I'm a 5'3" mom to a 2 year old. I have a Nikon D90 with 18 - 105 mm lens and a compact u/w digital camera (consumer, no u/w case used). I needed something that would hold my 15" laptop, both cameras, and personal effects for myself and my child on a 2 hour weekend flight out of town. I did NOT want to carry multiple bags while trying to manage my child, but I did want something I could take camping/hiking a few years down the road. My primary concerns were to make sure the cameras and laptop were protected and my child had all that was needed for a flight and any possible delays. While I packed the space tight, this bag was PERFECT.
I did not carry a tripod with me, but I did repurpose the tripod seat to store plastic bags (VERY handy for a mom!). It also did not rain, so I have yet to open the rain cover, but this is stored just under the handle separate from the laptop.
Size fit me a little long, but that works for me so it should fit someone 6'+ reasonably. The size MAY be too big for a smaller plane (Embraer RJ145) but should fit into a 757 overhead compartment. I did have it packed pretty full. Stuffing it under the seats was a bit of a challenge, but was manageable.
The handle is a bit longer than I would like, but the grip is good and feels durable. Carrying comfort was good, though, the tucked away waistbelt did make the small of my back warmer than when the waistbelt dangled.
Shape is maintained with a metal frame that I only noticed after the trip. I think that would come into play years down the road as the material and construction feels sturdy. The camera storage had plenty of room for both cameras, all "starter" accessories for the D90, my phone chargers (1 car, 1 wall), battery for the laptop, and two empty bottles for my child. Laptop storage is DEEP and could make getting a smaller laptop/notebook tricky.
The two storage compartments are very well sized and easy to access. If I didn't need to cram it full of my child's things (just in case), I could easily do a "reach-n-grab" for whatever I needed. The smaller of the two compartments has organization and pockets. I would have preferred the key clip to be further to the side, but I intentionally put things I wouldn't need during the trip into this compartment. I was able to fit: child's sunglasses, small hand sanitizer bottle, individual instant coffee packs, sugar packets, tickets, notepad, other travel documents, pens, my medicine bag (toothbrushes/paste, prescriptions, other 'must have' bathroom necessities), my clutch sized wallet and my keys with work badge.
The larger storage compartment is WONDERFUL. I was able to fit: D90 manual, 2 small kid books, a pencil bag with markers and 2 toy cars, another empty bottle, 3-4 child's shirts, 3 - 4 child's shorts, child's jacket, 2 small (receiving) blankets, and about 10 diapers.
I think the biggest drawback is that it can easily become cumbersome. I've honked my car horn a couple of times this week trying to haul it out of my car. It will get heavy, but that's physics. You will need two hands and your eyes to dig around your stuff with this bag, so for daily use, find another bag (unless you're like a park ranger or something). With that said, I'm looking for something smaller and more stylish for daily use, but I am definitely looking forward to using this on my next weekend trip!"..." Read more
- Busy Mom with Many Interests in Houston, TX