A bag question

Greetings, fellow viewfinder peepers.

I am looking on a Goldilockesque quest for a bag that is "just right"
- not the Big Bag whee I can pack all my stuff, not the Small Bag in
which I can take an SLR and just a couple of lenses.. but.. *drumroll*
the Mid-Sized Bag.

Intended use - (1) a "walking around bag" to take when i expect to
take a wide range of shots, so need more lenses or (2) short trips
where photography is not the main purpose, yet where I would like to
spend a day or so taking photos.

I want this bag to be able to carry 1 body w/ attached lens, 5 add'l
lenses and a flash, and some film/filters/batteries.

Gear: EOS 10D or 7E w/ vertical grip and attached 28-105, a 24/2.8, a
50/1.8, a 70-200/4L, a 19-35/3.5-4.5, a 100/2.8 macro, and a 380EX
flash.

What I dont want: backpacks. I have 3, and I'm very happy with them
for hiking trips, but I am lookign for something I can work out of,
without having to put on the ground. I dot particularly care if it
looks like a camera bag or not, or its attractiveness factor for
thieves (if someone can take it off me, they are welcome to have it).

What I do need:
- shoulder bag
- will not leak in rain. Any kind of rain.
- easy to carry all day
- easy to work out of and change lenses (no taking 5 min and wishing
for 3 extra arms just to switch lenses)

Am thinking of the Domke F2/F6 or the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400AW
or Lowerpro Messenger 85.

Domke looks the roomiest of the lot, and the easiest to work out (my
top choice) -- I have concerns about its waterproofedness during
monsoon downpours, though. The Lowepros are both compatible with
their waistbelts, so that could take a load off my shoulder... big
plus.

Questions:
1) Can any users of these bags can chime in with comments?
2) Would the Domke F6 be big enough or should I get the F2? I dont
mind the F2 being too big if I can stuff other things in there (water,
shades, book, etc), and if the gear doesnt crash around.
3) Will the Domke leak like a Flyers goaltender in the playoffs? While
I dont plan to spend hours in the rain, I can see myself getting
caught in serious downpours and I'd like a bag that just wont let in
water, period.

TIA for your help.

Vandit

vtb666.DeleteThis@yahoo.com (Vinnie) wrote in news:4314e9a5.0405280559.5c6f8be0
@posting.google.com:

 > Am thinking of the Domke F2/F6 or the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400AW
 > or Lowerpro Messenger 85.

I have had Domke bags for years (small ones). When I was looking for a
mid-sized bag, I went with the LowePro Stealth Reporter 500AW. It's a
great bag.

Now I am thinking about replacing my smaller bags with the LowePro AW
series bags as well. The rain hood is a very nice thing to have.

Also, the minimalist padding on Domkes can lead to worries.

The canvas is nice, soft, and looks great as it ages, but it is not as wear
proof as the ballistic nylon.

The Stealth Reporter series is nice as well in that it does not scream
camera bag.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->