Posted by David Clapp on August 14, 2006 at 7:52 PM
Just back from Europe and after some disastrous camping in Ireland I would like some information on camping equipment that others use when out taking pictures.
Dont worry about cost, I am just doing some research for now.
1. I need a WARM sleeping bag. I spent £50 on a Vanga Summitt sleeping bag that was supposed to be 3 season, capable of comfort zone of 13deg to -2deg. I couldnt even sleep in it wearing all my clothes on an airbed without shivering in a 10deg summer night! I have seen a RAB Atlas 750 bag that looks just the ticket but other makes and ideas would really help. The bag must be capable of colder weather.
2. A strong lightweight tent worthy of distance walking and hiking hills, moorland etc lowland useage not moutains. I already have a 2man and a 3man but both are cheap, yet fairly capable summer tents, I need something a little more substantial.
3. I am trying to get a different type of camera bag together, a rucksack with all I will need including 5D and two lens max for landscapes (how will I ever choose!) OK three lenses max. Any good recommended lightweight rucksacks (not photorucksacks like Lowepro, Crumpler etc) but something so I can carry tent, sleeping bag etc plus room for camera stuff.
4. Any recommendable cooking facilities, other essential equipment and any advice would be great.
To make room for my Camera gear .It's sleeping bag , tarp and bear canister filled with beef jurky bags of soup .My backpack still weight about 40 lbs. My plan is to setup a bass camp about 5 miles from there i do day hikes 3 to 5 miles this works well for me ,but if i go with frinds they make there travel plans so i must go along with them .I've tryed to leave lenes behind it just does'nt work. Also i carry a large camera bag around my neck with the lenes i mite need
For a sleeping bag, I'd look into any sort of down filled bag. They are usually slightly lighter and will definately compress more than synthetic-fill bags making more room in your pack for other things. Even a good quality 20 F / -6 C down bag will compress down to the size of a big loaf of bread. And if it is too warm you can always zip it open ( it is always better to be too warm than too cold). Also many companies such as The North Face make ultalight sleeping bags that use high quality down, lightweight nylon, and smaller zippers to cut weight and size. Also a lightweight backpacking sleeping pad can add warmth. Look into ThermaRest. These only weigh a pound or two and can easily be attached to the outside of a pack.
Other than that I'd start by looking at your local outdoor retailer for standard backpacking equipment and tents. The packs are going to be lightweight and can easily be used to carry a variety camera and camping gear. I like to put my cameras in small soft cases and then put those cases into backpacks. I just got a new internal frame backpack with 60 liters of volume that I am excited to use. It has a sleeping bag compartment and plenty of straps to secure a tripod, sleeping bag and a tent to the outside, leaving the inside free for camera and other misc equip.
I'd try Cotswold Outdoor if you have a store near to you,if not, I believe they opertate a mail order service via their catalogue.
They stock a superb range of camping equipment suitable for anything from a summer's weekend away. to camping in some of the world's most remote and inhospitable places.
From personal experience I've found the experienced members of staff extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I believe many staff members participate in all manner of outdoor pursuits and expeditions,so you'll often find they have first hand experience of what products they're actually selling and what will be best suited to your purpose and budget.
Posted by Dave Larkman on August 15, 2006 at 8:29 AM
Airbeds aren't that good for sleeping on the ground in cold weather. The cold seems to go right through them. I'd suggest using a foam pad. It will make a big difference.
Dave
Posted by Scott Hussey on August 15, 2006 at 5:35 PM
An airbed is ok if you have a layer between you and the bed, otherwise the cold air in the mattress will suck the heat right through the compressed sleeping bag under your body. When we are car camping in the cold we bring our backpacking sleeping pads and put them on top of the air mattress. The pads do a good job of insulating from the cold air in the mattress.
A mummy bag is a lot warmer than a rectangular bag as well. There is less volume for you body to warm up, and the bag will cover your head. If you are in a rectangular bag wear a hat at least. You can get silk liners as well, but I do not have any experience with those.
