Travel Technology - Hand luggage recommendations for Europe

I'm not sure if Travel Tech gets enough of FT's European community but here goes......

So, here in the Chocolate Producing Countries we have some pretty draconian hand luggage rules at the moment (and shiny plastic doesn't cut it with the powers that be). We are only allowed to take just one piece through security and this must conform to size guidelines. Here is what BMI has to say about the restrictions:

"the dimension of the bag must not exceed a maximum length of 56cm, width of 45cm and depth of 25cm (including wheels, handles, side pockets, etc)"

Over the holiday, I bought my first DSLR and would very much like to travel with this. Problem here is I almost always have a laptop with me (not really that bad an idea if you're carrying digital photography equipment).

So, I'm in the market for a new bag. At most, this bag will carry my laptop, DSLR, point and shoot camera and PDA, portable hard disk, travel document wallet, a couple of cell phones plus associated chargers and cables (surprisingly not many as I tend to put most of the cables and replaceable Nokia chargers in my checked in luggage as they do not break easily).

My existing cheap as chips Targus bag has been wonderful throughout the hand baggage problems due to its fairly flexible front pocket but this requirement takes it a bit far.

I was actually looking at a Tumi Travel Tech back in the sales today but I'm not convinced that it will not bulge beyond the limits (it's already quite deep) once I stick the DSLR and a couple of lenses in there.

As always, I look forward to reading what our assembled experts have to say :).

Regards
I

Crumpler Bags has several that hold a laptop & SLR.

So, I'm in the market for a new bag. At most, this bag will carry my laptop, DSLR, point and shoot camera and PDA, portable hard disk, travel document wallet, a couple of cell phones plus associated chargers and cables (surprisingly not many as I tend to put most of the cables and replaceable Nokia chargers in my checked in luggage as they do not break easily).


I posted a similar question a whil back and was recommended to look in to Crumpler, Tamrac and Lowepro.

Use the search function and you might find the thread.

/E

How big is the laptop. I have a very small laptop (2.5 pounds - 12 inch screen) and based on the thread emma mentioned and a lot of shopping had a tough time coming up with something I was completely happy with. I use a Briggs and Riley Expandable overnight computer brief which fits the LHR guides (actually the September ones which are a bit smaller than current) and can hold quite a bit. The expandability is nice as well. You might try to check one of those out. Very rugged as well.

How big is the laptop.

14.1 inch screen but nevertheless quite small.

As always, thanks all for the responses - I'll be on the lookout for the brands mentioned in the replies above.

Another one that looked interesting was National Geographic brand. Manufactured by one of the high end tripod companies.

double post

Once again, many thanks for the advice. Manchester is a crap place to buy this type of stuff and I couldn't afford the luxury of on-line shopping (may be travelling as early as Wednesday) so I went for this cheap, low risk number:

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/Computing/Laptops/Laptop+Cases/ANTLER/VIENNA/138872

BTW: It's small but I've just tested it and if comfortably fits everything I need without any strain on the zips!

I nearly bought the Tumi I saw yesterday (v.nice but from their "not really a Tumi" range) but I think any real expenditure unwise until the BAA/government hand luggage rules stabilize (and they've been different every time I've gone through LHR recently).

As soon as I get time, I'll look to a bigger, more permanent solution from one of the brands suggested above.

Regards
I

If you are still looking, Waterfield Designs, AKA SFbags.com make a bag called the Cargo that I use for travelling (the largest size). It fits my IBM T43 laptop in a neoprene case, my notebooks (the paper type), the odd book and magazine, point and shoot camera, ipod and associated earphones, laptop, phone, inflight chargers, couple of cellphones, travel documents, umbrella, jacket, pens, and so on.
I'm pretty sure that with some careful packing you could fit an SLR with lens in its own case in there too. If you get a chance have a look at the website and contact them if you need to know more, I have always found them to be very helpful.
RichP

Take a look at the www.Lowepro.com -> products -> Notebook & CD Cases > Notebook & Camera . I had something similiar to the CompuRover and didn't like it much. I sold it to a friend who likes it. The Rolling compuTrekker Plus AW looks interesting as does the Stealth Reporter.

I've had a number of Lowepro products for cameras and laptops and all are amazingly durable.

If you are still looking, Waterfield Designs, AKA SFbags.com make a bag called the Cargo that I use for travelling (the largest size). It fits my IBM T43 laptop in a neoprene case, my notebooks (the paper type), the odd book and magazine, point and shoot camera, ipod and associated earphones, laptop, phone, inflight chargers, couple of cellphones, travel documents, umbrella, jacket, pens, and so on.
I'm pretty sure that with some careful packing you could fit an SLR with lens in its own case in there too. If you get a chance have a look at the website and contact them if you need to know more, I have always found them to be very helpful.
RichP

I went for a cheap and cheerful option from my local PC world to suit my immediate needs. Later, I want to look for something that approaches the maximum size permitted in the UK/Europe (and also give manufacturers time to adapt to the new laws and come out with new designs).

If you are still looking, Waterfield Designs, AKA SFbags.com make a bag called the Cargo that I use for travelling (the largest size). It fits my IBM T43 laptop in a neoprene case, my notebooks (the paper type), the odd book and magazine, point and shoot camera, ipod and associated earphones, laptop, phone, inflight chargers, couple of cellphones, travel documents, umbrella, jacket, pens, and so on.
I'm pretty sure that with some careful packing you could fit an SLR with lens in its own case in there too. If you get a chance have a look at the website and contact them if you need to know more, I have always found them to be very helpful.
RichP

their bags are very very nice and durable, but I find them a bit heavy

Here is a link to the EU rules on carry-on for those who want to read the semi-official version:

http://www.schiphol.nl/_inchecken_bagage/portlet/Regels_handbagage_6_november.jsp?PORTLET%3C%3Ecnt_ id=10134198674615235&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395729234&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302572182&VIRTUAL_TEMPLATE%3C%3Evt_id=10134198673766962&bmUID=1168108754306