I know . . . I'm better off looking for a unicorn than the "perfect" bag. Don't tell me it depends on what gear I want to carry, where I'm going to carry it and all the parameters that go into making the decision. I need a bag to hold my camera (Nikon D5500), 2 or 3 lenses (18-300 zoom and a prime or two), a shotgun mic, a flash, a 13" laptop, a compartment for some personal needs (a jacket/sweater, snacks, a toothbrush), it needs to work as a carry-on and be TSA-friendly. I have narrowed to 3 bags, and I'm wondering if any of you own any of the three, and might give me your pros and cons and tell me whether or not you would buy the bag again.

Pelican S130--I like the hard shells on the camera and laptop compartments--seems very protective. It would appear the bag meets all my other criteria. It's not cheap, but I'm not opposed to an investment if it's worth it.

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II--Again, seems to meet the criteria and I like that you can access the camera without taking the pack off completely.

Manfrotto Advanced Travel Backpack--I saw this at a local camera shop. While it seems like it would do the job, I wasn't overly impressed. Of course, that might have had more to do with the fact that they seemed completely uninterested in assisting me at the store. Not the best shopping experience.

thanks in advance for your thoughts
james

Before you buy the Lowepro, go to a store and make sure the camera/lens combination that you are planning on placing in the side pouch will fit. It's a very nice bag (you can purchase as a sling or backpack), but their online configuration tool ("will my camera fit?") is inaccurate, at least for this bag. It confirmed that my 5D3 with 70-200 will fit, and it will not, causing me to ask Lowepro for a return/exchange. This is not resolved yet (and I'm assuming, based on their reputation, that they will do something to make this right), but as of now, I'd advise caution regarding what will actually fit without physically testing.

All,
I thought I would give you an update on my bag search, for anyone who is interested. Several of you commented that you had several bags for different needs. I decided I was probably asking too much of one bag and to be a good travel bag and also serve as an everyday bag. I had seriously outgrown the little Nikon bag that came with my camera. I have no doubt it will come in handy, but really needed something that could hold more gear. I chose to purchase an everyday bag and put the search for the travel bag on hold. I don't really need it until this spring, and who knows what new products might come out in the meantime. For my everyday bag I chose the Ape Case ACPRO 1900. I love it. It seems incredibly well made. It easily holds all my gear (including my laptop) and even leaves a bit of room to grow. Perhaps best of all, it's quite reasonably priced for a bag of that quality. I will resume the search for the travel bag at the start of the new year. I appreciate everyone's thoughts, opinions and advice. UHH is a great resource for a new photographer like me. Thanks, everyone!