Non-Geeky looking Carry-On strictly for gear?

[LadyShutterBug]

I'm finding myself traveling for shoots more often these days... like where I'm flying there and back the same day. The kind of trip where I do NOT want to check luggage.

I have a jill-e rolling bag that works as a carry-on, but it doesn't technically meet the carry-on size requirements (though I have never had an issue). I also have some issues with its outer pockets not having a complete closure, and its overall durability... so I'd like to find a new bag.

Any suggestions? I am so ridiculously bummed at the lack of cute stuff for this level of gear. I wish Ephiphanie or Kelly Moore would design a rolling carry-on. I want something pretty pink or aqua!!!

Bonus if it can fit the 17" Macbook Pro.

This is the jill-e I have:

Amazon.com: Jill-E Large Leather Rolling Camera Bag: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Jill-E Large Leather Rolling Camera Bag: Camera & Photo

The woman in the picture must be like 4'9". There is no way in HADES a 5'10" woman could slip this over her shoulder.

If you look at the pics, you can see how the pocket flaps stick out. These things are forever coming open when the bag isn't sitting up, and if it's loaded heavy, it has a tendency to flip over forward.

I really just need something that is a little more suited for actual travel, more sleek and durable... and truly sized to be techincally carry-on friendly.

[lfmerrell]

Check into a Züca Pro. ZÜCA Pro : Product Overview
And: Zuca Pro Complete Set- Black Insert Bag | The Camera & Photo Shop

Supposedly fits in all over head bins, daughter hates checking luggage has used this as carry-on domestic and international flights. Bonus you can sit and stand on it. I have one I use for weekend trips. Sturdy. As usual YMMV.

[LadyShutterBug]

that is certainly an interesting little box. am i missing something or do they have camera-packing inserts for it?

[lfmerrell]

I just use the regular pouches which come with a Züca and place foam padding between the pouches. I have not seen any for special for photo advertised pouches.

I was just throwing out there as a alternative to a backpack style camera bag, something that rolls, Has a metal frame and is advertised as fitting in overhead airline bins.

[wondershots]

I love my Think Tank Airport International. Not "cute" but functional and meets guidelines. I believe you can even buy an insert pack for it that will accommodate a laptop.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by wondershots

I love my Think Tank Airport International. Not "cute" but functional and meets guidelines. I believe you can even buy an insert pack for it that will accommodate a laptop.

This. I use the Airport Security (slightly bigger than the international, but doesn't meet international carry on restrictions, which are slightly smaller)

I can fit my Elinchrom Quadra, 4 speedlights, 3 pro bodies, 7 lenses and a 2-transmitter/3receiver skyport system to control the speedlights. Unfortunately, with that setup, you can't fit in the light stands. I have also configured it differently where I can fit 3 light stands (Manfrotto Nanos), 4 speedlights, an umbrella, 2 pro bodies and 5-6 lenses plus the transmitter/receivers. It isn't girly, but damn it is functional. Plus it locks up and you can lock it to something.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by Tom

It isn't girly, but damn it is functional.

+1
I have this same bag.
Can't beat it's functionality.

[LadyShutterBug]

: ( so nothing pretty? (thank you all, by the way. everyone everywhere loves the think tank rollers).

i couldn't sleep last night, so i e-mailed jill-e and kelly moore to let them know i'd give my firstborn for a pretty carry-on roller. they'll either all be laughing like hyenas at me today, or take it and run with it.

in the mean time, i guess i'll just have to get myself a boring one...lol. maybe i can decorate it with cute patches or something.

[KenJulio]

I'd go with ThinkTank Airport International or the Airport Security if I was looking for a carry-on roller. They look like any other rollerbags that you would carry your clothing in, so it's quite discreet with TSA approved locks.

[auddii]

I know you have some extra blue paint in your garage...

[kenw]

If you are creative, check out luggage options at the outlets. The biggest issue is the internals and how to cushion the insides. I saw pink ones.....

i use a generic wheeled backback from the Outlet Mall, with dividers and interior cushions from a $100 Naneu Pro backpack. The new generic pack has no logos, gives no clue as to what is inside. telescoping handle, wheels, fair straps, exterior and interior pockets, hooks for whatever. Body, 5 lenses, flash, and all the little stuff.

[Melissag]

I would go on Etsy if you want something cute, but functional. There are lots of hand made camera bags. I honestly haven't bought one because I know my hubby will kill me if I buy one more camera bag (it's a girl thing guys).

I also think that if you go through Etsy, you may be able to define what you need rather than just taking whatever is produced at a factory.

Here is a sample seller for you and someone who had bags I liked: XcessRize Designs / Quality Handcrafted by XcessRize

Personally, I have a Crumpler and I love it for taking on an airplane and for just not looking like a camera bag or backpack. I do have a camera backpack as well, but it's just not something I want to use all the time.

Good luck!

[LadyShutterBug]

there are some adorable options on etsy... unfortunately those just don't offer the structure and space I'd like for something I'm lugging through an airport. I'm also old and need something that rolls. When you pack 2 bodies + lenses + a big macbook, you're talking some serious weight on an old lady.

i procrastinated and my trip is tuesday, so hopefully i can find something local that will work! i'm not above spray painting a think tank, though my tune may change after dropping 400+ on it.

[kenw]

Consider a bag that will fit inside a rolling backpack

[LadyShutterBug]

Went with the think tank international. So glad I did, as I had to gate-check it for both flights on Tuesday. On the departing flight, we just had to leave them at the jetway, and I could see them being loaded from my window seat. Yep. Baggage handler threw it down like a sack of potatoes.

On the return flight, we were able to load our own into the cargo holder so there was minimal abuse.

Both flights were on tiny planes, and the overhead bins werent big enough for standard carry-ons.