Backpack for A1+15" MBP+DSLR at DVinfo.net

Jason Livingston · July 11th, 2007, 11:21 PM

Hey everyone. Sorry to post another "A1 bag" thread, but I did a search and didn't find what I need. I'm looking for a bag that may not even exist, but I was hoping somebody might know of one.

What I'm looking for is a backpack that is:
Carry-on (International flight) acceptable size
Holds A1+15" MBP+DSLR (1 lens)+accessories (charger, tapes etc.)

If such a bag doesn't exist, then at least one that holds the A1+MBP with sufficient protection for light traveling. I can get a hip pouch or something like that for the DSLR.

The thing is, I live in Japan and the selection of brands and models here is pretty limited, and the bags in shops are usually sealed so I can't get a good look inside. I can have anything imported, but its hard to get a feel for what is or isn't a good bag just from a small picture on B&H, Amazon etc. so I'm looking for actual owners to report.

Thanks!

Henry Cho · July 12th, 2007, 07:40 AM

jason,

portabrace's bk1 is technically their only "carry-on safe" backpack. it's well-padded and i use one to transport the xha1, 14" laptop, and my 350d w/ a 17-85mm zoom. it's a little tricky getting it all in there, but, after several trips abroad and no broken gear, i've gotten along fine with it.

here's a quick snap from the hv20 (little light -- my apologies):
http://www.downwiththefuture.com/pictures/xha1_bk1.jpg

the bag came with a couple of dividers, but they wouldn't work in this configuration so i pulled them out. i have the dslr disassembled, and the camera body and lens in bubble wrap. i also have a couple of filters in their pouches in between the xha1 mic and xha1 lens to protect the mic from any pressure from the 35mm lens on the other side. laptop is in the bag's front pouch (not showing). there are enough roomy pockets for batteries, cables, chargers, lens wipes, etc., and a pouch on the side for a small tripod/monopod (i would have preferred two extra pockets here instead).

it's not a do-all bag, meaning you can't trek around with it and have your camera and xha1 always at the ready, but it does the trick for moving the gear around.

David Chia · July 12th, 2007, 08:50 AM

get the Crumpler zoomiverse. Fit all the things you said and more. Looks like a bag pack too. You can take out the mesh housing with all your gears inside and put it away and use it just like a normal backpack.

life time warranty, water proof, funky looking

Jason Livingston · July 12th, 2007, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry Cho

jason,

portabrace's bk1 is technically their only "carry-on safe" backpack. it's well-padded and i use one to transport the xha1, 14" laptop, and my 350d w/ a 17-85mm zoom. it's a little tricky getting it all in there, but, after several trips abroad and no broken gear, i've gotten along fine with it.
...

Hey thanks Henry, that seems to be the closest match for my needs so far. I just need to find out if the newer revision BK-1N will hold a 15" MBP which is 14.1" x 9.6" x 1.0" (35.7cm x 24.3cm x 2.59cm), since Porta Brace doesn't give the specs of the notebook pouch. Also, even though the Porta Brace website lists the BK-1N as compatible with the XH-A1, it looks like technically the A1 isn't supposed to fit as it's 6.4" tall (shortest dimension) while the bag is only 5" deep (shortest dimension), but it seems it can be squeezed in there...

Henry Cho · July 12th, 2007, 09:24 AM

jason, you're exactly right. the xh-a1 is a tight squeeze in the bag. the hood and external mic mount clear the interior depth of the main chamber just a bit, but the padding in the back and up front make for a good, working fit. the main problem for you might be the laptop, as you mentioned. the bulky 15.4" dells will probably not fit, but something slimmer might.

July 11th, 2007, 11:21 PM	#1
Jason Livingston Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 71	Backpack for A1+15" MBP+DSLR Hey everyone. Sorry to post another "A1 bag" thread, but I did a search and didn't find what I need. I'm looking for a bag that may not even exist, but I was hoping somebody might know of one. What I'm looking for is a backpack that is: Carry-on (International flight) acceptable size Holds A1+15" MBP+DSLR (1 lens)+accessories (charger, tapes etc.) If such a bag doesn't exist, then at least one that holds the A1+MBP with sufficient protection for light traveling. I can get a hip pouch or something like that for the DSLR. The thing is, I live in Japan and the selection of brands and models here is pretty limited, and the bags in shops are usually sealed so I can't get a good look inside. I can have anything imported, but its hard to get a feel for what is or isn't a good bag just from a small picture on B&H, Amazon etc. so I'm looking for actual owners to report. Thanks!

July 12th, 2007, 08:50 AM	#3
David Chia Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Posts: 427	get the Crumpler zoomiverse. Fit all the things you said and more. Looks like a bag pack too. You can take out the mesh housing with all your gears inside and put it away and use it just like a normal backpack. life time warranty, water proof, funky looking Last edited by David Chia; July 12th, 2007 at 02:32 PM.

July 12th, 2007, 07:40 AM	#2
Henry Cho Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 516	jason, portabrace's bk1 is technically their only "carry-on safe" backpack. it's well-padded and i use one to transport the xha1, 14" laptop, and my 350d w/ a 17-85mm zoom. it's a little tricky getting it all in there, but, after several trips abroad and no broken gear, i've gotten along fine with it. here's a quick snap from the hv20 (little light -- my apologies): http://www.downwiththefuture.com/pictures/xha1_bk1.jpg the bag came with a couple of dividers, but they wouldn't work in this configuration so i pulled them out. i have the dslr disassembled, and the camera body and lens in bubble wrap. i also have a couple of filters in their pouches in between the xha1 mic and xha1 lens to protect the mic from any pressure from the 35mm lens on the other side. laptop is in the bag's front pouch (not showing). there are enough roomy pockets for batteries, cables, chargers, lens wipes, etc., and a pouch on the side for a small tripod/monopod (i would have preferred two extra pockets here instead). it's not a do-all bag, meaning you can't trek around with it and have your camera and xha1 always at the ready, but it does the trick for moving the gear around.

July 12th, 2007, 09:24 AM	#5
Henry Cho Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 516	jason, you're exactly right. the xh-a1 is a tight squeeze in the bag. the hood and external mic mount clear the interior depth of the main chamber just a bit, but the padding in the back and up front make for a good, working fit. the main problem for you might be the laptop, as you mentioned. the bulky 15.4" dells will probably not fit, but something slimmer might.