Dare I raise the bag question again?

[shesgotthepic]

Ok, I will - here goes.

I have a 350D with the 18-55 and a 50-200. Planning on getting a 50 f1.8 (or 1.4) as well. Carry a MBP 15.4", ipod, sometimes a digital videocamera and ofcourse - being a girl, I need a small make-up bag.

My last trip I used my expandable costco Kirkland briefcase. Sure it worked but the bag alone weighs a ton.

My roll-aboard is too big in the dimensions we are given today so that has to be scrapped (or sold on ebay to someone who travels by train) + it is heavy holding all that gear.

My Carlton funky messanger style bag is OK but not enough padding.

Am thinking of Pakuma Choroka K2 or Crumpler Daily. Could get 3 pakuma for the price of the Crumpler, but I do like the fact that you can lift out the entire camera section and use the bag as laptop and other stuff. The Pakuma doesn't have camera stuffing but looks big enough to be able to hold all I need even if I wrap in socks and wolly hats.

But - I'm also thinking about something with wheels. My problem is I sometimes travel on planes with a max weight of 5kilos for carry on. I need whatever I take look small and light enough so the "weight alarm" isn't triggered and they request me to place it on the scale.

Any suggestion greatly appreciated. Unless the suggestion is a back-pack. I won't have a back-pack.

She

[rosselliot]

well, just to put in what I think.

I did a lot of research on bags before I decided on whic one to get.

my criteria:

doesn't scream "steal me" and "I'm a camera bag! I bet there's $3000 worth of stuff in here!" - that was essential. plus, I hate the look of camera bags, definitely ruin my image.

It had to provide enough protection and have plenty of pockets to put stuff

it had to be messenger style and somewhat stylish

I wanted leather, but soon found out that was impossible with my other criteria

I wanted good reviews, I wanted to make sure there were satsified customers to make sure they had a good rep.

my decision!!!!

drum roll please!

The Domke F-802

here's a link to a full review with plenty of pictures. mine should come in later this week if you'd like to PM then to see how I like it.

http://lights.lightrefineries.org/?page_id=67 (http://lights.lightrefineries.org/?page_id=67)

well, hope you find the bag of your dreams!

- RE

[René Damkot]

No wheels, but it will hold a MBP and your gear (and then some): Billingham 445:
http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/POTN/Billingham445.jpg
Also have a look at this site: http://www.cambags.com/

[shesgotthepic]

I like this billingham bag. How old is your's?

[René Damkot]

I've got two: The 335:
http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/Billingham335.jpg
That's about 10 years old.
The 445 is about 2 years old I guess.

Very nice bags, they even survive my abuse ;)

[shesgotthepic]

So, 2 months later I go and get the Pakuma K1 (http://pakuma.com/products/choroka_k1.htm) I've left all the tags on it. Receipt is in my pocket. I can go back with it still for a complete refund.

I've packed it with laptop, external drive, 350D with a 28-105 attached, the 50-200 in a side pocket. There is stacks of room for personal items such as keys, pens, torch, make-up (yes, I really am a She), pass for gig, travel dokuments, ipod, cables etc. Although the bag says it is suitable for a 15.4" laptop it really is built for a 17*. A friend has one for that purpose, another for his tiny HP laptop!!.

The padding inside it is good enough not to have to worry about a pouch for the camera, although, I will very likely get one.

Have walked around with it at home with gear in it and it is very comfortable and doesn't feel heavy at all. Despite the fact that it is HUGE!

Doesn't scream "steal me" and "I'm a camera bag! I bet there's $3000 worth of stuff in here!"

Guess I have 2 briefcases and one backpack to sell. *sigh*

[René Damkot]

Looks quite a bit like Crumpler on a first look. Nice.
Site says "Fits notebooks up to 17". So did you get a K1 or K2? ;)

[shesgotthepic]

Looks quite a bit like Crumpler on a first look. Nice.
Site says "Fits notebooks up to 17". So did you get a K1 or K2? ;)

The K1.

It does mimic crumpler slightly but at the third of the cost. Extremely comfortable to carry and weighs almost nothing when empty.

It's so big you'd think an aircraft carrier would fit inside, yet a friend of mine treveled to Singapore, India and USA with his (out of UK with the stupid carryon restrictions) and they never asked to weigh it or check it for size.

I don't think I've ever spent that much on a shoulder bag in my life, but hey - my gear is very expensive to me and it's cheaper to replace the bag than the gear.

She

[shesgotthepic]

And as it turns out, the Pakuma is made at the same factory who makes Lowepro.

LOL!