Air Travel and Lowepro Pro Trekker 300 AW

[gary payne]

<p>I've outgrown my current backpack and I'm considering the Lowepro Pro Trekker 300 AW. My concern is fitting this bag, fully loaded, into aircraft overheads, first on full size aircraft such as the 737, for example, then on regional jets such as the Canadair. I e-mailed Lowepro, who says it will work, but I would like actual experience. My second choice is the Thinktank Airport Antidote V 2.0, which should fit the AC overhead, but seems short of pockets for miscellaneous pieces and parts. I am over 6.2, so I guard my foot room under the seat in front of me jealously. If anyone has experience traveling with either of these bags, I would appreciate your thoughts.<br>

What I'm lugging around includes a NIKON D700 with 24-70 2.8 attached, 14-24 2.8, 70-300 4.5-5.6, 105 2.8, 50 1.4, a SB-600 flash, and finally a MAC Book 15 in notebook. Plus, of course, cards, chargers, filters, etc. Ideally, I would like the bag to fit the overhead and to be comfortable while wearing it as well. What a dreamer, eh? Thanks for your help.</p>

[maury_cohen]

<p>Gary, keep in mind that the shoulder harness and belt on this model (as well as the 400 and 600) can be completely removed, reducing the thickness of the pack an additional inch or two.<br>

I measure the 300 with this adjustment made (and the notebook sleeve removed) at about 8". </p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>The Thinktank has handles at the top, bottom and one side, which makes hoisting it into the overhead bin a lot easier. Unless Lowepro got smart, they put only one handle on the top of the bag. The rectangular profile of the Thinktank is more space-efficient than the more streamlined Lowepro bags.</p>

<p>In general, you want to leave the straps loose rather than packing them into their storage pockets. The bag is more likely to pass the template test and straps are easier to store in the bin if you have some flexibility. In fact, I've never been challenged while wearing a backpack, even an Airport Adicted model, but have had to check rollers twice (for weight).</p>

[stwrtertbsratbs5]

<p>A bag that will fit in the overhead of a large jet will normally not fit in the overhead of a regional jet. So either get a small bag or be prepared for a gate check of your bag. I'd suggest that you contact your preferred airline to find out the exact dimensions of bags that will fit in their regional jet overhead compartment.</p>

[2Oceans]

<p>Gary, What you are looking at seems like a good back pack to hike with. I have many Lowepro bags. My stand by for my long lens is the Photo Trekker (older version) that has larger advertised dimensions than your bag but doesn't carry a computer or hydration system. Its best feature is the suspension system for hiking and its has always cleared as a carry on as advertised. I have sent it back once in the last 8 years for zipper repair and otherwise I hope to never replace it. When I want to travel lighter I have a Compu Trekker Plus that I bought locally last year. It is smaller and gets on the plane with no problem. It looks like Lowepro has changed out their line in the last year since I purchased my last bag and both of the bags I mentioned are discontinued. The one you are looking at seems like the smaller of a series that all meet FAA specifications for carry-on luggage. I will be in New York next month and will want to stop at B&H to check out the new line. The particular style you are considering looks pretty rugged and doesn't have a design that advertises itself as a camera bag. Good hunting. Andy</p>

[2Oceans]

<p>Gary, I meant to mention the bag you are considering will fit easliy on a 737 overhead. It is smaller than what I use and I have never had a problem on a 737. I travel 1-2 times a month by air and have seen my checked carry on bag thrown into the baggage compartment of a regional aircraft and a hard shell roller case fall three feet off the end of a conveyor belt. If I know that I am going to be on a commuter flight I pack accordingly and may consider a pelican case or packing some of my gear or my camera bag well inside my regular luggage. I use a Pelican 1510/14 that meets carry on restrictions and if it has to be checked at boarding can tolerate being drop kicked into the cargo. Michael Reichman's article on travel is worth a look. <br>

<a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/flying-jan-10.shtml">http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/flying-jan-10.shtml</a> I hope this is helpful. Andy</p>

 

[danny_wong2]

<p>I use a Peli 1514 which is the 1510 with the movable divider and a Kata 455. The 455 is like a messenger bag for notebook/basic body and travel needs. I have not have any issue with bringing both onto a full size jet. <br>

When I need to fly regional jets, I know that the Peli will stand up to gate checking with my gear safe inside. I have locked gate checked bags with no problem for they are considered TSA clear as part of the boarding security. My netbook, noise cancelling headphone and a basic lens on body stays with me.</p>

[gary payne]

<p>Thanks to all for your insight. It has been most helpful.</p>