Posted by Rene de Heer on January 12, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Is there anyone using this backpack? They look extremely sturdy and seem to offer a good level of protection for the equipment. Is it aircraft friendly?
Any advise appreciated
Rene de Heer
it does offer good protection but as for aircraft firendly.....
hmmm It only just fits in the over head locker on Ryanair which I travel on frequiently
HTH
Jacqui
Posted by Rene de Heer on January 12, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Jacqui thks for that. Is it within the dimensions for hand luggage? Did you ever have issues taking it on board a plane? ALso: can you fold away the harnass?
thks
Rene
As you are thinking of using it as hand luggage, then the “Check In” desk can and usually will insist that it goes into their size frame for carry on’s, if they are in the least bit suspicious about its size. If it doesn’t comply, they then can and will insist that it goes into the hold. They will also check its weight, then they will also charge you for any excess weight, assuming you are upto the limit on your “Check In” hold luggage.
Posted by Joanne Mead on January 12, 2008 at 4:47 PM
You could try the slightly smaller HB-205. That's what I use. It's shorter in height and not as deep. Still holds lots of kit though. Just doesn't take the laptop and it doesn't have the top access.
Jo
Posted by Joanne Mead on January 12, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Just looked up the dimensions: 50 cm h x32 cm length x 26 cm deep. It would probably be acceptable. I've not flown with mine, I hate flying.
To be honest it's always touch & go as to what the checkin desk say, So far I haven't been told no, but it really is on the border line, I travelled last week with it they were a bit funny about the size but let me on because the flight wasn't full, So think carefully before you buy one, I regret mine for this reason :-(
The straps however do fold in
Oh and on another occasion it simply wouldn't fit in the overhead locker and it had to be strapped in the seat by the window, according to the checkin desk I would normaly have to have paid for the extra seat!!!
Jacqui
Posted by Javier Martin on January 12, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Rene,
The Lowepro Photo Trekker Classic is not the most sexy or latest model but very comfortable, reasonable price and holds the 500mm easily. I am sure you can fit a small laptop in the outer pocket. I have used it for many years, travelled around the world with no problem whatsoever. The new Lowepro Vertex models are also very good and compact and have a specific space for a laptop.I have a Vertex 200 which I use when I travel without the 500mm. I can fit two bodies, the 300mm f2.8, 100-400mm, 24-105mm f4, 17-40mm, two converters and a small laptop. I have not yet tried to fit the 500mm in.
Posted by Rene de Heer on January 13, 2008 at 3:31 AM
Thanks for all the replies. The Kata is off the list...shame. I have now narrowed it down to A Think Tank addicted and a Vertex 300. Javier, can you fold the straps of the harnass away as far as you know? It is also important that i can fit my Sony Vaio TZ in the back pack.
Many thks
Rene
Rene
I am thinking of getting a Thinktank before i go to OZ-Where are the stockists in the UK
Dave
Posted by Phil Shaw on January 13, 2008 at 8:03 AM
I have the TTAA bag. I have never used it, preferring the roller bags instead - TTAS and TTAI. My main reason for not using the TTAA bag is that the backpack harness looks a bit of an afterthought, and I would definitely not like to carry this bag very far on my back. What I usually do if I need a backpack (for hiking) on my travels, is to pack my empty LowePro ProTrekker 2 in my baggage, with all my camera gear being taken as carry-on in a roller bag. The other option to a backpack is a belt system which works great if you just want to take a wide angle and a 70-200 zoom in addition to your long lens.
Posted by Rene de Heer on January 13, 2008 at 8:22 AM
Phil et all, thanks for your reply.It seems more ''complicated'' tahn i expected. I am also considering the Vertax 300. Any users out there?
Part of my equipment goes in a Storm hardcase, which fits into a duffle bag, which goes into the haul. I know i cant take it all on board anyway.
Rene de Heer
I was going to suggest a Peli 1510 roller case.. but weight of it may be the biggest problem It is heavy enough by itself....
