Which backpack is right for me?

[dorothyp]

Hi,

I have found that travelling with a backpack is much easier than a rolling carry on. On this past trip to Alaska, I used a laptop backpack (compliments from work) and had it stuffed with the following:

Think Tank Digital Holster 20 - which contains my Canon 50D with 18-200mm lens
Panasonic point and shoot digital camera
Dell netbook
Kobo ereader
Ipod Touch
noise cancelling headphones
GPS with mount and cables
cell phones
passport
assorted print outs

I don't want to use the work laptop backpack again so I'm trying to decided which bag would be right for me.

Any suggestions?

[Cymberleah]

I don't know which backpack would be best for your needs, or even if you'd need a backpack at all (the Imago or another messenger bag might work as well) but looking at your list I'd suggest a padded pouch for your camera (I have one for my Canon point and shoot) and a RFID blocking passport pouch. I'm also a convert to the pouch system. It's too awesome to be able to tuck into a bag and come up with the pouch with my nail clippers in just a few seconds, as opposed to digging about at the bottom of a pocket for the one small right shaped piece of clutter. I currently carry three pouches (craft smalls, personal care, coupons) and it saves a great deal of time.

I'd look into a Synapse, as the side pockets can organize your smaller electronics, and the large section has a place to slide an e-reader and your netbook, leaving the rest of the pouch to hold your papers, Canon, and headphones.

My suggestion is to not automatically assume you need the largest bag, as I've found that you can fit an incredible amount of stuff into any TB bag.

[jannilee]

I agree that the synapse would probably do it easily. The only question would be the camera case as i don't know the dimensions. The rest would fit easily and leave room for a jacket or sweater. I went to visit relatives for a week and fit all my clothes plus point and shoot, and iPad into the synapse.

[dorothyp]

Here is a link to the bag that carries my camera -> Digital Holster 20 V2.0

[gmanedit]

Did you take another bag for your clothes? If you're planning to use the backpack for travel, think about whether the Brain Bag's larger size would let you reduce the number of bags needed.

[backpack]

And lets not forget the Smart Alec with the brand new yummy ballistic colors!

Your height, frame and what kind and how much clothes you want to carry should help you decide which one is right for you.

Feel free to ask more questions!

[dorothyp]

I'm primarily using this bag for non clothing items. So ... basically everything of value that you want to carry with you on a flight.

[backpack]

So basically you want to fit what you listed on your first post, miscellaneous personal stuff and the camera bag.

The first two should fit in the Synapse without any problem, any way you want.

Taking into account the camera holster dimensions below, it should fit in the Synapse.

ID: 7.25" W x 5" H x 8–11.5" D (18.4 x 12.7 x 20.3-29.2 cm)
ED: 8” W x 5.5” H X 9.5-12.5” D (20.3 x 14 x 24.1-31.8 cm)


Below are the dimensions of the Synapse main pocket.