Computer bag help....

[Bindii]

Hi Guys.. I have probably put this thread in the wrong place and mods feel free to move it if I have...

I want to buy a backpack camera bag and am a little confused as to what size to get... I need to carry at least one DSLR body (with grip) and an assortment of lenses... (4 at the least.. the longest is only a 300mm though).. plus the various other crap that we tend to cart around.. flash, lens wipes, batteries etc... and I'm not sure what size bag I am going to need to fit all of this in... at the moment I have my kit in two seperate bags (and I tend to just throw what I need in one for day trips and leave the rest behind).. and I'm happy to continue doing that also...

I want something big enough that I can fit in enough equipment for a day or two (lets face we rarely need everything that we have right)... and I'm not that big myself so there is no point in me trying to cart everything around...

I'm also going oversea's again next year for six weeks so I would ideally like something that fits on the plane as hand luggage as I really don't want to risk having my kit go through with the rest of the luggage.... *cringes*

I'm kinda looking at the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW bag (that way I can throw my laptop in it when I travel also) at the moment... but I am hopeless with dimensions and wonder if its big enough or too small ???.... see size does matter!... and also if I would be allowed to cart it onboard a plane too...

I hope that I haven't rambled too much and confused you all...

Can anyone point me in the right direction please?...

[olrac]

I have the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW and it is quite a large bag but it does fit everything in though. I have always like the strap system on these bags it makes carring weight quite easy.

If you do decide to buy one, buy mine I never use it any more.

[Bindii]

I have the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW and it is quite a large bag but it does fit everything in though. I have always like the strap system on these bags it makes carring weight quite easy.

If you do decide to buy one, buy mine I never use it any more.

Do you know if they allow a bag that size on as carry on luggage on international flights by any chance???

and if yours is in good condition and the right price etc I would be interested in buying it... but let me know fast cause I am about to walk out the door to photo continental (god I hate giving that mob my business!!!)..

[losfp]

My current favourite camera backpack is the Think Tank Airport Antidote. It is the smallest of their three backpacks (!) but is still extremely roomy. What I like about it is that it is very deep (fits a D200 with grip comfortably without having to squish) and it is very box-shaped, so the depth and width is the same throughout.

We did Canada/Alaska in July and I carried the following in it:

D200 w/grip
Tokina 12-24
Nikkor 70-200VR
TC1.7
50/1.8
SB-800 flash
Plus various odds and sods.

The laptop carrying component is a separate bag that slides into a pocket on the front of the backpack - this is great because when you are not carrying your laptop, you don't have to carry the padding etc that goes with it. Fits effortlessly on planes, even tiny regional jets (went on tiny planes twice on our trip, flying in and out of Seattle) and never had a problem taking it as carry-on. Very very comfy shoulder straps.

Little touches like handles on the top, side and bottom of the bag, a handy pocket on the top to carry passports etc, tripod straps for the side, and an incredible assortment of velcroable dividers. Highly recommended, although it is not cheap, and you have to buy from overseas at the moment.

[gstark]

Sue,

The bag should be fine. I think it's you that has the problem getting on to international flights.


While in China, I picked up a new bag (yes, Papa's Got a Brand New Bag) that's handy for general use. Moreso, for me, than any other bag I've used.

Right now it has the Macbook plus its power supply and three modem, and the D200 plus 3 lenses (one being worn), plus assorted odds and ends.

Very compact, easy to carry, but not a backpack style. Made by a mob called Jenova Design Studio.

And we can also bring in Bagman through Poon.

[Bindii]

Thanks guys... I'll do a search and see if I can find your bag on the net losfp... and I don't mind paying the money if I can get what I need/want...

Sorry Gary... I have back problems and really need a backpack kinda style bag.. which actually is the main reason why I am buying a new bag.. and what do you mean 'bagman by Poon'... I didn't think that Poon sold bags??

[losfp]

No need to go searching bindii http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtAntdt.php

I've bought their gear both directly from them and also from their distributor in NZ. Let me know if you want contact details.

