Lowepro Vertex 200 vs. Think Tank Streetwalker Hard Drive

[thegrandpoohbah]

I am planning on some gear upgrades in the next 6-12 months and I will need a bigger pack to haul everything. I currently use the Think Tank Streetwalker and it does the job admirably. However I am planning on a 7D with the 15-85mm kit lens, 70-200mm f/2.8 IS, 10-22mm UWA, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 as well as my 50mm f/1.8 and Tamron 17-50mm. I have a Sigma EF 530 DG Super on order and will be getting a 580EX II next month as well. I'm not sure if the Streetwalker Hard Drive will have enough space for everything (including accessories) that I need to haul. I've been looking at the Vertex 200 and it just seems better suited for my needs.

My main criteria are:
- international carry-on size
- hold the camera body with 70-200mm f/2.8 IS attached and lens hood in position
- quick and easy access to the rain cover (which the Streetwalker does not have as far as I'm concerned)
- able to carry a 15.4" laptop plus accessories

If anyone here has used both these packs I'd love to hear your opinion.

[Headshotzx]

Is weight a concern? If it is, the vertex 200 would be a bad choice. It's built well and really well padded, but it's so heavy. I had to decide between the vertex 200 and the SWHD, and I chose the SWHD. The SWHD is massive. It can definitely fit everything you own and more.

After a few months, I couldn't stand having all the weight on my back, so I got a roller instead (Airport TakeOff).

[thegrandpoohbah]

Weight is a concern as far as airline carry-on allowances. I've carried my fully loaded Streetwalker on 8 hour hikes without too much difficulty. Granted, my current kit is nowhere close to what I plan on having within the next 12 months.

[Lowner]

We are all different, unlike Headshotzx the weight of my fully loaded Vertex 200 when its on my back is not an issue. However I do find it awkward to get off my back, unzipped and whatever I want from it out and being used, it seems designed more for long distance carrys than convenience.

Maybe thats an impossible trick to manage, comfortable to carry AND convenient in use? I've seen at least one backpack that allows the user to move from a full two shoulder and waist strap arrangement to a single strap, which provided the load is not too heavy might be a solution.

[petris]

Is weight a concern? If it is, the vertex 200 would be a bad choice. It's built well and really well padded, but it's so heavy. I had to decide between the vertex 200 and the SWHD, and I chose the SWHD. The SWHD is massive. It can definitely fit everything you own and more.

After a few months, I couldn't stand having all the weight on my back, so I got a roller instead (Airport TakeOff).

I had V200 also and i changed it to SWHD for many reasons..
-Weight
-Desing
-Quality
and i use it also with TTP Pro Belt and Skin pouches, Great bag and it beat V200 6-0 :D