Bag for E-M10 and lenses while hiking

I am going on a couplw of trips over the next year (New Zealand and Galapagos) that will involve quite a bit of hiking. I will probably bring my E-M10 with 14-150mm lens attached, along with a 9-18mm for wide angle and a 75-300mm for longer telephoto shots. I need a bag that will hold those items and will work well while hiking. I have a couple of shoulder bags but I am not sure about hiking with them. I have never used a sling bag, but would consider it. A small backpack would work, but I am afraid that it would be too difficult to reach things in a hurry. I would like something as small and light as possible, but also work well for hiking (I know that I am probably asking for too much). Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave

Just to be clear are you talking about day hiking or multi-day hikes that require tent, sleeping bag, food, ect?

If it is just for a day hike then the Kata 3N1 family of bags are awesome:

http://www.kata-bags.com/Bag+Families/3N1+Family/3N1+Family/15524933

Tamrac Velocity sling or Lowpro 100 or 200 AW belt packs. Lots of choices.....

uberzone said:

Just to be clear are you talking about day hiking or multi-day hikes that require tent, sleeping bag, food, ect?

If it is just for a day hike then the Kata 3N1 family of bags are awesome:

http://www.kata-bags.com/Bag+Families/3N1+Family/3N1+Family/15524933

Click to expand...

Day hiking only.

Dave

Back in April I went through the exact search that you're on now. Only minor differences in our kits (mine is based around E-M1).

I ended up with the Tenba Discovery "mini" which was the perfect size for my kit of E-M1, 12-40, 40-150 and a rented Panny 7-14 super wide zoom. Top compartment held filters, SD card case, snacks, etc. Here's a link to the one I got on B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._321_Discovery_Mini_Photo_Tablet_Daypack.html

The other thing that I added to the setup was the Peak Designs Capture Clip Pro. Supercool base plate (ARCA compatible) that can "snap" and lock into the Capture Clip which I installed on the left strap of the backpack. That way the camera "hung" from the left strap and was in easy reach, but since we were doing some "technical" hiking in Utah, it left my hands completely free for balance, climbs, etc. If you aren't familiar with the Capture Clip you can check it out here. https://peakdesignltd.com/store/capturepro

I can't say enough good things about it for this sort of scenario. Good luck with your search.

i've had the Crumpler Sebang Outpost (small) on my radar for a while . . . it's not too big, it hugs the body so it's not flopping around when you hike, Crumpler is pretty well-respected for their designs and craftsmanship. the only thing that's been scaring me away is the $100 pricetag...

+1 Tenba. I have the Shootout 18L, great for hikes.

+1 Capture Clip. I prefer it on my hip, but regardless, beats lugging around your cam on a neck or shoulder strap.

If you really want efficient, consider a ThinkTank belt + Capture Clip + Hubba Hubba Hiney (also THinkTank). I used this combo Sunday all day at the zoo. It easily holds 3 giant lenses (I fit 2 Voigtlanders + Pan 100-300) and battery/ cards...plus it comes with a "rain coat". You can then use any old backpack for non-camera stuff.

I use this whilst hiking with GX1+ 3 lens/gorilla pod MFT kit:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/turnstyle-5-charcoal-sling.aspx

Got pics?

Hi Dave,

I've just been through the same dilemma as you, with an E-m10 with 14-42Z, a 75-300 & a 60mm macro. After much googling I decided on the Lowepro Transit 250 AW sling bag. The bag will easily fit the kit, with room to spare for future lenses/flash gun. Easy access to the camera, via the side opening. There is a dedicated space for a 10" tablet as well as a few zippered pockets for spare SD cards/batteries etc. A tripod can be attached on the side of the bag & the bag has a rain cover, stored in the bottom. There is also space in the top of the bag for snacks, a light wind/rain proof jacket etc. It unfortunately doesn't have a water bottle holder. The bag is very comfortable & light weight & I think it makes a great travel/hiking bag.

Hope this helps.

Kev

I seem to have been through everything, and I'm rarely satisfied. A lot depends on what you mean by "hiking." Something that works for just walking for short spells isn't gonna be great for difficult offtrail hiking. And you have to consider whether you need a pack for other stuff, and weatherproofing. And then quick access. Like so many gear choices everything is a trade off.