What I did on the trip was to pack the bag mostly free of dividers, but in Think Tank's modulus pouches. Then when I was out for the day in Alaska or whatever, stuck the pouches on a belt system for easier access.

[Bindii]

No need to go searching bindii http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtAntdt.php

Thanks I'm looking now..

Just a quick question if you have time though.. the bag looks like it loses shape when you pack it... does it?... cause I kinda figure that that would put a lot of extra pressure on the zipper..

I do the like the idea of being able to use the pouches though.. that would certainly be handy...

[losfp]

The bag starts off boxy, and it mostly stays boxy The only exception is if you REALLY overpack it. The zippers are very heavy-duty too, a bit moreso than the Lowepro bags I've owned.

I like the Lowepro bags, but the TTP bags just do it a bit better for mine, the build quality is brilliant and are generally more compact (they have a little less padding, still enough, but means that the bags aren't as bulky.

Careful though - I started browsing through their website and ended up wanting to order one of everything!!

Shame you're in QLD, you would have been quite welcome to check out any of the TTP bags I have.

[dviv]

Very cool bag.

Did you order direct from Thinktank photo? How much was delivery?

Thanks

[Pa]

hi bindii i bought a delsey from these people.


cheers pa

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Camera-Equipment ... dZViewItem

[ATJ]

hi bindii i bought a delsey from these people.


cheers pa

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Camera-Equipment ... dZViewItem

I have one of these, too, from the same place. I use it to take my camera gear and laptop on my dive trips. I also cram a few other odds and sods in and I'm very happy with it.

I can take it as carry on in domestic economy, so I'm pretty sure you wouldn't have problems on international flights.

[losfp]

Very cool bag.

Did you order direct from Thinktank photo? How much was delivery?

Thanks

I ordered one batch of stuff through TTP, shipping from the US was around $120. Bear in mind though, I ordered the Airport Antidote, a full set of modulus components, an urban disguise bag and a digital holster bag.

I also ordered another batch of stuff through their NZ distributor, and shipping was about $20 for 2 modulus components.

[gstark]

Sorry Gary... I have back problems

I told ya those implants were going to cause issues! Now you have to counterbalance them, don't you?




This is what I have, but as you can see here they have backpack models too. Look at the Himalaya range.

And yes, Poon also sells bags. I think I may ask him to add these to his range, because the quality is surprisingly good.

[olrac]

Bindi I dont know if it will be ok for travel I have never taken it on a plane.

as for price well you can have it for 75 plus postage.

if you are looking at the think tank bags i really like the rotation 360.

[Bindii]

Bindi I dont know if it will be ok for travel I have never taken it on a plane.

as for price well you can have it for 75 plus postage.

if you are looking at the think tank bags i really like the rotation 360.

If its in good nick consider it sold...

oh and you have a PM.. (well at least you will in a few minutes anyways..)

[who]

I have a Tamrac Adventure 9 - it holds the D200 with heaps of spare space with the 18-200 on it, tons of space for the 50 & 10-20, and on the other side I just have a heap of chargers & plugpacks. The laptop slips into a pocket at the back accessed via the side.

Heaps of room, and it will easily fit at least one big lens in, probably 2 & a SB800 (on its way thanks Poon & Gary - the duo that terrorise my wallet)

I really like it and it is goign to get a good test this coming weekend when I go walking at Freycinet NP..... might even be Wineglass Bay photos for all on Tuesday or Wednesday

[drsnoopy2]

Just to add my 2 cents - I have the Crumpler Whickey & the Cox. I thought it looked pretty good, and would fit the 15inch Powerbook + my DSLR and lenses. It didn't come cheap at about $300. It has been a bit of a letdown in the sense that although it fits everything, and it is quite well padded, it comes across as being quite bulky. It seems that some of the other brands with similar functions look less bulky when it all gets packed in. No problems bringing it into the cabin on international & national flights though.

[bwhinnen]

I have a Tamrac Adventure 9 - it holds the D200 with heaps of spare space with the 18-200 on it, tons of space for the 50 & 10-20, and on the other side I just have a heap of chargers & plugpacks. The laptop slips into a pocket at the back accessed via the side.

