Stephanie,
For me it is not a question of having 'a' camera and a bag with me. Say, if we are going to our summer house in Sweden I carry with me several camera bags with several sets of cameras. The volume of this far exeeds what I need of room for clean socks and underwear, to say the least:
I have two Löwepro rycksacks for my 1Ds II equipment, including three flashes, some 6 - 7 lenes, excluding the 300 mm 2,8L - ah - that comes in a dedicated leather box. These bags do not store the extra battery and charger. That is in my ordinary suitcase together with the above mentioned underwear etc - and the Epson P2000, charger and cords etc.
I have one of these large Löwepro sacks for my, most of it at least, Hasselblad gear, - the parts of it that I still use, like the 203FE with three lenses, the 905SWC that comes in it's own case, flashes, tripods, hat-sized sun shades etc. etc. Then I have just bought a small Löwepro shoulder bag for my new ZI with three lenses and two flashes - which I can also use with the Hasselblad gear. Sometimes I carry with me my old Hasselblad gear: The 501C/M with three lenses in an old original Hasselblad shoulder bag. I have a Edixa that needs exersise too. It comes in a plastic shopping bag. Puh!
Top this up with a bag for my Toshiba 17" Satellite lap top with additional HD and a arsenal of blank CD's.
You know, if I were to go with Marco Polo on his trip to China I would need three camels. Just for me and my stuff. So, I am not a popular travelling companion. Ask my wife.
So. When going to Sweden in early May, when the frost has just loosened it's grip on humidity in the ground, even 4 wheel drive won't help you. As you can see of the pictures bellow.