Posted by Mike Smith on August 17, 2006 at 5:28 AM
Trail magazine in the UK this month has an interesting comparison on effects on storage of sleeping bags - if bought already stuffed or if you store your sleeping bag in compression sacks, the "loft" (ie air trap ability) is destroyed turning any 3 season bag into a summer mickey mouse bag
I always stored my down bags in the wardrobe on a hanger to prevent compression. Better makes are supplied in transit sacks, avoid anything sold in a compression sack, you have no info on how long it has been stored this way and how the loft has been compromised.
Posted by Vandit Kalia on August 17, 2006 at 12:26 PM
I usually pack thermals to go with my sleeping bag - it lets me use the same light bag in a variety of temperature, including colder than its rating. The key, I find, is a good base (foam pads) and keeping the head covered (woollen hat). It makes getting *out* of the bag easier, as well (much as I like the outdoors, getting out of a snug, warm bag into biting cold is the worst torture imaginable).
Generally, as with everything else, good + light = expensive. But the good stuff lasts a very long time and one thing I have learned over a decade of traveling is good bags - be it a laptop case or a backpack - is worth every penny.
My strategy when I am hiking is to carry a RAW-capable P&S in a cargo pant pocket, and my other gear inside my backpack. The P&S gets me grab shots - if I need to set up for a serious shot, I'll dig into the pack. I avoid padding - there is plenty of stuff to use for padding inside the backpack, and it saves on weight.
Vandit
Posted by Scott Bacon on August 17, 2006 at 3:48 PM
Any reputable outdoor/mountaineering store should carry a good selection of sleeping bags and tents that meet your needs. I've owned many over the years, but currently have a North Face Blue Kazoo 20 F bag ( 2.5 lbs.), Thermarest ultralight pad, and a Kelty Dart 1-2 man tent (3 lbs). With today's modern technology and materials, there is absolutely no reason to be cold while sleeping in the backcountry - as long as you can afford it...
The harder question is how to carry the camera gear along with all your overnight gear. For a number of years I've used the Lowepro Omni series cases to hold camera gear and stowed them inside a large backpacking backpack. These are smallish rectangular, suitcase style padded bags. I use the medium sized Traveler for my 4x5, 3 lenses and light meter. The smaller Sport model holds a Canon 30D w/24-105 L, 24mm TS-E, and 70-200 f/4 L (just barely). Although I usually don't take both systems. I also use a Lowepro topload zoom case which I thread the chest strap of my backpack through the belt loop. This holds the 30D with lens and makes for convenient access on the trail. Here's my equipment page on my website that has more details.
On our recent 6 day trip, my pack weighed about 60 lbs, including all camera gear (4x5 & DSLR), overnight gear, food and water. I'm constantly trying to improve and lighten my pack...
Posted by Bill Stice on August 18, 2006 at 8:58 AM
David, I'd echo a lot of what has been said above. I use a North Face Snowshoe 5 degree bag but I do most of my backpacking from the late fall through early spring in the North Carolina and Virginia mountains. If it is really cold (I've had temps down to -20) I supplement with polartech, capilene, or polypro tops and bottoms. I agree about the down being lighter and more compressible but if it gets wet it can be a problem. My bag is synthetic filled and works fine. I also use a thermarest pad and wouldn't use anything else. There are several good pack manufacturers and I would pick one that fits you, has the adjustments you need and the space you think you will need. Take some equipment with you and load the pack up and try it out before you buy it. Most outdoor stores will have some rentals or they may let you take it home on a weekend trial. I have found backpacks to be very different. I currently have a Gregory internal frame that fits me the best of any I have used and it will carry all of the camera gear and camping gear that I can manage to carry. I also have three different camera backpacks and they all have different characteristics so I'd recommend doing an trial with one. I also have used several tents each has different strengths and weaknesses. Kelty, North Face and others are fine. REI also has some fairly good tents in their store brand. I have found that with tents there is usually always a trade off for features versus weight so you might want to think about which is more important to you. Light weight is usually my primary criteria because in cold weather camping I have a lot more to carry.
Discussion
9 repliesDont worry about cost, I am just doing some research for now.
