Need help with a very quality backpack

Folks, I have to say that I hit the dead end trying to find a backpack.
I will use it with 5D MKIII with 70-200 f/2.8 II attached. I will have 2 more lenses (24-105 and probably an UWA). I will have spare batteries, memory cards, Lee filter system and maybe an iPad or MacBook air. I also have the Gitzo series 2 carbon tripod with RRS BH-40.

There are 2 products from Lowepro:
1. Vertex (a lot of photographers are using, appreciate it...hate the zippers)
2. Rover Pro AW (did not see any review, looks good for backpacking...but really limited for gear)

There is the Gura Gear:
I was suggested the Kiboko 22L+

Then there are some other brands that people recommend...like Kata.

What are your suggestions?

Gura Gear. I use the old Kiboko 30. It is perfect for flying with - super light when empty and yet still with substantial padding and an excellent harness system.
I like the butterfly-style opening of the main flap - keeps gear covered when needed. I use mine with:
EOS 5DII with grip
Canon 24mm TSEII, hood
Canon 17-40mm, hood
Canon 24-105mm, hood
Samyang 14mm
Canon 70-200mm, hood
Light meter
Lilliput 569 monitor and cables
plus the usual filters, remote releases, lend blower, etc etc!

Thank you. I would probably go with Gura Gear, but this is my main concern - I do not see the possibility to have MKIII with 70-200 attached in it. People that leave reviews say the same, you cannot arrange the space to have 5D MKIII with 70-200 attached in it. Also...just thinking out loud. If you are going to have 5D MKIII and 70-200 on one of the sides....you need to have equal weight on the other side otherwise it will not be comfortable to carry, no?

Paulowen wrote in post #16487758
Gura Gear. I use the old Kiboko 30. It is perfect for flying with - super light when empty and yet still with substantial padding and an excellent harness system.
I like the butterfly-style opening of the main flap - keeps gear covered when needed. I use mine with:
EOS 5DII with grip
Canon 24mm TSEII, hood
Canon 17-40mm, hood
Canon 24-105mm, hood
Samyang 14mm
Canon 70-200mm, hood
Light meter
Lilliput 569 monitor and cables
plus the usual filters, remote releases, lend blower, etc etc!

Unlike the OP, I like the zips on my Vertex 200AW. What I don't like is the rather amateur method adopted to carry a tripod. Why Lowepro could not have used a more "professional" system I don't know.

F Stop?

Sirrith wrote in post #16487808
F Stop?

what is it?

I can highly recommend the Kata bug 255 UL. I started out with a Lowepro bag but the Kata is in another league altogether. I specifically wanted something which would hold a gripped 5D3 attached to a 70-200 2.8 with the hood reversed. The Kata bag does this easily and will also fit a couple of other lenses, a large speedlite and miscellaneous cleaning gear, spare batteries & memory cards etc. It has a zippered compartment in the back for a laptop or tablet, and you can attach a tripod to the outside.

Everything about it is quality and beautifully made, I use it a lot and although it wasn't cheap it was a very worthwhile purchase. I hope this helps!

+1 for fstop. You can buy differently-sized internal compartments for most of the backpacks allowing you to carry the MkIII with a 70-200. Tripod attachment was easy with my Loka.

http://fstopgear.com/p​roduct

It does help - thank you!
I think this is what I need. I see that my choice is between two options and they are somewhat similar:

1. Kata 255 UL
2. F Stop Guru

How to make the right choice between these two? Anybody done this assessment?

Savethemoment wrote in post #16487824
I can highly recommend the Kata bug 255 UL. I started out with a Lowepro bag but the Kata is in another league altogether. I specifically wanted something which would hold a gripped 5D3 attached to a 70-200 2.8 with the hood reversed. The Kata bag does this easily and will also fit a couple of other lenses, a large speedlite and miscellaneous cleaning gear, spare batteries & memory cards etc. It has a zippered compartment in the back for a laptop or tablet, and you can attach a tripod to the outside.

Everything about it is quality and beautifully made, I use it a lot and although it wasn't cheap it was a very worthwhile purchase. I hope this helps!

By the way, is Kata Bug 255 UL replaced by something else? Cannot find it on Kata's website.

light_pilgrim wrote in post #16487909
By the way, is Kata Bug 255 UL replaced by something else? Cannot find it on Kata's website.

I noticed that too when I googled to see if it was still available. Amazon and Adorama still seemed to have it though?

Savethemoment wrote in post #16487911
I noticed that too when I googled to see if it was still available. Amazon and Adorama still seemed to have it though?

Yes, they do...but it looks like it is no longer available at Kata. Also says the same message at BH. Wondering what is the replacement. Also...I am not in US

Nor am I! Well if it's not being made anymore I'd order it soon if I were you.. it's a fantastic bag and I don't think you'll be disappointed in any way. Good luck!

Just wondering....how is the 255 UL is different from this: http://www.kata-bags.com/minibee-111-ul-backpack-lg

Have you looked into ThinkTank Street Walker backpack series? I have been using their products for years, quality and build is like no other best part is their costumer service and support. http://www.thinktankph​oto.com …reetwalker-backpacks.aspx