Since we are traveling as light as possible on one of our flights are still going to have to check a bag. I am not sure if my macbook in my carry on will be too heavy for them to allow with jet2....it might just put me over the limit.
so I am looking for a bag that is like a day pack that would fit my macbook and my slr camera and a few lenses, just for this portion of the trip. Maybe something that fold ups small for the rest of the trip? I have a protective sleeve for the mac and my current messanger camera bag is small and I would like to just slide it in that bag.
So
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
This has been covered many times.... many would say skip the macbook unless its part of your work. Instead get a netbook if you're just using it to skype, blog, upload, check email, etc.
The netbooks are cheap (a decent one is about $300 us) and light 2.8 lbs. Its about the size of a large paperback book.
And, you'll have room for your camera and lenses.
Posted by
Denver, CO, US
111 posts
I often take my Macbook over everyone else in my family's objections. I have a small backpack from the North Face that has a laptop pocket and fits everything you need for daily stuff while traveling, you can fold it up fairly compactly and its the smallest size they make that I could find that had the width for the laptop. The other suggestion is to go to the nearest Apple store (virtual or online) as they have a ton of them (at least they do in Denver) that are guaranteed to fit their products. I just thought they were too expensive. I think I paid about $60 USD for the North Face one.
I am going to Eastern Europe next month though and have decided to try life without the laptop and use the internet cafes instead. I also have an iphone which can access the internet, do mobile uploads, etc. so I am slowly warming to the idea...
Posted by
OP
vancouver, bc, canada
421 posts
my question was actually if anyone knew of a bag that could work....in other words a BRAND of bag...
I know I could go with a netbook but not sure if I want to do that or not...
I never asked anything about a netbook.....
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
180 posts
You asked for something "that folds up small" but can carry a laptop and a DSLR and a few lenses. Unfortunately that combination does not exist. If you want something small and folding, it will not be designed to hold your gear.
When I travel, I do one of three things:
I have a ThinkTank Urban Disguise 40. It is a camera messenger style bag that can hold a 15" Macbook Pro along with my Nikon D300 and a slew of lenses and accessories. It's a great bag, but it's purpose built for this type of gear - meaning you can't add much else to it other then small stuff. You're not going to store a jacket in it. This is the best "photographers" bag I have found. Doesn't fold and isn't small.
If I am traveling very light, I will use my ever faithful Patagonia MLC bag. This bag has been with me everywhere as my "single bag". I've done over 3 weeks out of this one bag. I place my Macbook Pro in a sleeve and just slide it in the front of the bag. Then I separate the camera body from lens and pack each in some socks, limiting myself to an 18-200mm lens and one 35mm prime, data cards and batteries. I'm then very careful not to bang the bag and pack in a way to protect the camera. This could work with any bag really, but the Patagonia MLC is suited to it in my opinion.
A third way is with two carry-ons. I take that same Patagonia MLC and put the laptop in it along with the rest of my stuff. I can keep it under 22 lbs with a weeks worth of clothes and the Macbook. I then supplement it with my "man purse", an Eagle Creek Vagabond. While the Vagabond is not designed for cameras, it has a small amount of padding on the bottom/back and fits a D300 with lens attached plus a second small lens quite comfortably. Add in a small book and a few other little things and you have a small shoulder bag that doesn't look like you are carrying an expensive camera. Keep the second lens in a pouch or sock and you will be fine. Works great if the airline allows a "purse".
Posted by
OP
vancouver, bc, canada
421 posts
thanks pete....I have never heard of the think tank...just researching it now....so it does carry that much even though it does not say so.
I dont' care if it does not carry a jacket...I just want it to carry the basics and small things such as extra battery, ect....
Posted by
West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
213 posts
Bluedenim, Pete mentioned Thinktank which make highly-regarded bags. Another brand you might take a look at is Crumpler. Made in Australia, they are also highly regarded. Their Wickey and Cox model is carry-on size and might fit your needs. I assume you have heard of the highly reputable Lowepro and Tamrac brands, both of which may also have models that would meet your needs.
None of these make something that exactly fits what you said you wanted, namely a daypack type bag that would fold up small. If I read your last sentence correctly, you are looking for a pack into which you can put both your Macbook sleeve and your camera messenger bag. If that is a correct reading, would an ordinary day pack work?
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
180 posts
Just wanted to correct a mistake I made above. I have the Urban Disguise 50, not 40. The 40 is one inch smaller and doesn't have a slot for a laptop.
Also to add: I have a Crumpler bag as well- one of the million dollar home series. Nice bag, but it lets in water in the rain. In fact it runs right inside. As a result, I rarely use it.
Pete
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
since you wanted some brand names. Here you go. All of these make a good product and generally well regarded. I'll list in my order of preference.
makes a wonderful line of bags for just about every purpose. Based in the Seattle, there is a factory showroom but it is only open on the first Tuesday of each month. So the next time is August 4.
these folks are in Billings Montana. Quality product.