The prior thread about carrying a tripod caused me to remember that Kinesis makes some intelligent and well crafted backpacks and related carrying gear that would work well for some people. See <a href-"http://www.kinesisgear.com/">kinesisgear.com</a>. While their emphasis seems to be towards DSLR nature shooters, most of their products cross over. They have a custom sized backpack that looks ideal for many of the shooters using non-photo backpacks - plus their smaller cases make sense for holding lenses and accessories. And the tripod lashing system looks good.

I use a Kinesis ballhead cover over my Arca-Swiss B1 and it has prevented a lot of dings and dirt from ruining the head.

I tried their wasit belt system, but being a big vain guy I don't like belt systems that make my ass look bigger than it already is. Even if it is a well balanced and smart way to carry stuff, especially for day shooting when you throw the camera and tripod on your shoulder and just want to walk around with relative freedom - the belt system makes a lot of sense.

Their smaller horizontal cases are a match for the Gnass Gear cases and their ordering system actually works, and they keep stuff in stock. The quality of their gear is first rate, much nicer than the recent Lowe and Tenba stuff I've tried.

No, I'm not related to Richard Strum, the owner, but I know he is a good guy.