35 bags later, still can't find the right one

Hi all.

Been browsing for a camera bag for a while, and just can't find the one that would fit all my needs. Would really appreciate it if I could get some input.

I use a Canon 40D with one lens attached and I sometimes carry one or two separate lenses with me. I'm getting a full frame soon, which won't fit in my current over-the-shoulder bag, so I figured it's time to upgrade to a backpack. Plus, I'm tired of carrying a light backpack, tripod bag, and a camera bag when I go out shooting.

I want to find a versatile camera backpack that would fit my needs, which are (in no particular order):

• Waterproof / water resistant for rainy days (Pacific Northwest) and snow fields/ski resorts. Most bags are water resistant anyways, so this one is easy. Prefer to not use rain cover, since I will set the backpack down on snowy fields sometimes, but it's not a deal breaker.
  
• Need to be comfortable for walking around for ~12 hours day trips, or for multiple days if I travel somewhere. Would like to have sternum and/or waist straps, but maybe not necessary? I don't know how much those straps help.
  
• Again, need to fit full frame body with lens attached, and maybe 2-3 other lenses and accessories. Would be nice if I could fit my 40D in there too, but not a requirement.
  
• Need separate storage compartment to be able to store non-photography items, such as snacks, souvenirs, and maps, for traveling and going on day trips. Would prefer a compartment big enough to store a light jacket, but not a deal breaker.
  
• Need a water bottle mesh or pocket on the outside, away from the rest of the bag (in case of leaks). Water bottle holder instead of water pouch holder because I carry hot drinks sometimes.
  
• Good as carry on for plane rides, so not incredibly large.
  
• Need a slot for a 15" (or larger) laptop for transiting (when flying and getting to my destination). I would use that for magazines, maps, or light jackets when I'm out shooting.
  
• Need to carry a tripod. Preferably in the middle of the bag (outside), but not a deal breaker if it's not. I just heard that it's better if the weight is in the middle.
  
• Would be nice to have fast-access to camera (like side openings) but it's not a deal breaker. But would prefer not have to put backpack down when getting the camera out.

• I'm not sure how much weight I will have after getting a full frame camera. Would sternum straps and waist straps be necessary?
  
• Few bags have a quick-access slot. Do people have find themselves wasting too much time grabbing and putting away their cameras without a quick-access? I put away my bag often (sometimes just have to), but it hasn't been a problem because I have an over-the-shoulder bag.
  
• In terms of comfort, does it matter if the tripod is hooked in the middle or side pouches? And what if it's hanging at the bottom? (see below)
  

http://www.onabags.com …que-cognac#antique-cognac

http://www.onabags.com …color=field-tan#field-tan

http://www.onabags.com …color=field-tan#field-tan

Don't know about the bottle holder but check the rest of their shop out...and a bag to hold a tripod + laptop? Yes youre being way too picky. Get a tripod bag by itself.

Your requirements are pretty much the same as mine and these were the two front-runners in my opinion.

Minibee 111-UL | Kata Bags

Guru | f-stop

Or even one of the Kata 3n1's but from reviews that I have read they're not as comfortable on long hikes.
3N1 Family - Bag Families | Kata Bags

I even considered the Clik Ventures but they were a little big and kind of ugly. It does look like they are releasing a few new bags for 2014 though I don't know if they'll meet your requirements.
Venture 30 | Backpacks | Clik Elite

Honestly, I don't think that any one bag will meet anyone's complete list of requirements, especially us more picky folk so, you may need to compromise on some of your requirements :shrug:

MWxPhoto wrote in post #16338538
Been browsing for a camera bag for a while, and just can't find the one that would fit all my needs.
I've looked at at least 35 bags from various vendors... Still can't find the right bag for me

Am I being too picky??

Yes.

Thanks for the bag suggestions. I've seen all of them before but I'll look for more in-depth reviews on them.

I'm going to reiterate the questions from my top post, because I think it will help me making some compromises.

A few questions:
- I'm not sure how much weight I will have after getting a full frame camera. Would sternum straps and waist straps be necessary?
- Few bags have a quick-access slot. Do people have find themselves wasting too much time grabbing and putting away their cameras without a quick-access? I put away my bag often (sometimes just have to), but it hasn't been a problem because I have an over-the-shoulder bag.
- In terms of comfort, does it matter if the tripod is hooked in the middle or side pouches? And what if it's hanging at the bottom?

The sternum strap definitely helps even over short periods of time. I haven't hiked enough with my new bag to comment on the waist straps.

