Tamrac Cyber 8 or Vertex 200?

[GMCPhotographics]

Guys, I'd like your thoughts please.
I'm after a large backpack type of camera bag. I currently have a lowepro Minitrekker AW and it's just not big enough. My gear has grown since I bought this bag and I'm currently over loading this bag, which means that it's not protecting my gear as much as I'd like. I need something larger and more protective of my gear. After extensive research, walking into various shops (it's annoying that no one ever stocks every bag) trying stuff out and surfing for bag sites...I have narrowed my search down to 2 bags.
The Tamrac Cyber 8 and the Lowepro Vertex 200.
I just can't make a descision between them...they are so simular. Any thoughts or considerations?
I want a bag that I can do hiking in, take most of my gear, including 2 dslr bodies and the option of taking a 17" laptop with me. My longest lens is a 400mm f5.6L and I have a number of filters and accessories too. I want to be able to take my 16-35IIL, 12-24 siggi, ts-e 45, 50 1.4, 85L, 100 macro, 135L, 200 2.8L, 400 f5.6L plus a 1.4x tc. a 40D and a 5DII.

The new Vertex series offers a lot of modern and nice features. I love the flash gun pouch and the easy access to the rear zippers for filters and stuff. But the Tamrac has a good reputation and looks more robust.

Any ideas?

Regards,

Gareth Cooper

[Lowner]

Gareth,

Thats a lot to carry, never mind pack into one bag! I've got the Vertex 200 and carry 2 gripped bodies, a 24-70mm, 70-200 and 100-400. I struggle to find a spot for my 550EX, filters and film (yes, really)with that lot already in there.

Theres loads of room outside the main compartment for everything else, but I don't have a laptop and would have preferred more room for kit inside.

I have never tried the Tamrac so cannot compare the two. I went for the Vertex 200 because it was the very maximum I could claim was hand luggage when flying.

I find LowePro kit is more robust than it looks, but I did have to replace my first purchase when one of the slidelok straps "came away in my hand Gov - Honest". Since then it's been fine. Except I'd never trust those slideloks to hold anything!