Laptop + Camera Bag

Moxxi · Jul 26, 2006

Hello, I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on a laptop + camera backpack that is perfect for travel by plane. I do not want to check it. If there is a way to use the laptop portion of the bag and somehow detach the camera stuff from it then that would be ideal. It'd like to stick around 15" high MAX, even that seems large, but that's just me. I'd like it not to scream "i have at least $6,000 worth of stuff on my back...come get it." I understand I ask alot, but I am going to fly this August and I want to bring my laptop and camera. Usually I take my timbuk2 messenger for my laptop and my other bag for my camera, but two bags is getting annoying. However, the trip is business with me sneaking away to photograph stuff. On that note, I would not like to have to carry my camera gear everywhere I go, so the detaching part would be awesome.

It is super important that I do not have to check whatever bag I get...I'd be really bummed.

Does such bag exist? Is it pricey (I have so many bags, spending more money seems silly, but I want it)? And more importantly, reviews, links, opinions, warnings, anything?
Thank you kindly for your help.

hjkelly · Jul 27, 2006

I've been looking into these myself, being a college student who likes to travel. I believe most of these are in the $80-200 range, but they look like a pretty good value.

This first link is a group of shoulder bags, not backpacks. However, the two highest models have a laptop slot and I thought the overall design was great, and have an all-weather feature. The camera area (or the majority of it) is split off into a separate, removable section.
http://lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/quick/

Now for the backpacks with notebook sections, most of which are all-weather as well:
http://lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/notebook_camera/

Good luck!

rsbfotos · Jul 27, 2006

About 6 weeks ago I was in a Staples and stopped to look for a similar item. There were a number of different "backpack" style bags designed basically for school use (store is in a college town) with a pocket in them for a laptop. There were many manufacturers and models and pricing ranged from $29.99 to $89.99 (usd). One or two had possibilities for use with camera gear.

I like the idea of a detachable laptop pocket but haven't seen one yet (but also haven't done any exhaustive searching either.) If you get a "backpack" style bag, make sure it is comfortable on your back and all the straps feel comfortable. Unfortunately only backpacks designed for real outdoors hike/camping use by outdoor gear manufactures know what they are doing. (IMHO) I bought a tamerac "camera gear" backpack two years ago and haven't used it but once, because it is very uncomfortable. (I feel I'm speaking from experience of many 1 to 2 week trekkings in my life.)

If you find anything promising, hope you post it to this thread for myself and others.

Aussie Donna · Jul 27, 2006

Check out the "CRUMPLER" bag range. There is something for everybody, backpack or over the shoulder. They are indestructable, waterproof and come in a variety of sizes and don't look like your standard camera bag. They have a cool website just do a search and are available in several countries or can be ordered on line.

Regards,
Donna

Moxxi · Jul 29, 2006

Thanks all.

Basically what I seem to find most are backpacks that hold camera gear and a laptop then boast about removable dividers to allow the backpack to be used for a laptop and other cargo.

I'm wishing to find something that isn't 25" high (that seems large to me) and that just sort of unhooks, unzips, unbuttons...whatever, from itself so the camera gear isn't sitting on a table while all the compartments on next to it. Anyway, with that in mind, here is one that looked promising, but it's too large. I already have a 25" high photo backpack that is way too large and yet doesn't hold a laptop.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtAddctd.php

Is this were say 17" high 14" wide and then whatever deep I'd be in heaven. I'd hope not to pay more than $200, but it's not looking good at all.

Crumpler looks great, I know their line well, but again they're missing that one feature I desire.

sean000 · Jul 29, 2006

I have a Crumpler backpack that is discontinued, but Crumpler has new models that are similar. Mine holds a laptop up to 15" + D70, 80-200mm f/2.8 attached (big honkin' lens), a smaller zoom, SB-800, a couple of primes... just about all the gear I want to take on a given trip. It also has a strap on the side that I can lash the tripod to. They don't scream camera bag (or laptop bag) like some other brands. My backpack is plenty padded and fits easily into an overhead compartment. Crumpler also makes shoulder bags large enough for both laptop and camera gear, if your'e up to carrying all that on one shoulder.

http://www.crumplerbags.com/home.php

shmspac · Jul 29, 2006

I use a Lowepro backpack specifically designed for a notebook computer and camera gear. I also have another Lowepro backpack that has a removable “day pack” and although it is intended more for garments, it could be used for a notebook as well. I have taken both gags on airplanes numerous times, and found the Lowepro products to be durable and well designed.

hmac · Jul 30, 2006

moxxi said:
Hello, I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions on a
laptop + camera backpack that is perfect for travel by plane. I do
not want to check it. If there is a way to use the laptop portion
of the bag and somehow detach the camera stuff from it then that
would be ideal. It'd like to stick around 15" high MAX, even that
seems large, but that's just me. I'd like it not to scream "i have
at least $6,000 worth of stuff on my back...come get it." I
understand I ask alot, but I am going to fly this August and I want
to bring my laptop and camera. Usually I take my timbuk2 messenger
for my laptop and my other bag for my camera, but two bags is
getting annoying. However, the trip is business with me sneaking
away to photograph stuff. On that note, I would not like to have to
carry my camera gear everywhere I go, so the detaching part would
be awesome.

It is super important that I do not have to check whatever bag I
get...I'd be really bummed.

Does such bag exist? Is it pricey (I have so many bags, spending
more money seems silly, but I want it)? And more importantly,
reviews, links, opinions, warnings, anything?
Thank you kindly for your help.

--
H McCollister

Moxxi · Jul 31, 2006

wow awesome thanks! But does the camera cargo part detach from the laptop part? kind of a 2 in 1 bag.

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Laptop + Camera Bag

Moxxi

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hjkelly

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rsbfotos

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Aussie Donna

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Moxxi

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sean000

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shmspac

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hmac

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Moxxi

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