Also haven't hiked enough yet with the bag to comment on the lack of quick access.

With the tripod in the middle, the bag is so far away from your back that it feels pretty heavy even though it makes everything more balanced. With it attached to the side it was easier to carry but did feel unbalanced. I could not mount mine natively to the bottom.

I have been happy with a Lowepro AW Nature Trekker II. Not sure if they still make it. Meets all of you requirements except no place for a laptop. I carry mine all day with over 20 pounds of gear in it.

The Fstop Loka is my one and only outdoors bag. I got rid of everything else, because for me, this one was just simply superior to everything else.

I have the medium pro ICU inside so I have adequate space for non-photo item and it's international carryon size compliant. Durable as you could ever want, and comfortable for all day hikes.

MWxPhoto wrote in post #16338538
I've looked at at least 35 bags from various vendors...

without a detailed list of the bags you tried, and why each isn't working for you, we're bound to ask you to re-try bags w/o knowing...

I see. I'm leaning towards having sternum straps as a necessity because I'm thinking my bag will become very heavy...
And I'm curious if the Aero 85's bottom tripod straps would affect how I walk. It might swing around too much, or just feels weird balancing?

The Lowepro Trekker doesn't really have compartments for personal items =/

For the F-Stop bags, do things from the main compartment above the ICU ever fall down to the ICE? I don't see those areas being separated. Like if i have small snacks or something, would that get messy? Also, would it be safe to carry a laptop in those bags, even though it has no padding?

and you should probably be open to the possibility that the best scenario is you having multiple bags, each being a better fit than the others in different scenarios..

MWxPhoto wrote in post #16338940
I see. I'm leaning towards having sternum straps as a necessity because I'm thinking my bag will become very heavy...
And I'm curious if the Aero 85's bottom tripod straps would affect how I walk. It might swing around too much, or just feels weird balancing?

The Lowepro Trekker doesn't really have compartments for personal items =/

For the F-Stop bags, do things from the main compartment above the ICU ever fall down to the ICE? I don't see those areas being separated. Like if i have small snacks or something, would that get messy? Also, would it be safe to carry a laptop in those bags, even though it has no padding?

Yes, things can fall down between the ICU and the bag...making it a pain at times. I also struggle closing the front of the bag as the ICU ( large ) is a tight fit and makes access in and out at times a chore.

I really wish Fstop had totally separate compartments so things would not fall down to the bottom of the bag.

Even though Fstop is well built, I find they are not as comfortable to carry for long hikes...not as comfortable as a trekking pack with an ICU. I'd go to a recreational shop ( REI, Mountain Equipment ) and try some of their packs on. Sliding an ICU into these packs is very easy. They have a much better shoulder harness system than Fstop and their belts are much more supportive.

Just my two cents from someone that has used Fstop and Lowepro hiking packs extensively and this past year switched to a trekking pack.

SMP_Homer, I didn't want to spam everyone with all the bags I've looked at. I could though, since I'm making a comprehensive list on my own anyways. Maybe I'll post it when it is more organized; it may help others too.
You're right that the bag I'm looking for right now won't fit for specific scenarios, like long hikes that last several days. It is definitely an overkill for just a few hours in the park. For those situations I'll look for different bags, but that's offtopic.

I will rule out Fstop mainly because the top compartment and ICU aren't separate and there is no laptop padding.

MWxPhoto wrote in post #16338538
I use a Canon 40D with one lens attached and I sometimes carry one or two separate lenses with me. I'm getting a full frame soon, which won't fit in my current over-the-shoulder bag...

A few questions:
[LIST]

I'm not sure how much weight I will have after getting a full frame camera. Would sternum straps and waist straps be necessary?

What exactly are you talking about when you say your are getting a full frame camera? There is no significant difference in size or weight between a 40D and a 5D. If the 40D fits, then a 5D will fit just as easily. You have to move to the 1D series for your camera to be noticeably bigger and heavier.

Mark-B wrote in post #16339265
What exactly are you talking about when you say your are getting a full frame camera? There is no significant difference in size or weight between a 40D and a 5D. If the 40D fits, then a 5D will fit just as easily. You have to move to the 1D series for your camera to be noticeably bigger and heavier.

Oh is that right? For some reason when I tried out my friend's 5D-III, it wouldn't fit in my current bag. I will have to double check on that. But either way, I want to purchase a backpack so I don't have to carry 3 bags whenever I go somewhere.