I'm not sure why anyone would skimp on a camera bag. I know for one that I could chuck my camera bag down a flight of stairs and everything would be alright.
Don't go cheap on a camera bag; protect your investment.
I agree, but then people spend tons of money on camera and lenses and buy cheap tripods and filters for them, so no surprise. For me and my gear its either Lowepro or Pelican. Anything else is just asking for trouble.
Two totally different stories... I may have cheeped out in the past with camera bags but not tripods. There is a definite difference between cheap and expensive tripods. Its difficult to "build" a tripod with the stability and functionality of the likes of Gitzo, Manfrotto, bogen, etc.. There are no substitutes... not like camera bags.. which are simply that... bags marketed towards a specific consumer. In fact, I have sourced several "non-camera-specific" camera bags that are far better made than lowepro and tamrac.
I have a modified igloo cooler that I would have zero issues putting my Leica into and tossing around. I even have a small lock on it. I have a messenger bag made from heavy duty canvas and the inside is 100% completely lined in heavy duty rubber. Took it with me to downpours (Niagara falls) and didn't have to mess with those "rain covers" built into a pouch underneath the bag like lowepro.
If you actually go outside of a camera store and search bags designed for military and/or other industrial uses, you'll realize that lowepro and tamrac are not as durable nor as quality for the $$$ they ask for. Don't get me wrong, i think they are designed with the photo-consumer in mind BUT build is something they can work.
One example that comes to mind... Pelican 1510 case $159 with divider. Sealed HARD case modeled after those approved for military use. Heck, you can even use one as a floatation device if you are stuck in that type of situation. Lowepro x200 SOFT ballistic nylon rolling case = $299. Its not sealed, its not water proof, its SOFT and almost twice the price. Up to this day, I have no idea why they still use 1 ply ballistic nylon... I think it should cost no more than $100... I'd even choose an equivalent Samsonite modify it with dividers and still be better off.
If you think creatively and carefully, a "cheap" bag with the proper modifications can not only provide protection but also provide the discreetness required to keep thieves and unwanted attention away. If you need dividers, Domke makes "ok" dividers and for a premium Billingham also makes dividers.
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