Backpack/Camera Bag...

[Soulchaser]

I'm an expedition photographer and have been playing around with various designs and modifications of the sort described above. My issue is I usually need a main rucksack and then something smaller to use once I've set up base camp or to use in the evenings.

Anyway, after years Of wasted money on pretty poor compromises I'm now in love with the Fstop gear. It is very pricey, but it's a modular system that is well constructed and lightweight if you choose the right bags. Personally I don't mind forking out if I know I'm gonna get 10 years use out of something and I'm sure these bags are gonna do more than that.

When I look at all the money wasted on bags that I now rarely use I feel great about the investment I made in this gear.

 

[Overread18 6]

Finally remembers the website The Vest Guy

Check it out for vests - they'll even do a fully custom vest to your specifications. You could even use one like Soulcaser wants, having it on with little in it and most in the rucksack and then once you've setup a base camp you can use the vest as a light carrying option for the day trips.

 

[Overread18 6]

Also a thought - part of this has to come down to how fast you want to and need to get at your gear whilst travelling. Backpacks are nearly always a slow affair at getting at your gear, there are some flipside ones that apparently are a little faster (but in reality aren't and mostly just save your back getting muddy because they open backwards) and there are ones with a quick access side pocket (I think the larger can fit something like a 70-200mm f2.8 but certainly nothing much bigger for quick draw).

Otherwise its a slower affair at getting at your wanted lens/item.

Also if you're hiking long distance chances are you've got to get from A to B in X amount of time (ergo before it gets really dark). So whilst you'd likely not be rushing, you also can't stop for a photo every 2 steps. So there is an element of practicality of having quick access to your gear.

I've personally found that sometimes you just need one camera - one lens and make do with that; learning to walk by some shots or use a light, small superzoom so that whilst you might not get stunning results you'll get good ones and be more varied in your focal range.

I'd also say that you want a carrying system that can leave you with both hands free at any point, so budget for the lens you are carrying and the camera you are carrying at the time in your space allowance. It might come down to heavy rain so you just want to put the camera away and press on; or you might meet some more rugged terrain that requires you to have both hands ready for stability and to help you over - plus you don't want your camera swinging around and suddenly CRACK there goes your front element on that long jutting rock spike.

 

[shefjr]

Is there a larger version of the Bumblebee? That is cool.

I own the kata bumblebee 222 back pack and I have to say I really don't think you would want to go any bigger. It's got a lot of room and gets heavy quick. Also kata was bought by manfrotto so you may want to check their website.