Looking for an "All-in-one" weekend bag for small laptop, DSLR, and clothes

[yashart]

I could really use some assistance finding an "all-in-one" bag, that is capable of holding several things in a relatively small package. I travel every weekend via train to visit my girlfriend in the big city (Manhattan). I'd like to be able to pack:


ultra-portable netbook/laptop (Lenovo S10)
40D w/ 1 or 2 small lenses (24-105 and 10-22)
clothes for the weekend....maybe a button-up or two, a pair of jeans, some undies and socks. I'm a light packer, and besides that, my esentials (toothbruth, soap, deodorant, etc. are at her place)

Does anything come to mind that would fit the bill?

[AdamC]

Check out the Fastpack series. The 250 and 350 models both have laptop compartments, and a decent sized section at top for clothes or whatever.

[TheHoff]

If you like a more free-form bag, one of the Domke messenger bag series would work well:

http://www.tiffen.com/results.html?search_type_no=430&tablename=domke&family=Domke+Camera+Bags&

[osamu]

would also probably fit in a crumpler sinking or customary barge. Kinda on the large side for a backpack, though.

[sol95]

Check out the Fastpack series. The 250 and 350 models both have laptop compartments, and a decent sized section at top for clothes or whatever.

I agree. I have the fastpack 250, and the only issue I can see is in putting your clothes in...it may be a tight fit. But if you've only got 2 lenses to carry with you, you might be able to stuff the socks & undies & a shirt in the extra space you have left over in the camera section.

[fishfoto]

Mountainsmith Parallax

Check it what it can haul in detail here:
http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2007/08/3-august-2007-going-around-world-for.html

[Vascilli]

Lowepro Compurover, Kata DR 467, etc etc.

[adam8080]

Tamrac Adventure series?

[mleone]

Mountainsmith Parallax

Check it what it can haul in detail here:
http://flyingwithfish.blogspot.com/2007/08/3-august-2007-going-around-world-for.html

Gee wiz dude! 34,000mi and one bag. Your a travel god to me! :)

[Jon]

If you like a more free-form bag, one of the Domke messenger bag series would work well:

http://www.tiffen.com/results.html?search_type_no=430&tablename=domke&family=Domke+Camera+Bags&
That, or one of the new Domke F-2 or F-3 backpack models. I just got the F-2 backpack and am seriously impressed. It lacks a few thing, but is all-in-all a good backpack as backpacks go.

[yashart]

Thanks for all the feedback guys!

I'd really like to stick to a backpack as it is more comfortable to me, and probably easier to support/maneuver while on skates...

I had originally been looking at the lowepro 250, but i am bit concerned about how much clothing I would actually be able to hold with it.

The Tarmac Adventure 9 looks like a great bag, and pretty much exactly what i am looking for. Not sure if it waterproof, or has a rain cover like the compurover...

The compurover looks like it may be a tad too big, while the compudaypack look like it might be too small. Maybe the Rover AW will fit the bill...

I never realized just how many choices in bags there were! thank for the input guys, keep it coming!

[jacobsen1]

why does it have to be a camera bag? Personally I'd get a good backpack you like, and that fits well, then add inserts to make it work. Camera backpacks are OK for hauling a lot of camera gear, but tend to suck when used for a bunch of things at once.

That said, check out the kata 3n1 30... It's their biggest option and can be used as a backpack, sling, or crossed straps.

[sol95]

i just picked up the compuprimus and it might be worth looking at.

it's a bit on the big side, but it has contoured edges which make it "seem" smaller...and it's very comfortable to carry on your back.

[fishfoto]

Gee wiz dude! 34,000mi and one bag. Your a travel god to me! :)

It was all in around 4.5 days, so I didn't need that much.

[Laramie]

Look also at the Lowepro Primus. Great bag. No dedicated laptop slot, but there is a front are tht would be fine.

[jacobsen1]

It was all in around 4.5 days, so I didn't need that much.

fish,
I've been reading your links on your blog, are you a RI guy (HVN=New Haven right, so maybe somewhere between PVD and NHV?)? Also, which is your favorite bag for trips like this, INCLUDING the Lowepro stealth backpack? You seem to like everything you review and not really pic a favorite. Just curious. :)

[fishfoto]

Ben,

I have used dozens of bags I don't like. I don't see a point in wasting space discussing what I find does not work for me. I have started to write about gear I don't like quite a few times but I stop myself.

