Need advice on style of bag, backpack or better idea?

Hi guys, so I need a new bag recommendation. My current bag the lowPro Messenger 250, one of the pieces which makes the black clip/snap fell off and in a river so now I only have the Velcro option.

I figured id pick up a backpack now especially when it gets warmer id like to be out more doing some hiking etc and looked at the LowePro Mini Trekker. It looks big enough to accommodate my gear but the only thing I can see with it is the fact that the tripod, when mounted in the back, sits kind of low when using the hidden tripod pouch but im sure if it will bounce too much. Also, I wish the two waist strap side pads weren’t as big but small gripe I imagine.

For a entry price point, are there any other brands or styles I would be missing that still includes the convenience of a backpack but maybe has an easier method of accessing your gear? I have had an old sling bag and didn’t like the back and forth of it.. I think it was a LP slingshot 202 or something.

TIA for the suggestions

I have one of their sling bags (100 AW) and it's pretty nice for some small stuff (although the 202 will be bigger). I just ran into the issue of needing more space and went with a Kata. Although they are discontinued and bought out by Manfrotto, they are an incredibly built bag and cheap on Ebay right now. My boss has had one for over 35 weddings now (2 or 3 years) and you could sell it as brand new still. The bag I just bought (Kata 3N1-25 PL) has a side zipper option to pull a camera out while on the move. Although I don't plan on using it, it's a nice option. I dont like using my bag as a sling bag because it fells like it's going to slip off (similar to when using a strap on a camera...but imagine it being a slippery strap and slipping to your waist). I know it's not very entry level when looking at a $100 bag, but buy nice or buy twice...I'm ending up buying twice but I never intended on owning this much gear in just one short year...I've probably put down $8000 in switching through gear this year and finally feel happy with around $2000+ worth of gear and that's not a $ amount that I'm comfortable putting on a flimsy bag.

I have a lowepro slingshot 102 and 302 which are great for transporting gear but not so much for extended wear if you ask me, I picked up a GORUCK bag and plan on converting it into a camera bag for hikes and what not, the bags are indestructible.

Another thumbs up here for a sling model.

I don't even think Lowepro makes the Mini Trekker any more. It's too small anyway; skip it and get a ProRunner 200 AW instead. For some reason the green/black model is less expensive than the black model and you can get it for around $50.

Here's a shot of a Mini Trekker (100?) with a 14" Benro Travel Angel hanging on the side.