[kamek]

Hey everyone,

I'm going to be doing some traveling soon and just need a good all-around bag for transporting my equipment. As of now, what needs to go in the bag is one camera body, a 24-70, 70-200, between 4-6 primes, laptop, and a few accessories (charger, batteries, zoom h4n, microphone, etc.).

I prefer to have backpack style straps, but I'd also like the ability to slip the bag onto my carry on bag handle.

Any suggestions? I'm considering the Thinktank Airport Series, but I'd also like to know what else is out there.

[E90Mario]

I have this: http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/det...=1218331143698

Fits my stuff comfortably plus I can attach my tripod from the back.. I'm sure your local best buy will have a couple in the crappy photography section check it out!

[M_Six]

I have the Kata DR-467i. It fits my T1i with 24-105mm attached, plus four other lenses (smaller primes, UWA, and my 55-250mm), al in the lower compartment. It also fits my 16" Dell laptop (and will easily fit a 15" MacBook Pro). The upper compartment can hold another lens (like a 70-200), but I use it for all my filters, batteries, cables, remotes, etc, etc. It also has some smaller front pockets for such stuff. It has a pull-out holder for a tripod as well. Pretty easy to carry on one shoulder or two. It has a strap across the back for slipping over a rolling suitcase handle.

Note: When it's loaded, it's heavy. And yours will be worse with more lenses and the big 70-200. I load mine up for travel to wherever I'm going and then I use a smaller sling style bag for day-to-day walking around. I also just ordered a smaller messenger style bag for such use.

[Chewy734]

I recently bought the Kata Bug-205 PL backpack before my India trip in December.

I haven't had a chance to write a review for it yet, but in short, I highly recommend this bag. It's strong, light, holds a ton of gear, etc. The straps are made out of a unique material that is very comfortable. I loaded this thing up with my 15" MacBook Pro, iPad, 5D2 with 70-200mm attached, 24-105mm, 50mm, 17-40mm, miscellaneous cables, storage cards, chargers, plugs, etc.

This bag could easily hold my 5D2 with the 100-400mm attached with all the other lenses around it.

The backpack was heavy with all this gear loaded in it, but it was still quite comfortable. I like how it looks. I was choose this over the Think Tank StreetWalker HardDrive. This bag was really nice too, but fugly, imo.

[scollins]

Another option may be the Tenba Shootout backpacks. I've got the Medium size, and it holds a lot. The backpack straps can also be covered up for stuffing in an overhead bin, etc. You may need the Large though.....

http://www.tenba.com/products/Shooto...-Backpack.aspx

http://www.tenba.com/products/Shooto...-Backpack.aspx

[kamek]

Originally Posted by MARIO K

I have this: http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/det...=1218331143698

Fits my stuff comfortably plus I can attach my tripod from the back.. I'm sure your local best buy will have a couple in the crappy photography section check it out!

Not bad... Didn't even know Manfrotto made bags!

Originally Posted by M_Six

I have the Kata DR-467i. It fits my T1i with 24-105mm attached, plus four other lenses (smaller primes, UWA, and my 55-250mm), al in the lower compartment. It also fits my 16" Dell laptop (and will easily fit a 15" MacBook Pro). The upper compartment can hold another lens (like a 70-200), but I use it for all my filters, batteries, cables, remotes, etc, etc. It also has some smaller front pockets for such stuff. It has a pull-out holder for a tripod as well. Pretty easy to carry on one shoulder or two. It has a strap across the back for slipping over a rolling suitcase handle.

Note: When it's loaded, it's heavy. And yours will be worse with more lenses and the big 70-200. I load mine up for travel to wherever I'm going and then I use a smaller sling style bag for day-to-day walking around. I also just ordered a smaller messenger style bag for such use.

That's a unique bag. It's a little odd for everything I'm going to attempt to pack in it, though. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Chewy734

I recently bought the Kata Bug-205 PL backpack before my India trip in December.

I haven't had a chance to write a review for it yet, but in short, I highly recommend this bag. It's strong, light, holds a ton of gear, etc. The straps are made out of a unique material that is very comfortable. I loaded this thing up with my 15" MacBook Pro, iPad, 5D2 with 70-200mm attached, 24-105mm, 50mm, 17-40mm, miscellaneous cables, storage cards, chargers, plugs, etc.

This bag could easily hold my 5D2 with the 100-400mm attached with all the other lenses around it.

The backpack was heavy with all this gear loaded in it, but it was still quite comfortable. I like how it looks. I was choose this over the Think Tank StreetWalker HardDrive. This bag was really nice too, but fugly, imo.

