I can't go on carrying all my stuff in a photovest and/or on a strap over my shoulder. Having one body around my neck, and another on a tripod on my shoulder, and a 300 f2.8 hanging from one shoulder, adding a 70-200 f2.8 in its case hanging from the other shoulder finally convinced me I need a backpack. I would ask photogs I'd see in the field wearing a backpack, mostly Lowepro, how they liked it. They all loved them. I have no local store to check them out and compare, so after comparing on the web and reading all the backpack threads here I chose a Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II. It arrived from B&H today.
My first reaction was "Wow, it's heavy"! It's specs say it's 9.2 lbs. It also seems big on the outside and not so big on the inside. Without even putting my gear in it yet, I'm having buyer's remorse. I'm almost thinking of returning it and investigating a harness type modular carrying system.
I don't really ever hike more than a couple of miles, but often it's in mud or water and there's no place to put anything down. Sitting or kneeling in mud or standing in knee-deep water with a big lens hanging from one's shoulder is cumbersome and I wonder if a modular system, with it hanging from the waist, would be much better.
Will I find that I love the Nature Trekker? or will I hate it?
I find that first impressions are hard to change. If it's not working for you, I say return it. I've had a number of LowePro packs and it's always been a love/hate relationship. So far my favorite photo pack is a Tenba, mostly thanks to the suspension which is more comfortable to me. Keep trying until you find the one that works best.
Guy
Posted by Doug Dolde on March 23, 2006 at 10:09 PM
I really like my Lightware BP1420. It's really bid and has a pretty good harness.
Posted by Scott Buckel on March 23, 2006 at 10:14 PM
Just a couple of months ago I purchased a Mountainsmith Parallax bag. It is smaller than the LowePro, but I think it holds as much gear. I think the pack is well made and I really have liked working from it.
Posted by Becky Wolfe on March 24, 2006 at 10:57 AM
Hey Buck,
I've been eyeballing those LowePro hiker packs for a while but have shyed away so far. As a hiker, before a photographer, I had always used a day pack made by Deuter for the feature that it keeps the pack off my back about 2 1/ 2 inches with a breathable mesh & it is the best feature so I'm waiting for a camera pack to have this feature but haven't seen one yet! But, I'm running out of room to properly carry camera stuff, so I'm interested to hear what you decide to do also!
Buck, interesting responses so far - I have 2 Lowepro packs and like them both quite well. One is the model you mentioned and I think that's the one I carry my large format system in. It's really not clear to me how you can have buyer's remorse when you haven't put your gear in it yet?? How do you know what it can do, how it will feel, etc? You don't have to take the tags off, but at least arrange your gear in the pack in some sort of reasonable order, pick it up and walk around the block with it. If you do not have local stores, you really should take advantage of this "shopping" opportunity whether you return the pack. I suspect it's bigger inside than you think (it fits all my LF gear just fine, including 4x5, 4 lenses, light meter, film holder, etc), and the only way to know if it's too heavy is to load it and carry it. If it doesn't work, then there are already other possible options for you mentioned above. But if you DO like, then you're done and you can go concentrate on shooting!!
I didn't read all of these replies so if this repeats any of it, just ignore that part.
When it comes to packing gear for a photo hike I have found that two things are most important in my case, first of all being able to carry everything I will need for what I intend to shoot, (which means make a list of every item for each type hike) and then find a pack that will carry the items in the longest list.
2nd - I almost never use backpacks. I have always found them to be more hassle than I cared to deal with, so I only use the waist pack models. I do this for several reasons, #1 - many waist packs also come with shoulder straps so for large packs you have two ways to carry the weight. #2 - waist packs are easy to get into any time you need something. You can carry them on your side or front and have everything right at hand. #3 - if you need to carry a bit more than will fit in a large waist pack you can always use a second smaller one to carry the rest. In fact I always carry two, the second small one being for film, filters or any other small items like that which you then don''t have to dig down in a large pack for.
