Backpack recommendations please...

[pahowes]

I'd like to buy a backpack that can store a 15" MacBook Pro and my camera gear. There are too many to choose from (Lowepro, Think Tank, etc.) so I was wondering what the good folks here think? Any preference?

-Paul

[nemesis256]

I JUST bought a Lowepro Fastpack 250. I bought it for the same reason you're interested in (fitting a 15" Macbook Pro). I haven't used it for real yet but I'm liking it so far. It was the smallest of the Lowepro bags I could find that could fit a 15" laptop (in other words, the one that had the least amount of number of lenses you can fit in it).

[OsmosisStudios]

What are you thinking of packing with you in terms of photo gear? That's the big one. There are tons of bags that will carry a laptop, but finding one that'll also carry the gear you want/need is a kicker.

Keep in mind: your collection will likely grow over time.

[aropilot]

I posted a response to a similar question a month or so back...I have the Lowepro 350 (there is a picture of it posted as well). I always go large. It carries all my equipment and has room for a jacket, snacks etc and can hold my 17 Laptop. It can get a bit heavy but with the straps to secure to my body, I almost don't feel it and take it on almost all walks with my dog, 3-5 miles a day.

link to my other response camera bag for hiking

[pahowes]

@nemesis256

The Fastpack 250 looks nice, but I'd prefer one that stands up to put the gear in, along the lines of a Tamrac CyberPack 6 or the Expedition 7x, but they cost a bit more money than I believe them to be worth.

@OsmosisStudios

I'm a bit of a minimalist. If I can pack a 70-200, 24-70, SpeedLight, and maybe a prime or two I'd be happy.

@aropilot

You go large, I prefer small. :-)

Thanks guys; keep the suggestions coming!

[thegrandpoohbah]

I have a Think Tank Photo Streetwalker backpack and I LOVE it. They make a version that will hold a 15" laptop called the Streetwalker Hardrive: Streetwalker HardDriveâ„¢ Backpack - Think Tank. There is a review of it here on DPS: thinkTANK Streetwalker Camera Bag – REVIEW.

[CaptainNH]

I've just bought my third Lowepro bag - each time I've upgraded to hold my growing collection of gear.

My latest is the Lowepro Vertex 200AW which happily holds my 50D with 70-200 attached, a 17-40 and a small range of primes. I will also take my second body plus two speedlights, plus my 15" macbook. It will also carry my tripod - this thing does everything !!

It seems to be way too much gear, but I don't carry everything all of the time, but when I want to (like a week away) it'll fit what I need.

Day to day, I use a Classified 250AW - a shoulder bag that doesn't scream "I'm full of thousands of $$ of camera gear".

If I'm out for a day hike, my trusty old Orion Trekker carries a jacket and lunch, along with a body and a couple of lenses.

All depends on what you want to carry, but, trust me, whatever you think you want to carry now will be far less than you end up carrying !!

[gazsus]

CaptainNH, thanks for pointing out the Lowepro Vertex 200AW, it's the perfect solution for me and my gear.
I'll be ordering one today.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

.

My latest is the Lowepro Vertex 200AW which happily holds my 50D with 70-200 attached, a 17-40 and a small range of primes. I will also take my second body plus two speedlights, plus my 15" macbook. It will also carry my tripod - this thing does everything !!

I wasnt able to fit my 15" macbook pro into it. That's why I passed and am looking at the CompuTrekker Plus instead of the Vertex series.

[RustySterling]

I have a Tamrac Cyberpack 8 that I'd recommend. I just flew to Hawaii with it and it held my 15" laptop very well, as well as two camera bodies with lenses mounted, my shoe mount flash, a few other lenses and my portable DVD player with battery. It's a big pack but does meet carry on requirements. I don't know about under the seat but it fit fine in the overhead. Here is a link:

http://www.adorama.com/TR5258BK.html...fo=cyberpack+8