumpke little bit smaller bag. It doesn't really look like a camera bag but it's perfect for a small kit and fits under the seat. I was able to pack my k5II with the 18-135, my 55-300 and sigma 10-20 and a 50 1.8. It also holds my flash and all the batteries, charger etc. Check it out, there are a few useful YouTube videos about it.

**Michaelina2** · 05-06-2014, 04:32 AM

Originally posted by mojoe_24

So I'll be flying to Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Croatia, & Romania from the USA) in June and am looking to bring my camera and three lenses. I'm looking for a bag that will carry that and also have room for storage of other items like light clothing, batteries, and chargers. More importantly it will need to be the size to fit under the seat of a plane; I am hoping to not have to check a bag...

I prefer a small kit (like you) and try to travel light. My bag is the original version of the KATA 467 camera bag/pack... love it. It's been to Europe with me several times and seems to fit your general convenience criteria. Unfortunately, the 467 is out-of-production, but it and it's later variations turn up on eBay from time to time. See...

Kata KT Dr 467i BB Digital Rucksack Black | eBay

Your trip sounds wonderful... good luck!

Cheers... M

bdery · 05-06-2014, 06:01 AM

Get a good backpack that you will feel comfortable with, then get an insert for your photo gear. Camera bags are not always (not often) well fitted for most shooters. Having a well-fitted bag is paramount if you're going to wear it for long periods.

StarDust · 05-07-2014, 03:21 PM

Don't forget to tell us what (if you have) decided on!

mojoe_24 · 05-09-2014, 09:41 PM

Still leaning towards one of hte lowepros but I'm looking into all the ones suggested.

Reportage · 05-29-2014, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by mojoe_24

Still leaning towards one of hte lowepros but I'm looking into all the ones suggested.

I am in complete agreement with the Lowepro 350 especially if you can get it at good pre-owned price since i also use it to travel.

Problem is that even with the most basic of packing items, not really enough room for going around europe/americas and the souvenirs from these places which is why i am making my own bag. This is of course if you only do carry on. If you are the check in luggage type of person, in theory any camera or bag insert can work since the clothes and etc will be in the check in luggage. Can even use a storm case if the weight is not an issue.

05-06-2014, 12:37 AM	#1
mojoe_24 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 241	Need a bag for international travel Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. So I'll be flying to Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Croatia, & Romania from the USA) in June and am looking to bring my camera and three lenses. I'm looking for a bag that will carry that and also have room for storage of other items like light clothing, batteries, and chargers. More importantly it will need to be the size to fit under the seat of a plane; I am hoping to not have to check a bag. I've found a few that hover around $100 such as the Fastback 350 or the Flipside 300, but I'm not really sure what would be best. I currently have a ApeCase sling bag, but I do not find it comfortable.

05-06-2014, 04:32 AM	#6
Michaelina2 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Michigan USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,302	Originally posted by mojoe_24 So I'll be flying to Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Croatia, & Romania from the USA) in June and am looking to bring my camera and three lenses. I'm looking for a bag that will carry that and also have room for storage of other items like light clothing, batteries, and chargers. More importantly it will need to be the size to fit under the seat of a plane; I am hoping to not have to check a bag... I prefer a small kit (like you) and try to travel light. My bag is the original version of the KATA 467 camera bag/pack... love it. It's been to Europe with me several times and seems to fit your general convenience criteria. Unfortunately, the 467 is out-of-production, but it and it's later variations turn up on eBay from time to time. See... Kata KT Dr 467i BB Digital Rucksack Black \| eBay Your trip sounds wonderful... good luck! Cheers... M Last edited by Michaelina2; 05-07-2014 at 07:01 PM.

