Travel bag...

[Familiaphoto]

Hello all....

I'm traveling for work quite a bit and find myself taking my camera along with me more and more. The more I do this the more I wan't to take only one bag, not one for my setup and one for my laptop. Leaving for the UK soon this is especially important to me as I hear you can only carry one back on in the UK.

So does anyone have any recommendations for a bag. I've seen a few, one by National Geographic, Tamron, etc. but not finding any reviews or experiences.

Usually I travel with my XTi, grip, 3 or so lenses, some batteries, cards, etc.

Any opinions, experiences, etc. are most welcome.

[rhys]

"The dimensions of hand luggage must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 17.7in x 9.8in approx), including wheels, handles and side pockets. This is equivalent to the size of a small roller suitcase."

This is larger than some airline's recommended sizes.

I recommend using a small roller suitcase and cutting up a yoga mat as padding for your lenses etc.

[Lovetosnap]

The Airport Antidote from thinktank photo is a laptop and camera bag that fits on small planes.

[BTBeilke]

I have a Kata R-103 GDC Rucksack (http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=275&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4) that I really like a lot. It provides a very high level of protection combined with some nice convenience features. Be sure to note that it will accommodate up to a 15" laptop. The 17" laptop I have at work will not fit comfortably in this bag. I can squeeze it in, but it really stresses the zipper. Highly recommended.

They also have a new model that looks to be a little smaller (http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=330&cid=28&perentId=4&ProdLine=4). I've never seen one of these bags in person, so I can't comment on the build quality compared to the R-103.

[transcend]

The lowepro computrekker is great. Airline dimensions + laptop space. I use it when i travel in europe where the airlines are much more strict about carryon on size.

BEWARE however with any bag that slides the laptop between your back and the rest of the back. They come under enourmous pressure and generally force the screen into the KB and WILL mark your screen. For this reason, I nromally use th ebag below and a laptop bag. Besides, you can carry most stuff this way (change of clothes, toothbrush + toothpaste (under 3oz of course), magazine, etc.

Anywhere else I use a photo trekker 2, which is huge, but is exactly airline carryon dimensions. No room for a laptop technically, but it has 2 huge pockets ont he front that easily fit my 15" powerbook. Also nowhere near carry-on weight, but I have only been weighed twice. Once coming home from new zealand on air at the airport (federal law for overhead bin weight) and once going to Chile on LAN.

Big bag below.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/417903020_b820d28b09_o.jpg

[manipula]

Second vote for the Computrecker. When the size guides were brought in in the UK, we had an influx of people buying VERY small bags. The reality is, quite a large backpack will fit in their restrictions. But usually only one bag on as hand luggage in the UK. There's a version which is part backpack, part camera bag and laptop holder too, can't think of the name off the top of my head. Take your food, cameras, laptop and small children all in one bag then! ;)

[purelithium]

I LOVE my National Geographic Medium Backpack. it's a great size, I can fit 2-4 lenses, my 300D with grip, and more. It has a pocket for my laptop and a fair-sized upper compartment for various items like toiletries or snacks, or whatever you want. plus there's LOTS of smaller pockets on this bag... perfect for travelling.

Search this forum for National Geographic Medium Backpack, there's a 3 page thread on it. Go to Cambags.com and look for it there, there's my pictures of the bag as well.

Plus it looks like a generic canvas rucksack, nothing that screams "expensive stuff inside!!!"