Was thinking of things to ask Santa for this xmas, and thought it might be handy to have a case to hold my 7D + 70-200 2.8 for extended walks / hikes. Basically would be used to transport the camera and nothing else. A plus would be if it could carry an extra battery, CF card and potentially even an additional lens. Would like a backpack / sling style. (I have the Crumpler 8 million, but find it awkward on hikes)

Anybody have any recommendations?

I use this with my 1D IIn or 7D with my 70=200 2.8 all the time and love it. Plenty of room for another lens and extender also.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-Cameras-Accessories-Black/dp/B002VPE1WK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324271225&sr=8-1

I use a Think Tank 20 holster:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/digital-holsters/digital-holsters.aspx

They are great because they expand and contract. Contracted, it's perfect for a 24-70 or 24-105. Expanded, it will take the 70-200 2.8. It has just enough room for a spare battery and CF card, but not much more.

The Crumpler does look awkward for a hike. The Amazon suggestion above is pretty economical and may serve you well. If you are interested it something that allows quick access and is comfortable, with extra room for lens, battery, and a small lunch I love my Lowepro Fastpack 200. They have sling versions available, too, but for hiking/walking distances, I much prefer the full backpack support.

The 7D w/ 70-200 2.8 does fit with lens mounted in the Fastpack 200, FYI.

I have a kata 33 n 1 that works pretty well... you can "convert" it to use it as a sling, or just slide one strap off and sort of swing it over to access the camera. It is just big enough to hold my 1d3 and 70-200 f2.8 attached. It's pretty comfortable for hiking too.

Are there any backpacks with a suspension system that gets the bag off your back?

TrojanHorse wrote: ...Are there any backpacks with a suspension system that gets the bag off your back?

Yeah, several.

REI carries a large LowePro model that'll handle quite a load:

http://www.rei.com/product/825129/lowepro-scope-photo-travel-350-aw-camera-pack

That's a nice looking bag Brian - I was thinking particularly of this one although it's not a photo backpack:

http://www.rei.com/product/809768/rei-venturi-30-pack

See the wire frame under the back pad that provides air space between your back and the backpack? I think the backpack I currently have is plenty comfortable, but when it's hot out, it's hot.

I'm always looking for another bag though, it's an illness.

svassh wrote:
I use this with my 1D IIn or 7D with my 70=200 2.8 all the time and love it. Plenty of room for another lens and extender also.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-Cameras-Accessories-Black/dp/B002VPE1WK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324271225&sr=8-1

I use this one too, absolutely can't beat it for the money. Holds 1d2 with 70-200 just fine.