Is there such a thing? I'm feeling overwhelmed at some exhaustive bag research, and feel no closer to a decision than when I started.
My goals:
A light (<4lb) camera bag that is carry-on compliant
A secure bag that would be difficult to pickpocket the large (ie: dSLR) items
has space for a 13.3" ultrabook (12.3" x 8.6" x .5") - i don't need a dedicated laptop bag spot, but somewhere i can store it for when it's not safe to leave in the hotel room.
has space for a non-gripped dSLR body, a 70-200mm f2.8, and a 16-35mm f2.8 so camera can be stored with whatever lens is currently on
has additional space for a guide book, sunglasses, and 1-1.5L water bottle
can center-mount a tripod on the back, or strap to the top/bottom
is comfortable to wear all day, when it's heavy and while hiking on difficult terrain
my additional, aspirational goals:
can be re-configured to hold a 400 or 500mm f4
is weatherproofed (shielded zippers, water resistant material, w/e)
I tried a lot of bags, and ended up with a Loka for most shoots. I also have a Streetwalker HardDrive that I use when I need to bring a laptop and I'm not hiking. The Streetwalker carries tripods just fine.
The Loka is super secure because it opens from the back. Haven't had a problem carrying it on US domestic flights. If you choose wisely on the ICU, it's just part of the bag -- not awkward at all -- versatile! Tripod carrying works OK, but is more basic than a bag with a dedicated pouch on the bottom center. Depends on how big of a tripod you're hauling.
I have taken the fstop loka within the usa even on regional jets as a carry on.
The medium pro icu is great. It will fit a 400mm f4 horizontally. I still manage to fit my 5D, a couple lenses, filters, chargers, ballhead, vixen polarie into the icu. In case I have to take the icu out and put it under the seat, I do not pack anything expensive elsewhere in the Loka. That being said, even in the regional jet I was on, the Loka would fit under the seat in front of me.
The 500mm f4 plus some small amount of other gear will probably require the large icu and vertical placement. You'll have to review the specs to see if it would fit. F-stop has sample pictures of various gear stuffed in their icu's but the largest I see is a 300mm 2.8 which is about the same size as the 400 f4.
They have a responsive support system for inquiries, you should contact them.
the Loka sure is carry on. even the Satori is under most situations. I have a large and medium ICU to use between both. awkwardness is a relative term.
the TT SW HD has a setup for a tripod
