Camera Backpack for Hiking

On Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:55:30 -0800 (PST), "syzygy.sounds"
<syzygy.sounds RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:

>I'm an avid hiker and I'd like to find a backpack for my camera and
>lenses.

It's not a camera backpack, but I like the North Face Solaris 40
(http://tinyurl.com/28wmpz) for that sort of thing. I put my lenses in neoprene
bags and have a neoprene 'square' to wrap the camera boy in, and use the ice axe
loop and side strap for my tripod. The pack is very comfortable.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

On Fri, 1 Feb 2008 07:16:17 -0800 (PST), "syzygy.sounds"
<syzygy.sounds.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote:

>Where do you find an assortment of neoprene bags to suit your needs?

I use Snoot Boots in various sizes, and mostly get them mail order from B&H
(http://tinyurl.com/yowgao), although camera shops carry them too.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

"syzygy.sounds" <syzygy.sounds.DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote in news:902585f5-6d3a-431c-
8b47-de07b78dec79.DeleteThis@h11g2000prf.googlegroups.com:

> I'm an avid hiker and I'd like to find a backpack for my camera and
> lenses. Typically, I carry a body together with four somewhat large
> lenses (Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 50mm f/1.2 L, 16-35mm f/2.8L, 180mm
> f/3.5L macro) and a tripod. Since I'll often hike 10-20 miles, I like
> to have room for a camelbak bladder and some food. Are there other
> hikers out there that might have a recommendation for a backpack? The
> weight doesn't bother me as long as the backpack is comfortable.

Consider the LowePro line. Some of them have a built-in "raincoat" that
can be pulled over the entire backpack if you get caught in bad weather.
All are very comfortable for hiking. Most have a tripod holder on the side
of the backpack. Larger ones have waist belts. Interiors are well-padded
and infinitely adjustable. Happy Trails, ~Ray
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

In article
<ddebbc68-36b5-4034-8913-52f69f9354d5 DeleteThis @h11g2000prf.googlegroups.com>,
"syzygy.sounds" <syzygy.sounds DeleteThis @gmail.com> wrote:

> On Feb 1, 4:41 am, Charlie Choc <charlie.c... DeleteThis @gmail.com.invalid>
> wrote:
>
> > It's not a camera backpack, but I like the North Face Solaris 40
> > (http://tinyurl.com/28wmpz) for that sort of thing. I put my lenses in
> > neoprene
> > bags and have a neoprene 'square' to wrap the camera boy in, and use the
> > ice axe
> > loop and side strap for my tripod. The pack is very comfortable.
>
> Where do you find an assortment of neoprene bags to suit your needs?
> Do you find them in camera shops, outdoor shops, or stores that sell
> computer equipment? It seems like you've got to purchase those items
> in person to make sure they fit your lenses and other gear.

Where you you live? I am fortunate enough to live within a reasonable
driving distance of B&H Camera and Video in NYC, so when I was shopping
for a backpack style camera bag, that's where I went. I have a Lowepro
bag that serves me well. I have worn it all day walking around NYC and
not had any problems. Selecting a camera bag is a personal decision
though, especially one that you wear so google for camera stores in your
area and see what you can find there.
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

On Feb 5, 4:40 am, Shawn Hirn <s....TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote:
> Where you you live? I am fortunate enough to live within a reasonable
> driving distance of B&H Camera and Video in NYC, so when I was shopping
> for abackpackstyle camera bag, that's where I went. I have a Lowepro
> bag that serves me well. I have worn it all day walking around NYC and
> not had any problems. Selecting a camera bag is a personal decision
> though, especially one that you wear so google for camera stores in your
> area and see what you can find there.

You're right about it being a particularly personal decision. I live
in Los Angeles, which has a number of good camera shops with large
selections (most notably, Samy's). I've ordered most of my equipment
through B&H, though I probably need to "try out" any bag or backpack
that I plan to carry for 10 hours at a time. Do you find that your
can access lenses out of your Lowepro fairly quickly?
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

On Feb 7, 4:37 am, Charlie Choc <charlie.c... RemoveThis @gmail.com.invalid>
wrote:

> FWIW, I have a couple of LowePro bags (Rover AW II, and Photo Trekker AW II),
> and they are OK as packs and OK as camera bags, but not great at either. That's
> why I opted for the North Face for long hikes since it is much more comfortable
> to carry. Pretty much any bag large enough for day hiking will need to be taken
> off to access camera and lenses, anyway. LowePro has quite a line of bags,
> though, so you may be able to find one that is comfortable enough.

Maybe it's hard to describe, but why do you find the Solaris 40 more
comfortable? (If it's just an answer of the sort "it's just feels
better on my back," then fair enough.) One of my concerns is that
I'll see some wildlife and want to switch to a telephoto lense.
Currently, my lenses are in a pile (protected with cases) in my
backpack and it takes a bit of time scrambling through them. On the
surface, the compartments/partitions I see in some the LowePro bags
looks appealing from that standpoint. However, if it doesn't feel
right, then it's probably not a great idea for a series of 20 mile
hikes.
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

On Wed, 6 Feb 2008 18:26:31 -0800 (PST), "syzygy.sounds"
<syzygy.sounds.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote:

> Do you find that your
>can access lenses out of your Lowepro fairly quickly?

