I need a bag (preferably a backpack style kind of thing) that can hold a DSLR camera, spare lens, charger, 15" laptop, charger for the laptop, folder containing important documents (such as birth certificate, certificate of no impediment, other stuff) and a pocket for passport and travel documents... I know these bags exist, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on one Anyone know of such a cheap offer? Anyone bought something like this on the cheap?? And must be small enough to carry onto a plane.... Man bags also considered
I use a Lowepro CompuTrekker AW It was pretty expensive new about 5 years ago but it is a superb flight backpack fills up to about 12 kg which is the KLM limit. It is of course of the correct dimensions to be accepted by the airlines. A second hand one here http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/Used/LowePro-CompuTrekker-AW-Rucksack_38874.html and some ebay options here ebay does not look great value on this item at the moment. I always fancied a Kata they seem to have a good rep as well this one seems not bad this looks like it is small enough to pass airline regulations. I find the real value of these things though is not in just carrying camera gear, mine carries much more computer stuff usually, extra external drives power supply, and all the other little things you don't want to risk in the checked in baggage, so it is worth trying to get the largest one allowed, at least for me it is. Normally the important documents get stuffed into the laptop compartment on the smooth side of the laptop, you have to be careful at security when you put the laptop back in not to crush stuff but it is easy to get practised at this. If you can get by with a lighter rucksack then a man bag of some kind might be better if cheap enough, weight is always a consideration against dimensions you want the largest lightest strongest case you can get, the dedicated ones provide the strength. Always remember my advice to carry the camera and heaviest lens around your neck prior to security as that effectively increases your baggage allowance.
One thing to be careful of if checking that your luggage will be allowed on all segments of your journey including the domestic ones, some airlines have different dimension restrictions on local routes. Saying that I flew on Asian Spirit (now Zest I think) and on PAL domestically, never had a problem with either.
Decided to buy a Lowepro CompuTrekker AW from Ebay. I was looking at getting a vanguard but those things are way more than I would want to spend on a bag.
you won't be disappointed Sean, there is a nice clip at the front that secures the shoulder straps across your chest and makes it feel much more secure on your back, plus the side straps help the whole thing keep it's shape if the front pouch is quite full. As the reviews on Fred & Miranda said, it's a great travelling bag but I would not really want to take it hiking that's not really what it's for. Very durable as well, mine has seen over 5 years use and still looks new. Make sure you weigh it carefully when you pack you can pack an awful lot into it
Oh, I am only taking the essentials onto the flight with me. I plan to try and document some of the flying over so that Joy can see my travels, then of course at the airport when I meet Joy and her Tita I can easily take some pictures then as well
