Best photog backpack??

[IWLP]

Just a note.  I have a camera bag (it's nice enough) that does NOT have a slot for a laptop.  I don't currently own a laptop.  I am getting one though, which means I have to get a new bag.  Was a gift so i'm not out any cash, just something to consider even if you don't have a laptop/tablet/netbook, you might get one some day and that might require a whole new bag.  Unless you are positive you will never need it/don't mind upgrading/spending later if you ever do, I wouldn't get one without a well padded laptop sleeve.

To add to this, even if you don't have a laptop and don't intend on traveling with one, the laptop sleeve/area is great for holding documentation, magazines and the like. This is the way I travel with backpacks, and I couldn't live without the area for holding papers and such.

Also, do you want a backpack that is exclusively for photo gear, or do you want one with a daypack compartment? If it's the latter, I've used several daypack/photo backpacks, and my current favorite is the Tamrac Evolution 8 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682171-REG/Tamrac_578885_5788_Evolution_8_Photo_Laptop.html), which I took to Scotland and Ireland a month ago. It lets you take out camera gear from the back as well as the sides (note: make sure to close the side zippers when you're done taking out gear. Thankfully, lenses with red rings bounce [or at least have so far]).

Hope this helps.

[Hathaway]

I will probably be evicerated for this, but Peter Lik has a good set of recommendations for what equipment he uses as part of his Peter Lik Exposed series.  His recommendation is the LowePro Pro Trekker 300 AW bag.  I bought it and it is awesome.  You can fit a lot of stuff and it is very durable, has hydration built in and can carry a laptop and tripod if needed. 

http://www.peterlikexposed.com/archives/1688

[EvilTed]

I think Boog make some of the best bags, period.
I have 3 different ones and a lot of my colleagues do too.

They have one especially for photographers:

http://www.booqbags.com/All-Products/Python-laptop-backpacks/Python-pack-camera-backpack

ET

[frolic]

If you don't have a ton of gear to carry, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my kata torso pack (Kt-214). Technically it's a sling but it's more comfortable than any camera or hiking pack I've ever worn. You don't have to take it off to easily access your gear and won't even know it's back there. Was designed by the people who make protective gear for the israeli army or something - very sturdy.
I can fit d700, 24-70, 35, small 50 and 20. Added a Lowe pro lens pouch to fit a 105 on the outside. Won't hold a laptop but iPad fits (though it does sit between your back and the pack).

Best of all, I think you can pick up one of the older models for cheap

[scottsdaleriots]

i tend to stick to lowepro - thus i only have their bags, 2 in fact though thinking of getting another backpack since my fastpack is too boxy and way to big for just my 7d and kit lens when im not using my 70-200. and the other is one of those standard box-looking messenger ones. which are worthless i think coz the strap is horrid and painful when there's a few things in your bag.

maybe look at some of the crumpler, kata bags? or the macpack..? or whatever its called

[AnselA]

For my travel and around the city I have been using SlingShot 202 AW. I carry one body, 4 lens and the 430 Ex in pouch attached. I find it discrete, super fast to change lenses and surprisingly roomy. As all Lowe products, it is very well made.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-202%20AW,2192.htm