Alternative to FastPack 250...?

I hope this post isn't too long, but here goes...

I currently use a Lowepro Fastpack 250, and I need something a little bigger. Here's why: My camera gear is increasing, and the physical size of it is increasing too. I was using the FastPack to house my 7D with my 70-200 mounted, and using the smaller pockets for my smaller lenses. Well, I now have a 24-70, and I would love to have this lens mounted all the time, but I can't figure out a way to keep the 70-200 in the bag at the same time.

I love the FastPack because it has the upper part of the pack for miscellaneous stuff, so I keep a 580EX in there, with room for a lot more. I want to use it for a family trip to Philadelphia next month, and it would be perfect because I can use the upper part for family gear, and my camera gear can go in the bottom part. I just can't figure out a way to keep my 70-200 in there with my 24-70. Right now, I had to reconfigure so my 7D/70-200 is in the bottom with my flash and 50mm, and in the upper part is my 24-70 in the lens bag.

So does anyone have any suggestions for a bigger backpack with similar features? I am looking for a backpack that can carry my camera with the 24-70 mounted, and my 70-200, 50, and flash also, but have room for family gear like snacks for my son, and maybe some items purchased while shopping, that sort of stuff.

Any help would be appreciated, if my gibberish makes any sense...

Ken

F-stop Loka/Tilopa with probably a Medium ICU?

Look at the Fastpack 350 or the new Tamrac Evolution 9.
Enjoy your trip to Philadelphia.

rotate the dividers
so instead of the lenses going in the way the bag comes in, they go in the same way the body/lens go in (aka side-accessible)
I had the Slingshot 200 (very similar) and could put in a 100-400 and a 70-200 f4 IS on either side of the body/lens... just made it very heavy

you can also look at the Kata 3N1 series... I changed to the 3N1-22 as I needed the netbook sleeve for my iPad... rotated those dividers as well and can get in a 100-400 separate from a gripped body with a 24-70

Wow, never thought of rotating the dividers. Didn't really check to see if the Velcro would work or not. I will try that tonite and post back. Thanks for the idea...

Here's to give you an idea on a Slingshot 200

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/ntakahara/26088​62829/
(not my pic/stuff)

SMP_Homer wrote in post #12725707
Here's to give you an idea on a Slingshot 200

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/ntakahara/26088​62829/
(not my pic/stuff)

I tried rotating, and it does work, but there's no room for the dividers. So if the backpack is standing, the 70-200 is standing up, in it's case, and my camera with the 24-70 mounted is also standing up. It's kinda a tight fit, but it works. In the upper part I have my flash in it's case, and the 50, but maybe will try to put the 50 in the bottom part.

I'll check out the Kata to see what that's like.

Thanks again for the idea.

I have a Fastpack 250 as well and I'm looking for another bag with similar features but can hold a tripod and has a rain cover. I am going on a trip to costa rica in the fall and would like more protection from the elements than the 250 can deliver.

I thought about the Dakine bags but they don't have a laptop compartment. F-Stop bags are nice but very pricey. I'd like to stay around the 125 dollar range.

Any ideas?

I was hoping to figure out a way to carry my Monopod with my 250, when I bring it on shoots. I checked out the Kata backpacks, there are so many models, but I saw one with a rain cover, and you can get an optional tripod holder for $15. It was the 3N1 series, as a fine member suggested earlier in the thread...