In Singapore, most camera bags are expensive. I only knew about this when I was talking to photographers who travelled to the States, comparing to what they see of the same model in Singapore.
The boxy type of bags can be gotten OED (ie no brand type), while Lowepro, albeit with all the wonderful and designs which you really drool/dream about are more costly. 1 of the books I read suggested using a masking tape or just unsew the original brand name, making your bag 'brandless'!
Anyway, I figured any seasoned thief will recognise a camera bag, brand or no brand, unless u are carrying a haversack. The onus is on you to be careful when u travel. I was worried about this before, but no longer after you are used to become more careful. If the worry of would be theft becomes a stress on you when u do your travels, then I'm afraid travel photography will cease to become enjoyable.
As for weight distribution, you can look out for bags which interiors are customisable. I'm a Minolta user, and their bag has velcro all over. I can customise my interior to have 2, 3 compartments of various sizes. I know many OED bags are customisable too, so just look out for that.
I guess the best way to know if your bag is worth its price tag, is to check out similar designed bags at various shops, just like the way you do your pricing homework before you buy your lens/assessories.
Hope this helps and that you enjoy your photography. Using SLR is difficult if you don't have a good bag and good tripod.:rbounce: