Backpack Space

[spacefuzz]

I will use my mountaineering pack and just sneak whatever camera gear in around everything else I need.

I'm thinking about going that route also, but that would probably mean not having easy camera access.

Depending on your camera you can have one of the small lowe pro shoulder bags and have that outside of the pack when you want ready access to it. My preference for hiking is to just shoot with my camera phone while on the move and then bring out the big camera for golen hour shooting around camp.
I think the biggest benefit of using a traditional mountaineering pack with internal frame, its a hell of a lot more comfortable than all the camera packs I have tried over the years. Your back will thank you at mile 20.

 

[smenkhare]

lowepro Rover pro AW

I do like that one and the Photo Sport AW 200; now if I can just find one for a good price that won't make the wife freak out. I've checked out the F-Stop bags too and like the Loka; how's the ease of access to camera gear with that one?

I haven't used that one, but if it's like the others, your camera goes in a separate compartment which is accessible from the side.

 

[Steve5D]

Nowadays, backpacks might become unpopular...

Why is that? They're the easiest way to carry your gear along the trail.
To the OP. I'm looking at getting a F-Stop Tilopa. 48L capacity.

Boston?

How silly...

 

[Steve5D]

I use this one by Caselogic. It comfortably holds my 7D a Canon 24-70mm, Canon 70-200mm, 50mm, Tokina 11-16mm, a 2x extender and a bunch of accessories. It also has a very handy feature where you can pull the body/lens out of the top of the bag without having to open the entire pack. It also has a hard bottom so you can stand it up.

SLR Camera/Laptop Backpack - SLRC-206-BLACK | Caselogic

I like that. Where'd you pick that up?

I've got a Lowepro that I bought back in six or seven years ago, and the velcro is all but done in it. I really do need to replace the bag. I paid in the neighborhood of $200.00 for it, so I figure I got my money's worth...

 

[jdoug]

If I had unlimited funds, I'd probably get the Mindshift Rotation 180 from the ThinkTank people, but 1) it's not even out yet, and 2) looks like it's gonna be almost $400.

 

[jdoug]

Also just came across the now-discontinued LowePro Primus AW. Anybody have experience with that one? Looks like it comes in different sizes and has a nice waist belt.

 

[jdoug]

Got the LowePro Primus AW for my hiking trip last month. Was mostly OK, with a few exceptions of course, since like many have said, there is no such thing as the perfect camera bag.

Likes:
- Carried everything I needed to carry- camera body with zoom lens attached, 1-2 extra lenses, tripod, snacks, lunch, and water bladder.
- Nice waist belt and shoulder straps, as well as sufficient adjustment points such as load lifters and sternum strap.
- Easy camera access via the side access door.

Dislikes:
- Heavy. Bag alone is a few pounds, and when it's loaded it's pretty hefty. Even with all the straps adjusted as best as I could (I'm no expert but tried to read up as much as I could on how to adjust backpack straps) it was still a lot to carry.
- Ventilation of back panel isn't the greatest. Left me with the dreaded Sweaty Back Syndrome.
- Lack of outside compartments. To access gear and/or accessories besides the actual camera via the side door, you have to take the pack off.

After the trip, I scored a Clik Elite Compact Sport bag off of eBay for cheap, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet. Looks like it's a contender just from trying it on and wearing it around the living room though.