Backpacking with Camera Gear

I've done a ton of backpacking and long-distance trips, but I've never been happy with how I pack my camera gear. I usually have a small camera bag with one lens, then pack one other lens in my backpack. I carry my tripod sometimes or attach it to my backpack sometimes. On my long-distance trips I just decide that it isn't a photo trip and carry a point-and-shoot. That also drives me crazy to miss so many great shots. I'll probably carry a G9 on my next long trip. I've never seen a backpack/camera bag offered and have thought about asking a couple of friends who design and make backpacks to design a prototype. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Thanks,
David

I carry my D80 with the 18-200mm in an OpTech Neoprene case that I had modified to hang from the D rings on my pack straps in front of my chest. It seems like it counter acts the weight of the pack a little and is easy to get to at a moments notice. I have a real light tripod that I strap to the side of my pack and a small accessory bag with mics. camera stuff attached to the back of my pack.
All in all, my backpacking camera set up including cards, batteries and filters weighs 6 pounds.
It's certainly a compromise set up but so far it's paid off. I've sold three shots take on backpacking trips already this year.

I just bought straps that attach to my camera and to the D-rings on my pack and my neoprene case fits over it. I found a filter case that attaches to my waist belt. haven't used it yet except in my bedroom but when it stops raining I plan to give it a try. Seems so far like it might work. I am looking for a light weight tripod. Any sugestions? Weight is everything, space is next. With my camera and one other lens my pack weight is now 29 pounds with food and water.

You can see the little strap that goes across my chest? This keeps the camera from bouncing too much. Mary's idea is great and simple but I think you would need to figure some strap like mine into the mix.

I have a Silk Pro 614 CF (carbon fiber) tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-25 ballhead with B2-40 LR clamp. The whole rig weights 2.5 pounds and folds up to about 18".

My pack weight with 8 days worth of food and Scotch is 40 pounds

Thanks for the info. You could dump the food and it would weigh less.

Thanks for the info. You could dump the food and it would weigh less.

David, you may wish to pose this question on the photography forum over at NWHikers.net. There are hundreds of hikers, many with great photography related info as well.