Suggestions for a quick access backpack that carries other stuff?

Hello all,

We're starting early planning for a 9 day trip to Walt Disney World next summer. In preparation for this trip, I'm trying to find the right camera bag.

I went to Disneyland yesterday, and brought my Crumpler 5MDH to hold my 40d w/17-55, as well as a mini backpack which carried my wallet, keys, small jacket, water bottles, and power bars. I originally wasn't going to bring my camera at all, but when I heard my friend forgot her camera (we were celebrating a birthday), and since my Crumpler was already packed, I grabbed it with the intention of figuring everything out later.

I ended up carrying both the Crumpler and the backpack all day yesterday. I liked having my stuff in my backpack so it was out of the way. I also liked having the Crumpler because it was very easy to pull the camera out when I wanted to, and easy to put it back in when we were about to hop onto a roller coaster. I also was very appreciative of the great padding the 5MDH had.

What I didn't like was carrying around two bags all day long. With the two bags, and the camera around my neck, at some points it was very annoying. So I'm trying to find a bag that will give me all the conveniences I liked, which are:

-Quick access to get the camera out and putting it into the bag w/o having to take the bag off.
-Ability to hold non-camera items, such as food and water.
-Good padding and camera protection for water rides and roller coasters.
-Not looking like a camera bag. (my 5MDH is bright yellow, and my mini backpack was pink.)

I am left-handed, so the Slingshot series is out. I tried it on in the store and was very annoyed by it.

I plan to carry with me my 40d w/17-55 lens, extra batteries, extra memory cards, either a camelbak bladder or several bottles of water, a camping towel (to wipe the yucky sweat off), and some food (beef jerky/power bars/fruit).

I've searched the threads, but couldn't find anything that would hold alot of non-camera items. Any suggestions? Thank you!

i'm looking for something similar, so I thought I'd respond here.

I'm looking for a backpack too that will:
- fit on a plane
- easy access without taking off the backpack
- hold a laptop
- the more additional storage the better
- all weather cover also a plus

The only think I could think of right now is the Lowepro Fastpack 250 or 350. for the OP, the fast pack series would also be out due to being left handed I assume?

I'm just not sure how much other stuff it'll fit. I also don't really like the way it looks. I have a slingshot now that I don't mind, but I think I'd prefer something with 2 straps, and would like something that could carry a laptop if I have to.

how easy are the crumplers to get to the photo compartment? Can you take out you camera without completely taking off the bag? I like the design of the fastpack too in that the side access seems a little more secure, while still having easy access to your gear.

Maybe the fastpack series fits my needs the best, but just curious if there were any other options.

Check out Lowepro Primus. It might just work. It won't hold regular laptop. But it has a room for my laptop, Acer Aspire One.

I asked the same question a few days ago. The suggestions that have been suggested to me are :

-Dakine Sequence
-Daknie Mission Photo

(A review of both the above bags : https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=588459)

-Lowepro Compu Rover AW
-Lowepro Primus AW
-Lowepro Orion AW
-Lowepro Rover AW

-Tamrac Adventure 9

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=587882

Problem with most backpacks, including Dakine Sequence which I have, is that you have to take it off to get to the camera or your stuff. I don't care for sling type bags so I use Flipside for most of my short outings and Primus for longer outings.

The Fastpack works for me. I don't have to take it off to remove the camera or change lenses, has 2 straps and some storage on the top, seperate from the camera equipment.

The lowepro fastpack is the only one I know of that sounds like it would satisfy all your needs.

I got the fastpack after the sligshots one strap annoyed me and think its great, I would say its definitely the best compromise.

The Kata 3N1 series are very similar to the Fastpacks, but they can convert to either a right or left-handed sling bag. Whether or not it looks like a camera bag is up to you, but they won't hold a laptop.

I have and love my Fastpack 350. Don't know that it meets all of your criteria, especially wanting the opening on the other side as it is on the same side as the Slingshot, I think.

This bag has done two international trips and carries everything I need with room to spare. Super comfy to carry around. Fit happily into the overhead storage bin on a small plane - Fokker 50. I would not have any worries gate checking this bag either.

I have a new bag, really amazing bag, can't tell about it yet as the owner told me not to do so yet, and i can have many stuff inside and the bag is so lightweight, really amazing bag so far and i feel it is my dream bag, just the only issue is that i was looking for less bulgy or smaller one, the owner told me he has smaller one but it may not fit some gear later, so i went with that large and really i don't think i will buy another bag for long time.