Camera backpack advice please!!

George

George

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I'm having some difficulty replacing my Lowepro backpack, the one I've used for some 7 years has done sterling service, but sadly the zip bust and I sent it back to, I'd hoped, get the zip repaired.

However, they couldn't do that and offered me a new replacement, which I thought was extremely good of them, however the one I end up getting (none of their backpacks was suitable) is fine but too heavy for a carry on flight bag....I want a rucksack type.

I need one to carry the following...

2x pro bodies
1x 300 2.8 tele
100-400 mk2
24-70 2.8
2 extenders

and preferably a 15" laptop

and it has to fit in all the airline's constraints for carry on........any suggestions?

I hope to have a look at the Photo show next week, but some personal recommendations and pointers would be a great help!!

Thanks,

George.
 
Strangely after trying and using various rucksacks, I settled on a non photographic (A Stanley Max from B&Q -a lot cheaper too without the premium we all pay for photographic specific products) rucksack fitted with a Lowe Pro padded interior.

Great as it doesn't attract attention like a Lowe Pro one, better as it has a hard-shell base (great when it is wet) and stands upright, (My Lowe Pro has loads of unused straps to trip over and can become top heavy).
 
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I think it will be really tough to get that in the lowepro vertex 200 - but the 300 certainly should - but the 300 is close to the 'oh thats possibly too big sir' stage & may draw too much attention.

You realise that you are looking at carrying cirrca 13kg MIN ....without even the camera & laptop PSU's, cards, extra batts, filters, cleaning kit, cables, etc

2 x pro body = 2Kg
1 x 300 f2.8 = 3kg
1 x 100-400 = 1.5 kg
1 x 24-70 = 1kg
2 x tele = 1/2kg
1 x laptop = 2kg
bag = 3 kg
 
Theres an art to making it look 'small and light to carry' ;)

But I know what you mean.
 
Thanks for all your ideas, guys, will have a good look later!
Yes, Pete, I realise it's about 13 Kg, however it's what I've been carting around for years, and almost always got away with it...it's not a problem when I'm going to cold climes as I have a big Gitzo jacket which has cargo pockets that'll take a 1 Dx and a 100-400 on the other side, so I can load that up at check in and then put it in the bag later, but when it's off to the warmer parts of the world, it all has to go in my rucksack (or sometimes my good lady helps, under slight duress!!)

Must check if there's a Lowepro stand at the show next weekend and have a look there.....one of these suggested will fit the bill I'm sure.

I bought a large Guru gear Bataflae but I think it's really on the limit for carry on, and as Ian said, there's an art in making it look light, but if it's big they assume it's heavy so I want the smallest that will still take all my travelling gear!

Thanks!

George.
 
Have a look at the Thinktank range of bags. I've got a lowepro trekker awii photo, but that just a bit too big and heavy, hence I bought a Thinktank accelerator v2 which is 1/3 of the weight of the lowepro and has a laptop pouch and you can fit a 500mm f4 not attached inside, think they've changed the model slightly and called it something else. Have a look on ebay
 
The trouble with some of these is the 55cm dimension, they just look BIG!!

Anyone tried this?

Think Tank PhotoAirport Commuter Backpack (Black)?...looks a better size?

The Bataflae 32 L will take the kit, and I may trot over to Edinburgh airport and try it in a few airlines size thingy and see what the staff say....and thanks again, very helpful!

Wonder if Calumet might be selling on the stands at the photo show?
 
George said:
The trouble with some of these is the 55cm dimension, they just look BIG!!

Anyone tried this?

Think Tank PhotoAirport Commuter Backpack (Black)?...looks a better size?

The Bataflae 32 L will take the kit, and I may trot over to Edinburgh airport and try it in a few airlines size thingy and see what the staff say....and thanks again, very helpful!

Wonder if Calumet might be selling on the stands at the photo show?
Click to expand...

Hence why I bought the thinktank, it fit all the budget and main airline handluggage restrictions, especially if you don't use the laptop compartment for the budget airlines. As for the photoshop, I'm sure they'll be selling quite a bit of gear
 
Pete, that has a longest dimension of 52cm, doesn't it?...that's the one that worries me, even if it fits the cadge, they do get a bit difficult...or not?....you not had any probs?

...edit.... just compared the bataflae 32litre and the one that Pete's recommending and the dimensions are practically identical....perhaps I'm being paranoid? (I already have the bataflae).

Will await Pete's comments as to whether he's ever had trouble at the check in?...
 
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Well, I've visited the airport today, and the only airline which seemed to be difficult was Ryanair.....am I surprised?
It's an airline I avoid for a number of reasons which I won't go in to..;) so it looks as if I can use my Bataflae 32 L..........great!!...however I'll have a look for a smaller bag at the show.
I was surprised at the cooperation I got from the airport staff!!

Anyway, many thanks to you all for your suggestions and help...oh and BTW the one thing that did come over...as some of you suggested...is the 10 Kg weight limit....will have to watch that one!!

George.
 
Never had any issues with easyjet to Portugal, Czech Rep, Ireland, BA or a couple of budget airlines in South Africa with the thinktank. Refuse to use Ryanair. Virgin Airlines just a complete waste of time 6kg hand luggage limit, others have 10kg limits, hence why I use BA. Not risked taking my 500mm yet, but the 70-200mm f2.8 and 300mm f2.8 plus other bits have ventured aboard.
 
I'm not sure but the Bataflae 26 may also be up to the job - I also don't go near the low cost airlines unless really have no choice...
 
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