TRavel backpack for camera and PC.

Seriously past due for a camera gear bag update and things are now becoming a bit cumbersome and unmanageable.

Ideally it will be a backpack that will fit the overhead compartment on a commercial air liner. I've found some backpacks that would work well but will not accommodate my 17" PC.

The equipment is a Nikon D800 w/ and battery grip, Sigma Sport 150/600, Nikon 80/200 afs, 28/70 afs, and a Sigma art 135 plus flash, extension tubes, and other support gear. (Tripod's a little bulky so not sure how to factor that in.)

Then again, maybe the question should be over an inexpensive table device that will perform the necessary photog related PC duties until I return home. Especially now since smartphones handle the email and web stuff we normally use a PC for.

Any ideas?

Take a look at ThinkTank -- there is a recent thread with lots of info on the subject if you search. I'll ad a link if I can find it quickly.

No luck, and my history doesn't go back far enough anymore. Possibly the OP of that thread will step in.

You need a backpack with a 6" depth to accommodate a Nikon DSLR with a built-in or add-on vertical grip without bulging the top. ThinkTank "Airport" models, other than the smallest size, will fit this need. I like the "Airport" bags for travel, since they are relatively light weight, with semi-rigid sides, a rectangular outline, and handles on three sides for hoisting into the overhead bin.

The "Airport Accelerator" will hold a 17" laptop, but this is a really big bag (I use one for a medium-sized pro video camera plus sound recorder and microphones). The "Commuter" size (15" max) would be my choice for your camera gear, and carry the laptop in its own case as a "personal" carryon item. A separate computer bag gives you space for power supplies, cables and such, which take up valuable space in a camera bag and are a PITA when mixed with camera gear. ThinkTank also makes some very nice, if expensive, laptop cases of all sizes. They are made better and more compact than bags found at computer stores. I use one with my 13" MacBookPro. The net weight is not much more than the power supply alone for my 17" Lenovo Thinkpad..

The suggestions have been helpful. I think I will rethink this and approach from the direction of a smaller notebook (or carry separately as suggested.)

Thanks

Aloha Quintessential Man,

For Delta and most major airlines, the external dimensions you need to be within are 9X14X22 inches, 45 linear inches. Keep in mind if your using a small commuter aircraft these dimension probably will not apply. Your 150-600 is a beast and the gripped bodies and 28-70 separately need depth if sitting upright when the bag is laid flat. Some web sites have search tools for bags that include notebook dimensions but I would suggest carrying the notebook in a separate bag when flying and hand carrying the tripod when in the field unless your hiking extraordinary distances. Good hunting.

All three ThinkTank Airport bags meed the size requirement for the overhead bin. The mid-sized "Commuter" model is what I use for Nikon and Hasselblad kits. It is 6" deep inside.The smallest, "Essentials" bag is 5" deep, and a good choice for non-gropped and mirrorless camers, and fits under the seat or on top.

A nikon D3 is just under 6" from base plate to top of the prism. The same for an Hasselblad ELD with a 45 degree prism. A Nikon F3, Sony A7 or Leica M are all about the same footprint, and less than 5" tall.

Short hops I've taken on commuter airlines generally board from the tarmac. The overhead is barely bus-sized - nothing fits larger than an umbrella. On the other hand, the checked baggage is loaded by hand at the same time you board. That isn't much rougher handling than your gear gets when you use it or travel by car.