Camera Laptop Bags for DSLRs

The search for an ultimate camera/laptop travel/carrying solution continues. I want to carry my 17″ MacBook Pro (my main development system) and a Canon EOS 40D DSLR with me in one bag that doesn’t look terrible. The goal is to have a portable digital media agency that fits in a single professional-appearing bag that doesn’t call too much attention to itself.

  • EOS 40D dimensions: 146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)
  • MacBook Pro 17″ dimensions: 39.2 x 26.5 x 2.59 cm (15.4 x 10.4 x 1.0 in)

While there are a lot of larger camera bags available, most of them are designed to carry only camera gear. I’m looking for a bag that is designed for the person who wants to carry a DSLR with additional work gear. For me, that’s several paper notebooks, some electronic gadgetry, power supplies, and compact external keyboard/mouse.

While the ThinkTank UD60 can carry it all in one package, I am now leaning toward a two-bag system for better weight distribution and modularity. For laptops, I tend to prefer vertical briefcases that have detachable backpack straps as a carry option.

Bags in bold are the ones I’ve been personally using. This list favors bags that I believe are obsessive or unique in their approach to style, ruggedness, and use in the field.

Reviews follow after the list. If you are a bag manufacturer that would like your bag reviewed, contact me! We’ll put it through the wringer and figure out what we would use it for.

Bags that can carry a DSLR + 17″ Laptop

NOTE: If you follow any of the ThinkTank product links and decide to purchase, you’ll get an additional gift from them because of the referral program that they are offering through this site (apparently, this page sends them quite a few referrals). The gifts are: Cable Management 20, Pixel Pocket Rocket, Modular Pouch, or Security Tag, and appear when you are checking out of their online store.

  • The Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 is a nondescript bag, but holds a ton of camera gear and laptop accessories. Particularly this review by a student, which shows the camera stuck in the side with tons of other stuff. You can even buy a backpack harness for it. AND it has a compartment for a 17″ laptop! My professional portrait photographer buddy Sid, after “much coveting” of my bag, has posted his review on Flickr.
  • The Crumpler Customary Barge Laptop / SLR Bag
  • The Naneu Pro Military Ops Echo is a military-style bag that holds a DSLR. There is one bag in this line that can take a 15″ laptop. The Urban Gear U220 is a monster backpack, but does hold both a DSLR and a 17″ laptop.
  • I recently found that the Think Tank Airport Security, which is a rolling bag filled with dividers, has a “low divider” option that allows a 17″ laptop in their Artificial Intelligence laptop carrier to be placed on top of it. This may be an option for carrying a lot more gear than I am now, more comfortably. You can also order some “emergency backpack straps” if you need to carry on your back. VERY INTRIGUING.
  • Kata DR-467 is an intriguing backpack that will take a 15″ laptop. Unlike other photo backpacks it’s not mostly for carrying camera gear. The compartment for the camera sort of pops out at the bottom. I saw this bag in person, and although the design leaves me a little cold, the features seem pretty intelligent. The Kata site lists this backpack as fitting a 17″, but the dimensions don’t seem to match up.
  • My sister pointed me to the “for men” Jack Series from Jill.e (makers of cute women’s camera bags). I’m looking at the Jack rolling bag, which will take a 17″ laptop. It is one of those divider-style bags, though, so it may not be quite as useful for my needs.
  • Ben points me to the Lowepro Fastpack 350, which has an interesting configuration. He doesn’t like the lightness of the build.

Vertical Bags for 17″ Laptops Only

  • The LEvertigo 17 is a vertical design laptop bag for a MBP 17. This might be the one, or the one in graphite. I like the vertical brief design. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have room for the DSLR. Bother.
  • The Timbuk2 Outtawhack Laptop Bag
  • The InCase Nylon Sling Pack also looks nice in the single-sling, sleek vertical format. The backpack version is a little larger.
  • Waterfield makes some stylish messenger-inspired bags, including the minimalist Vertigo vertical 17″ laptop bag.
  • For 17″ laptop vertical brief carry only, the Tom Bihn Vertical Brain Cell looks pretty interesting. Perhaps it can be combined with a dedicated photo bag.

For carrying Digital SLRs Only

  • Domke makes several camera bags that are more non-descript. Cool Tools even mentioned it. Of greater interest to me: the Domke inserts, which are self-contained and could possibly be used in another bag. Unfortunately, they don’t make a snug one that would be perfect for the 40D dimensions (I need one that’s no more than 4.2 in wide to carry the EOS 40D)
  • Courierware makes custom bags. Founded by bike couriers. They have a soft camera bag that will hold DSLRs, and they also make laptop bags, but they don’t have a combined solution.
  • I read on BSAG about the Maxpedition tactical carry products. While designed to carry concealed handguns, they also can be used to carry a lot of gear w/ 15″ laptops. The MPB briefcase would make a fine photo/laptop bag. The Versipacks look awesome too for just carrying photo gear in a neat sling system.

Components for Rolling Your Own Solution

  • TrekPak is a system that fits within existing bags. Should be available after successful kickstarter launch.
  • Rubberized skins for DSLR Made Products, for minimal weatherproof carry.
  • Neoprene rubberized Straps by OpTech. Comfortable and bouncy.
  • The ProStrap, another nice camera strap.
  • Pacsafe makes some interesting secure bags and straps, reinforced with wire to prevent snatch and grabs. They sell camera inserts that could be put into a larger bag, and also dedicated laptop and camera bags.
  • Ortlieb makes an interesting camera bag insert for their bicycle bags. Some other interesting camera bags too…very square-edged and cool looking.