Susieb721 Loc: Mid Michigan

I don't know if they would let me take 2 'large' bags on. I've flown to and from ND twice this year, and both times they require/request that I leave my small piece of luggage at the bridge of the plane to be stowed underneath, since it will not fit in the overhead compartment, nor under the seat in front of me. And I don't think this bag would fit there either. I surely didn't want to risk that. I will have to check into this further, if I should end up keeping this bag. Thanks!

omnila

I carried my lower fastbacks 1 under the seat and 1 in the over head all the way to hawaii 3 different times this year and last fit fine

DK Loc: SD

I have a Tamrac which has a zipper compartment on the back that my Macbook Pro fits perfectly into. It has a compartment on the top front for a jacket or other gear and the padded camera gear portion on the bottom front. Love it. Check them out on B&H or Amazon.

geoffmalter Loc: NorCal

When I want to shoot DSLR, I use a LowePro Slingshot 100. Lightweight, compact, and will hold a DSLR with short lens and two additional lenses, plus accessories. It is also designed to swivel for ready access and use as a stable platform.

For air travel vacations, I carry my Panny LX5 P&S.

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

just a note about backbacks. If you are just talking about transfer of equipment on a plane ignore me.
If you are talking about carrying your equipment in a backpack while traveling and shooting I would like to share...I was in ecuador at a huge flea market and a lovely women/stranger suggested I wear it in front to avoid being robbed. I thought that was pretty good advice...and did so immediately.

pehr50 Loc: S.I. NYC.

I have the Tenba Shootout Backpack, Medium and the Large both bags are well made and roomy. PLUS THEY MADE IN THE USA. Brooklyn, New York

gandalphpsp Loc: Reno, NV

This won't help with a laptop, but I tho't I'd mention this anyway...

A friend who saw me packing my camera "stuff" gave me one of his old hunting vests and it works great for travelling or hikes. It has a couple of large pockets for extra lenses and various size pockets for misc., with lots of snaps and/or velcro. Under a jacket it becomes unnoticable... A fisherman's vest would work, too.

merrymary Loc: georgia

awesome advice
:thumbup:

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

It does the job!!

Otis Trout Loc: Chicago

Take a look at:

http://www.cambags.com/

They review tons of bags/packs.

Agnes

I'm assuming that you are female since Mary is in your name. If not, then disregard this advice. If so, one thing I recommend woman-to-woman, is considering how the bag fits the female body. Based on how they looked online I had my heart set on a certain bag, only to discover when I went into the store and I tried it on that it was not comfortable on the female upper body. If you will be wearing the bag and walking around then you probably don't want to be squeezed all day long. Ouch. It was a bummer because the side entry and everything else about the bag seemed so handy!

So then I decided on my Lowepro flipside. I've had it for over a year, used it very often for work and play, and I love it. Adjustable compartments, good cushioning, well made. When you are wearing it, your gear can only be accessed by the zipper that is against your back, so when you are wearing it in a crowd no one can unzip your bag and take anything. That makes me feel so much better in public. And if you want to access it you can strap the waist strap on and swing it around to the front of your body and the waist strap will support the bag while you use both hands to handle your gear.

I do see the advantages to having multiple pockets and side access like other bags, but for the size and comfort I could not find another bag that was better. I have quick access to my cards in the side pocket, and a snackbar and rain poncho, (or currently c-47's) in the other side, and I just toss a battery and one card in my zippered jacket pocket or pouch. (When I need to change a card or battery I often don't have time to access any bag, so it has to be right there.) The bag is thick, well made, and comfortable.

One great word of advice I received from a woman in the store... buy the next larger size bag than what you think you need. That wasn't just a sales pitch, she wasn't the one making commission. I am sooo glad I listened to her, and may even upgrade to a larger bag soon. But I carry audio equipment and/or a flash as well.

My bag fits my 5DmII, zoom lens, audio recorder, flash, batteries, cards, lens hood, extra filter, 2 card readers, cleaning supplies, sometimes backup cleaning supplies, mini tripod for the audio, AA's and AAA's, gray cards, tape, cords... and everything stays in it's compartments. :)

If I had a smaller laptop that fit in one of the combo bags, I would love to have a bag that carried both. So if you need to carry a computer too, that's something to think about.

If you have any interest in stylish bags, Jill-e bags look nice. I've had my eye on them, but haven't tried them out.

Good luck!

Agnes

I support you not wanting to risk it! :) I used to work in Baggage service for an airline. Ya know, the people who get screamed at when the baggage doesn't arrive or is damaged... Airlines have size requirements for carry on bags(usually available online), and I recommend planning for them to uphold those requirements. The most common situation for a bag not making it's destination is a bag that is checked in at the gate. (also late passengers and passengers who check in with the sky caps at the curb-especially if they don't tip-sad and funny but true). If you have valuable or fragile belongings that you want to carry onboard like a camera, I recommend making sure they are in a bag that meets the size requirements. Then try to be one of the earlier ones on the plane so that the overhead bins aren't full by the time you board! The airline will not be responsible if your camera is missing or damaged. They are only responsible if the bag is damaged. Except in extreme cases. And there is a limit to their financial liability if the bag is lost unless you purchase additional insurance. Side note, always put your contact info, airline, and destination INSIDE your bag in case the tag is torn off. Even if it's onboard the plane. People have been known to accidentally grab the wrong bag, even onboard, or in a crowded airport. And if the flight attendant takes your bag and checks it in at the gate, read your claim check!!!! Make sure it says the right city! It's right in your hand! Don't forget this bit of advice! :) Good luck!