Camera Pack Question

I'm having a heck of a time finding a solution to carrying a camera, lenses and an actual backpack to carry hiking gear instead of just photo gear.

So far, I've been frustrated because I have day packs that I use that are perfect for hiking (I use a hydration bladder usually), but not so great for camera gear. I have camera bags that are great for photography, but not so much for actually carrying hiking gear.

Having a LowePro Toploader strapped to my chest with a pack on my back is fine for level ground, but scary when I can't see my feet on the ground in front of me on steeper terrain. And having the camera bag at my side when I have a pack on is an invitation to smacking it with my elbow on a constant basis.

Any solutions or suggestions any of you have found?

I use a LowePro Offtrail 2. Lots of room, very comfortable all day long. Comes with a suspender style back straps.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/153205-REG/Lowepro_2011810_Off_Trail_2_Camera.html

Smaller version:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/127363-REG/Lowepro_2010810_Off_Trail_1_Camera.html

I'm not crazy about backpacks and prefer the waist packs because they keep the weight lower on my body.


Kent in SD

Since most of my work is in remote areas and often in technical terrain, I use backpacking and climbing packs. I put my camera gear in small padded camera bags and distribute them with the other gear, this carries much better. I have used every model of camera backpack and none of them can really compare to a true backpack. Also consider taking less gear, I have my equipment down to 14 pounds total, camera, 2 lenses, tripod and filters. I use Osprey packs, they are light and work well (they also have a great exterior latching system that works good for tripods.) Granite Gear is another great pack company. Mountainsmith is trying to develop a good do everything camera backpack, have a look at their site, maybe they have something that could work for you.
Good Luck

I have the basic LowePro Topload Zoom, which has these hooks on the sides to which you could attach the LowePro Street and Field Lens cases. I tend to not to that - I just sling the topload across my shoulder, and keep my filters in my extra long pant pockets. I face problems carrying my Manfrotto 190CL tripod along with my trekking poles - anybody know how to do this well?

I'm with you on the frustration, but fall somewhere between Kent and Carl in my solution. I prefer backpacking packs for backpacking, while finding other arrangements for the camera gear. The padded pouches I use are actually Tamrac belt pouches, which go in my pack when I don't need the camera gear and hang from the waist belt or my pants belt when I do need the gear. Pretty handy even on day shoots to keep your most-used gear in the belt pouches while the less needed stuff goes into the daypack. No dismounting the pack to get at gear when I need it.

I have the same problem - at the moment I simply use an ancient 60 litre backpack and place my camera in an extremely small lightweight sack that is just big enough to hold a body and two small lenses. That goes in the big pack and once the tent is up I just wander with the small bag. Tristan

Jay,

We share the same problem. I am an avid backpacker/skibackpacker/winter mountaineer,etc., etc. I also test gear (backpackgeartest.org) as a hobby and have a dozen backpacks (more?) and associated gear. Since growing into a serious (?) photographer, I've pondered the very same question. My search for the 'perfect' combo pack has been a dismal disappointment. Instead, I have found it necessary to adapt my standard backpacks to accept the camera gear. Here is what I've used so far:

I have Lowepro lens cases (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Accessories/lens_cases/) for my two off-camera lenses - usually the 180mm macro and the 100-400 zoom telephoto. The cases can be carried either in the backpack or, when actively shooting, mounted to the outside of the pack using the very nice, double Velcro system on the cases. They can be mounted either to the hip belt or the compression straps, depending on the backpack or preference. The camera itself has presented a problem which I may have just solved. I have just packed it inside the bacpack or left it attached to the tripod which I carried over my shoulder when actively shooting. I have tried mounting the tripod to the pack with the camera attached, but find this unsatisfactory. Here is my new solution:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_DgtlHlstr.php

I am using the #30 which is the right size for my 5D with any of the three lens attached. I have taken one trip with it attached to the pack hip belt and like it so far. I did use a carabiner to keep the holster pulled as far as posible to the rear. In this position it did not interfer with my arms/hands and was still just reachable to remove the camera while wearing the pack. It has an external pouch which is good for an extra battery and some memory cards. There is a small pouch in the top cover as well, and - in the 'nice touch' department - there is a built-in rain cover!

The smaller bits find homes in either pocket pouches and/or the top pocket of my backpack. The tripod slips onto compression straps or ice axe holders - these work really well! - if the pack has them.

So far, so good.

I use a normal backpack (Deuter Futura Zero 40). I put my filters and stuff inside and then attach my camera to the pack straps with Think Tank's Camera Support Straps. Those are the best 12.95 I've ever spent for camera stuff. Larger lenses do still get in my line of vision, but if you've got a vertical grip, you can put the bottom of the strap around the vertical grip to hold it out of the way. Another option is to attach the camera to just one side of the pack harness and put it under your arm.