Narrowed it down to these backpacks - now which one?

Already have a backpack, but would like to add just 'one' more to carry a bit more gear. Currently have the Kata DL210 Bumblebee, no complaints there just doesn't hold as much as I would like on some occasions. Preferably needs to hold 1 or 2 cameras, 2-3 lenses (300 f4 being the biggest) and a lightmeter.
(I'm 5'4" so nothing too huge)

Narrowed it down to the following:

Tenba Shootout (Small or Medium)
Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L
Lowepro Flipside 400 AW - I like that these are back access
F-Stop Guru

Which one should I get, which do you have and like? I've seen reviews of all of them and just can't decide..

Personally I love the Guru. I don't like the look of the Lowepros, and my only Lowepro bag feels like a box with straps instead of a backpack. I also like the customizability of the F Stop bags and the fact that they have an internal metal frame to help properly distribute the load, unlike most other camera bags.

f-stop +2

Thanks for the input!

I've been ogling the Guru for a while, I just wish I could look at it in person before buying..
Which ICU would you guys recommend, I was thinking Large but is that too big for what I have?

I have a Pro S,M and L. I have a Guru and a Loka. I mix and match as needed.

Since you have a 300, it might be worth checking out the Gura Gear bags.
http://www.guragear.co​m/kiboko-22l/

F-Stop, all the way. They're still the only one I've found that gives *reasonable* space for packing other things in with the camera gear; and the modularity to switch things up easily.

Bilderknipser wrote in post #15411131
Thanks for the input!

I've been ogling the Guru for a while, I just wish I could look at it in person before buying..
Which ICU would you guys recommend, I was thinking Large but is that too big for what I have?

If you want the large ICU, you'll have to go for the Loka. The Guru only accommodates the medium and small.

I use the medium ICU in my Tilopa (larger than the Guru, but smaller than the Loka), and it will accommodate my 7D+100-400 w/hood (reversed), a 70-200 f/2.8 w/ hood reversed, the 24-105 and 10-22; all fairly tightly packed. All the other gear goes in "other" spaces, pockets, pouches, etc.

Snydremark wrote in post #15411476
I use the medium ICU in my Tilopa (larger than the Guru, but smaller than the Loka), and it will accommodate my 7D+100-400 w/hood (reversed), a 70-200 f/2.8 w/ hood reversed, the 24-105 and 10-22; all fairly tightly packed. All the other gear goes in "other" spaces, pockets, pouches, etc.

I thought the Tilopa was bigger than the Loka? Or did they change it around when they released the new Tilopa BC, because I know that one is bigger for sure?

No, you're right, Tom. I was confusing the Loka with the Satori; good catch.

I have a Tenba Shootout Medium. It has many good qualities: excellent construction, flexible divider system, lots of room, etc.

The only issue I have is, it doesn't fit me well. I'm 6'2" tall and I can't get it adjusted so it's comfortable. I will continue to use it for storage and travel (non-hiking travel) but I'm saving up for a Tilopa BC.

From what it says on the website there aren't any Guru's in stock until February. But I think I'm going with one and a medium icu. Thanks for the help everyone!

yes for f-stop..i love my guru... ease for travel, hiking, walkaround

Bilderknipser wrote in post #15410575
Which one should I get, which do you have and like? I've seen reviews of all of them and just can't decide..

Fstop fstop fstop fstop .....

Did I say F-Stop ?

Seriously... their bags are well made, their pre-sales and post-sales support is excellent.

I used to own a front load bag (a Lowepro if you must ask).

One day, I forgot I went to fetch something out of it but left the zip open.

Went to grab it from the boot of my car... swung it onto my back .... shortly followed by the sound of many, many $$$$ worth of top-of-the-range camera and lens crashing down onto the concrete floor of the car park. Fortunatley both camera and lens survived apart from some cracked bits here and there (not lens glass though for some miraculous reason !).

This would never happen with the F-Stop because its a rear-loader, so swinging it onto your back would hold everything in place ( I haven't experimented ... yet ! But can't see why not).

The fact it is a rear loader also means you can dump the bag on the ground and access your gear without worrying about your back getting dirty when you put the thing back on.

I have lowpro Flipside 400 and love it. I do not find it uncomfortable to wear when loaded with gear. I have all of my stuff in it and still have some room. I think it is a great bag. That is my two cents.