Please recommend travel backpack for both DSLR and notebook


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vroom

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Mar 8, 2004
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Hi all,

I travel quite often these days and I've yet to find a suitable backpack to use on my travels.

My requirements:

1. can hold a 14" laptop and sleeve, some laptop accessories and D70 with kit lens (in case), and with space left for maybe some clothes and stuff like ipod, psp etc (useful for long flights).

2. discreet design, preferably just plain black (attracts less attention when moving around overseas).

3. light enough to carry for daily use as a daypack (< 2 kg).

4. small enough to bring on board plane as carry-on luggage.

It doesn't have to be a specialist notebook/photo backpack (like from Crumpler or Loewepro) but should have space to contain these 2 items at least.

I've been searching around but can't seem to find one that's suitable yet.
Hope you guys can help me with some suggestions. Thanks.

ae
 

vroom said:
Hi all,

I travel quite often these days and I've yet to find a suitable backpack to use on my travels.

My requirements:

1. can hold a 14" laptop and sleeve, some laptop accessories and D70 with kit lens (in case), and with space left for maybe some clothes and stuff like ipod, psp etc (useful for long flights).

2. discreet design, preferably just plain black (attracts less attention when moving around overseas).

3. light enough to carry for daily use as a daypack (< 2 kg).

4. small enough to bring on board plane as carry-on luggage.

It doesn't have to be a specialist notebook/photo backpack (like from Crumpler or Loewepro) but should have space to contain these 2 items at least.

I've been searching around but can't seem to find one that's suitable yet.
Hope you guys can help me with some suggestions. Thanks.

ae
Go to Sports Connection (they have a number of branches), they have one which can contain a notebook and another compartment for camera and lenses. It's not too expensive also (I think below $40) although I can't remember the brand. You can ask the sales person that you want that can contain camera equipment and a notebook. I wasn't expecting they would have one when I asked the question, and since it was way within my budget, I got it.

I think it might be only available in blue, at least mine is blue. I haven't used it though.. :)

Can't find their website but here is a list of the retail outlets from another website. They have a new outlet on level 3 of Century Square in Tampines, I actually got mine from there.
http://www.ntuc.org.sg/members/member_benefits_shop_sportsconn.asp
 

I've always wonder is it wise to put DSLR and laptop into the same bag? B'cos DSLR body is quite rigid when compare to laptop. Since laptop body is flat and wider, the pressure point from DSLR may shatter the laptop LCD screen when pressed upon.

I've friends whom own one of those crumpler backpack for laptop and camera, they don't feel comfortable to carry both equipment in the same bag.
 

jeff is pretty right there actually. btw i own a deuter backpack and it's very good for roadtrips but you gotta find the right one to cushion the dslr if not will get damage. try looking for one at sports connection. i got mine from there as well =)
 

jeffhiew said:
I've always wonder is it wise to put DSLR and laptop into the same bag? B'cos DSLR body is quite rigid when compare to laptop. Since laptop body is flat and wider, the pressure point from DSLR may shatter the laptop LCD screen when pressed upon.

I've friends whom own one of those crumpler backpack for laptop and camera, they don't feel comfortable to carry both equipment in the same bag.
The one I got has sufficient cushion and the way it is arranged it should be quite safe. Maybe I'll shoot a couple of shots of the bag tonight when I get home.

Ok.. so they have a website... but it's under construction.... http://www.bodypac.com/
 

The one from sports connection is great(the brand is Urban)! Cheap ($34) and strong enough. This is an exact copy of the Crumpler Formal Lodge. Quality's a bit lower than the crumpler (hey, it's 1/6 the price), but it holds up just fine.