I remember you trying to make up your mind between the Thinktank and the Kata. Did you ultimately choose Kata for the aesthetics? I'll have to go see them both for myself at Adorama.

Originally Posted by scollins

Another option may be the Tenba Shootout backpacks. I've got the Medium size, and it holds a lot. The backpack straps can also be covered up for stuffing in an overhead bin, etc. You may need the Large though.....

http://www.tenba.com/products/Shooto...-Backpack.aspx

http://www.tenba.com/products/Shooto...-Backpack.aspx

This one actually looks pretty good, and I'm diggin' all the features it has. For some reason, the rep at B&H today kept trying to push me toward the Lowepro Pro Runner 350 over the Tenba, so I didn't even get a chance to get a good look at it. I'll have to go back and see again.

[rodi]

that Tenba is the one I use. not sure if it's a large/medium version.
fits two 5D bodys, 24, 35, 135, 100L, H4n, wireless mics, two card cases, 7 batteries. you know the drill. it's the one my rental house gives me for the kit. i like it other than the stupid strings all over the outside - i just wrapped 'em and tucked 'em.

[kamek]

Originally Posted by rodi

that Tenba is the one I use. not sure if it's a large/medium version.
fits two 5D bodys, 24, 35, 135, 100L, H4n, wireless mics, two card cases, 7 batteries. you know the drill. it's the one my rental house gives me for the kit. i like it other than the stupid strings all over the outside - i just wrapped 'em and tucked 'em.

Can you find out if it's the medium or large? I'd rather get the smaller one if I can fit everything.

I'm leaning toward the Tenba, but I still have to go back to B&H to see it again. Then I have to go see the Thinktank Airport bags at Adorama.

[rodi]

yeah, i'll find out tomorrow.

[Chewy734]

Originally Posted by kamek

I remember you trying to make up your mind between the Thinktank and the Kata. Did you ultimately choose Kata for the aesthetics? I'll have to go see them both for myself at Adorama.

I think the ThinkTank was overall bigger and more... bulbous? It would not have fit on the overhead compartment on the 777 because of its shape, but my Kata fit easily because of its tapered design.

Aesthetics was a big part of my decision, but the Kata felt more like a backpack, as opposed to something like a carry-on, but on your back.

[rodi]

Originally Posted by kamek

Can you find out if it's the medium or large? I'd rather get the smaller one if I can fit everything.

I'm leaning toward the Tenba, but I still have to go back to B&H to see it again. Then I have to go see the Thinktank Airport bags at Adorama.

he said he measured it and the dimensions match the Small version on the site.

[panicos81]

i have a crumpler backpack and i love it. very comfortable..

[kamek]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

I think the ThinkTank was overall bigger and more... bulbous? It would not have fit on the overhead compartment on the 777 because of its shape, but my Kata fit easily because of its tapered design.

Aesthetics was a big part of my decision, but the Kata felt more like a backpack, as opposed to something like a carry-on, but on your back.

Thank you Chewy, very helpful. I'll have to go and see them for myself.

Originally Posted by rodi

he said he measured it and the dimensions match the Small version on the site.

I'm almost in disbelief that the small version can fit ALL of that. I'm going to check it out this week and see if everything really does fit. Maybe if I utilize the side pockets and stuff.

Originally Posted by panicos81

i have a crumpler backpack and i love it. very comfortable..

Will check that out, too. Thanks.

[rodi]

i use the side pockets for dead batteries and chargers. he said he measured and checked it against the website. :\

[kamek]

Originally Posted by rodi

i use the side pockets for dead batteries and chargers. he said he measured and checked it against the website. :\

Thanks man. I'm gonna load one up to capacity at Adorama and see.

Did you fly with the bag? I just checked the dimensions of the medium one and it measures 15W x 18.5H x 12D in. which seems like it may be a little too deep as a carry on.

[rodi]

i flew with it to NY.

[kamek]

Hmm... Then it should work.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by rodi

i flew with it to NY.

Originally Posted by kamek

Hmm... Then it should work.

I've taken my Medium as carry-on to Hawaii.....

[Chewy734]

where did you go in Hawaii? and why haven't we seen any of your pics?

[kamek]

Originally Posted by scollins

I've taken my Medium as carry-on to Hawaii.....

The medium is deep at 12" which concerns me since many airlines allow a max depth of around 9" for carry-on luggage. I know these larger bags should be able to fit on jumbo jets, but not sure about the smaller ones.

And rodi, come to think of it -- if you were able to fit your laptop in the Tenba, it couldn't have been the small version since that one only fits up to a 13" laptop.

[rodi]

didn't bring my macbook.

[kamek]

OK, I'm just going to stop talking until I see the bags for myself.