backpack for attached 70-200

I'm looking for a somewhat smaller backpack that will accommodate a Rebel series body with attached 70-200 f/4. The backpack will be used as a "carry all" pack, but needs to be good for day hiking a few times a year. All the gear I need it to hold is the aforementioned Rebel body with attached 70-200, my 18-55 kit lens, a flash, a decent tripod, plus the cords that go along with a camera. I would like to have the ability to carry a water bottle, either with a dedicated pouch or a carabiner-style attachment, and a small pouch for snacks.

When I went to the local camera shop I didn't really like the Lowepro Flipside or Fastpack line; they just didn't appeal to me for some reason. I'll revisit them if thats the consensus of what the community recommends. Every backpack that I find that holds an attached 70-200 is huge with lots of compartments that I don't need; I have no intention of carrying 4+ lenses any time soon. I'm looking for something with the smallest possible size that can still do all the things I want it to do.

Well I was going to suggest a Flipside 400 AW, which is my favourite "camera" bag of several which I own. Left to right we have Airport Acceleration, Flipside 400, Slinghsot 200, Urban Disguise 60, Passport Sling.

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tdodd wrote in post #12556313
I can't think of a reason off hand why the Flipside design would be less welcome than a more conventional backpack. If the 400 is too big then maybe the 300 will be sufficient, but you'd have to check the specs on that. If you want to carry a tripod, and water, and a long lens, and a few other bits, photographic or otherwise then the Flipside gets my vote. If in doubt I'd prefer to err towards a bag that was slightly too large than slightly too small. If it's slightly too small then you're stuffed. If it's slightly too big then you don't have to fill the space, and air doesn't weigh much.

Looking at the Flipside 300 online it seems like about the right size, I'll bring my equipment to the shop and try it out later. What all do you carry in your 400, and is it something you can wear reasonably all day?

Well here's an example of how I might have my 400 loaded inside....

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I have the TT Streetwalker HD and love it, would highly recommend it especially if you have a laptop you want to carry around on occasion as well!

I'll also chime in in support of the Flipside range. I have two - the 200 and the 300 - and both fit my 40D with 70-200 f4 IS attached, plus a couple of other lenses and a flash, with no problem. There's a pouch on the outside of the bag for a water bottle, and room inside for sandwiches and snacks. These are very comfortable bags to carry - I've often had mine on my back all day, with no problem. For hiking, I'd recommend getting a separate waterproof cover, but that would be the only addition you'd need. I've tried a lot of bags, and these are by far my favourites.

I know you said you don't care for the Flipside range but I believe the 300 would fit your needs. I have both the 300 and the 400 and the 400 is considerably larger with a hipbelt that can't be hidden or removed. The 300 is the smallest bag I know of that will hold the gear you mentioned. If you plan on gripping your camera in the future the 300 might not be deep enough. When I gripped my 7D it will no longer fit comfortably in the 300. The body you have is a little smaller so it may not be an issue but just thought I would point it out. Unfortunately now my 300 sits unused because I never take off my grip. I know that 70-200 f/4 will fit in there just fine though.... I seem to remember putting that very same lens in that bag.

the flipside 400 is a great bag, but I find the shoulder straps are not padded enough compared to the pro runner 350 aw. It's a bit bulkier than the flipside 400 and twice the size of the flipside 300.

After seeing everyone recommend the flipside, and finally figuring out why its called that, I decided I want the Flipside 300. Are bags something that are generally ok to buy and sell on here?

Can't answer that question, but have you checked out YouTube to confirm the bag is the one for you? Here's a sample video review - http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=FJvGjf-9BOA

The flipside 400 aw is the most comfortable bag I have. I had quite a few bags the last couple of years. It's even more comfy than the Kata R-103.

The 400 is very comfortable fully loaded. With the same amount of gear, a slightly larger bag will disperse the weight better than a small bag fully loaded.

imsellingmyfoot wrote in post #12561639
After seeing everyone recommend the flipside, and finally figuring out why its called that, I decided I want the Flipside 300. Are bags something that are generally ok to buy and sell on here?

Yes, I bought my Flipside 200 on here; it was like new.

imsellingmyfoot wrote in post #12561639
After seeing everyone recommend the flipside, and finally figuring out why its called that, I decided I want the Flipside 300. Are bags something that are generally ok to buy and sell on here?

I've sold a couple of my ThinkTank bags on here before. Actually I would sell my Flipside 300 if you are interested. Based on that 70-200 you bought you know what condition I keep my gear in so you can PM if you're interested.

imsellingmyfoot wrote in post #12561639
After seeing everyone recommend the flipside, and finally figuring out why its called that, I decided I want the Flipside 300. Are bags something that are generally ok to buy and sell on here?

I'd go straight for 400, it's not that much larger outside but more spacious inside and tons more comfortable.
I owned 400 for a while before getting 300 as a smaller alternative but sent 300 back right away as found it's almost same external dimensions as 400 but worse designed and not as comfy.