I used to own a farmers double, but sold it off after getting this bag (found the farmers double too big - makes you look like a ninja turtle) :)

The notebook is slotted in at the back of the back pack (it opens from the back) and the camera compartment sits at the bottom of the bag (can be accessed from the front), this is good as you can access your cam without putting the bag down. Security is not an issue, when the tabs are pulled to one end, it is pretty difficult (if not impossible) for someone to open the bag. Short of slitting it open, again difficult as the material is tough and there is an additional removable insert that holds the camera, it is pretty secure. Another plus is that the zip pulls have hoops that you can put a small padlock through (something not possible with the crumpler zip pulls) if you want to be doubly sure.

Used it for a week - on the move everyday - in China. Works perfect.

Comes in 3 colours (Red, blue and white/sliver).
 

mephesto said:
The one from sports connection is great(the brand is Urban)! Cheap ($34) and strong enough. This is an exact copy of the Crumpler Formal Lodge. Quality's a bit lower than the crumpler (hey, it's 1/6 the price), but it holds up just fine.

I used to own a farmers double, but sold it off after getting this bag (found the farmers double too big - makes you look like a ninja turtle) :)

The notebook is slotted in at the back of the back pack (it opens from the back) and the camera compartment sits at the bottom of the bag (can be accessed from the front), this is good as you can access your cam without putting the bag down. Security is not an issue, when the tabs are pulled to one end, it is pretty difficult (if not impossible) for someone to open the bag. Short of slitting it open, again difficult as the material is tough and there is an additional removable insert that holds the camera, it is pretty secure. Another plus is that the zip pulls have hoops that you can put a small padlock through (something not possible with the crumpler zip pulls) if you want to be doubly sure.

Used it for a week - on the move everyday - in China. Works perfect.

Comes in 3 colours (Red, blue and white/sliver).
Yes.. That's the one.. :) And if you really fear that the LCD of the notebook will be crushed against something, just put the notebook with the LCD side facing the back so that it rests against your back and not against the other objects in the bag.
 

I am looking for such a bag too.

lsisaxon, would be great if you can show us some pic of your bag. Thanks in advance.
 

jeffhiew said:
I've always wonder is it wise to put DSLR and laptop into the same bag? B'cos DSLR body is quite rigid when compare to laptop. Since laptop body is flat and wider, the pressure point from DSLR may shatter the laptop LCD screen when pressed upon.

I've friends whom own one of those crumpler backpack for laptop and camera, they don't feel comfortable to carry both equipment in the same bag.

got no choice. when flying, u r not supposed to carry more than 1 bag aboard n don't think u would want the hassle of many bags anyway.

and putting either DSLR or laptop into checked baggage is definitely a no no.
u have no control over what happens to it, literally out of your hands.
 

adamadam said:
Have you looked at the Kata R-103? :)

looks interesting.

anywhere in Singapore that I can actually look/feel/try one?

ae
 

vroom said:
got no choice. when flying, u r not supposed to carry more than 1 bag aboard n don't think u would want the hassle of many bags anyway.

and putting either DSLR or laptop into checked baggage is definitely a no no.
u have no control over what happens to it, literally out of your hands.

Actually I think they actually allow you to carry a cabin bag and your laptop bag is not considered. But of course if its a laptop cum camera, its will be so bag...
 

vroom said:
got no choice. when flying, u r not supposed to carry more than 1 bag aboard n don't think u would want the hassle of many bags anyway.

and putting either DSLR or laptop into checked baggage is definitely a no no.
u have no control over what happens to it, literally out of your hands.
I think they allow a hand carry and a additional notebook bag and probably a waist pouch.
 

drewty said:
I am looking for such a bag too.

lsisaxon, would be great if you can show us some pic of your bag. Thanks in advance.
Ok. Here is is. The chamber in front of the notebook compartment is still large enough for some clothings.
urbanbag1.jpg

urbanbag2.jpg
 

lsisaxon said:
Ok. Here is is. The chamber in front of the notebook compartment is still large enough for some clothings.
Hi lsisaxon,
Looks great. Thanks for taking the time to take pics of your bag. Will go and get it soon :D
 

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