Kata makes a series of bags that might work, including their 3-N-1 series. You can also use a photo backpack by putting the camera gear in only part of the compartment and other gear in the rest. (That's also a good way to travel with camera gear.) Also, don't be so quick to discount regular backpacks. It's pretty easy to get lens pouches and camera body pouches that will protect you camera gear as well as--or better than--a photo backpack. Lowepro makes very good semi-rigid lens cases that provide a lot of protection. (Bryan apparently uses them--see his reviews.) they're also good for storing lenses. I have several, but have switched to Think Tank lens changers for carrying/using lenses. Other options include various soft neoprene wraps, Op/Tech pouches (I have one for my 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, which didn't come with the Canon case), etc. Indeed, some pros will take the dividers out of a backpack or roller bag and use the Think Tank modular pieces. By including a Think Tank belt, they have a belt system to use the gear when they get to their destination.


Think Tank also makes the Rotation 360º, which has a smallish top compartment for gear. You can also attach other Think Tank modules to the side or the belt and a tripod to the back. One neat feature of the Rotation 360º is that you can access some of your gear without removing the backpack. It also stands up when you put it down, as it has a rigid frame on the bottom. See the videos on their site for examples. I recently got a Rotation 360º, but haven't tried it out yet. I regularly use their Speed Racer, Change Up, belts and modular components. I have their Airport Antidote and Airport Acceleration for traveling, the Urban Disguise 50 for around town (when one doesn't want to be conspicuous!) and other stuff.


Yet another solution, especially if you hike long distances, is to leave the DSLR home and take a super-zoom, like the Canon SX10 IS, instead. The SX10 IS goes from 28-560mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-5.7 @10 MP, takes movies, has lots of controls (including manual mode), a good IS, weighs 20 oz, and uses AA batteries, so it's very convenient. The photos are also quite high quality--not up to a 5D with L lenses, but at least as good (at low-to-moderate ISO) as an early Digital Rebel with the "consumer" lenses. Also, if you lose or damage it, you're only out $370. My second digital camera was (is, really--I still use it) a Canon S3 IS, a two-generations-earlier ancestor of the SX10 IS. You might be able to get a used S5 IS on eBay for a lot less. To add to the versatility, there are quite a few walking staves that have 1/4-20 camera screws on the top. The neatest are the various models of the TrekPod, which has fold-out legs, so it can be used as a minimalist tripod. (I have a simpler staff that is spring-loaded, so it's better for walking, but it's not as good for photography.)