Lowepro Flipside 300 AW III Camera Backpack (Black)

I use a mirrorless system, and so far have resisted getting a dedicated camera backpack. I generally use a messenger bag. (Which fits a lot btw - 2 camera bodies with lenses mounted + battery chargers + filter kit + small flash + lens cleaning kit. One could also fit in an additional lens.) The reason I got this backpack is to carry an additional 150-600mm lens with an adapter for the mirrorless body. I tried carrying that lens other ways, but it is a little clumsy. Overall this backpack is well made, and fits all the lenses I need to carry. There are however several downsides. 1. Water ?? Who is lugging backpacks worth of camera gear, and doesn't need to carry water ? There is exactly one spot to put your tripod, so you get to decide between carrying water or a tripod. There are also no additional hooks and such, so there is absolutely no way to attach something to carry water - maybe a S-biner to the shoulder strap somewhere. I am actually planning on putting a hydration bladder inside a dry-bag, and add it to the laptop compartment. Seems like the only solution. 2. Tripod pocket is too tight. You can't put even a travel sized tripod with the ballhead attached & upside down. (i.e., the most compact packed way.) Instead your tripod needs to stick out on top. I have a ~1kg tripod, and even that won't fit here with the ballhead facing down. 3. The quick-access side pocket. You want security, but also want a side access pocket ? A top access would actually make more sense than the side access. (gravity likes to pull things down you see, and with side pockets - stuff can fall out if you are not careful.) It's hard to fit a body nicely without compromising storage if you intend on using this side pocket regularly. And you lose a bottle holder because of this. 4. cheap front pockets. Definitely seems like cost-cutting. Compared to the AW II version, this seems like a step down. 5. Compared to the AWII, you also lose the front tripod holder - which may have been nicer for larger tripods. Overall, this is a bit of a mish-mash. Maybe good to carry stuff for travel. Or if you are in a city, photographing between sipping lattes in cafes. :) But on a day-hike and such, doesn't work so well. This has the potential to be more with just a few minor tweaks though. If you can fit 2 bottles of water, and fit a decently sized tripod, then you may have a winner. Maybe move the side access to the top, then add a second pouch to the side. Also bring back the front tripod holder.