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I've been having a look through some of the recent threads on camera bags. Someone posted a link to one of the crumpler bags in the backpacking thread that looked quite interesting. My dilemma is this:

If I'm travelling overseas, interstate etc, I like taking a backpack onboard the plane for my laptop and other bits and pieces that I don't trust leaving to the gentle care of the baggage handlers. To this point, I've been using one of the smaller lowepro bags, just big enough to fit my old Oly 2100UZ and some accessories, this fits snugly inside the biggest compartment in the backpack. When I finally get my D70s, I'll still be using this bag, I think it will JUST fit the D70s, kit lens and a 50mm/1.8. The beauty of this system is that when I'm wandering around after I get to my destination, I can simply carry the lowepro and leave my bulky backpack at the hotel, or wherever I'm staying.

The trouble is, when I can afford new lenses, flash etc, I'll need a new bag to fit all these goodies in, and that new bag might not fit in the backpack, so I'd have to lug 2 bags around. Some airlines will only allow one piece of carry-on, so that's obviously not good.

My question is, has anyone heard of any bags that are like a combined two-in-one laptop and camera bag? With a camera bag section that can be separated and carried around all day if need be. Or am I just delusional, and really should refrain from voicing independent thoughts so early on a monday...

Otherwise I might have to consider just getting a standard 2-in-1 backpack and deal with the bulkier bag.

Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW

Airlines allow 1 carry-on, plus a bag for personal items ie. briefcase, purse, laptop or camera bag.

You could probably make do with what you have now... and get a backpack for your laptop and hand luggage, or stick with a briefcase style laptop carrier for your + one, and get a bag to fit your photographic gear and hand luggage.

I've done my share of airport hopping in the past two years with my trusty Crumpler, it fits laptop, camera and hand luggage in one, but I still always carry a plus one for the redundancy and exploit the extra storage allowed - typically a small off-the-shoulder-type camera bag.

Unless you're one to travel with everything including the kitchen sink, being abroad typically means sacrifices/compromises in your kit - including camera kit... and as you may know, your luggage will grow to fill all available space.

Birddog114 wrote:Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW

While this is a three-in-one (camera/laptop/bulk) backpack it didn't look as if the camera section at the bottom was detachable. I might have to have another look... It seems similar to the crumpler "customary barge", where the (too small) camera section isn't detachable either.

Cheers
Steffen.

I guess I'll have to double-check the allowances of the various airlines I fly on (mostly jetstar/virgin blue, but I will be on Malaysian Airlines in Jan). If they permit a reaonably sized camera bag as a +1, that could be the go. Otherwise I will be stuck with my small bag

If I get a bigger bag, I can probably fit my Canon Ixus 400 in there too... For the times when lugging around the D70 is just going to be too much hassle!

Steffen wrote:

Birddog114 wrote:Lowepro Computrekker Plus AW

While this is a three-in-one (camera/laptop/bulk) backpack it didn't look as if the camera section at the bottom was detachable. I might have to have another look... It seems similar to the crumpler "customary barge", where the (too small) camera section isn't detachable either.

Cheers
Steffen.

My reply responded to the original poster about one bag which can house the notebook and other photographic gears, it's not detachable.

Birddog114 wrote:
My reply responded to the original poster about one bag which can house the notebook and other photographic gears, it's not detachable.

Yeah sorry Birdy, I actually meant one that could detach - I wasn't completely clear about that in my long post

A couple of those lowepros do look pretty good though. Most of them say they fit 4-5 lenses... Now if I only had 4-5 lenses....

losfp wrote:

Birddog114 wrote:
My reply responded to the original poster about one bag which can house the notebook and other photographic gears, it's not detachable.

Yeah sorry Birdy, I actually meant one that could detach - I wasn't completely clear about that in my long post

A couple of those lowepros do look pretty good though. Most of them say they fit 4-5 lenses... Now if I only had 4-5 lenses....

You don't need to have 4-5 lenses to start your fun but it'll be outgrown very quick.
Ask Doug & Wendellt same as others (recently upgraded from a small bag), no bag means enough.

get the dakine sequence. awesome bag that has a detachable camera block (which can also be purchsed seperately). the sequence was designed for use in the snow so would be very durable and weatherproof. also has a rear entry panel. the camera block is also capable of carrying a fair bit of gear.



i have a a lowepro computrekker and a burton zoom. i like the burton zoom better as it has a slimmer profile as compared to the computrekker. the camera section in my zoom is also removable but is not a seperate bag like the dakine block. the zoom also has the rear entry panel and an extra flap, which i absolutely love

jerrysk8, that looks kinda like what I'm after!! Any idea where I might be able to get that in AUS? Would love to have a look at one of those in the flesh.

try and find a dakine dealer/reseller. got this off the dakine website

FLYING FISH PTY. LTD.
Address: UNIT 9
1-3 JUBILEE AVE.
WARRIEWOOD, NEW SOUTH WALES
Australia - 2102
Phone: 61-2-9979-1862
Email: info@flyingfish-australia.com

or go to your local snow gear or backpack shop. i went to snowbiz (in brisbane) and they said they could order one in for me.

Well, in the end I went for a simple solution. My existing Targus notebook backpack, and a Lowepro Microtrekker 200. With nothing in the front pocket of the microtrekker, it fits inside the laptop bag, solving my 2 problems a two-in-one, AND the ability to take a smaller camera bag around

Fits all my gear at the moment, though I'll have to shoehorn an SB-800 in there somewhere too.... Should be all I need to take good photos

Clockwise - D70s w/ kit 18-70 lens, Mini camera case w/ Canon Ixus 400 compact camera, AF 70-210 4-5.6 (loaner), Lenshood, AF 70-300G (loaner), 50mm/1.8

<img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/newbag01.jpg">

<img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/newbag02.jpg">

<img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/newbag03.jpg">

I agree with Birdy, whatever you think is big enough... get bigger.
With 3 months I have already outgrown my first bag

Well, then I get a bigger one I feel I'll need different sized bags depending on the situation.. It'll be nice to have this "smaller" bag to be portable with.

Will also help to keep the lens lust at bay for a while.. sorry, can't buy that, no room.

That's my story ok? and I'm sticking to it.