FWIW, I have a couple of LowePro bags (Rover AW II, and Photo Trekker AW II),
and they are OK as packs and OK as camera bags, but not great at either. That's
why I opted for the North Face for long hikes since it is much more comfortable
to carry. Pretty much any bag large enough for day hiking will need to be taken
off to access camera and lenses, anyway. LowePro has quite a line of bags,
though, so you may be able to find one that is comfortable enough.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

On Thu, 7 Feb 2008 07:10:05 -0800 (PST), "syzygy.sounds"
<syzygy.sounds.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote:

>Maybe it's hard to describe, but why do you find the Solaris 40 more
>comfortable?

Better padding on the shoulder straps, better hip support, the "Verti-Cool" back
on the North Face makes it more comfortable in hot weather...

>One of my concerns is that
>I'll see some wildlife and want to switch to a telephoto lense.
>Currently, my lenses are in a pile (protected with cases) in my
>backpack and it takes a bit of time scrambling through them. On the
>surface, the compartments/partitions I see in some the LowePro bags
>looks appealing from that standpoint. However, if it doesn't feel
>right, then it's probably not a great idea for a series of 20 mile
>hikes.

If I'm in an area where I expect wildlife I usually keep my telephoto lens on
the camera when I'm walking and switch to/from my landscape lenses as needed
when I stop. I also have LowePro Topload Zoom AW (http://tinyurl.com/224ljr)
that I use sometimes with the chest harness so my camera is always handy. The
only downside of this is that it blocks the view of your feet, so if you are on
a trail with a lot of vertical exposure you have to be extra careful.
--
Charlie...
http://www.chocphoto.com
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

syzygy.sounds wrote:
> On Feb 7, 4:37 am, Charlie Choc <charlie.c... RemoveThis @gmail.com.invalid>
> wrote:
>
>> FWIW, I have a couple of LowePro bags (Rover AW II, and Photo
>> Trekker AW II), and they are OK as packs and OK as camera bags,
>> but not great at either. That's why I opted for the North Face for
>> long hikes since it is much more comfortable to carry. Pretty much
>> any bag large enough for day hiking will need to be taken off to
>> access camera and lenses, anyway. LowePro has quite a line of
>> bags, though, so you may be able to find one that is comfortable
>> enough.
>
> Maybe it's hard to describe, but why do you find the Solaris 40 more
> comfortable? (If it's just an answer of the sort "it's just feels
> better on my back," then fair enough.) One of my concerns is that
> I'll see some wildlife and want to switch to a telephoto lense.
> Currently, my lenses are in a pile (protected with cases) in my
> backpack and it takes a bit of time scrambling through them. On the
> surface, the compartments/partitions I see in some the LowePro bags
> looks appealing from that standpoint. However, if it doesn't feel
> right, then it's probably not a great idea for a series of 20 mile
> hikes.

Domke made (or at least sold) this "Outpack" for a short while.
http://www.fototime.com/inv/21DA7B14175D55D

It is a marvel that works just as described in its literature. I guess
it wasn't a big hit, since it's now only available after a
considerable search, if at all. I got it from a New York firm who have
apparently closed or assumed another identity. The list price was $350
or so; the "outlet" Outpack price was like $150.

I like it for its various ways of accessing the storage areas without
diving through several layers of paraphernalia, and for its
adjustability as an appliance to load equipment on an erect pack
animal.

I've only done a few one- or two-hour walks as practice and
test-and-tune episodes, but it started comfortable and got better from
there.

If you are not alone, you can impose on your partner and never have to
doff it to change equipment.

--
Frank ess
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking 

In article
<f27b7eab-9903-4609-aa08-aded376a541e.RemoveThis@u10g2000prn.googlegroups.com>,
"syzygy.sounds" <syzygy.sounds.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Feb 5, 4:40 am, Shawn Hirn <s....RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote:
> > Where you you live? I am fortunate enough to live within a reasonable
> > driving distance of B&H Camera and Video in NYC, so when I was shopping
> > for abackpackstyle camera bag, that's where I went. I have a Lowepro
> > bag that serves me well. I have worn it all day walking around NYC and
> > not had any problems. Selecting a camera bag is a personal decision
> > though, especially one that you wear so google for camera stores in your
> > area and see what you can find there.
>
> You're right about it being a particularly personal decision. I live
> in Los Angeles, which has a number of good camera shops with large
> selections (most notably, Samy's). I've ordered most of my equipment
> through B&H, though I probably need to "try out" any bag or backpack
> that I plan to carry for 10 hours at a time. Do you find that your
> can access lenses out of your Lowepro fairly quickly?

I have to take my backpack off before I can get anything out of it, but
that's fine with me. There are several types of camera backpacks that
are designed so you can quickly access lenses through a side flap
without taking the backpack off.
 >> Stay informed about: Camera Backpack for Hiking