Backpack with quick access suggestions

I'm in the market for a backpack with the heart of a sling bag. I'd like something that provides quick access to the interior without having to remove the pack, preferably with access being on the left hand side of the pack. Some other features that would be nice are an included raincover, tripod holder on outside of the pack, and a sleeve/area for a 15" laptop.

This isn't for hiking or anything, but for cruising around town on shoots via bike. Typical gear that it would carry inside, would be a single body with two to four lenses, one of which would usually be a 70-200, a flash or two with triggers, and some filters (screw-on and/or holder style).

The closest I've found is the Timbuk2 Snoop, but wanted to see if anyone else had some suggestions. Thanks.

I should add that it would great if it were comfortable to wear all day. This is pretty subjective, but some pack makers are a whole lot better than others at this skill, and I'm not sure where Timbuk2 stacks up. Let's just say that if Osprey made a camera pack, I'd buy it sight unseen.

I've used this for hiking, strolling around the city, and even biking


Case Logic Sling

Thanks for the idea. I considered slings, but really want equal weight on both shoulders for long days out. I have a messenger, which I use for more lightweight and/or shorter days.

I use a Kata 3N1 with the tripod sling. Depending on how you configure it it can have quick access from either side (pop the clip and use it to quick-pull the zips) plus it can be wither a backpack or a sling.

I've got mine set up for left-side quickdraw for a 60D gripped with 18-200 attached along with nifty 50, Sigma 150-500, flash, extra batteries, remote trigger, etc, etc.

http://www.kata-bags.com …amily/3N1+Famil​y/15524933

Thanks TRath, that looks crazy (in a good way). Definitely one of the most versatile looking bags I've seen, and looks really well thought out. Do you have the PL or DL version (more padded straps vs less padded), and how comfy are the straps and backpanel for carrying around all day?

http://products.lowepr​o.com/product/Fastpack​-350,2087.htm

Lowepro fastPack 350

I've got the 33 DL and have put on plenty of miles with full gear without any problems. I should note that I broke my back years ago so comfort and balance in a bag are important.

auto-clicker wrote in post #14884177
http://products.lowepr​o.com/product/Fastpack​-350,2087.htm

Lowepro fastPack 350

Thanks for that. Another one to consider, but it doesn't look like there's an easy way to attach a tripod, which isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but is an important feature for me.

TRath wrote in post #14884193
I've got the 33 DL and have put on plenty of miles with full gear without any problems. I should note that I broke my back years ago so comfort and balance in a bag are important.

Good to know. Thanks again for the input.

I have a kata 3N1-20 (midsize), which allows side access from either side. You can configure the straps in a number of ways, including with the straps crossing your chest - I find that this is as comfortable or more comfortable than regular shoulder straps, and it allows you to go to sling style (and hence quick side access) by releasing one buckle - a very versatile pack.

I also have the Kata 3N1-20 and can't say enough good things about it. It's very comfortable and compact while still able to hold everything I need. It's currently holding a 70-200 2.8L, Gripped 7D with 50mm 1.4 attached, a 2x TC, flash, bunch of accessories and a Panasonic LX5. Still more room available for another lens! It's extremely durable and fits comfortably between your shoulder blades. Well worth the asking price!

Thanks Mille. After having now spent some time on Kata's site, I'm realizing they make quite a few bags with quick side access. Now to find a retailer...

I have found the quick access bags to be a gimmick. I have the Kata R-103 but while you get easy access to one body and lens, the others are out of the way and hard to reach.

F-Stop Kenti:

http://fstopgear.com/e​n/product/mountain/ken​ti

I have one of these, pricey but very nice. Good for quick access to a body/lens combo equal to or smaller than 1D + 70-200mm 2.8. Switching lenses is difficult without putting your stuff down though..

If you get the gate keeper straps, it can also hold a light tripod for you (works well enough, I've found heavier tripods tend to sag on the straps after awhile).

ender78 wrote in post #14884639
I have found the quick access bags to be a gimmick. I have the Kata R-103 but while you get easy access to one body and lens, the others are out of the way and hard to reach.

Yeah, I can see that viewpoint if you're looking for a bag that offers quick access to everything, in which case a messenger or sling would be more appropriate. But for me, the only thing I want quick access to is the camera, so these bags fit my needs. If I need something to work out of while wearing, I'll just use a messenger, but this is for those times when you're on the go and don't want to take your bag all the way off and plop it on the ground just to grab your camera. What can I say? I'm impatient.

cdo221 wrote in post #14884647
F-Stop Kenti:

http://fstopgear.com/e​n/product/mountain/ken​ti

I have one of these, pricey but very nice. Good for quick access to a body/lens combo equal to or smaller than 1D + 70-200mm 2.8. Switching lenses is difficult without putting your stuff down though..

If you get the gate keeper straps, it can also hold a light tripod for you (works well enough, I've found heavier tripods tend to sag on the straps after awhile).

I dig f-stop stuff, but they're overkill for my purposes. If I were to use a backpack for carrying a lot of photo gear into the backcountry, then they'd be top of the list.