Tom Bihn Hybrid Photog Bags ?

[Zephyrnoid]

I've studied the numerous manufacturer's offerings in the combo Photo/Video/Laptop genres for years- and though many are very good, none seem to leap out as super innovative.
Is there cause to believe that there could be a new line of Tom Bihn Photo/Video luggage to accommodate the increased carry of these instruments along with laptops and other personal business and pleasure contents?
Some point to think about.
-Tamrac , Tenba, Kata and Lowe make some great photo luggage, but they only give incidental consideration to mixing camera gear with laptops or other stuff. So as a result, I stuff my Photo/(newly acquired video) and laptop into Tom's bags but with less than satisfactory protection and accessibility for the Photo/Video stuff.
- As the photo-gear gets smaller and becomes higher resolution, pros are abandoning large bags that held big cameras and multiple lenses in favor or kits like mine - which are ultra-light. The mainstream camera bag makers are not selling as many of their big bags and they seem not to care about the hybrid contents at all. We really need some clever attention to this.
- Here's a short list of what still and video pros need in a hybrid bag
A- Drench-proofedness! protection from at least 10 minutes of sustained downpour without having to whip out a rain-cover.
B- Super fast access to one prime camera for grab shots
C- Ability to logically separate cameras from other unrelated electronics so that each category of gear can be accessed without necessitating a transgression into the territory of another category of gear.
D- Enough dedicated shock protection to sustain an occasional stumble down a flight of stairs or a hillside- just like the current Laptop cases.
E- Protection for the bottom of the bag from in hospitable elements such as tarred, muddy, oily or otherwise messy surfaces.
F- Machine washability.
G- Nice selection of colors with a generous array of earth organics and leafy palettes.
H-Absolute Shoulder strap- as is!
I- Passive ID tagging that uses RFID or a other passive technology for busy travelers that are embracing pre-screening options ;)

[jehingr]

I'm with you - right up to the RFID stuff. I hate the idea of broadcasting any information as I walk through airports or other dangerous places. I can understand why some may desire a passive tag - but please make it optional for those of use whose sense of privacy/paranoia run deep.

[Zephyrnoid]

Don't worry, the passive RFID luggage tag is just a concept right now- and besides, it may be passive but a properly designed tag with ironclad security ( right- what's THAT?) isn't passive for everyone, just to the properly autheticated reader. The whole airline screening process has to end up that way by 2012 or I'm done traveling by air.

I'm with you - right up to the RFID stuff. I hate the idea of broadcasting any information as I walk through airports or other dangerous places. I can understand why some may desire a passive tag - but please make it optional for those of use whose sense of privacy/paranoia run deep.

[jehingr]

I've done plenty of RFID supply chain implementations - I've seen what's possible & not possible. I don't want any of that stuff anywhere near me or my private information. If the airline industry starts to require passive ID, I'm done traveling by air. As it is, when my passport expires - if I have to get a replacement that has RFID, I'm done with international travel.

[miri]

I currently use a Crumpler for my photo gear and a Tom Bihn Brain Cell for my laptop. I too am looking for a better all in one solution. Crumpler does offer a backpack that's for laptop and photo gear, but the fit is awkward on me and the area for camera/lens storage is too small. Their large shoulder bag that's for laptop and camera gear is too massive to use as just a camera bag once I've reached my destination (which means I'd have to pack my regular camera bag). Also, while they do have a way to convert it to a back-pack style carrying option, it's very awkward - nowhere near as nice as the Aeronaut. I was hoping I could just stuff my Crumpler and Brain Cell into the Aeronaut, but I don't think things are going to fit in there.

[Zephyrnoid]

A little chill factor might make you feel better. Check these out- foil to foil the badguys...
http://www.gearninja.com/Images/PS_IS.jpg

I've done plenty of RFID supply chain implementations - I've seen what's possible & not possible. I don't want any of that stuff anywhere near me or my private information. If the airline industry starts to require passive ID, I'm done traveling by air. As it is, when my passport expires - if I have to get a replacement that has RFID, I'm done with international travel.

[jehingr]

Ahhhh, for the bliss of ignorance.

[Hugh]

Kinesis gear: http://www.kgear.com/ It's what I use for my Leica M and my Olympus E-1 outfits. Designed by and made for photographers, this product line is also manufactured in the U.S. I've been wanting to take a picture of the Kinesis bag I use for my M gear because it fits so neatly into my Tom Bihn Aeronaut bag! Eventually I'll do this and post on the forum. Excellent quality, thoughtfully-designed modular bags that fit around comfortable belts for quick access.

I too join the others in not voluntarily subjecting myself to an RFID tracking device. Thanks to pressure by certain States against the Federal government, plans to chip our driver licenses by this Spring have been put on hold. But they are now being placed in everything from car tires to packages of razors and clothing. More here: http://www.spychips.com/rfid_overview.html

[Darcy]

Kinesis gear: http://www.kgear.com/ It's what I use for my Leica M and my Olympus E-1 outfits. Designed by and made for photographers, this product line is also manufactured in the U.S. http://www.spychips.com/rfid_overview.html

Great tip, Hugh. I'll refer people who contact us inquiring about camera bags to Kinesis -- until there is a TOM BIHN camera bag, at least!