Heaps of room, and it will easily fit at least one big lens in, probably 2 & a SB800 (on its way thanks Poon & Gary - the duo that terrorise my wallet)

I really like it and it is goign to get a good test this coming weekend when I go walking at Freycinet NP..... might even be Wineglass Bay photos for all on Tuesday or Wednesday

Bringing an old thread to life!

Has anyone tried a 70-200VR in this bag? I like the look of it and am going to need something that is carry on safe and can take a laptop, D200 w/grip, 18-70, 70-200, 1.4TC, SB800 and accessories. Oh and another lens if I buy one OS...

[Steffen]

Brett, I haven't tried the Adventure 9, but from the pictures it looks like long lenses could be a challenge. But without trying it's hard to say.

A couple of years back when I needed a bag that's carries a long lens, a D2H with L-bracket and a 17" laptop I ended up getting the Tamrac Cyberpack 6 (http://tamrac.com/5256.htm). It doesn't have that general-purpose compartment - it's a pure photo/laptop bag. But it will easily carry what you've got, and then some. Be warned though, it's BIG - and when fully packed, HEAVY!

Cheers
Steffen.

[who]

I have a Tamrac Adventure 9 - it holds the D200 with heaps of spare space with the 18-200 on it, tons of space for the 50 & 10-20, and on the other side I just have a heap of chargers & plugpacks. The laptop slips into a pocket at the back accessed via the side.

Bringing an old thread to life!

Has anyone tried a 70-200VR in this bag? I like the look of it and am going to need something that is carry on safe and can take a laptop, D200 w/grip, 18-70, 70-200, 1.4TC, SB800 and accessories. Oh and another lens if I buy one OS...

Having had another look..... It will take a 28-70 f2.8 with the hood reversed on a D200 with the 18-200VR down one side, and Sigma 10-20 & 50 f1.8 on the other with spare room.

All the dividers are moveable, so you can make it wider easily. Can also remover the divider between the top pocket and the lower section, where the cords, chargers, SB800, lambency now live for serious length.

I would guess there is room to leave a grip on, also I can stow an 18-200VR, 10-20 Sigma and 50 f1.8 with spare space "on top".

What annoys me is the pockets in the zip up flap are too small for an EN-EL3e safely (they hang out a way). Fine for CF cards though.

In the zip up pocket I stow the body cap & lens cap for body end, 2 batteries, and a 2.5" HDD caddy for reading CF cards.

Having gone spec hunting, the 28-70f2.8 is 88.5mm W x 121.5mm L. The 70-200 is 87mm wide & 215 L. So it would need to be removed from the body and would be snug up one side of the bag...... unless you pull the upper divider out.

I suggest you try and find one in stock & fit your kit to it as the compromises may not suit you?

There should be room for a new lens as well, may just need to be double stacked on top of the camera body/lens assembly.

Also heaps of room wasted in the top with the Lambency too.

This bag weighed about 14kg last time I took it all to Qld (actually I didn't have the 28-70, so now prob 15kg) That is heavy enough..... but is a good size to stow on small planes (ie Dash 8 it is tight to get under the seats).

Here are some pics (Quality is as bad as a Ricoh P&S generally is.)







If you have any specific Q, I'll see what I can do.

[MarkW]

Bindii

You really need to try these packs before you buy. They're all shaped differently - some more suitable than others depending on your height, shape, size - forget what they fit in terms of camera gear - make sure they fit your body first. This is why the Aus. army is in trouble. The contract was all about fitting the gear and not fitting the person who carries it.

One of the features you need to have is a good quality heavy duty waist belt on the pack. I also have back problems - missing about 20% of L4/5 disc - and what I find is if the pack has a good belt you can transfer about 75% of the load onto your hips rather than having the full load on your shoulders.

Another feature is a small strap at the chest level - between the 2 shoulder straps. This little strap keeps the shoulder straps close together and stops them working their way across the shoulder and down the arm. This is even more important for women - so my wife says

Finally also look for a good way to hold a tripod (assuming you use one). Many of the crap packs stick them underneath the pack in a sideways orientation. This is no good for travelling where there are crowds of people (cities) unless you use a very short tripod when folded. The better quality packs put them on the side of the pack instead of underneath.

