Another backpack question... at DVinfo.net

Chris Youell · November 18th, 2006, 10:57 AM

I have asked this question before on here I think, but my circumstances have changed since I last asked and will ask again. I am going to be spending the next year traveling around the world and will be brining my camera stuff with me. I am looking for a backpack that:

- Can hold a 15" laptop
- Can hold a Sony HDR-HC1 with a few lens adapters, filters and batteries
- Is water resistant if not waterproof
- If possible have another pouch for put a few things like shirts in

I've looked at the lowepro bags but am not really sure how well they'd fit things because all the pictures of them are with SLR cameras. Any thoughts on this would be very helpful. Thanks.

Don DesJardin · November 18th, 2006, 12:48 PM

Check out the Porta-Brace Hiker Pro product line. They have a new removable laptop pocket as an option.

http://www.portabrace.com/

Jim Michael · November 18th, 2006, 01:01 PM

Check out the Kata Panda. It will hold a Z1, Macbook Pro, mattebox, filters, notepads, tapes, etc. and it's carry-on sized (fits nicely in the overhead). Mine came with a rain cover.

Henry Gray · November 18th, 2006, 01:54 PM

I use a Kata 502 back pack, Lots of room for XL2, 300mm lens,extenders and
tapes etc.
I don't use a laptop but it has a pocket for one .
Enclosed photo of my setup.

Bob Safay · November 19th, 2006, 12:42 PM

Henry, that is exactly what I have been looking for. I will be going to Brazil in the spring and will be doing a lot of walking in the Pantenal and I can expect rain. Do you find it comfortable? Do you take off the viewfinder when the cover is closed? Have you tried the dolly that can go with it? Also, does it fit in the overhead as carry-on? It really looks perfect for my needs. Thanks so much. Bob

Henry Gray · November 20th, 2006, 03:25 AM

Hi Bob,
I think it is a great bag if you are going to do a lot of walking as it is quite
comfortable and the only way to carry lots of equipment. The only down
side is it is very heavy when fully loaded.
It has a slip over waterproof cover and holds the Canon XL2 fully assembled.
I have altered the interior by removing some of the dividers and adding diced
foam to hold the smaller items. it also has lots of interior and exterior pockets
for small items.
If you can I would try before you buy, It's great for me but may not suit you.

November 18th, 2006, 10:57 AM	#1
Chris Youell New Boot Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 19	Another backpack question... I have asked this question before on here I think, but my circumstances have changed since I last asked and will ask again. I am going to be spending the next year traveling around the world and will be brining my camera stuff with me. I am looking for a backpack that: - Can hold a 15" laptop - Can hold a Sony HDR-HC1 with a few lens adapters, filters and batteries - Is water resistant if not waterproof - If possible have another pouch for put a few things like shirts in I've looked at the lowepro bags but am not really sure how well they'd fit things because all the pictures of them are with SLR cameras. Any thoughts on this would be very helpful. Thanks.

November 18th, 2006, 12:48 PM	#2
Don DesJardin Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Ventura, California, USA Posts: 255	Check out the Porta-Brace Hiker Pro product line. They have a new removable laptop pocket as an option. http://www.portabrace.com/ __________________ Don DesJardin

November 18th, 2006, 01:54 PM	#4
Henry Gray Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Selkirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland, UK Posts: 60	I use a Kata 502 back pack, Lots of room for XL2, 300mm lens,extenders and tapes etc. I don't use a laptop but it has a pocket for one . Enclosed photo of my setup. Attached Thumbnails __________________ henry g

November 19th, 2006, 12:42 PM	#5
Bob Safay Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,558	Henry, that is exactly what I have been looking for. I will be going to Brazil in the spring and will be doing a lot of walking in the Pantenal and I can expect rain. Do you find it comfortable? Do you take off the viewfinder when the cover is closed? Have you tried the dolly that can go with it? Also, does it fit in the overhead as carry-on? It really looks perfect for my needs. Thanks so much. Bob Last edited by Bob Safay; November 19th, 2006 at 04:37 PM.

November 20th, 2006, 03:25 AM	#6
Henry Gray Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Selkirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland, UK Posts: 60	Hi Bob, I think it is a great bag if you are going to do a lot of walking as it is quite comfortable and the only way to carry lots of equipment. The only down side is it is very heavy when fully loaded. It has a slip over waterproof cover and holds the Canon XL2 fully assembled. I have altered the interior by removing some of the dividers and adding diced foam to hold the smaller items. it also has lots of interior and exterior pockets for small items. If you can I would try before you buy, It's great for me but may not suit you. __________________ henry g

November 18th, 2006, 01:01 PM	#3
Jim Michael Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 895	Check out the Kata Panda. It will hold a Z1, Macbook Pro, mattebox, filters, notepads, tapes, etc. and it's carry-on sized (fits nicely in the overhead). Mine came with a rain cover.