Need recommendations for a bag to hold my camera/accessories

[revup67]

Like most rucksacks, you'll have to take it off to access your kit especially because of the 'flap-to-back' design

Hi Traveller..not sure what you mean by take it off to access the kit.  I just slip off the shoulder straps and swing it around the front while keep the entire pack attached to my waist having it act like a table top though I am sure you are ware of this.  I unzip the camera compartment and have access to everything without removing the bag.  In either case glad to see you and Neuro have acquired this bag - I am most impressed with mine especially that I can hang a water bottle off one side and a rechargeable Air Zound can off the other (used to frighten off threatening wildlife vs. a weapon).

[Penn Jennings]

I got the Lowepro Classified 250 AW on Amazon recently for $99:

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Classified-250-AW-Black/dp/B001H33VW8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327608373&sr=8-1
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Classified-250%20AW,2123.htm


I carry:

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 135mm f/2.0 L
Canon 85mm f/1.8
Tamron 24-70mm
Tamron 70-300mm
Canon 580 Ex II
PocketWizard Flex TT5 (x2)
16' USB Cable
15 MacBook Pro
12 Extra AA batteries and smal misc gear.


Overal it does well.  The padding is decent.  The camera seems well protected.  The laptop protection could be a little better.  However, the center of the bag is the most protected area and camera goes there.  Sooo, the laptop is placed on the side against your body, which would seem to be the next best area.
Minolta Light Meter IV.

I tried the Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 350 AW but I just keep thinking that one day my 5D2 and 135L would slide out of the side.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/DSLR-Video-Fastpack-350-AW,2283,16.htm

[bycostello]

depends what you are using the kit for....   I've got a ton of bags travel i'd use my think tank shape shifter, wedding I'd use a double sunsnipper type strap with a think tank retrospective, model shoots out doors a lowpro magnum 400 and if traveling on assignment my lowpro wheely suitcase...

what i have noticed is that i try and carry less and less on each job...  ok, the back up kit is always on hand, but what i am actually physically carrying is reduced to the essentials.