Backpacks are a real pain to deal with if when you need to take them off to get to a piece of gear to take a shot you are not then ready for, and if it's an animal, forget it. They will be gone before you even get the pack open. There are few backpacks that will carry more gear than two good size waist packs will, and they sure won't do it with less hassles. I have one backpack that usually only gets used to carry equipment around in the truck, so I will have it along on the trip, but otherwise only gets carried on certain kind of hikes that the extra hassle won't matter much.
I just received a KATA #WS-604 bag for a product review and it is a great waist pack. Large enough to need a shoulder strap, but with the ease of using a waist pack that you don't have to take off every time you need something in it.
So in your case I would say to FIRST deside what all you need to carry on a hike and then only buy what it takes to pack that much. It doesn't make a lot of sense to bust your back carrying every item you own and then quit because your back can't take it any more. A person can carry twice as much around their waist than they can on their back.
Posted by Kent Staubus on March 24, 2006 at 6:19 PM
I've been using the LowePro Offtrail 2 belt system and really like it. It puts the weight on my hips rather than my back making it great for hiking in difficult terrain. It has a shoulder harness that distributes the weight well and keeps it from falling down too. I can easily reach around and pull out my camera, and put it back without taking the pack off. I add or subtract pouches depending on what I want to carry. My tripod is slung over my back using a detachable rifle sling. While I'm not sure if your 300mm f2.8 would fit into a pouch, you could carry it in a small high riding backpack with your other hiking stuff. Generally, the lower on your body you can put the weight, the better.
I'll add that if you find yourself having to shoot while standing on wet ground or actually in water, I don't see anyway a backpack is going to work for you. You need something that you don't have to take off, unless you have a duckboat or something of course.
Kent in SD
Posted by Randy Cowan on March 24, 2006 at 9:12 PM
Have you looked at Moose Peterson's bags? He used to use Lowe and now makes 3 different bags of his own. I am going for the MP5 soon, but the MP3 may work for you.
http://www.moosepeterson.com/gear/mp3.html
I don't think his have quite the suspension system of the Lowe bags, but if you are not going too far they may work.
Posted by Rick Waller on March 25, 2006 at 1:24 AM
I have a collection of backpacks that I have abandoned for field work for all of the reasons explained above - most notably because the gear is just too inaccesible in a hurry.
I have been using my ThinkTank Pro Modulus belt system (which I use often for sideline sports photography) in the field. A great way to haul gear and have it accessible.
Much better than any other belt and suspender system like the LowePro Field and Stream. The various pouches and tubes can be locked in place on the belt or can move around freely. Your choice and a very hand option. Also - every item comes with an easily deployable built in rain cover if the weather turns nasty.
This will not make your gear any less heavy; what it will do is allow you to carry it and still access it in a hurry. And - the total weight of the system is much less than that of a backpack.
I now use my backpack to garry my gear throught the airport and on to the planes. Then when I arrive on site, I leave the pack in the hotel and use the belt system
and while on that site - look at their Airport Addicted backpack. If you want a backpack - this one is exceptional. Lately, I have looked at the Airport Security Roller which is essentially their backpack on wheels. Seems like a better idea to roll the gear through the airport and on to the plane than humping it on my back.
If you decide to buy any Think Tank gear - call Henry's Camera in Toronto. I live in NY and found that Henry's price on thinkTank gear is substantially less than the US shops and the service is excellent. Ask for Yuji F if you call. Henry's prices on other gear tends to be more expensive than the US shops - but for some reason, on thinktank gear - they are the best.