Best off going to a camera shop like Ted's ect to quickly see whats available and how it fits your size and shape.

[Vodka]

Has anyone tried a 70-200VR in this bag?

Not 70-200VR, but someone has tried the 300 f/4.
http://www.cambags.com/nikon/d70/backpa ... frames.htm

I found the site http://www.cambags.com very useful when I was searching for a good bag to hold all my gear.

Ben

[Bindii]

Bindii

You really need to try these packs before you buy. They're all shaped differently - some more suitable than others depending on your height, shape, size - forget what they fit in terms of camera gear - make sure they fit your body first. This is why the Aus. army is in trouble. The contract was all about fitting the gear and not fitting the person who carries it.

Thanks for the info Mark.. I did buy Olracs bag from him though and am very happy with it..

You do have some great points there though as the bag really is too big for me...

alright... its about the same size as me...lol... so I'm going to invest in a slightly smaller one for day trips etc and use that one to store my kit and for travel...

[bwhinnen]

Has anyone tried a 70-200VR in this bag?

Not 70-200VR, but someone has tried the 300 f/4.
http://www.cambags.com/nikon/d70/backpa ... frames.htm

I found the site http://www.cambags.com very useful when I was searching for a good bag to hold all my gear.

Ben

I did see that one (I have a review on that site of the Slingshot 300 ). I hadn't worked out the respective lengths of the lenses yet...

70-200 87x215
300 90x222.5

So it will fit, not my ideal layout of the bag though...

[DaveB]

Just to add my 2 cents - I have the Crumpler Whickey & the Cox.

I also have this: bought it early last year and used it on last year's trip to East Africa. I quite like it.

It (just) fitted the airline constraints with Emirates (there is no "one bag fits all airlines") and has the benefit that the bag opening is against your back. This gives protection against pick-pockets, and it doesn't look like a camera bag. And when putting it down on the ground to get get out of, you don't have to clear the burrs and water from the pack before you put it on your back again. In Africa I carried in it: PowerBook, 30D, Pro1, 580EX flash, CP-E3 flash battery pack, 100-400mm, 17-40mm, polarisers, PSD, batteries, flash cables and Wimberley bracket, blower and Arctic Butterfly for cleaning, 1.4xTC, etc.

The internal shape isn't very "box-like" (the sides slope in) which means that you can be somewhat constrained by what will fit where.
The TTP Airport Antitode definitely looks like a nice unit.

[bwhinnen]

Well I tested out the Tamrac Adventure 9 today at the local Camera House (at the Logan Hyperdome). They didn't have a 70-200VR there but did have a Sigma which was roughly the same size. And that almost fit where I wanted it to. So I haggled a bit and got a great price on the bag.

So later this evening I got to pack it and try it out. The 70-200VR fit exactly where I wanted it to! I was a happy chappy.

Some pics.

The bag, all packed and full.


With everything open showing what I have where. This is pretty much as I will be taking it to the US, but I may add some AA batteries and a Charger yet.


A close up of the camera section, showing how nicely every thing fits in there, although I'll need to rethink where the batteries and diffuser goes if I get a new lens over there...


A close up of the top section, showing my glasses case, the power supply, PDA, and Microsnot presenter mouse.


The accessories section, some gels, cleaning cloths, business cards, and memory cards.


Thanks for putting this bag forward, even with everything in there it sits very nicely on the back, it also has a waist support and the chest strap to stop the arm straps from moving.

Cheers
Brett

[who]

Glad to see you are happy Brett.....

I did think that a big lens could be made to fit, and glad to see I could pack in a 70-200 in the future.

[Andyt]

Hi! Bindi!

I have the Tamrac Aventure 7 B/P, quality is Excel'. The tripod holder came in handy a few times.

During my six weeks in Europe this year, whilst flying around, I was pulled up a few times and chatted to after they weighed my B/P, 12.5Kgs instead of the Max 7Kgs, a bit of diplomatic talking and opening up to show the contents got me through without any problems!

Enjoy your travels!