lowepro specialist 85 aw (review)

sold off my offtrail 2 for specialist 85 aw but regretted over the decision due to:

1. 85 aw is more suited for fitting at the back of your waist and not at the side, meaning you can't carry your backpack while using it so there will be a big problem when you hike with it. it is not as versatile as offtrail 2 because of the size.
2. zipping and un-zipping is not as smooth as offtrail 2 due to the positioning of the zip is too close to the edge and obstructed by your body
3. the weight

the weak point of offtrail 2 is due to the positioning of side cases and the strap tightening mechanism. when you are tightening the waist straps, it will be pulling the two side cases nearer to your body at the same time and this causes the soft cases to sink in. you will find it difficult for you to take out the lens from the case after that.

purchase of 85 aw is supposed to solve this and seriously, it does work because all lens can now be fitted inside the bag which is hard and does not sink in during tightening but i did not expect to bump into more inconveniences with this new bag.

right now, i am using the 85 aw as shoulder bag with the shoulder strap provided and i am looking for another belt system that will work for me. perhaps it is time to look at other brands.

update: brought specialist 85aw along with me during the recent cambodia trip. it is not so bad after getting used to it but still, you can't carry anything else on your back (even my smallest daypack) due to the size of this bag.. argh.....