Posted by Andy Richards on March 25, 2006 at 9:52 AM
This thread of replies shows just how different we are in our approaches. Ironically, I went BACK to a vest setup a few years back. I tried shoulder bags, waist packs and backpacks (haven't tried the Belt system though--maybe I'll look at that). As I have more fully embraced digital, I have gotten into a "less-is-more" mode. I carry one body, two fairly small primes (for w/a and macro), a small zoom, and when appropriate, my 300 f2.8. The small lenses fit well in the vest, as does a flash, and pz filters and a small "grey" card. I carry the tripod over my shoulder. It is light, and very accessible. I have a case for the 300, which I have rigged a shoulder strap for. The backpack was--as you note--bulky on the outside and smallish on the inside. Mostly, though, it was not very accessible. Difficult to get on (especially fully loaded) and you had to take it off to get at anything. And, as noted, it was hot. It became something I left in the car. Ultimately, I gave it to a buddy who "coveted" it and went with a messenger style bag for general carry.
I have never found a "photo vest" that worked well for me. Ultimately I have gone with a lightweight fabric all-purpose vest (I think I got it at a Woolrich outlet store for around $40). It has several large pockets and a minimum of the small ones. A couple are useful, but most of the time, there are too many to remember where things are and they are too small to fit useful items.
I guess the best advice which has been indirectly given in the thread is to think about your own shooting style and how the equipment will fit your needs.
Boy, I wish I had checked with y'all before I bought this backpack.
After handling the backpack a bit, I realize that I hadn't thought out how I would use it. I think I'd be reluctant to put it in mud or water, strap side down, to get stuff out of it and then put it back on my back. Thanks to all who suggeted other backpacks, but I have come to the belated realization that perhaps a backpack doesn't fit my need after all, especially due to the accessibility issue.
I packed my gear in it. Although it's bulky on the outside, it doesn't hold as much as I had expected. I would still have to carry the Wimberly Sidekick, for example. in the vest. I had been carrying it attached to the 300mm lens hanging from my shoulder. I've pretty much decided to return the Nature Trekker but I haven't decided what to do in lieu of it.
Some sort of waist pack or belt system would perhaps be more suitable, so I will check into those, including a couple that were mentioned in the thread above. I'll let you know.
Thanks again, everyone, for the terrific responses to my query.
Well just another idea, even though it's a backpac is the Crumpler The Karachi Outpost Photo/ Laptop Backpack, for Screens up to 17". These are avaliable from Adorama, and are made in OZ.
Read a review on them http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/crumpler_karachi_outpost_backpack
Discussion
12 repliesMy first reaction was "Wow, it's heavy"! It's specs say it's 9.2 lbs. It also seems big on the outside and not so big on the inside. Without even putting my gear in it yet, I'm having buyer's remorse. I'm almost thinking of returning it and investigating a harness type modular carrying system.
I don't really ever hike more than a couple of miles, but often it's in mud or water and there's no place to put anything down. Sitting or kneeling in mud or standing in knee-deep water with a big lens hanging from one's shoulder is cumbersome and I wonder if a modular system, with it hanging from the waist, would be much better.
Will I find that I love the Nature Trekker? or will I hate it?
Any advice?
Guy
I've been eyeballing those LowePro hiker packs for a while but have shyed away so far. As a hiker, before a photographer, I had always used a day pack made by Deuter for the feature that it keeps the pack off my back about 2 1/ 2 inches with a breathable mesh & it is the best feature so I'm waiting for a camera pack to have this feature but haven't seen one yet! But, I'm running out of room to properly carry camera stuff, so I'm interested to hear what you decide to do also!
CJ
When it comes to packing gear for a photo hike I have found that two things are most important in my case, first of all being able to carry everything I will need for what I intend to shoot, (which means make a list of every item for each type hike) and then find a pack that will carry the items in the longest list.
2nd - I almost never use backpacks. I have always found them to be more hassle than I cared to deal with, so I only use the waist pack models. I do this for several reasons, #1 - many waist packs also come with shoulder straps so for large packs you have two ways to carry the weight. #2 - waist packs are easy to get into any time you need something. You can carry them on your side or front and have everything right at hand. #3 - if you need to carry a bit more than will fit in a large waist pack you can always use a second smaller one to carry the rest. In fact I always carry two, the second small one being for film, filters or any other small items like that which you then don''t have to dig down in a large pack for.
