Canoe50d

I use Sling bags from Lowepro. I have two that I use. I started with the 120 AW and moved up to the 3 series when I picked up more lenses. The larger of the two has a hip belt that really helps take the weight off the shoulder when hiking. I love that they slide around the body and I can make a lens change without making much noise and be fast and easy about it. I do suggest the AW (all weather) models as they have a rain coat that hides in the back and I have been stuck in Florida summer time down pours that come out of no place and my gear has stayed dry.I like that they have a seperate upper compartment that I can put bug spray or a snack. I wish that they could swapped to wear left of right, but they are not, and I deal with them the way they are. I think they were both less then $100. Feel free to message me if you need more info.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Jerry, have you considered using the velcro that has glue on the other side and putting that in the bag where you want it? However, I do see some problems with that, the biggest being that you could reconfigure the walls for different uses.

TheRabidOne

Photo bags are as personal as selecting underwear, one company will bunch up on ya and another will fit and feel great. When I looked for a bag I spent about nine months because of specific criteria that I had to have because of various medical issues (I have all artificial joints except for one knee and nine fingers with natural joints). So ease of utilization was paramount followed by customization.

Kata was on the top of my list and I tried the Kata KT D-3N1-33 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot. However it just didn't work for me, though a nice convertible bag from single sling and double sling and quite flexible in gear placement. So I returned the bag. And this is a great bag for most people. However (ya knew that was coming) I found a lesser known company, at least to me. I found, for me, the perfect bag. It looks unorthodox but is imminently versatile in gear placement. You can place gear anywhere you want, no loops. The inside can allow placement of dividers anywhere you want or you can gut the bag and use it to carry a big honkin' telephoto lens safely. And they gave so many dividers that I still have a bit over 1/4th of them not yet utilized. There are pockets large enough for large grey cards, notepads, etc., and naturally a rain cover is included. Padding exceeded anything I found. With all the gear I carry for my D-5000, all of it goes into the bag. It is a single sling bag but has additional straps for chest and waste to stabilize the bag, or you can remove them and store them in the bag. I've used it in the field shooting combat matches near Ft. Knox, in a concert setting, and usual landscape and urban photography among others. The gear sits upright and you would have to work hard to get the gear to fall out. And gear is just plain easy to get to if needed quickly.

The bag is made by Think Tank, a US company. Another thing I like is the gear is designed by pro photographers for photographers.

This is my specific bag:http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/sling-o-matic-20.aspx

But check out their entire line of bags and you may find one to fit your needs. And remember to allow for adding gear in the future if this is the first look at bags that aren't part of the camera's package. JMHO

Good luck in your search!

PS: Price point is good for a good durable bag, depending on how much and where you use your gear.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

And just like underwear, a bag that is too small will give you major headaches.

Much like the fellow who went to the doctor because he was having severe migraines. The doctor removed his testicles and then found out the man was wearing his Jockeys two sizes too small.

Whatever you do, buy a bag that has good padding but it still large enough to allow your "stuff" to jostle around a bit.

And as RabidOne suggested, You will probably buy more bags in a lifetime than you will camera's before you get it right. Rule of thumb is that your BAG Budget should equal roughly 20% of your photographic gear budget. It's much like Imelda Marcos was addicted to shoes. It's obsessive.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

No photo, please! :D

redfordl Loc: Carver,Ma.

Rabidone Thanks for your suggestion and yes it looks like a good one for someone with alot of equipment. Its too big for me. I will be just carrying a canon sx40,an external flash,accessories(batts,mem cards, ) water bottle some food products and a tripod that folded measures about 24".
Some type of wide waist strap with a lowe pro bag hooked up to it for the camera and flash looks like the way to go for me. As i have some back issues a back pack is ruled out. But as mentioned by other uhhers" there are several such(waist strap) systems out there.

fabians Loc: Glendale, AZ

I have an older model Tamrac backpack Cyberpack 9 because it also holds my PC. Holds my 2 Nikon D70 and lens, chargers, card readers, flash, and lots of extra stuff. At times I have about 25 pounds of equipment in the bag. I use the bag for packing all my equipment, not to take on a hike. I just take my two cameras, a spare battery, and two memory cards when I'm taking photographs. The Tamrac backpack was completely lined with Velcro as were all the dividers they provided. Depending on the trip, sightseeing or SCUBA, I move the compartments to suit my needs. Not sure if Tamrac still makes the Cyberpack 9.

ijustshotu Loc: Northern California

I'm disabled with back and hip problems but I'm tryin' not to let that stop me. I've been using a Lowepro "Sling Bag 202AW for a year and a half and find it quite comfortable. I can carry 3-4 lenses including my Tamron 70-300mm, mounted on my camera, grip, flash and all sorts of extras including a small tripod. You mentioned that you wanted a sling bag but described a backpack so I just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. Good luck!

ebruce Loc: St. Louis, Mo

I have the Tamrac Evolution 9 sling pack / backpack. The evolution series can be worn either as a backpack or sling pack. They have several in the series. The evolution 9 is the largest

tomas

I have a Kata that sounds similar to this. I used in on a shoot in Florida at a festival. Lots of walking in high temps and humidity.
Have to agree this is a great sling/backpack with lots of space and padding. Lots of compartments, well padded and easy access. I got mine on Amazon.com