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05-06-2014, 01:34 AM	#2
StarDust Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Posts: 400	I have the DSLR Video Fastpack 350 (DSLR Video Fastpack 350 AW Camera bags, backpacks and rolling cases) and find it very comfortable with the straps. It has plenty of room and when I bought it, it needed to have room for a 15.6" laptop which this one has. Here's an example list of what it can carry, have in mind I don't own everything on this list but it will easily fit (for example grip and several lenses mentioned below): Camera compartment DSLR with grip and 16-50 mm attached 70-200 mm 100 mm Flash with diffuser Cables for laptop One of those rocket bellows Top compartment Two pairs of underwear, shirts and socks Book or small bag for toothbrush etc Special case for small cables included in backpack Pens, batteries etc in inner compartment Rear compartment 15.6" laptop Magazine Hidden rear compartment Some extra cash Passport Outer holder Medium sized tripod, for example Manfrotto 190XPROB or a water bottle I've actually walked with this pack filled with nearly this much in it, apart from the tripod and even then it's pretty heavy but if you have to, you have to. I don't do any weekend business trips but I could imagine that it might work if you want to mix some pleasure in the business trip

05-06-2014, 02:24 AM	#3
NZ_Ross Kiwi Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Timaru Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,225	I have been on the road internationally for the last 2 and a half weeks with a Think Tank Shape Shifter backpack. It is really working well for me. I have a K3, Q+01 lens, 6 K mount lenses (DA*16-50, HD DA55-300 and 4 primes) spare batteries, filters, 13" Macbook Pro, chargers etc - and it all fits ok with careful packing. The K3 will fit in the top pocket of the Shape Shifter with the DA15 Limited attached, so it makes it very easy to get out of top of the bag. Having had the bag on a small boat in the Pacific back in March I can also testify that the back of the bag is comfortable, well padded, and makes a very good pillow when lying on open air bunks. It is not the cheapest bag, but is designed to fit on airlines well - even smaller bins on turboprops - and as such, because it is the right shape and compact, I haven't had any problems getting through check in with it - that includes Auckland International, LAX, Miami International, JFK, and Heathrow in the past 2 weeks. The bag is very good quality, with high quality and lockable zips - ideal for protecting your gear during travel. There are a couple of good review videos of the bag on Youtube if you want to see more about it.

05-06-2014, 02:43 AM	#4
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,846	Originally posted by mojoe_24 So I'll be flying to Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Croatia, & Romania from the USA) in June and am looking to bring my camera and three lenses. I'm looking for a bag that will carry that and also have room for storage of other items like light clothing, batteries, and chargers. More importantly it will need to be the size to fit under the seat of a plane; I am hoping to not have to check a bag. I've found a few that hover around $100 such as the Fastback 350 or the Flipside 300, but I'm not really sure what would be best. I currently have a ApeCase sling bag, but I do not find it comfortable. I have a Lowepro Slingshot 202AW that I use for general walk-around shooting, but I got sick of it for international travel, as I really need one cabin bag to hold both my camera gear (DSLR+4 or 5 lenses and assorted minor gear) and laptop, as well as a few items of clothing. Ended up buying the Lowepro Fastpack 250. It has convenient side entry, like my Slingshot, but with two shoulder straps (the slingshot has only one). It served me well on a trip to Japan; quite happy with it.

05-06-2014, 03:42 AM	#5
agsy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 551	I hope you'll have a great time. I'll be visiting Europe in September and I just purchased the Dumpke little bit smaller bag. It doesn't really look like a camera bag but it's perfect for a small kit and fits under the seat. I was able to pack my k5II with the 18-135, my 55-300 and sigma 10-20 and a 50 1.8. It also holds my flash and all the batteries, charger etc. Check it out, there are a few useful YouTube videos about it.

05-06-2014, 06:01 AM	#7
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,362	Get a good backpack that you will feel comfortable with, then get an insert for your photo gear. Camera bags are not always (not often) well fitted for most shooters. Having a well-fitted bag is paramount if you're going to wear it for long periods.

05-07-2014, 03:21 PM	#8
StarDust Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Posts: 400	Don't forget to tell us what (if you have) decided on!

05-09-2014, 09:41 PM	#9
mojoe_24 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 241 Original Poster	Still leaning towards one of hte lowepros but I'm looking into all the ones suggested.

05-29-2014, 10:26 AM	#10
Reportage Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 739	Originally posted by mojoe_24 Still leaning towards one of hte lowepros but I'm looking into all the ones suggested. I am in complete agreement with the Lowepro 350 especially if you can get it at good pre-owned price since i also use it to travel. Problem is that even with the most basic of packing items, not really enough room for going around europe/americas and the souvenirs from these places which is why i am making my own bag. This is of course if you only do carry on. If you are the check in luggage type of person, in theory any camera or bag insert can work since the clothes and etc will be in the check in luggage. Can even use a storm case if the weight is not an issue.