Backpacks are a real pain to deal with if when you need to take them off to get to a piece of gear to take a shot you are not then ready for, and if it's an animal, forget it. They will be gone before you even get the pack open. There are few backpacks that will carry more gear than two good size waist packs will, and they sure won't do it with less hassles. I have one backpack that usually only gets used to carry equipment around in the truck, so I will have it along on the trip, but otherwise only gets carried on certain kind of hikes that the extra hassle won't matter much.
I just received a KATA #WS-604 bag for a product review and it is a great waist pack. Large enough to need a shoulder strap, but with the ease of using a waist pack that you don't have to take off every time you need something in it.
So in your case I would say to FIRST deside what all you need to carry on a hike and then only buy what it takes to pack that much. It doesn't make a lot of sense to bust your back carrying every item you own and then quit because your back can't take it any more. A person can carry twice as much around their waist than they can on their back.
I'll add that if you find yourself having to shoot while standing on wet ground or actually in water, I don't see anyway a backpack is going to work for you. You need something that you don't have to take off, unless you have a duckboat or something of course.
Kent in SD
http://www.moosepeterson.com/gear/mp3.html
I don't think his have quite the suspension system of the Lowe bags, but if you are not going too far they may work.
I have been using my ThinkTank Pro Modulus belt system (which I use often for sideline sports photography) in the field. A great way to haul gear and have it accessible.
Much better than any other belt and suspender system like the LowePro Field and Stream. The various pouches and tubes can be locked in place on the belt or can move around freely. Your choice and a very hand option. Also - every item comes with an easily deployable built in rain cover if the weather turns nasty.
This will not make your gear any less heavy; what it will do is allow you to carry it and still access it in a hurry. And - the total weight of the system is much less than that of a backpack.
I now use my backpack to garry my gear throught the airport and on to the planes. Then when I arrive on site, I leave the pack in the hotel and use the belt system
look here:
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ProMod.php
and while on that site - look at their Airport Addicted backpack. If you want a backpack - this one is exceptional. Lately, I have looked at the Airport Security Roller which is essentially their backpack on wheels. Seems like a better idea to roll the gear through the airport and on to the plane than humping it on my back.
If you decide to buy any Think Tank gear - call Henry's Camera in Toronto. I live in NY and found that Henry's price on thinkTank gear is substantially less than the US shops and the service is excellent. Ask for Yuji F if you call. Henry's prices on other gear tends to be more expensive than the US shops - but for some reason, on thinktank gear - they are the best.
I have never found a "photo vest" that worked well for me. Ultimately I have gone with a lightweight fabric all-purpose vest (I think I got it at a Woolrich outlet store for around $40). It has several large pockets and a minimum of the small ones. A couple are useful, but most of the time, there are too many to remember where things are and they are too small to fit useful items.
I guess the best advice which has been indirectly given in the thread is to think about your own shooting style and how the equipment will fit your needs.
After handling the backpack a bit, I realize that I hadn't thought out how I would use it. I think I'd be reluctant to put it in mud or water, strap side down, to get stuff out of it and then put it back on my back. Thanks to all who suggeted other backpacks, but I have come to the belated realization that perhaps a backpack doesn't fit my need after all, especially due to the accessibility issue.
I packed my gear in it. Although it's bulky on the outside, it doesn't hold as much as I had expected. I would still have to carry the Wimberly Sidekick, for example. in the vest. I had been carrying it attached to the 300mm lens hanging from my shoulder. I've pretty much decided to return the Nature Trekker but I haven't decided what to do in lieu of it.
Some sort of waist pack or belt system would perhaps be more suitable, so I will check into those, including a couple that were mentioned in the thread above. I'll let you know.
Thanks again, everyone, for the terrific responses to my query.
Read a review on them http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/crumpler_karachi_outpost_backpack