Kata R-103 questions

[randy98mtu]

I am looking for a new bag to carry all my gear. I want to use it as my only carry-on for flights and also use it for shore excursions on cruises and day outtings. I will be putting in it a 40D, 17-85, 50 f/1.4, 10-22 and a 70-200 f/4. In the future I'd also like to put a 430EX as well as misc filters and such and maybe my SD700 IS. I'm not to concerned about it fitting all of that gear. I just want to confirm that this will be allowed as a carry on for flights (90% sure.) My other question concerns the laptop compartment. Will it fit a Dell E1505? I think so because I saw that it will fit a 15.4" widescreen laptop, I just want to confirm before I order one.

Thanks in advance.

[SYS]

I purchased the R-103 about two years ago specifically because it's airline compliant for carry-on. Unless the airline carry-on policies have changed in the meantime (I haven't flown since I purchased it), it should be good to go. You might want to send an email inquiry directly to kata.com about it to be sure. They usually respond pretty fast, as I've had a couple of email exchanges with them.

[randy98mtu]

Thanks. I'm also seeing reviews from people with 15" laptops that I think are very similar in size to my Dell, so I feel comfortable that it will fit. I'm pretty sure this is the one I'll end up with, but after a recent rash of purchases, I need to wait a month until I get some birthday money. :)

I'm anxious to see if my current gear fits in it. And I forgot about trying to put my video camera (Canon HV20) in it. It's about the size of an SLR body, so I think it will fit with all the rest. If it doesn't, I'll find somewhere else to carry it.

[SYS]

I don't think you'll have a problem placing your Dell into the bag, as I've read several folks testifying that the bag can handle a 15.4" laptop. As for the rest of your gear, the bag should be able to handle them. In my 103, I carry 20D with 100-400 with reversed hood, 70-200 with reversed hood, 24-70 with reversed hood, 2xTC, 10-22, 100 macro, 85, 50, Canon Angle Finder C, diffuser, TC-80N3 Remote Controller, a bunch of batteries, and I still have one exterior and three interior zipper storage rooms empty.

I have Canon HG-10 that I can fit in the bag by taking one of the listed lenses out. The problem with the bag capacity is, of course, it won't be airline compliant for carry-on if you go any bigger.