What do you regards as too many Camera bags

My Issue is I currently have a Lowepro Nova 4 (carry most of my equipment), a Lowepro Toploader 75AW (when I'm using my 70-200 2.8 and gripped 40D), A Tamrac 5627 Pro digital Zoom (Carrying a gripped 40D and my Sigma 24-70 2.8). I also have a generic photo rucksack for when I'm stroing all my equipment at home. It's not really suitable to take out as it's massive.

My dilemma is I realise I now need a rucksack to take out when I'm out walking for the whole day as the Nova 4 is now too heavy for a single shoulder.

Can anyone reccomend a decent rucksack which is comfortable but can carry the following

Gripped 40D
Sigma 24-70 2.8
Sigma 70-200 2.8
1.4 and 2 x teleconverter
50 1.8 and extension tubes
Canon 580 EXII and diffuser
spare bits and pieces like batteries, etc

As is often the case I can't find anything that will fit all of the above looking at just dimensions on the internet.

Any advice would be appreciated.

My friend just got me an aktivpak backpack. It's massive. It has a back pocket for a 15" laptop. A front pocket zipped for magazines, notebook, pens, etc. And a velcro front pocket that I throw my flash triggers in.

Right now, I have my 50D, Nifty Fifty, 28 f/2.8, and 430EX II. There's room to hold a 70-200 mounted or unmounted, 17-40 or 24-70, the TC's, ET's. It's got two zip-up compartments on the camera part that I use to store camera wipes, allen wrench, memory card wallet, piece of paper w/ rubber band, card reader.

It's really light, padded shoulder straps so it sits comfortably. I can get you pictures tonight if you'd like.

I also have three camera bags - this aktivpak, a canon rebel gadget shoulder bag, and a no-name shoulder bag that fits my 50D with a small prime attached to it. I'm looking to purchase an additional bag, probably a Crumper or Tenba messenger for my job to just carry it around instead of a backpack.

Too many is the one that will get you thrown out of the house if you buy it. And then I'd buy it and keep it at work.

Look at the Tamrac Expedition 7X for all that gear. But because it will get heavy, I would suggest carrying fewer pieces, and look at the Thinktank Rotation 360. It's the last bag you'll ever need. Look at the web streaming videos about the ways to use it. It allows access without removing the pack! You pay a premium for it, but it's built like a tank and sits very easily on your shoulders, because, as with the 7X, it has a wide, trekking waistbelt which you should use the bear the weight.

Too many is when you have some that you never use.

Too Many is when I only have 1 bag before I got into Photography, now I have 5. its just too many.

bohdank wrote in post #10717887
Too many is when you have some that you never use.

But won't get rid off ... guilty!

I've concluded that bags are like lenses. You need a variety of them to cover a variety of situations.

I obsessed a bit trying many different bags this past year and I realize my gear is just really heavy so I ordered a Sony NEX. no bag needed:-} But seriously I have it down to 3 bags for my DSLR stuff and I think they work pretty well. Retro 10, Domke F-5xc and Urban Disguise 20.

Go for Lowepro Flipside 400 AW. Lots of room for your gear. I love this bag because of security purposes. And it has weather protection

I just look for new/different ways to use mine.

For instance: My Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW (which sucks as a camera bag) is currently working really well as my Strobist gear bag. Holds three Speedlights, SkyPorts, Studs, Lugs, Cables and Batteries really well!

The others (Computrekker, Computrekker Plus and Classified 200) are performing flawlessly when loaded as needed.

^^ Good Idea

The folks at my local camera store say bags are like shoes

So far I've got a Flipside 400 backpack , Tamarac Pro 12 which is my storage bag and a Classified 200AW which is a nice grab N go .

I'm still looking at others and I really don't know why

I would still like to get a backpack that carries my 17" laptop even if I don't have camera gear in it all the time , probably a fastpack 350 .

nitehawk55 wrote in post #10719512
Folks at my local store say bags are like shoes

Love it. That's what I'll tell my wife next time I'm looking for a new bag!

an ideal camera bag is an illusion because every time you decide to bring different things, you almost need a different bag

I have 2. A Lowepro ProMag2 and a Crumpler 6MDH

The Lowepro is when I travel (better padded) or when I need direct access to 5 lenses + flash without having to move something out the way.

The 6MDH is when I bring only 3-4 larger or a mix of larger/smaller lenses.

I see a third bag in my future or a belt system