This is a topic related to this thread, but I think it's different enough to warrant a new one.
I'm trying to put together a system to carry my photo gear on a long-weekend backpacking trip (up to 3 maybe 4 nights). The base is a 65L internal frame pack. But then I'd like some padding for my camera gear beyond shoving it in a wool sock. I'm hoping I can find a compact pack that will work both as a safe compartment for my camera gear while I'm on the trail, as well as an OK day-pack while out scouting.
The camera gear I'll be taking Canon 5D, 17-40L, 70-200 f/4L, CP, spare batteries, CF cards, CP, Gitzo 2542L tripod and possibly a 50 f/1.8 (tiny). The tripod I can lash to the side of the main pack, and I won't be taking it with me during any day-trips.
I've been looking at a few different Lowepro packs (but open to other brands), and I think there are a few possibilities that might work:
If the pack is something I can safely stick a water bottle and a bag of nuts in, all the better. The Toploader and the Off-Trail seem like they're something I could attach to my main backpack's chest straps while I'm on the trail, which would be nice in case I come across any critters I want to get a picture of. Otherwise I would shove it inside the main pack or, if I don't have enough room, lash it to the side.
OK, what do you guys use for this purpose? Would I be better of trying to customize a regular day-pack? Forget about it and hire a team of sherpas?
Thanks a lot!
Posted by Erik Turner on April 8, 2009 at 12:15 AM
I'm not too experienced with taking a full camera setup on trips of that length, but I've done a number of 3-4 day trips with an 80L bag, and it was FULL. I certainly am not a feather-light packer, but I'm also not taking anything I don't need. If you haven't done those kind of trips without your camera yet, I'd think about looking at a larger main pack... 80L might allow much easier way to stash some camera stuff as well...
I had the same thoughts recently and tried to figure out a way I could better store my gear inside my trekking backpack. So far I used the soft inlay of my LowePro Rover Plus AW. But this is just some padding and not very stable - besides that it's open at the top and I'm not very confident about putting thing on top of my camera gear without protection.
I had a look on Lowepro and examined the same stuff as you did. I finally decided to go with the Inverse 200 AW beltback. Size looks OK and weight 1kg, which still is acceptable. The main reason I went for it was, that if I decide to climb a peak from my camp, I can leave the stuff behind and just go with the beltpack. It has an option to mount my tripod and I can carry a bottle with it. On top it's waterproof too.
The Inverse 200 AW will not carry all my stuff so I will have to add one or to padded lens cases to the mix - but LowePro has some nice ones there too.
Let me know about your experience ... I will keep you updated about mine with the Inverse.
Erik, the last time I went backpacking I was probably 8, so it's pretty new for me. But I had the same debate about pack size when i bought it. I know that if I buy bigger pack I WILL fill it up, and won't make tough choices about leaving stuff out. Then I'll be stuck lugging all that weight around. I'm going on a 1 night and then a 2 night trip earlier in the season, so if I realize then 3-4 nights isn't going to work w/ the 65L I'll reconsider then.
Andreas, I'm leaning towards the belt configuration too. The Inverse series looks like a good option as well. I'm going to try to hit up a local shot to see if they have any of these in stock.
Thanks for replying!
Posted by Chad Merrell on April 11, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Depending on your gear a 65 L should be fine. I agree--you will fill whatever pack you take. I have never taken more than a comapct P&S with me before this year but I typically will do 6 days with my GG Nimbus which I am pretty sure is smaller than yours. I have just about decided to carry my DSLR on the neck strap with quick release buckles. I will hook it onto the carry loop of the pack with a carabiner to keep the weight off my neck and have it high enough that the stenum strap on the pack keeps it from flopping around. I would rather carry the camera in a case but don't want to add ANY more weight than I have to. This trip will be 40-50 miles and over 7300 feet of climbing and I am an old man (54). When the camera goes in the pack it will be in my stocking cap and possiblY a dry bag depending on the weather and will be right on top. I have a case for my 55-250. It is not the ideal but what I am planning right now. I am planning on one of the bags you listed above for my day hikes and when on my horse. I don't want the camera in the saddle bags. My Fiesol 3342 will be strapped to the side of the pack. The idea of carrying 6-7# of camera gear is distressing me but it is what I bought the stuff for.
I would personally look into Kata bags, they are a lot cheaper than Lowepro and a lot lighter. I use the Kata HB-207, its a huge bag.
I can fit two DSLR bodies both with vert grips attached, a film body, 70-200mm f/2.8, 180mm f/3.5 macro, 17-40mm, two teleconverters, extension tubes, assorted filters/filter holders, spare batteries, etc. This may work nicely for what your looking for. From the gear you described above you would have space left over for other equipment, food, water, etc.
The nice thing about this pack is when it's empty it weighs only 6.2 lbs and the equivalent Lowepro bag weighs 11.7 lbs. It also comes with a rain fly that reverses into a reflector for those bright, hot, sunny days. A laptop compartment is also built into the back which is nice. There are a lot of bells and whistles with this bag, but that's not the reason I got it. It was moderately cheap, it's light and it holds a lot of gear; and that is why I bought it. I've had it for a year and it is holding up amazingly well, I am very impressed with the quality.
