Need Case/Pack solution, PLEASE!

[gregkendallball]

I just sent the box containing the Tamrac Adventure 9 back to Amazon. I thought it would be a great option, but I soon realized its limitations (only due to size, not build quality).

So, I'm back here asking for some help.

In January I am traveling to Northern Uganda (almost to Sudan...really, really remote and some rough roads to get there) and need to take the following:

1x 40D (w/grip attached)
1x 30D
24-70mm f/2.8 L
17-40mm f/4 L
70-200mm f/4 L
50mm f/1.4
430EX
15" MacBook Pro
Battery chargers, batteries, cables, memory cards, rocket blower, etc.

I am looking at the LowePro Vertex 200 AW (recommended by a friend), but I am looking for any other options that won't set me back by 200 bucks. Is the CompuTrekker AW a good option?

Anyone using anything that would solve all my problems?

Oh yeah, and it needs to fit in the overhead bin, or under the seat, and not LOOK like it weighs 30 pounds! I am also not entirely locked into a backpack, especially if a Pelican (specifically, the Pelican 1510) would be the better option...

Thanks for all the help...

[Cope]

You might look here.

http://www.cambags.com/

[dartlrt]

Give the folks at Think Tank a call and they can help you pick what might work best for you. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ 1 866 55 THINK ( 1 866 558 4465 )
They're out of CA.

[Donner]

I don't know if this will help you much, but sportsshooter had an article about how Jack Gruber of USA Today likes to pack his equipment. It may be a bit more than you want, but it certainly sounds like it'd travel well.

A friend of mine who does large format bought the same pack and said the pelican padded dividers fit really well in it. He added a flap to the divider to help hold his gear in place, though.

I like the idea that 1) it doesn't look that big, 2) you can put a shoulder bag in it and split the items up for smaller flights and 3) it can always hold clothes or other items if you have the space.

Hope it helps

[TexasTrails]

I bought a really top quality back pack off of Ebay from Amvona. I paid under $50 and got a back that is as good or better than the LowePro and Tamrac large pro bags. I can get two bodies and 6 lens including 70-200 L IS, two flash units, all my filters, 2 grips, extra batteries, and more. I can stuff rain gear, waterproof camera bag, lens hoods, water, and still have room. It has a really nice hidden laptop compartment thats really well padded to boot. Its got side straps and a boot for holding your tripod and a lot of extra compartments both inside the main bag and external pockets. The inside is well constructed and you can easily customize the layout for your gear.

Here's a link to one of these bags on Ebay. I've been pleased using this bag, a camera vest, and a Tamrac Slingshot 9, kind of playing it from day to day whether I need the larger bag or the slingshot. I am able to stuff the Slingshot into the large Amvona bag when I am traveling. The Amvona bag travels well and includes a large handle across the top that makes it easy to carry down the aisle of a plane if you already have one backpack on. I've been able to put it under all airline seats and overheads with no issues. I think it could be well suited to your trip and even if you paid $100 you would be getting an exceptional value.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PHOTO-VIDEO-CAME...QQcmdZViewItem

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by dartlrt

Give the folks at Think Tank a call and they can help you pick what might work best for you. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ 1 866 55 THINK ( 1 866 558 4465 )
They're out of CA.

Great advice and great products.

[gregkendallball]

Thanks, folks. My Pelican 1514 (1510 plus dividers, not the foam inserts) is on its way.

I went with this solution for one main reason: While it is technically carry-on size, you are always at the mercy of the gate agent as to whether they will let it on or not. I figure if I get to the airport, and the person is having a bad day and they force me to check it, I want it in a hard case. I would be freaking out if they said my Kata R-103 or my LowePro Vertex 200 was too heavy, and it had to go in the hold.

So, I am hoping for the best (carry it on everywhere I go, never leaving my sight) and preparing for the worst (checking it in...).

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by TexasTrails

I bought a really top quality back pack off of Ebay from Amvona. I paid under $50 and got a back that is as good or better than the LowePro and Tamrac large pro bags. I can get two bodies and 6 lens including 70-200 L IS, two flash units, all my filters, 2 grips, extra batteries, and more. I can stuff rain gear, waterproof camera bag, lens hoods, water, and still have room. It has a really nice hidden laptop compartment thats really well padded to boot. Its got side straps and a boot for holding your tripod and a lot of extra compartments both inside the main bag and external pockets. The inside is well constructed and you can easily customize the layout for your gear.

Here's a link to one of these bags on Ebay. I've been pleased using this bag, a camera vest, and a Tamrac Slingshot 9, kind of playing it from day to day whether I need the larger bag or the slingshot. I am able to stuff the Slingshot into the large Amvona bag when I am traveling. The Amvona bag travels well and includes a large handle across the top that makes it easy to carry down the aisle of a plane if you already have one backpack on. I've been able to put it under all airline seats and overheads with no issues. I think it could be well suited to your trip and even if you paid $100 you would be getting an exceptional value.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PHOTO-VIDEO-CAME...QQcmdZViewItem

I bought that same backpack and the dimensions really don't tell the story of how truly big this bag is, but its very well made and allows me to pack all of my equipment and my wife's equipment in a single bag for travel.