1. I need a WARM sleeping bag. I spent £50 on a Vanga Summitt sleeping bag that was supposed to be 3 season, capable of comfort zone of 13deg to -2deg. I couldnt even sleep in it wearing all my clothes on an airbed without shivering in a 10deg summer night! I have seen a RAB Atlas 750 bag that looks just the ticket but other makes and ideas would really help. The bag must be capable of colder weather.
2. A strong lightweight tent worthy of distance walking and hiking hills, moorland etc lowland useage not moutains. I already have a 2man and a 3man but both are cheap, yet fairly capable summer tents, I need something a little more substantial.
3. I am trying to get a different type of camera bag together, a rucksack with all I will need including 5D and two lens max for landscapes (how will I ever choose!) OK three lenses max. Any good recommended lightweight rucksacks (not photorucksacks like Lowepro, Crumpler etc) but something so I can carry tent, sleeping bag etc plus room for camera stuff.
4. Any recommendable cooking facilities, other essential equipment and any advice would be great.
Thanks
David
For a sleeping bag, I'd look into any sort of down filled bag. They are usually slightly lighter and will definately compress more than synthetic-fill bags making more room in your pack for other things. Even a good quality 20 F / -6 C down bag will compress down to the size of a big loaf of bread. And if it is too warm you can always zip it open ( it is always better to be too warm than too cold). Also many companies such as The North Face make ultalight sleeping bags that use high quality down, lightweight nylon, and smaller zippers to cut weight and size. Also a lightweight backpacking sleeping pad can add warmth. Look into ThermaRest. These only weigh a pound or two and can easily be attached to the outside of a pack.
Other than that I'd start by looking at your local outdoor retailer for standard backpacking equipment and tents. The packs are going to be lightweight and can easily be used to carry a variety camera and camping gear. I like to put my cameras in small soft cases and then put those cases into backpacks. I just got a new internal frame backpack with 60 liters of volume that I am excited to use. It has a sleeping bag compartment and plenty of straps to secure a tripod, sleeping bag and a tent to the outside, leaving the inside free for camera and other misc equip.
I'd try Cotswold Outdoor if you have a store near to you,if not, I believe they opertate a mail order service via their catalogue.
They stock a superb range of camping equipment suitable for anything from a summer's weekend away. to camping in some of the world's most remote and inhospitable places.
From personal experience I've found the experienced members of staff extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I believe many staff members participate in all manner of outdoor pursuits and expeditions,so you'll often find they have first hand experience of what products they're actually selling and what will be best suited to your purpose and budget.
Dave
A mummy bag is a lot warmer than a rectangular bag as well. There is less volume for you body to warm up, and the bag will cover your head. If you are in a rectangular bag wear a hat at least. You can get silk liners as well, but I do not have any experience with those.
I always stored my down bags in the wardrobe on a hanger to prevent compression. Better makes are supplied in transit sacks, avoid anything sold in a compression sack, you have no info on how long it has been stored this way and how the loft has been compromised.
Generally, as with everything else, good + light = expensive. But the good stuff lasts a very long time and one thing I have learned over a decade of traveling is good bags - be it a laptop case or a backpack - is worth every penny.
My strategy when I am hiking is to carry a RAW-capable P&S in a cargo pant pocket, and my other gear inside my backpack. The P&S gets me grab shots - if I need to set up for a serious shot, I'll dig into the pack. I avoid padding - there is plenty of stuff to use for padding inside the backpack, and it saves on weight.
Vandit
The harder question is how to carry the camera gear along with all your overnight gear. For a number of years I've used the Lowepro Omni series cases to hold camera gear and stowed them inside a large backpacking backpack. These are smallish rectangular, suitcase style padded bags. I use the medium sized Traveler for my 4x5, 3 lenses and light meter. The smaller Sport model holds a Canon 30D w/24-105 L, 24mm TS-E, and 70-200 f/4 L (just barely). Although I usually don't take both systems. I also use a Lowepro topload zoom case which I thread the chest strap of my backpack through the belt loop. This holds the 30D with lens and makes for convenient access on the trail. Here's my equipment page on my website that has more details.
On our recent 6 day trip, my pack weighed about 60 lbs, including all camera gear (4x5 & DSLR), overnight gear, food and water. I'm constantly trying to improve and lighten my pack...