If you are looking to bring a portable stove, tent, sleeping bag, and all the camping essentials I would just look into getting a normal hiking pack. It wont have the protection you need for the gear, but it will hold a lot more gear.
I second Benjamin's comments. I do a lot of backpacking with either a 6x6 camera (heavy) or a Nikon D300s. I would whittle your lenses down to the minimum. Get a good hiking pack that fits you, that is the most important. I am partial to Gregory Packs and have used them ski mountaineering (every volcano in the North Cascades except St. Helens, which blew up when I was living there) and ski mountaineering in CO as well as hiking. I like to have my camera ready at all times and take the camera without the pack.
The perfect solution for me are the Kata torso bags. They have an ingenious attachment system that lets you hook them onto your pack when hiking. You can attach them to virtually any pack, it does not have to be another Kata bag. Carrying one extra strap you can then carry the Kata bag alone. It does not interfere with hiking, skiing but does somewhat when climbing. Here is a link to the bag I have, they come in several different sizes. Mine will hold the D300s with a 80-200mm f2.8 lens attached. The Kata bags come a reversible rain/sun shade that works well and can go over the camera on the tripod as well if you are waiting in the rain/snow.
http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Version=Photo&p_Id=475
If you want more info, I can tell you what I bring for a tent, stove, etc. I can go on a 3 day trip and have pack and camera gear under 50lb.
Discussion
6 repliesI'm trying to put together a system to carry my photo gear on a long-weekend backpacking trip (up to 3 maybe 4 nights). The base is a 65L internal frame pack. But then I'd like some padding for my camera gear beyond shoving it in a wool sock. I'm hoping I can find a compact pack that will work both as a safe compartment for my camera gear while I'm on the trail, as well as an OK day-pack while out scouting.
The camera gear I'll be taking Canon 5D, 17-40L, 70-200 f/4L, CP, spare batteries, CF cards, CP, Gitzo 2542L tripod and possibly a 50 f/1.8 (tiny). The tripod I can lash to the side of the main pack, and I won't be taking it with me during any day-trips.
I've been looking at a few different Lowepro packs (but open to other brands), and I think there are a few possibilities that might work:
Topload Zoom AW
Off-Trail 2
SlingShot 100
Fastpack 100
If the pack is something I can safely stick a water bottle and a bag of nuts in, all the better. The Toploader and the Off-Trail seem like they're something I could attach to my main backpack's chest straps while I'm on the trail, which would be nice in case I come across any critters I want to get a picture of. Otherwise I would shove it inside the main pack or, if I don't have enough room, lash it to the side.
OK, what do you guys use for this purpose? Would I be better of trying to customize a regular day-pack? Forget about it and hire a team of sherpas?
Thanks a lot!
I had a look on Lowepro and examined the same stuff as you did. I finally decided to go with the Inverse 200 AW beltback. Size looks OK and weight 1kg, which still is acceptable. The main reason I went for it was, that if I decide to climb a peak from my camp, I can leave the stuff behind and just go with the beltpack. It has an option to mount my tripod and I can carry a bottle with it. On top it's waterproof too.
The Inverse 200 AW will not carry all my stuff so I will have to add one or to padded lens cases to the mix - but LowePro has some nice ones there too.
Let me know about your experience ... I will keep you updated about mine with the Inverse.
Take care ... Andreas.
Andreas, I'm leaning towards the belt configuration too. The Inverse series looks like a good option as well. I'm going to try to hit up a local shot to see if they have any of these in stock.
Thanks for replying!
I can fit two DSLR bodies both with vert grips attached, a film body, 70-200mm f/2.8, 180mm f/3.5 macro, 17-40mm, two teleconverters, extension tubes, assorted filters/filter holders, spare batteries, etc. This may work nicely for what your looking for. From the gear you described above you would have space left over for other equipment, food, water, etc.
The nice thing about this pack is when it's empty it weighs only 6.2 lbs and the equivalent Lowepro bag weighs 11.7 lbs. It also comes with a rain fly that reverses into a reflector for those bright, hot, sunny days. A laptop compartment is also built into the back which is nice. There are a lot of bells and whistles with this bag, but that's not the reason I got it. It was moderately cheap, it's light and it holds a lot of gear; and that is why I bought it. I've had it for a year and it is holding up amazingly well, I am very impressed with the quality.
If you are looking to bring a portable stove, tent, sleeping bag, and all the camping essentials I would just look into getting a normal hiking pack. It wont have the protection you need for the gear, but it will hold a lot more gear.
The perfect solution for me are the Kata torso bags. They have an ingenious attachment system that lets you hook them onto your pack when hiking. You can attach them to virtually any pack, it does not have to be another Kata bag. Carrying one extra strap you can then carry the Kata bag alone. It does not interfere with hiking, skiing but does somewhat when climbing. Here is a link to the bag I have, they come in several different sizes. Mine will hold the D300s with a 80-200mm f2.8 lens attached. The Kata bags come a reversible rain/sun shade that works well and can go over the camera on the tripod as well if you are waiting in the rain/snow.
http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Version=Photo&p_Id=475
If you want more info, I can tell you what I bring for a tent, stove, etc. I can go on a 3 day trip and have pack and camera gear under 50lb.
Good luck