I think you also need to consider a photography vest..but if anybody can find a good one can you let me know.
Posted by Phil Shaw on January 13, 2008 at 1:56 PM
The distributor for Think Tank in the UK is http://www.snapperstuff.com/catalog/. You can buy direct from them - they usually have everything that is available.
You are right in thinking that the safest way to go is the Pelican 1510, here is why.
If you exceed the “Carry On” limit re weight, they can insist that the bag goes into the hold. I have yet to see any camera bag which I would feel comfortable doing that with. Plus they look what they are, a camera bag, and will thus attract unwanted attention. I was once going to India and we had to change planes at Geneva, the “check In” desk took exception to my bag and insisted it went into the hold. There was nothing I could do. Heathrow had allowed it. My companion had his hard case badly damaged on the return trip. By badly damaged I do mean “badly damaged” you could have put a small childs fist through the hole that had been made. Pays your money and takes your chances. I always play safe and assume my "carry on" is going into the hold.
If your carry on bag goes over 10Kg and it is discovered, then you are in for a “discussion”.
I pack just my 600 in the 1510. I have been asked to open it, and when I explain that I’m going on a photographic holiday, and would they trust such a lens to the hold, then to date I have always been allowed through. Now what it then has in it when you physically board the plane is another matter.
You are spot on when you say that a photographic vest is to be considered. Where do you put all those accessories, which are so essential for a successful trip.
The best vest I found was made by L.L.Rue. It had two padded pockets each would take D2xs, two other pockets which again would take a D2xs, a rear pocket a 80-200, plus a multitude of small pockets on the front for all those other accessories. I think that Rue’s have stopped advertising them, but I believe they had them specially made via a small “cottage workshop”, so they might be able to arrange something. Get the Tan version, not the camouflage one, some countries take exception to anyone wearing camouflage clothing. Let me know if you have any problems, and I will have a look in my garage, as I had three two tan and one camouflage, but I have had mice in the garage, so they might not be in too good a condition.
I only use the L.L.Rue vest when travelling, its too bulky for field work. For general field work, then the vest supplied by “Cabela’s” in there safari range is as good as any starting point. If you go that route, then watch the shipping costs.
So when I travel, I use a 1510, L.L.Rue vest and a Lowepro belt system, if required. If its on your body then it doesn’t class as luggage.
Now this is important. At the moment Heathrow allows two bags, and Gatwick, for example doesn’t, they still say one bag. The only exception to this that I know off, is that they will allow is a extra small bag containing medication. The one bag rule, does invariably apply to cheap package flights, such as Ryan Air, East Jet etc. so check before booking.
Oh, I forgot. The reason that they are so strict with the weight of “carry on” luggage is that if a overhead compartment comes open during the flight, and a bag falls out, then the airline is liable for any injuries caused. If it was discovered that the bag was overweight, well, I think you can all guess what happens next.
Discussion
16 repliesAny advise appreciated
Rene de Heer
it does offer good protection but as for aircraft firendly.....
hmmm It only just fits in the over head locker on Ryanair which I travel on frequiently
HTH
Jacqui
thks
Rene
Sorry but NO it isn't.
British Bag Limit sizes (Carry on): 56x45x25 cm's
Kata HB-207: 64x39x30 cm's
As you are thinking of using it as hand luggage, then the “Check In” desk can and usually will insist that it goes into their size frame for carry on’s, if they are in the least bit suspicious about its size. If it doesn’t comply, they then can and will insist that it goes into the hold. They will also check its weight, then they will also charge you for any excess weight, assuming you are upto the limit on your “Check In” hold luggage.
Jo
Jo
To be honest it's always touch & go as to what the checkin desk say, So far I haven't been told no, but it really is on the border line, I travelled last week with it they were a bit funny about the size but let me on because the flight wasn't full, So think carefully before you buy one, I regret mine for this reason :-(
The straps however do fold in
Oh and on another occasion it simply wouldn't fit in the overhead locker and it had to be strapped in the seat by the window, according to the checkin desk I would normaly have to have paid for the extra seat!!!
