Travel Products - Need a Versitle Bag (Traveling Photograher)

Hey Guys! (please excuse my crap spelling on the title)

I'm been reading up on how to travel light and finally am about to make the plunge to buy a efficient one bag (almost one bag as I will always have some sort of bag / roller for photography equipment depending on assignment :( ).

I will say I have not narrowed it down! As the more I read it seems the more choices pop up. I have a few questions about each of these choices so any help would be great.

Quick Criteria and Info
- I will always be carrying a laptop though this could be in a separate camera bag when i'm doing light photography work. Just a spot where a laptop would fit nicely if needed is enough
- I will have lots of chargers... :(
- My trips are anywhere from 1 - 2 weeks so I need the possibility of packing 2 weeks worth of clothing. I am willing to do laundry but need to have atleast 5 different, mix is fine, outfits due to the line of work i'm in (with 1 more formal set)
- Need room for 1 pair of extra shoes
- Want to be able to carry on when there is an option to.

1) Packing Cubes with Compartments. I love compartments to organize stuff but does packaging cubes negate the advantages of them?

Main Choices

Air Boss - I see the biggest complaint is the no backpack straps but this seems to also be the biggest of my possible choices. Says maximum carry on size but has anyone been turned away because of it's size?

Tri-Star - Looks perfect except it's smaller. Is this big enough for a 2 week trip?

MEI Executive Overnigther - Looks perfect except people mention the build? Is it really that much lower than the first two? Enough that you could see it wearing out after a few years? (Also I will be needing this by sept so i'm not sure if they can make that date)

Secondary Choices (Price)

Outdoor Products Essential Carry-On - Interesting as a "starter bag" but can't find it for sale anywhere but Ebay. Would love to buy this one first for my quick summer trips to give me time to received the MEI...

Patagonia MLC : Haven't found that many reviews... seems like it's a decent size smaller than air boss?

Thanks so much!!!

Just ordered a set of Ebag Packing cubes! :) Can't wait.

BTW my old bag was just a normal duffel. It finally gave out after a few years of use after my attempts to duct tape it could not rescue it :(

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Have you considered the Red Oxx Skytrain?

You should take a look at the "Flying with Fish (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/)" blog for ideas. As a travelling photographer he has lots of good ideas for packing. Maybe you can find the right bag there.

Twigster, have you considered the overall packing and hauling strategy yet? I mean, what kind of bag(s) do you already have, any rolling cases, which sizes, what weight, content etc? Then, how are you going to haul that? What kind of flights and planes do you take most and to which destinations?

Most professional photogs that I know will take all the equipment they possibly can as carry-on. They will totally max out whatever carry-on allowance they have for the equipment. There might be a little baggie with a toothbrush and a change of underwear and that's about it. The rest is checked. Clothes are secondary and can be easily replaced. It's also hard to really destroy them. Your equipment is primordial and can be easily stolen, lost or destroyed.

Given your packing list it seems unlikely that an MLC size carry-on will fit five full outfits plus a suit and a pair of shoes. And forget about fitting a laptop in there on top of it.

I'd advice to take a Pelican roller case for the equipment. If ever it needs to get checked you know the equipment is safe. In addition I'd get a large Tenba Messenger Satchel. It's a super versatile bag with a removable photo insert and a laptop compartment. Your most expensive lens could go in there. Your most expensive body goes in a neoprene envelope in a coat pocket. You can then out a change of clothes and a laptop in the Tenba. Set the Tenba on the Pelican and role the entire thing. This is your "must have" set-up.

For the clothes I recommend an expandable 24" or 26" suitcase. I'd go for a hardshell 4-wheeler. This way you can actually stack the Pelican on top of the 24/26" suitcase and wheel both together. For the total pro look I might choose a Rimowa Topas. Also because it offers a really flat top which makes it easier to put the Pelican case on top and it rolls effortlessly even under immense loads.

Till

Hey guys thanks for the suggestions so far. I guess I need to make it more clear on my intent for the current bag i'm searching for.

First I do have a Pelican Roller. Forgot the model but its also roughly the size of a maximum carry on and I do not allow any of my equipment to be check'd in. I also have about 5 other bags for the differen scenarios where I would be using my equipment. :)

The main purpose of this bag though would be on a trip where I do not need my full line of equipment (vacation, jobs where I'm paid well enough to rent equipment, etc). During these times the most I would probably carry is 1 body with 2-3 lenses in a sling type bag. I would want a main bag where I can pair with my slimed down kit bag to carry everything else including a laptop if possible. The bag I end up choosing would be my main carry-on bag.

However, I would still like a bag that is versatile enough that I could take it on trips where I do carry my pelican roller and would have to check my main clothing bag in. Even with having to check it in it would be nice that it would be able to maximize space while letting me pack efficiently. If I could afford the Rimowa I would have a few already :) Though putting a pelican on top is not exactly the best ways if you ever have to go through a bit of crowd.

And Gadgetfreak. Yes i've looked at the Sky Train too. But after reading all the comparisons everyone seems to have eventually ruled it out for one reason or another.

You should take a look at the "Flying with Fish (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/)" blog for ideas. As a travelling photographer he has lots of good ideas for packing. Maybe you can find the right bag there.

yeah, great choice

Of all MLC size bags the A. Saks 21" Expandable is quite likely the one that has the highest volume. It is also among the very lightest. Only OPEC is lighter, I think.

You can read my review here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/1046939-saks-21-expandable-tote-first-impressions-review-upcoming.html

The Saks 21 is basically one big compartment plus the front pocket which is roomy enough for shoes and an anorak.

No sub-pocket and compartment mania here. The advantage is that it's very versatile and offers lots of open space. When you know how to pack and with the right accessories it could be a very good bag for your purpose.

Till

Twigster, I think you may find this BRX 22” upright (http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/productDetail.aspx?id=Explore-22-Upright_BU122X) interesting. It meets the maximum carry-on luggage size requirements and even has a 16” laptop compartment. The bag looks durable enough to withstand air travel abuse for the times you have to check it in and can be carried on board at others.

Thanks Till for all your help so far.

You have helped me get a little better understanding of what I might be looking for and the Asak has definitely been added to the list. I have a question about the bag though. Does it have rings to put a longer strap if I need though?

Also does anyone with the MEI EO have any feedback on the quality vs air boss and longevity in general? :P

I wish there was a store nearby that had one of these bags in store to try out.