I'll be traveling for 3 weeks to Stockholm,Copenhagen, Munich, Vienna, and Salzburg. I'm looking for a good bag that can hold my Canon XSi SLR camera, as well as my 13.3" Macbook. We're staying in hostels, so I plan on bringing my computer with me during the day. It needs to be a good size to hold my camera/laptop/personal stuff.
I've been searching through eBags, but all of the SLR bags are bigger than what I really need. Any recs?
Christie,
Here is what I used in Italy last year:
http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=59
You can get Pacsafe bags from various retailers including Magellan's. I think they must have picked a very slim model to show this because it really isn't as big as it looks in the photo, but it can hold a laptop and camera and a few other things. The main thing is that it has terrific safety features. One caveat, you have to make USE of the features and I recommend small padlocks for the zippers. I didn't padlock my zippers and had my camera stolen on the bus from Padua to Venice.
Christie,
You might have a look at some of the smaller LowePro Camera Backpacks, as one of those might work for you. It would be easy to recommend just a Camera bag but as it has to fit the Laptop too, that narrows the choices somewhat.
I suggested the smaller models, as the larger LowePro packs are designed for the 17" Laptops.
You could also have a look at the Brenthaven products, as I believe they offer a few small Backpacks (however these are designed more as Daypacks rather than Camera packs from what I've seen). If you're not hauling around several Lenses and other kit, a small Daypack might suffice?
You could also have a look at Rick's Veloce Travel Pack on this website, as it features a fully padded Laptop compartment. It's also available as a Shoulder bag/Backpack, and I'm assuming that also has the Laptop compartment?
Happy travels!
Christie,
Do you have a preference for a shoulder bag style or a backpack style? Some people find a backpack style to be more comfortable. But a backpack puts your gear out of sight behind you where roving fingers gan get into it. Backpacks are also more difficult to access when you want to take a picture because you have to take it off. I personally prefer a slim profile shoulder bag that allows me quick access to my camera/lenses. Besides the Lowepro and Pacsafe that have already been mentioned you might take a look at a Tamrac. The Adventure Messenger 5 (model 5535) will hold your laptop, camera, and have space left over. Also, take a serious look at Thinktank. Their Urban Disguise 35 would meet your needs as would the larger Urban Disguise 40. These are extremely well-made bags, and you can purchase an accessory strap system that allows them to be carried backpack style in addition to shoulder-bag style. They are called "Urban Disguise" because they are made to not look like a camera bag. Also they are intended for the kind of use you want your for, namely, urban travel. Google Thinktank Photo or simply Google the bag model.
You say that all the SLR bags are bigger than what you really need. That is a problem in needing a bag that carries both a laptop and a camera. Most such bags are made for pros with lots of camera gear besides a laptop. Another possibility would be to simply get a computer messenger bag that would have enough extra room for your camera. You might need to work out a way to pad your camera to protect it. You're going to have a great trip! You will find that Salzburg is especially photogenic.
My recommendation would be buying a cheap, light weight, $300 netbook and not bring the Macbook that you would regret having damage, lost or stolen and that you can leave in your room comfortably. After you get back, sell the netbook and get back about 75% of its cost.
Worth every penny, it's what we did.
However, the camera is totally worth it. :)
The RS store sells the Veloce shoulder bag (http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=217) that has a slot in the main compartment. My PowerBook fits in the slot, my Canon Xsi fits in main compartment. It can be worn as a messenger type bag or a backpack.
Check it out, you may like it.
I bought the Lowepro CompuDaypack, it fits my camera and extra lens and laptop pretty easily. What I like about it is the camera equipment is all stored in the bottom of the front pouch instead of the whole inseide of the bag. This made getting to the camera pretty easy and has plenty of room inside for stuff, guidebooks, lunch etc.
Although it is really the smallest I could find to fit both camera and laptop, it is quite padded making it stiff and inflexible. I am a 5'2" 110 lb female, so its quite bulky on me which I do not like, but my boyfriend uses it on occasion and it is the perfect size for him, so i guess it depends on the person. I also have a lowepro fastpack 100 which is very compact and light and fits just the camera, lens and some personal items. If I am bringing my laptop on a trip, I usually bring both bags with me. That way I can carry the laptop when I need to use it and just take the small bag when I'm out sighseeing and leave the laptop in the room.
This won't help with the laptop, but I just got back from a 2 week trip to Italy, and am SO glad I bought a new bag before departure. I had the Canon bag for the Rebel XT before, but it seemed too clunky & hard to access. I found (at Best Buy of all places), a great Wenger/Swiss Army messenger bag. It carries nearly the same amount as the Canon, but doesn't scream "camera", and was much more convenient to carry & access.
I opted to purchase more memory cards than tote a laptop around. All my camera equipment was borderline too much after lugging it around all day every day the way it was.
