What bags do you use and which makers would you recommend?

I was looking at a post in the every day carry and Nicole Alderman(?apologies. New to the forum and getting my head around its features), and her awesome looking maxpedition thermite versipack. Which started me down a rabbit hole of options as I saw a kickstarter from kitanica for their new waistpack... BUUT, I was wondering what backpacks(small and large)/waistpack/pouches etc they have found to be great for themselves and any they might recommend.
I am an avid forager and camper, will probably get more into hiking when my kids are a bit older. I love pouches and pockets, but I also love spending the money for the higher quality.
So please take it away people for what is out there and what would be their favourite bags and how you came to your decision and if you had a chance to try it for comfort before buying.

Thanks for your help and sharing.

I'm leaning very heavily towards maxpedition proteus, but I am searching for competitors to understand the market better. Just looks like a reasonable day container for things I might need, but also expandable if I want to go further.

One of my favorite "makers" for bags of all sizes has been...my mom.  

An avid sewer her entire life, she's made all sorts of useful bags and stuff sacks and whatnot for family and friends.  It's inspiring for sure.  Things that stick out favorably in my mind:

My very first backpack for elementary school = simple blue and khaki cotton, with a smaller accessory zipper pouch stitched with my initials, and perhaps a hidden key pocket inside.

A reusable "brownbag" lunchbox made out of a used khaki pantleg, sewn up on one end.

A long narrow black nylon stuff sack with drawstring for carrying an inflatable sleeping pad.

A slim, pocket-sized denim sack for carrying a coarse scythe sharpening stone so it won't scratch up items around it.

As far as commercial backpack, bag, and general carrying considerations, I've found there is no one-size fits all approach.  I'm not a brand loyalist when it comes to backpacks and carrying bags, but from large to small to large, here's what's worked for me:

Something for large hauling... of camping equipment or bulky items, and for airline checked baggage, I've enjoyed the waterproof durability of The North Face basecamp duffel.  Pros: Waterproof, lots of storage, simple internal mesh liner, sturdy zipper, durability. Cons: No waist strap or wheels for long distance carrying; pricey.

Something for week-ish long travels... or simple trips to see family, I've enjoyed Sandpiper Of California's "Bugout" Bag.  Pros: waist straps -- essential for long walks; great organization pockets; airplane carry-on collapsible, but expandable to a very generous size; compression straps, D-rings, and MOLLE for attachments; capable of turning into a shoulder bag.  Cons: Heavy; Usually it's just too big for a quick day trip or most mini-adventures.  The webbing style is a little overkill for civilian life.

Something for day hikes... and around the town grab and go essentials, any lightweight, cheap-o collapsible backpack is nice.  For instance, Eddie Bauer's stowable back-pack.  Pros: Inexpensive; plenty of space for essentials like a light rain jacket and fleece, snacks, water bottle; simple; lightweight; perfect for out and back day trips  Cons: Mine continues to wears out over the years, shedding waterproofing layers...yuck; not big enough for multiday trips.  But for longer hikes, a backpack with a waist-strap becomes helpful to take the load off one's back.

Something for lightweight organization... cargo pants do fine for just carrying water, sunglasses, keys, wallet etc. in cool weather. But in hot weather with lots of walking, it's nice to wear clothes without full heavy pockets, so a cheap, collapsible fanny pack is simple enough in lieu of heavy muggy cargo pants. Pros: Lightweight, can attach water bottles to the strap and carry it over the shoulder.  Cons: Geeky by American fashion standards.

Something for internal storage...I like packing cubes, as well as a couple generic roll-able waterproof stuff sacks.  Packing cubes can be inexpensive but heavy, or expensive but lightweight.  I've love using packing cubes in all my travels.  But nylon stuff sacks are inexpensive, waterproof, and nice for just about everything, too!

George Yacus wrote:One of my favorite "makers" for bags of all sizes has been...my mom.  

An avid sewer her entire life, she's made all sorts of useful bags and stuff sacks and whatnot for family and friends.  It's inspiring for sure. [/list]

Wow! That's pretty awesome, as a quick question because I've just picked up sewing myself, was she using a machine or hand sewing (probably a mixture of both, I imagine)?