Still haven't found a backpack I like

[Tvw]

The last 4 years I've been using a Lowepro Mini Trekker Classic. A nice bag.
I liked the padding and the space (although I wish it was a little bigger). Although the wearing comfort could be better and it lacks a raincover.

One of the reasons to buy a replacement bag was the purchase of a 300mm F2.8IS. The lens would not fit comfortably in my Mini Trekker Classic.

I decided on the Flipside 400AW (lots of people seem to like the Flipside). I tried the bag on a trip to Madeira but I did not like it. The bag is simply not wide enough (for my taste) and my 300mm F2.8IS doesn't fit comfortably in the bag. I also didn't like the Flipside principle (zipper on the back).
So I sold the bag again.
I'm now looking for another bag. I want a comfortable wearing bag (with raincover), that looks nice (I know a matter of taste) and where my gear can fit it nicely.

Gear: 40D, Sigma 10-20, Canon 24-105, Canon 70-200 F4IS (usual setup), Canon 300 F2.8IS + filters + PD70X + all kind of small accessories.

I've read so many threads and leaning towards a Thinktank product (maybe Streetwalker Pro). I'm a bit 'worried' about the flat shaped harness system, does the bag still feel comfortable when hiking?

Thanks for helping me out.

[SMP_Homer]

Computrekker?

There isn't a perfect bag out there... I'm up to 4, and each one has it's pros and cons, depending on what I need for that particular occasion

[NYPhotog]

Have you considered one of the Lowepro Vertex bags? They are very well designed and constructed, with an excellent harness system. Perhaps the 200 would be the right size. http://products.lowepro.com/product/Vertex-200-AW,2073,16.htm
I also like the Tenba Shootout series. I think the medium would work for you. http://www.tenba.com/products/Shootout-Medium-Backpack.aspx

[MGW172]

I hiked around New Zealand this spring with a Thinktank Airport Acceleration. It was very comfortable and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or any of the Thinktank products.

[Epphoto]

The best bag ever for me: Kata R-102

[Tvw]

Computrekker?

There isn't a perfect bag out there... I'm up to 4, and each one has it's pros and cons, depending on what I need for that particular occasion

I've seen the Computrekker and it's quite huge. I don't know about the proportions of this bag on my back.

Unfortunately you are right. There is way enough space for huge improvements in camera-backpack-world.
I've just bought a Deuter dayback for my girlfriend and the comfort of wearing that bag is very positive compared to the camera backpacks.

[Tvw]

Have you considered one of the Lowepro Vertex bags? They are very well designed and constructed, with an excellent harness system. Perhaps the 200 would be the right size. http://products.lowepro.com/product/Vertex-200-AW,2073,16.htm
I also like the Tenba Shootout series. I think the medium would work for you. http://www.tenba.com/products/Shootout-Medium-Backpack.aspx

Thanks.
I've looked at the Vertex bags before. But the problem is they also seem to be huge (and not very beautiful IMO). I will still look into them again (although a bit expensive for my taste).
I didn't look at the Tenba Shootout series, looks interesting!

[Tvw]

I hiked around New Zealand this spring with a Thinktank Airport Acceleration. It was very comfortable and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or any of the Thinktank products.

Did you like the harness system?
Thanks for sharing your experience!

[Tvw]

The best bag ever for me: Kata R-102

I don't think the 300mm F2.8IS will fit into this bag and there's not a lot of space for accessories. They seem like good quality bags though.

[canonnoob]

expedition 7x from tamrac

[4x4rock]

For hiking with that much gears, you'd need a huge bag. It's gonna be heavy regardless.

If you like the Lowepro line, then look into the Phototrekker, it's a bit bigger than the naturetrekker and can comfortably swallow all that gears with ease.

[rklepper]

The perfect "bag" for me always seems to be 4 bags. :)

[stathunter]

ThinkTank Shape Shifter -- but I am yet to find the perfect backpack - I have way more than I will admit to -- I sold a few recently so I can free up space in my bag closet for more perfect bags.

[badams]

Have you looked at tamrac? I've got an expedition 8 and it is so comfy even while carrying the 500. I thought the lowepro backpack I had was comfy til I tried tamrac.

[Shadowblade]

If you're prepared to spend a little, you can have an ideal kit custom-made.

Firstly, find a good, strong belt-and-shoulder-strap harness system, with lots of attachment points for bags. Military gear is usually strong and good. The Lowepro Street and Field harness has shoulder straps which are joined together by a line of weak stitching at the yoke, tends to break when dealing with heavy loads or rough handling. The ThinkTank Pixel Racing harness has a yoke made out of flimsy mesh, which I would not trust to hold up to abuse during a long trek when carrying heavy loads.

Take the harness to any store which can make custom lens cases, and have them make you a set of lens cases which fit onto the harness. You can do the same with camera holsters. Specify whatever requirements you have for padding, water/sand/dust/snow resistance and size. Add straps for carrying tripods, ice axes, spare carabiners, whatever, etc.

Costs a bit, but you get as close to an ideal setup as money can buy.

[Tvw]

Thanks everybody for replying. And special thanks to Pat Bonish for his great review of the bag I bought.
I bought a new bag; ThinkTank Streetwalker HardDrive.

I just returned from the shop (long drive) and tried numerous bags from Lowepro, Tamrac, Kata and Thinktank.
The Final descision was between the Airport Antidote and the HardDrive.
I liked the the harness system of the HardDrive better (better for hiking) and took that one. I'm surprised with the good quality of ThinkTank.
Tomorrow will be my first outing with the bag (to the testimonial match for Philip Cocu).

[Tapeman]

I carry a 300 2.8 in my nature trekker with a 70-200 2.8, 24-105, 16-35, one body & flash plus assories. It is heavy but I can carry it all day.

[Exposure101]

Computrekker?

There isn't a perfect bag out there... I'm up to 4, and each one has it's pros and cons, depending on what I need for that particular occasion

Agreed. It sounds like a cliche but it's true. What I do is have a transport bag (CompuTrekker) for the camera equipment and laptop. I have a Flipside 200 that I use when I get to my destination. It's small enough and carries a body with a couple of lenses while I'm in the field. I also have the Nova 180 but that's only when you really want to carry as little equipment as possible.