Jacqui
The Lowepro Photo Trekker Classic is not the most sexy or latest model but very comfortable, reasonable price and holds the 500mm easily. I am sure you can fit a small laptop in the outer pocket. I have used it for many years, travelled around the world with no problem whatsoever. The new Lowepro Vertex models are also very good and compact and have a specific space for a laptop.I have a Vertex 200 which I use when I travel without the 500mm. I can fit two bodies, the 300mm f2.8, 100-400mm, 24-105mm f4, 17-40mm, two converters and a small laptop. I have not yet tried to fit the 500mm in.
Regards,
Javier
http://www.waltersphotovideo.co.uk/details.php?id=20102&productname1=Lowepro+PhotoTrekker+Classic
Many thks
Rene
I too am thinking of buying a think tank addicted, such a shame about the Kata as it is so well made
I am thinking of getting a Thinktank before i go to OZ-Where are the stockists in the UK
Dave
Part of my equipment goes in a Storm hardcase, which fits into a duffle bag, which goes into the haul. I know i cant take it all on board anyway.
Rene de Heer
I think you also need to consider a photography vest..but if anybody can find a good one can you let me know.
You are right in thinking that the safest way to go is the Pelican 1510, here is why.
If you exceed the “Carry On” limit re weight, they can insist that the bag goes into the hold. I have yet to see any camera bag which I would feel comfortable doing that with. Plus they look what they are, a camera bag, and will thus attract unwanted attention. I was once going to India and we had to change planes at Geneva, the “check In” desk took exception to my bag and insisted it went into the hold. There was nothing I could do. Heathrow had allowed it. My companion had his hard case badly damaged on the return trip. By badly damaged I do mean “badly damaged” you could have put a small childs fist through the hole that had been made. Pays your money and takes your chances. I always play safe and assume my "carry on" is going into the hold.
If your carry on bag goes over 10Kg and it is discovered, then you are in for a “discussion”.
I pack just my 600 in the 1510. I have been asked to open it, and when I explain that I’m going on a photographic holiday, and would they trust such a lens to the hold, then to date I have always been allowed through. Now what it then has in it when you physically board the plane is another matter.
You are spot on when you say that a photographic vest is to be considered. Where do you put all those accessories, which are so essential for a successful trip.
The best vest I found was made by L.L.Rue. It had two padded pockets each would take D2xs, two other pockets which again would take a D2xs, a rear pocket a 80-200, plus a multitude of small pockets on the front for all those other accessories. I think that Rue’s have stopped advertising them, but I believe they had them specially made via a small “cottage workshop”, so they might be able to arrange something. Get the Tan version, not the camouflage one, some countries take exception to anyone wearing camouflage clothing. Let me know if you have any problems, and I will have a look in my garage, as I had three two tan and one camouflage, but I have had mice in the garage, so they might not be in too good a condition.
I only use the L.L.Rue vest when travelling, its too bulky for field work. For general field work, then the vest supplied by “Cabela’s” in there safari range is as good as any starting point. If you go that route, then watch the shipping costs.
So when I travel, I use a 1510, L.L.Rue vest and a Lowepro belt system, if required. If its on your body then it doesn’t class as luggage.
Now this is important. At the moment Heathrow allows two bags, and Gatwick, for example doesn’t, they still say one bag. The only exception to this that I know off, is that they will allow is a extra small bag containing medication. The one bag rule, does invariably apply to cheap package flights, such as Ryan Air, East Jet etc. so check before booking.
Oh, I forgot. The reason that they are so strict with the weight of “carry on” luggage is that if a overhead compartment comes open during the flight, and a bag falls out, then the airline is liable for any injuries caused. If it was discovered that the bag was overweight, well, I think you can all guess what happens next.