I am curious if the Dryzone 100 can accommodate a 17" wide screen laptop in it's exterior pocket. Yes I know the exterior pocket is not waterproof, but if I need waterproofing on a plane, the laptop is the least of my concerns. Also it looks like it should, but will a 50d with grip fit as well

FYI a Dry Zone 200 will hold a 17" wide screen laptop and just about any gear you want with ease

I've got a dryzone 100 and am disappointed with it. The special zipper that makes the main compartment waterproof was nearly impossible to zip from day one. The waterproof shell developed holes where the bag folded while opening and closing after about a year and a half. And pack itself rides very high one my back and is very uncomfortable. I'd also check to make sure about the 50d fitting with a grip. Seems like it may be a little tight. Also, the bag might be a little thick when putting it into overhead compartments and your laptop will get banged up.

I do not recommend this pack. LowePro was trying to do two things and once and ended up doing neither well. I replaced it with a normal photo pack and a pelican case.

The important thing with the T-Zip is to keep it well lubed. It needs to be tight to maintain a good seal but it should move pretty easily.

Disappointing to read about the stress fractures, I haven't had this with either my DZ 200 nor my DZ Rover - the latter having had a lot of use. Did you take this up with Lowepro? I would have expected that to have been covered under the warranty, especially in such a short space of time.

Agreed about tightness with grips - I found I had to put my 5D and 30D, each with grips, in on their sides in the 200. They are slightly narrower than they are high so just fitted.

KRs
Chris

My take on the dry zone, it is a great special purpose pack. It is heavy, it is BIG, It is difficult to operate zipper, though in all fairness that is to be expected for a waterproof zipper. I figure I will use it about 3-4 times a year, that's it. Great for trips where you know you will get wet, such as boat trip to Taal Volcano. We had heavy spray and high winds, and we were in a small boat. My wife and I both looked like we swam ashore. Gear was bone dry. All of the gear listed below fit well into the DZ-200.

Rest of time I use my Vertex AW 100, also an outstanding pack. It fits what you need pretty well though tightly. I manage to get all of the following into it:
- a 50d with grip
- R-Strap attached
- Canon 17-40mm f/4L EF
- Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L EF USM
- Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS EF USM
- Speedlite 580EX II
- Remote Shutter Release
- 2x Doubler
- Camera Rain Cover
- EEEPC
- Chargers (2 for camera and 1 for laptop)
- Gray Cards
- 3 spare Memory Cards
- WD Passport HD
- GPS
- Spare Batteries for flash, Camera, and Laptop
- Assorted cables
- Ipod
- PSP
- A tripod
- plus room for incidentals (some emergency cash, keys, cell phone, passport ect...).

Yeah it's heavy, but if your in decent shape, it wont present a problem. I have been known to bike 100mi with this pack. Yeah it's Packed to the brim (though there is room for external pouches if you need more room). It is pretty water resistant, and with the rain coat, short of a good dunking, I am confident it will protect my gear from the weather.