Small protective case for XTi? Suggestions re: carrying laptop AND Xti?

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 200 which I'm quite happy with, but will be soon

going on a trip where I will also be carrying my laptop (MacBook) en route on a

train.

 

Rather than carry TWO backpacks, I'd like to take one and carry both my laptop

AND my Canon Rebel XTi. I currently have a computer knapsack which could carry

my laptop and my XTi with one lens: haven't decided between the Sigma 30/1.4 or

Canon 17-85 yet), but the camera would need some protection inside the knapsack.

I could wrap it in a towel, I suppose, but I'd rather find a better solution.

 

Could any of you recommend a form-fitting hardshell or semi-hardshell case for

the XTi? That way I could stick it in my knapsack for the train trip; I'd like

it to be as streamlined as possible. Any other suggestions appreciated as well,

especially from those of you who have traveled with a laptop and a camera.

 

Here's the case I was considering:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EH-18L-Semi-Hard-Digital-Camera/dp/B0007VRPZA

 

but then noticed one review saying that the 17-85 would not fit.

 

Advice appreciated!

 

Debbie

How bout putting your camera in the 200 bag and then put it in the backpack.Then you will have the camera and the 200 bag when you arrive.

I have an XTi and a 17-85 and for situations similar to the one you describe, I use a Lowepro Topload Zoom Mini:

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Topload-Zoom-Camera-Black/dp/B00004TX6Z/ref=sr_1_2/105-3866831-6063613?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1188541736&sr=1-2

 

It's not a hardshell case, and the XTi with the 17-85 (hood reversed) is a snug fit, but that's a bonus for me, as it's not rattling around in the bag and there is no wasted space or excess weight.

 

It's also a nice little bag in it's own right, when I just want to take the camera and one lens. I can fit a polarizing filter, microfiber cloth and cleaning pen in the front pocket and a couple of CF cards and an extra battery in the pocket in the lid. The price is right too.