Mountainsmith Parallax Camera Backpack - 1709cu in - 2007 BCS

OK, this pack is pretty good for my uses. I'm putting a Sony EX1 in the main compartment, that's an HD video camera that is the biggest of the hand helds but much smaller than an over the shoulder HD camera. I put a small field computer in it, two Lacie Rugged hard drives, shotgun mic, lens cleaning kit, three small video lights a water bottle and usually a jacket and some energy bars. This package in this bag is a bit cumbersome. I haven't found a bag that is better, but it can be difficult to carry on a plane when fully loaded, and it would carry better with all that stuff if it was taller and thinner. You also can't comfortably carry a laptop that's bigger than a 13 inch, so only a small field computer. Overall I'd say it's pretty good. Not perfect, but the best I've found so far.

I'm a bag collector - meaning most of the bags I buy I don't really like - they just sit in my closet. I bought a second Parallax because I like it so much. The camera gear access is from the back - that means less chance of getting ripped off in the city and since you set the other side down in the mud your clothes have a better chance of staying dry. It's smaller than some bags so that means a better chance of using it as a carry-on when flying. Also the laptop is not right against your back like some bags which means less chance of stress on the screen. And... it's less expensive than many other options. Get one (or two) you'll love it!