T... I lost that need to baby it. It stopped being a priceless toy (oh it was my baby too) and became a tool to do a job. Don't get me wrong, I take care of my gear, but it was built well and to take some some hard use. Bodies are sealed, lenses are stout etc.
You got it man! Camera gear is tougher than you think. Of course you don't want to abuse it, but gear can take a bit of banging around (Check out Nachtwey in War Photographer...:Wow1
I just did a
blog post about carrying camera gear on a motorcycle and I think the thing that applies to everybody is having
quick access to your gear. If it's a pain to get it out of the bag and ready to use, you'll miss all kinds of photo ops.
What works best for me and the kind of photography I do is to pack light and use a shoulder bag where I can get to my gear without taking the bag off.
I use a Lowe-pro Stealth Reporter if I'm out strictly to take photos. I use a Seal-line messenger bag for everyday use. On motorcycle trips I keep everything in the tank-bag while riding and over my shoulder with two lenses looped to my belt when I'm walking around.
This guy has some great
camera bag reviews