The next size down in the Kata backpack range with a laptop compartment is the DR-466. It’s about the same width as the 467, maybe a tad less tall, but the it is wedge-shaped towards the top, so it limits the size of the computer that will fit in. Glad I got the 467 instead because it can haul more junk around. My main 35mm. bag is a Tenba, 20+ years of location work and still going strong.

Chong, I enjoy your blog. Quit putting up pictures of food will ya? I’m sick of wiping the drool from my keyboard! :) Southeast Asia is great for food, such a great variety of tastes and styles.

Renee : So far so good. I guess this is the good size to fit as smaller ones can’t fit 15.4″ laptops. You might want to have a look at Lowepro CompuDaypack.

chy : Thanks for the explanations and thanks for dropping by. :D

I also carry my Nikon D70 with an 18-70mm lens attached. The lens measures approximately 3″ long, 3″ diameter. No problem with the fit, plus all the knick-knacks like card reader, battery charger, mouse, external hard drive and other indispensble junk.

The DR-467 is more compact than the Lowepro Fastpack 250 which I almost bought and looks more discreet, like an ordinary backpack. I wasn’t able to see them side by side at a store, but the Lowepro was taller and didn’t feel comfortable on my back (probably fits tall people better) and the big, stiff flaps that the waist straps are anchored to really bothered me. I like my Kata, I think you’ll like it too.