I stop myself because I don't see the point in writing "Having now traveled with two LowePro Fast Pack bags, the 250 & 350, I can safely say I find these bags poorly designed. The actual ergonomics of the bags are uncomfortable for wearing while shooting. The internal design of the bag allows for minimal user set up to pack excess gear, along with clothes and a laptop. The rigid design of the bag makes navigating dense areas nearly impossible while trying to work."

I made a choice early on to focus on what works and to stay positive.

I hope this makes some sense.....and yes, I have traveled with the FastPack 250 and 350 and I find both bags to be poorly designed in many aspects.

...........and I live in CT. 60 miles from BDL and PVD and a bit under 40 miles from HVN.

As for my favourite bag? It all depends on my packing needs. The Parallax is a great bag to stay self contained when I need a laptop and a lot of various gear, or when I need to pack some gear and clothes. The new Gura Gear Kiboko is an amazing bag when my laptop is not getting packed in the bag and I want everything internal, including light stands. The Think Tank Airport Addicted is a massive bag for packing damn near everything,including longer glass, like a 300f2.8 and some light gear, including light stands. The LowePro Stealth is an amazing self contained travel bag for 'the essentials' plus clothes. The North Face Surge is good for longer trips when packing the majority of your gear external of the backpack.

So pick one? Tell me the job/scenario and I'll pick a backpack and tell you why it may be the best for that gig.

[Vascilli]

So pick one? Tell me the job/scenario and I'll pick a backpack and tell you why it may be the best for that gig.
Here's one. (Hypothetical) I'm 5'4", male. 95lbs. I go to Europe for a month and carry a 1-series with a 24-105L and flash, charger, spare batteries and cards. I have 3 t-shirts, 3 pants, a sweater, and a windbreaker/rain jacket. Toiletries. Cell phone, small laptop. (<12") A removable daypack would be good because carrying everything around all day sucks. (Some places won't let you in with large bags) It needs to be carry-on compliant.

[yashart]

years later, i still haven't found the perfect bag...

[lucasmcd]

years later, i still haven't found the perfect bag I really don't think there is a perfect bag out there:confused: I would love a crumpler style backpack that is not too bulky , does not look like a camera bag , takes all my gear plus a tripod plus room for a jacket and personal stuff , is easy to carry and does not make me look like a turtle walking down the street.:D

Oh it also has to be under $200.00 bucks :lol: guess I will be looking around for a long time :rolleyes:

[rchr]

would also probably fit in a crumpler sinking or customary barge. Kinda on the large side for a backpack, though.

Problem with Crumplers is that they tend to be overly padded meaning you end up with very little interior space. A lot of the "camera bags" type available out there leave very little space for other essentials such as umbrellas, bottle of water, jacket etc. and I don't carry more than 1 DSLR + 1 lens + 1 PnS + tripod.

I'm still looking for a perfect weekend bag myself, planning to just do a dyi camera insert with my current backpack instead...

[TreeTopFlyer]

Fish, am guessing that was a mileage run?
Agreed to the perfect pack
Picked up a kata the other day, a 3 n1 22-thing holds stuff well but just doesn't ride very comfortably
I use a kinda plain Targus backpack for work, may and try to fashion something with it to haul camera gear with.

[Blurr Cube]

years later, i still haven't found the perfect bag...

Have you gotten close? What did you try and it did not work out and why?

I really don't think there is a perfect bag out there:confused: I would love a crumpler style backpack that is not too bulky , does not look like a camera bag , takes all my gear plus a tripod plus room for a jacket and personal stuff , is easy to carry and does not make me look like a turtle walking down the street.:D

Oh it also has to be under $200.00 bucks :lol: guess I will be looking around for a long time :rolleyes:

I got the Bumblebee 220... but I'm thinking it's too big for my needs right now. The search goes on. :confused:

[Organic Treats]

The lower pro 250 won't hold any clothing.