Finding a bag that will carry a laptop computer, digital SLR, lenses and other gear—and fit under the seat on many different kinds of planes—is no easy task. But my road testing finds the Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW an excellent choice.
Last week, I reviewed an eBags tote that is perfect for carrying clothes and office gear on short trips.
The Stealth Reporter has a different purpose—carrying a full-size DSLR (or two) with room for a flash, lenses, laptop, chargers and MP3 player.
There’s also enough space for a travel router, portable hard drive, GPS and other gadgets you may need to carry. It protects and organizes the gear well.
This is not the kind of equipment you would ever put in checked luggage—it would have a tendency to disappear. Even though mine is insured (and be careful—many airlines exempt electronic gear from their own coverage), I need to make sure the tools I need arrive when I do.
The Stealth Reporter gets its name from its stealthy appearance–plain, in a way, and that’s actually a plus. The bag doesn’t attract attention and scream, “Laptop and digital camera inside!” when you’re in crowds of people at the airport.
My Dell XPS M1210 laptop with a 12″ screen fits perfectly inside the Lowepro bag in a padded pocket. Smaller netbooks would also fit nicely. But it will not hold a large laptop, such as one with a 17-inch screen. (Think smaller and lighter when traveling.)
The bag is tough, made of ballistic nylon. I’ve carried mine more than 100,000 miles on several different continents and it looks almost as good as the day I bought it—no rips or tears.
Also, picking a color is not a hard decision—it only comes in black.
The AW stands for all weather. The bag’s outer fabric is water resistant. It includes a shoulder strap and a top zipper allows easy access.
Lowepro also makes a slightly larger bag, the Stealth Reporter D650 AW. But in my experience, a larger bag than the D550 AW would not fit under the seat on some planes.
Before deciding on this bag, I spent over an hour in the aisles of a camera store that carried many different brands and more hours searching the Internet. The Stealth Reporter does everything I need it to–hold a laptop, digital camera and lots of accessories and fit under the seat on an airplane, even on a smaller regional jet or turboprop.
The list price is $174.99. It’s a wise investment for carrying gear safely.
#1 by Jack - June 1st, 2009 at 03:35
I’ve got the larger version of this bag, the 650, and it’s served me quite well. Lowepro makes some serious kit.
Only downside of either of these is that they get very heavy fully loaded, and that weight is carried on just one side of the body. After a few hours, that doesn’t feel too good. Then again, if you’re hiking around, a backpack version would actually be better.
#2 by Christie - March 23rd, 2011 at 17:05
This is a photo o the actual bag, right? I cannot believe all of those things fit inside!
#3 by Sandra - June 7th, 2011 at 10:05
Perfect! I just hate dragging around multiple bags. Not only is this extremely strenuous, but it runs me the risk of losing some of my precious gear as well.
#4 by Jesse - July 21st, 2011 at 13:29
I’m finding it hard to believe that all these things can fit inside that bag. But if they really do, then I’m sold on this one! I’m always on the go and I need sturdy bags that can handle all the gadgets I love bringing around with me. Worth taking a closer look at, so thanks for the heads up on this!