Hiking backpacks/waist packs for photo gear?

[olgabe]

Hi all,

I'm looking ofr a recommendation for a good hiking solution.. any hikers out there? I've been using my mid-size camelback for hikes, and my hiking pole doubles up as monopod, so it's been relatively convenient, but not ideal in terms of equipment protection - I did get the camera wet a couple times, and banged the backpack on some rocks too.. and it's not padded on the outside at all. I've also taken my Lowerpro slingshot out on hikes but if I'm doing anything beyond 5-6 miles, I come back home all lopsided

I'm looking for a bag that carries 1 DSLR with a wide zoom lens attached, an extra zoom and a small prime lens, small pockets for accessories, an option of hooking up the tripod, ideally (yes, I may be dreaming here...) has built in pocket for a hydration pack.. and some room to put a snack or two in It's got to be lightweight and fit a short person (they have not started making gender specific camera bags yet, have they?), and have easy access.

I've been also consideing a waist pack as an option, but not sure if that's a convenient solution for longer walks - that assumes hand-carrying the camera and using the waist pack for spare lens, accessories and water, but having room for the camera in case it rains or when you need both hands for climbing. Has anyone done that? How does that work on relatively long walks?

Thank you!!

[dakwegmo]

I've been looking for something like this too, and haven't found anything that exactly matches what I'm looking for. I think bag makers are scared off by the idea of adding a hydration bladder to a camera bag, but I could be wrong about that.

The solution I've been using, and works great for everything but the tripod is to use a large CamelBak, and keep my glass in padded Lowepro lens cases in the bag. If you're pack has a waist belt, you can slip the cases on it to keep them handy. These are the best solution I've found for carrying water and other essentials, and my camera gear on longer day hikes.

As I said, I've yet to find a solution for my tripod. I have tried lashing it to the outside of my pack with mixed results. I can attach it, but it always feels awkward. I suspect because the pack doesn't have anything rigid to help support the weight of the tripod. I've been meaning to try it with a small pack that has a frame sheet or similar support in the pack, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

[gazsus]

Take a look here ; Digital Photography School - Photography Forums - Search Results
Plenty of similar discussions, helped me find this ; Wilkinson Cameras / Bags, Cases & Straps / Lowepro / Backpacks / LOWEPRO MINI TREKKER AW BLACK

[Cherokee Maiden]

I have a new backpack made by canon I think it might be what you are looking for. It is padded on the inside and has adjustable interior "pockets" that move wherever you place them. Canon Backpack for camera - Black Nylon, Polyester This is just a pic of it on the web I pulled off. Go and check it out in person. Good luck shopping!

[olgabe]

Awesome, thank you so much for the links and hints, especially for that collection of searches from the past!!
Olga

[A5H]

I'm looking for one of these too, and like the look of the LowePro Rover AW2
However, as you want the water reservoir check out the LowePro DryZone Rover

[Rolling Stone]

I believe Thinktank has what you need. I'm sure I've seen one that would fit ALL of your requirements.

[dcclark]

I would encourage you all to really, seriously consider whether you need all of that equipment out on a hike!

I'm a serious hiker, backpacker, and camper. In fact, my primary subjects for photography are lost ruins in the wilderness (I live in a very remote area). Carrying a ton of camera gear is a bad idea when weight and efficiency is key. I usually bring my Nikon D40 with one lens attached, and nothing else. This can either be slung around my shoulder and ride on my hip (if no backpack) or ride in my "brain case" (if I have a pack).

Not to mention that changing lenses out in the middle of nowhere is just asking for crap to land on your sensor, waterfall spray to get into your mirrorbox, and lens caps and hoods to disappear, never to be seen again.

Then again, I'm an ultralite sort of guy, my camera is one of my heavier pieces of equipment.

[Bluenoser]

Originally Posted by dcclark

I would encourage you all to really, seriously consider whether you need all of that equipment out on a hike!

I'm a serious hiker, backpacker, and camper. In fact, my primary subjects for photography are lost ruins in the wilderness (I live in a very remote area). Carrying a ton of camera gear is a bad idea when weight and efficiency is key. I usually bring my Nikon D40 with one lens attached, and nothing else. This can either be slung around my shoulder and ride on my hip (if no backpack) or ride in my "brain case" (if I have a pack).

Not to mention that changing lenses out in the middle of nowhere is just asking for crap to land on your sensor, waterfall spray to get into your mirrorbox, and lens caps and hoods to disappear, never to be seen again.

Then again, I'm an ultralite sort of guy, my camera is one of my heavier pieces of equipment.

Interesting - myself, I would much rather change my lenses out in the middle of nowhere where the air is clear and pure compared to changing them at home/in the city where there's more crap in the air than one would want to know about.

To each his own I know, but I hike a lot and always take more than one lens, because Murphy's Law dictates that the lens you leave behind is the one you'll most wish you had brought along.

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

Interesting - myself, I would much rather change my lenses out in the middle of nowhere where the air is clear and pure compared to changing them at home/in the city where there's more crap in the air than one would want to know about.

To each his own I know, but I hike a lot and always take more than one lens, because Murphy's Law dictates that the lens you leave behind is the one you'll most wish you had brought along.

Heh, while I definitely understand you...

- I may just put myself in more ridiculous situations, but I generally find that blowing sand, water spray, rain, snow, etc. is more likely to get into my camera when I'm outside.

- I like the mental exercise of using only one lens. It doesn't limit you, so much as force you to find new an interesting angles (of course, for this reason my favorite lens is my Nikon 18-200 VR...)

- When it comes to hiking and backpacking, planning ahead is key. I know there will always be that one situation where you really wish you'd brought that 120mm macro, but with careful planning that can usually be avoided.

As you say, to each his own. My style is extremely minimal, which I know isn't true for a lot of other people -- so I like to give my point of view as a contrast. Thanks for the good discussion!