Need a TSA-friendly photo+laptop bag

[anthony11]

I've done lots of searching for prior posts, but haven't found much about TSA-friendly photo+laptop bags. I envision a carry-on bag that has a TSA-friendly compartment (or detachable section/insert) for a 15" laptop (MBP) so it can pass through screening without being unpacked and dropped into one of those hard, jostle-prone bus tubs. The photo needs are modest: 5D2, 24-105, one or two small primes (50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.8), 580EXII. In the future maybe a 70-200 (dreaming) as well. Worst case the flash can go elsewhere.

Thanks for any specific advice. My current strategy is to simply not travel with the laptop and the photo gear at the same time, but I'd like the option.

[Rey.dos]

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/streetwalker-harddrive-backpack.aspx

[anthony11]

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/streetwalker-harddrive-backpack.aspx

Does the laptop compartment detach or butterfly open as per TSA screening requirements, though? I don't see anything on TTP's page about that.

I'll also admit that I favor a shoulder bag style so that I don't have to lay the thing down and open it entirely to pull out just the body with whatever's attached. Maybe I need to get over that.

[crazyfoo88]

Does the laptop compartment detach or butterfly open as per TSA screening requirements, though? I don't see anything on TTP's page about that.

I'll also admit that I favor a shoulder bag style so that I don't have to lay the thing down and open it entirely to pull out just the body with whatever's attached. Maybe I need to get over that.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-antidote-backpack.aspx

[hfgarris]

I am going to try using the Skooba (Tenba) R101-151 CheckThrough Laptop Roller Case on my next flight. It "butterflies" open to reveal your laptop per TSA guidelines when going through security. The laptop section will hold your 15" MacBook Pro and possibly even a 17" MacBook Pro. The bag carries the "CheckThrough" logo which is supposed to be recognized by TSA personnel and allowed through the X-Ray without removal of the computer (it must be the ONLY item in the laptop section). This bag is also small enough to easily fit in small jet overhead bins and under the seat, and is hopefully small enough to not be selected for "gate check" when boarding small regional jets.

If you aren't challenged by the TSA agent (they CAN make you remove it anyway), you will have a single item to keep track of, your laptop will not be out loose and exposed, and you can simply grab the handle and go to the area where you can zip it up again, put your shoes back on, reload your pockets, and pull your pants back up and put on your belt:confused::o:cry:)

I selected this one because I could modify it slightly by cutting off the divider in the "luggage" section and it will accommodate my loaded TT Urban Disguise 40 camera bag plus other small stuff such as cables, chargers, GPS, etc. It will also hold other camera shoulder bags such as my Billingham Hadley Pro, UD-30, UD-35, Multimedia-20 or simply a Tenba insert. Once at my destination, I can simply remove the shoulder bag for walking around.

If I need additional space when returning home (too many purchases :confused: ), I can always load the excess stuff into the roller and carry my camera bag (actually, slide it over the handle to ride on the roller bag).

http://www.skoobadesign.com/product/checkthrough-roller-75/

http://www.tenba.com/Categories/Laptop-Bags.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Skooba-R101-151-Checkthrough-Laptop-Roller/dp/B002JCAF0C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263156559&sr=8-2

-howard

[Hobbes330i]

Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 messenger bag + Tenba inserts.

The Commute 2.0 bag has a laptop slot in the back that unzips and folds flat. It's TSA compliant.

Then Tenba inserts can be added to the inside. Can hold an ungripped 5D or7D plus 2-3 lens and accessories depending if you get the Med or Large Timbuk2 bag.