Hi Dustin,
Your description is what sold me on Domke...
For me shoulder bags range between storage (like a trunk) to shooter's bags. The Domke is a shooter's bag. Perhaps ThingTank's retro series is too, but I haven't seen one live to appreciate it.
I looked at Domke bags a lot, but found that they weren't clearly marked == I didn't know which bag model I was looking at, nor did Iknow its cost in the store.
I finally figured it out, when I took my gear into the store and started playing with bags. Here's what went into my first bag:
* d80 +grip
* 18-200VR
* 70-300VR
The killer was the grip. I also had room for my G11, and the flash I sometimes carry. I bought a Domke F3X wax-wear. It's ugly
but is very easy to shoot out of. I can wear it and it stays put as I walk around. Would it work for cycling? skiing? Doubt it. I would need a belt strap to stabilize it, and would probably go back to one of my many LowePro's.
Hope this helps...
My messenger bags are harder to get into...