I Want it ALL in a Bag! Cycling Oriented. Is it possible?

[cLen]

So, I've been trying to find a bag for all my new gear as it takes up more space than before. I'm having some trouble because I have too many specific needs and there doesn't seem to be a bag that does it all.

1) Be able to carry my laptop (15" mbp), charger and misc paperwork type things... (this is the least important of my needs)
2)Be comfortable and secure while cycling (I'm on my bike a lot and it's my main in-town transportation)
3) Be able to carry all the gear listed in my sig + misc stuff (no extra camera gear but maybe some beers, bike lock + small tools). Plus have pretty quick access to the photo gear.
4) Hopefully not cost an arm and a leg ($100-$150max)

I currently have an Ogio backpack, which is great for light traveling but sucks on the bike and isn't good for quick access. I have a laptop bag which is OK to hold my computer and a couple small accessories. It can be ghetto and hold the camera, but not when the laptop is in there. And this also isn't good for the bike.

I've found a handful of "messenger" or shoulder style camera bags which look pretty good (I want a shoulder style bag - not a backpack) but they all look fairly "square" - and by that I mean they don't look like they will conform to my body very well. And that is important for a comfy bag when cycling. And most of these bags seem to be simple shoulder bags with simple straps - nothing that will make sure the bag is very secure and won't slide around. So far the Tenba Small Messenger sounds like the closest but I'm not convinced the strap/bag design will keep the bag in one place while I ride. My other option would be to buy a bag designed for biking and then retrofit it for my camera...

Anyone have any suggestions?

[rklepper]

Cannondale makes some wonderful cylcling bags that attach to the rack on the back and could easily be modified for photography use. The pack I have clips onto the rack and when it comes off it is a messenger bag.

[cLen]

I'm not running a rack on my bike. Looking for a messenger style bag that will work while I'm on or off the bike... So far the nicest I'm seeing are the Bailey Works bags, but those aren't photo oriented at all.

[cLen]

bump - I guess most here aren't cyclists?

[Redfish]

Check out the Think Tank backpack bags. Some carry laptops plus a lot more I currently use the Antidote for a 1dMiii 70-200, 24-105, and 16-35 plus laptop and all cables, etc and three flashes

Steve

[cLen]

Don't really want a backpack, looking for a shoulder or messenger style bag. They are more comfy while riding and I would have much faster access to my camera gear that way. That's why I don't like riding w/ my Ogio. If I did, I would just retro-fit it w/ some camera inserts...

[cito17]

What about a Timbuk2 bag with domke inserts?

http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/products/...ssenger-style/

http://forums.thoughtsmedia.com/f305...bag-28464.html

[Jim G]

If you take the laptop out of the equation a Domke F-803 might work - I use that whilst cycling sometimes (more often a backpack, though) and if you cinch the strap up tight it sits flat against your back while you're going. I can fit 20D+17-40+580+135L+85mm 1.8 with room for two more 580s if I really want to pack it out or just miscellaneous stuff.

[cLen]

Thanks guys, those are some good suggestions. I'm liking that Timbuk2... but it is pretty much the same price as a Bailey Works... hmm.

[blssdwlf]

Also consider the Lowepro Fastpack 250. It is the backpack version of the Slingshot and you have the benefit of distributing the weight evenly with two straps instead of one.

I used the Slingshot 200AW daily, walking and biking and found that it is great as an "event" bag but it wore on my right shoulder day after day + the day pack space was not enough. I switched to a Lowepro Orion Trekker II for the larger day pack space but traded it for the quick access of the Slingshot and slightly less camera room. The Fastpacks were released pretty recently and now I'm thinking of switching to those to get the quick access back

[cLen]

I've actually found that a good messenger bag seems to distribute the weight better for me. True, it's only on one shoulder, but whens snugged up really well it is pulled tight against my body, this takes a lot of the pressure off of my shoulder.

With a backpack all of the weight is put directly ON my shoulders. A waist strap is often used to combat that problem however when you're hunched over on a bike that doesn't work whatsoever.

[blssdwlf]

Ah - yeah, you do get the weight on your shoulders with a backpack. The Orion Trekker II (backpack) that I use comes with a sternum strap that helps alot in alleviating that weight for me when biking. Good luck in finding a bag