I want a backpack, but shoulder bags are so much better....?

Id like to suggest the Lowepro Fastpack series. I have a 350 myself, and it might be for your use. It has a top half for your refreshments and what not, and the bottom half is reserved for camera gear.

The bottom half opens to the side, and according to Lowepro you can open it without setting it down.

didn't read the thread, but you need a backpack that is a side loader. The zipper will go up one side, across the top and all the way down the other. This way you can swing the pack off one shoulder and around to your belly. From there you should be able to access pretty much everything so long as you packed it correctly and put the zippers on the correct side of the bag.

only time i ever use a shoulder bag is for short distances going from truck to shooting location. If i have to take my backpack off to get to something, so be it, better than walking lopsided for miles.

btw, i'm talking daypacks, not full on backpacking backpack.

I always liked sling bags solely for not having to take them off every time you wanted to get something out of the bag. Unfortunately I have found with the main gear I carry it was just getting too heavy and my shoulder would start to ache after a few hours. I recently picked up a LowePro Pro Tactic 450 AW (they have smaller versions with the 350 AW and 250 AW), if you look at the pictures you can slide off one shoulder strap and sling it around and have access via a size zipper (these are located on both sides of the bag which is pretty nice). Here is a link where you can view the pics: http://store.lowepro.c​om/protactic-450-aw In doing some review reading and asking a few questions if you have a DSLR with a battery pack you will need the 450AW as the size zippered access on the 350 AW and 250 AW are not wide/tall enough to accommodate a DSLR with a battery pack. I have a 5D MIII with battery pack and have no issues getting the camera out, it's a close fit but no problems.

I have one of each bag and will alternate between them depending upon what sort of shoot I am doing whether its just right out the door or on a longer hike.

I have a 22L Lowpro Hatchback. I don't hate it. That actually says a lot. I have yet to find the perfect photography backpack. Maybe it isn't manufactured yet?

I'm a backpack user. I don't like slings or shoulder bags.

I'm late to this thread and don't know if it has already been mentioned but the Kata 3n1 converts from sling to backpack quite easily so it will suit whatever mood you're in.

I bought a Lowepro something or other that has a drawstring top like a hiking/backpacking bag and if you swing the bag over your left shoulder like a sling/shoulder bag there is a zipper compartment for the camera. It holds a camera with up to 70-200mm f/2.8 attached or a smaller lens attached with a second lens inside. I have had my 5D2 and 100L in the pocket and the 24L at the back, no need to put a lens in the larger main compartment. But with the 70-200L I have to put any other lenses (except maybe the 40mm pancake) in the main compartment. It is similar to the bag in the attachment below. The only difference I can see is that there is a zipper pocket for a water bladder, mine has a sleeve inside the main compartment for the bladder. Mine and the one linked are also the AW (all weather) versions so they come with a rain cover.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …M_Photo_Sport_2​00_AW.html

Another Lowepro Flipside owner here -- the 300 and 400AW in my case. However, I never swing the backpack around while it is still attached to my waist -- I just take it off when I need to get something out of the pack. The 400AW holds my 7D2, 5D3, 100-400L II, 24-105L, 16-35 f/4 IS and 40mm pancake, plus my EOS M and two EF-M lenses, yet is still just barely small enough to fit underneath an airline seat if needed. I kept the Flipside 300 for times I wish to travel lighter and can use a smaller bag.

I tried a Lowepro Slingshot, but found that the pack really hurt my back and neck on longer hikes when it was loaded heavy. The single shoulder strap did not distribute the weight evenly enough.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #17860413
When I walk around, I usually have the camera hanging from my shoulder & a few other lenses go in a waist pack. This has worked well for decades.
Everything is in front of me where I usually want it, or I can slide it around & it's in back out of the way. It doesn't swing from my shoulder, & doesn't cover my back & make me sweat in the Summer.

^
Me too! Lowepro Street & Field lightweight belt (without optional suspenders) with a couple of attached Lowepro lens cases holding the selected lenses that I feel will be most likely needed, based upon what I expect to encounter during that day.

https://store.lowepro.​com/s-f-light-utility-belt

strider42 wrote in post #17860072
Yeah, it's ok I guess but as he says, you can get your camera but none of the gear. Also, I think it's crazy anyone makes camera bags without built-in rain flies! I really don't want to be right here, someone help me out!

Not sure what you think a "rain fly" is but the Lowepro Fastback BP 250AW includes the description "Keep valuable gear protected from the elements with a built-in All Weather AW Cover". Now, I happen to have the 250AW and the rain cover does very well in protecting against rain. The zippers as well are designed to help minimize water intrusion.

One thing about the Lowepro line, you can use their "Bagfinder" to be reasonably sure that any given bag will hold your gear.

Many different lines of bags (shoulder, sling, backpack style) from Lowepro carry the AW designation for the built-in wet weather additional shielding which stores very inconspicuously in fair weather.

nqjudo wrote in post #17867555
I'm late to this thread and don't know if it has already been mentioned but the Kata 3n1 converts from sling to backpack quite easily so it will suit whatever mood you're in.

I had a Kata 3n1 and found it very difficult to access the gear, but even harder to zip it back up while in sling mode. I still had to take it off and set it down to get things to work right. It wasn't very comfortable as a backpack either. If it had been a little stiffer in the camera compartment and had more padding in the straps, I think I might have liked it better.

I have a Mountainsmith Descent sling bag, and it works very well (and is very well made), but still isn't as comfortable as a backpack. It depends on the amount of gear you put in it. I've thought about trying one of the Mindshift slings.

My favorite "small" backpack is the Mindshift backlight 26L. The rear access is nice. No, it isn't as fast as a shoulder bag or a good sling, but it is much more comfortable.

sawsedge wrote in post #18555036
My favorite "small" backpack is the Mindshift backlight 26L. The rear access is nice. No, it isn't as fast as a shoulder bag or a good sling, but it is much more comfortable.

I guess everyone is different but I find the backlight 26L to be pretty large. It's nice and all and the reviews are all very positive but it feels a bit bulky for my taste. Certainly not a pack I would take on a casual hike but I am probably in the minority here.

I use a couple of different backpacks and a shoulder bag. The best combination for rigorous hiking or biking for me has been a backpack with Peak Design Capture Pro clip to one of the shoulder straps for fast access. Only when I'm doing serious climbing do I put my camera/lens away. Just an FYI.

Tommydigi wrote in post #18556166
I guess everyone is different but I find the backlight 26L to be pretty large. It's nice and all and the reviews are all very positive but it feels a bit bulky for my taste. Certainly not a pack I would take on a casual hike but I am probably in the minority here.

I get that. That's why I had small in quotes. I realize it is bit big for many. If you fill the front compartment, it looks kind of fat. And it is big enough that I can overload it beyond my ability to stay comfortable (it isn't quite a perfect fit), so I take it easy with the lenses.

The backlight is my smallest backpack actually. I live in Colorado and find I need layers just in case. I've never needed that anywhere else I've lived. I actually just ordered an 80L pack for more serious outings (I intend to use most of the volume for survival gear). If that works out well for me, I'll post a few images and a review.