I need a carry on bag for my laptop AND camera

[silvrbullet]

I have been doing a lot of searching on the forums, but havent really found the answer to my question. I am going on a trip this spring and need a bag to put both my camera and laptop in, that would be carry on sized. Oddly enough, this is my first flight on an airplane ever, so I dont know how carry on luggage works. I looked at United Airlines' web site, and it says the carry on can be no larger than 9x14x22.

So far I have found the Lowepro Fastpack 250, but it comes in at 9.5 x13x18, would this be OK? Any other suggestions for a good pack or shoulder bag? All I really want to carry in it is my 15" Macbook Pro and my 50D w/ 24-105.

Is there anything else I need to know about traveling with this stuff? Like can it go through the baggage x-ray machines, etc?

[SuzyView]

No issues with x-ray equipment with any camera gear. That was from the film days when fast film 800 or over were slightly damaged in the machines.

As far as bags I recommend (I have a few), I recommend the little more expensive Urban Disguise 50 or 60. I just recommended this bag to another poster, it was more than he wanted to spend, but he loves it! It is small enough to look like a regular large briefcase, but fits a lot of gear and you will feel very safe with it.

[CxThree]

The lowepro you have should be fine on aplane. It will fit in the overhead and could even go under the seat in front of you, if needed. If it fits your gear, I would use it. You could take a roll on case for your clothes to put in the overhead and put the fastpack under the seat.

[silvrbullet]

I really like the fastpack because its only $68 at B&H. This bad wont get a lot of use, so I really dont want to spend a lot of money on it. I will check out the urban disquise!

For some reason if the bag doesnt fit in the overhead compartment, will they make me check the bag? I guess thats my worst fear...

Can the laptop go through the x-ray machine??

[Beachcomber Joe]

When I travel by air I use a Tamrac 5618 Turbo Cyber Pro as my personal carry on item. It is sized to fit under the seat as well as an overhead bin. The bag holds my camera equipment, laptop, chargers and items I want immediate access to while in my seat. The personal item is the carry on item you are allowed in addition to the standard rolling carry on bag which goes in the overhead bin. The Tamrac has a back sleeve which fits over the handle of your rolling luggage for easy transport.

[Beachcomber Joe]

Can the laptop go through the x-ray machine??

The X-Ray machine will not harm the laptop. Keep in mind that when you go through the security checkpoint you are required to remove the laptop from it's carrying case and place the laptop separately on the X-ray machine's conveyor belt. Make sure that the bag you choose will allow you to conveniently do this.

Checking carry on luggage for size is a hit or miss proposition. On those few occasions when the airlines decide to enforce the policy your bag is checked by placing it in a metal basket like device which represents the two smaller dimensions. Unless your bag is overstuffed the difference between 9 and 9.5 inches should be a non-issue on a soft sided bag.

[silvrbullet]

OK, I think I am leaning towards the Fastpack 250. It's not going to be overstuffed, and I cant risk it being checked with over $5,000 in gear inside... Everything is insured, but I still cant risk it!

[jusdadrumr]

A friend just gave me a Lowepro CompuDaypack today. It looks more that adequate to be used as a carry-on for a up to a 17" laptop and DSLR camera. There's plenty of space for extra lenses and many other items. With that in mind, I could fairly confidently say that the Fastpack 250 will probably serve the purpose also.

[snowboarder]

I would think twice before taking both your laptop and the camera
in one bag. It seems to be a great idea, but it's only for people taking their laptops
everywhere. Which is almost only limited to the pros in Vancouver.
Are you gonna walk around on vacation with a laptop in your bag?

[silvrbullet]

No, Its going to stay in my room once I get to my destination. I just dont want to check my laptop, or my camera and I can only have one carry on bag....

[Kasrielle]

I've carried the Fastpack 250 many times in both large and small planes - the size is great. fits overhead and under the seat.

[NYNCTC]

if you want a good bag for everything, Kata DR 467. Love mine.

[Guapo]

The Fastpack 250 is fine for carry on use.