Help with new bag: Side access + Tripod + Rain resistant + General-use area

Hi,

I currently have 2 backpacks which worked well for certain things, but getting ready for an extended trip I realize I need something different. I have right now:

Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85
http://www.tamrac.com/​3385.htm

This thing's badass. It's been with me all over and has taken a beating, including keeping all my gear dry while I got drenched kyaking. Holds enough gear, has a nice area to carry non-camera stuff, and has fast/easy side access. Even looks great. But has one HUGE flaw: no place to mount a tripod except by tying one down on the bottom. No good.

Crumpler Customary Barge Deluxe
http://www.crumpler.co​m …Code=EN&SKU=CBE​001-T01170

I don't really love this bag, but it does its job. The weird dividers are a pain and inefficient, but I guess they look trick. Holds a ton of stuff. Super comfortable due to the chest and waist strap. Very weather resistant. Carries a tripod in a correct way on the side (though I prefer front.) But 2 problems with this one: first, no side access and it's a pain to get out your camera. And two, it's HUGE. I personally don't mind, but my gf says it looks silly on me. I'm 5'11" +200lbs, so I'm not small, but I guess she still thinks it looks ridiculous. It certainly is the biggest photo backpack I have ever seen.

So, my requirements:

Side access
Holds a tripod on side or front
Weather resistance without cover
Non-camera area
Carries body + lens and 2 other lenses (one of these 3 lenses being a long lens), large flash, small accessories

Bonus:

Water proof cover
Chest strap
Looks good / doesn't look like a camera backpack
Black

I looked at the Kata ones and the ones with side access seem cool, but their tripod "mount" is really lame--basically just straps that tie down on the front. Bound to scratch up the tripod while it moves around.

Any suggestions?... I figure if this is what I want, others are looking for similar?

F Stop Kenti?

F stop bags are actually very water resistant, even though they sell a rain cover. The Kenti is side-access, it can carry a tripod with the help of gatekeepers, it has a space (albeit a small one) for non-camera gear, does not look like a camera bag, is comfortable, can carry all the gear you want, comes in black, has a chest strap, has optional rain cover.

I have 2 F stop bags myself, they are absolutely great.

Sirrith wrote in post #15741969
F Stop Kenti?

F stop bags are actually very water resistant, even though they sell a rain cover. The Kenti is side-access, it can carry a tripod with the help of gatekeepers, it has a space (albeit a small one) for non-camera gear, does not look like a camera bag, is comfortable, can carry all the gear you want, comes in black, has a chest strap, has optional rain cover.

I have 2 F stop bags myself, they are absolutely great.

thanks for the tip, that kenti does seem to fit the bill:

http://fstopgear.com/p​roduct/mountain/kenti

i just have one concern and one nit about it: i see you can buy their optional gatekeeper straps as you have said, but it looks like they are just that--straps. doesn't look like there would be anything keeping the tripod centered on the front except for friction. and if you don't put the top strap under the hub of the tripod, nothing would be holding it up except for friction too right? it would be nice if they had a cup or something on the bottom of the bag to at least center and hold up the tripod. just seems like it's gonna rub up the tripod bad.

anyone use these gatekeepers before? do they work well enough without rubbing and scratching the tripod?

and my nit: that waist pad is huge! i am sure it's great when you got heavy stuff to carry, but i wish there was a way to hide them when i don't need them. can you maybe fold them towards the front?

thanks!

I use the gatekeepers all the time to hold my tripod on my bags, the way I do it is put the gatekeepers around 2 legs only so the 3rd leg prevents the tripod from falling through. It has not made any marks on my tripod at all, since the buckles are plastic, which is softer than the tripod materials.
I have no idea about the waist straps as I use mine when wearing the bag.

Sirrith wrote in post #15742035
I use the gatekeepers all the time to hold my tripod on my bags, the way I do it is put the gatekeepers around 2 legs only so the 3rd leg prevents the tripod from falling through. It has not made any marks on my tripod at all, since the buckles are plastic, which is softer than the tripod materials.
I have no idea about the waist straps as I use mine when wearing the bag.

nice. i take it the "small" gatekeepers would be fine to hold tripods?

turns out they got tripod sleeves too:

http://fstopgear.com …ct/accessories/​tripod-bag

that might be useful to keep the tripod "on the low-down". don't necessarily want everyone seeing my tripod in the city if i'm not using it. these got plenty of slots for the gatekeepers to go through it looks like. might be a good addition.

Yes, I've never actually seen the medium gatekeepers before. The small are quite long already.