over the last 2 years i've tried lots types of carriers, and settled on the backpack
(kata-467) although for everyday use a 466 would be sufficient. Since 467 looks way large but i'm a little of the heavy side so it I guess its ok.
here are my observations,
lowepro slingshot 100 (1st bag), i like this one if your gear can fit
pros:
-small and light
-portable
-has a rain coat
-quick draw/change (very impt. for me)
-fatigue is not so noticeable even after long hauls (i admit my gear was lighter when i had this bag)
cons:
-not the best looking, and it gets worse as you go up to the bigger sizes.
small, not so much room for expansion or extra stuff for hiking/travelling.
after that I moved to Crumpler 7MDH because I just looks way nice
pros:
-nice looking (nicest looking camera bag i've owned)
-lots of storage space
-quick draw and change
cons:
-shoulder bags WILL hurt you in the long run (carrying it across my chest or just on one shoulder didn't change that), esp when you have a body, 2 x (2.8) zoom lenses and 2x flash with accessories in it. I felt it only after a month using it and had to lighten what I want to carry during trips/ outings. Basically the one and only reason I stopped using this was because i know it will be very bad for my spine if I keep doing so. This experience convinced me to get either a backpack or belt type for the next.
-after that I tried lowepro inverse 200, it looked ok but it is still too big for a beltpack on my waist (try sitting down with it and you'll know what I mean) and with my gear, it tilts over to the back that it was better to carry it inverted! well it was named inverse after all.. I adjusted all its straps to find that spot and it just doesn't work so this was a complete failure for me. later on i tried the lowepro outback to give beltpack format another try, it didnt fit my movement so I give beltpacks a miss.
next up was the Lowepro Flipside 300, the first actual backpack.
pros:
-decent looking
-lots of space
-very comfortable after long hauls
-more or less secure from pickpockets(?) because the bag opens at the back.
-has a tripod carrier
Cons:
-no quick access, you have to put the bag down to get to the gear and not so much pockets for accessories either.
-gets quite deep because of the design and when you slip in a tripod, you are bound to hit someone just turning around.
next bag I tried and actually stayed with was the kata 467
Pros:
-looks like any backpack, doesn't suck or stand out too much
-just enough camera gear space for travelling
-has a raincoat, although not built in
-has a laptop compartment up to 17" although i only carry a 12", the spare space goes to slim battery, portable mouse and a DIY flash diffuser
-accessory and etc space is quite nice
-not so quick access (you have to swing around and reach for the camera compartment, (good trade-off for me)
-has a tripod slot for the 467i very doable with the 467 version also.
-long hauls are bearable even with all the pockets and most of my gear in there. I still wouldn't recommend carrying heavy stuff all the time. you still have to be selective with your gear to lighten your load. max i can carry with here is an oly e-30 +12-60 2.8-4.0, 50-200 2.8-3.5, FL36r, FL 50, gels, filters, 12" laptop with accessories, wireless triggers, mp3 player and phone and a tripod, with one squashed sandwich. But I only did this to get on a plane and to the hotel, after that I still removed stuff and carried only what I felt like I needed.
cons:
-pockets are very accessible to skilled pickpockets also.
-the straps are not the most comfy, same with the fabric in contact with your back (it is soft enough but the shape and design isn't the best. Try Crumpler backpacks, i feel they are one of the best out there.
-it is big, too big for daily use unless you have the build to make it look medium sized, I'm looking at the 466i for the ideal size for almost everyone
-there is the "i" version, if you see a non "i" version avoid it..
-its not really quick access, but i manage, long arms would help.
-raincoat is not built in (like the slingshot 100)
At the end of the day you just have try them all out to pick what suits yourself best. still, avoid shoulder bags if you have heavy gear. I'm looking froward to try the Lowepro Fastpack out of curiosity.