I've become a huge fan of Mountainsmith stuff. Well thought out, affordable, and they are a company that speciailizes first in outdoor gear (I like Lowe Pro as well for the same reason). Some bags I've seen that were designed by companies that do camera gear are rather lame for outdoor use, either in construction or design.

I use a Mountainsmith Quantum backpack. It's been superseded by another model. Big enough for all the lenses and gear, as well as attaching a monopod or tripod, extra clothes, etc. It works great as a large day pack even without a camera, and has movable partitions for making stuff snug, and a container for a big SLR that sits up top for easy access. Since it's too big for our tiny M43s, I keep a lens I'm likely to use, and/or filters in it too. Unlike a non-camera day pack it's got a lot of extra padding and stiffness to protect your stuff. And has pockets and whatnot that shield stuff from the wet, and the whole back has a hide-away rain cover.

Sometimes that's too much, so I use a Mountainsmith waist pack at times. Cinched tight it's so snug it can be a bit of a chore to get the camera out really fast. I usually carry the camera with the 14-42 on, with the 75-300 inside on the side (partitioned), and some filters and macro tubes in the bottom. It doesn't have a cover, but has a waterproof zipper that works well.

And if that's too much, I have Mountainsmith's Zoom shoulder carrier. I can just fit in the camera with the 75-300 on, and a couple of filters. I has a rudimentary waist belt so you can secure it to your side when doing a lot of bending.

I prefer the backpack and waist packs for any serious jaunts, since the shoulder bags I've used (I also have used a Timbuk2) flop around too much and are uncomfortable, for me.

In the bigger packs you can also use those nifty little neoprene cases for lenses and such for a bit more protection, especially if you are in and out changing lenses in bad weather.

If I need to get at the camera quickly, or if I using it a lot, I use a Joby Ultrafit sling and just don't put it back in the bag. It locks, so you can kind of sling it over your back. When I use it with the waist pack it just kind of sits on top of it, and is pretty stable. I put one of those cheapo neoprene covers over the camera if I need a bit more bump protection.

And a great place to buy these (or Crumpler or Lowe or Timbuk2) is at Sierra Trading Post. They always have a selection, and they are heavily discounted. They have the Crumpler "million dollar" series shoulder bags. And check eBags; their prices are also quite low and they have Mountainsmith and the others too.

Interesting read

You should be known as the Camera Bag King.

So, just how many bags do you own? :-D

Gotta wonder who on here owns more?

I do lots of hiking and I don't normally carry backpacks, nor sling bags

They 're are to get to quickly and heat up my back :-(

I prefer the waistpacks, and carry them in front or back

I can get to the lenses quickly whether the pack is on my back or front, just swing it around

They also have pockets for water and filters/batteries

I recommend the Lowepro for your lens selection


for smaller lenses I'd recommend this Mountainsmith


I have both and use them according to the lens setup I want to bring with me that day

Cheers,

dbelling said:

I am going on a couplw of trips over the next year (New Zealand and Galapagos) that will involve quite a bit of hiking. I will probably bring my E-M10 with 14-150mm lens attached, along with a 9-18mm for wide angle and a 75-300mm for longer telephoto shots. I need a bag that will hold those items and will work well while hiking. I have a couple of shoulder bags but I am not sure about hiking with them. I have never used a sling bag, but would consider it. A small backpack would work, but I am afraid that it would be too difficult to reach things in a hurry. I would like something as small and light as possible, but also work well for hiking (I know that I am probably asking for too much). Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave

Click to expand...

The LowePro Slingshot 200 Series is outstanding. It holds body with lens, plus 3 lenses, flash, smaller tripod plus charger, etc. Most important features: protects this level of equipment well, comfortable for an all day hike, can access all equipment without setting anything down (see comment below), sturdy construction and reasonable price.

One suggestion. I have changed the orientation of the lens compartments from "front to back" to "side to side". This change was critical for me since it provides 100% easy access to all lenses while on a hike by simply pulling the bag in front of you, which speeds access and avoids setting anything down in a harsh environment (the as designed orientation does not allow good access without opening the bag far enough to risk stored equipment from falling out). The bag Velcro set up is not perfect for this orientation, so I use 2 extra Velcro dividers over the lens compartment openings to provide more protection between camera and lenses when traveling and to add security for the lenses when the bag is partially open. With this change I can not imagine a better bag for my purposes - I believe for yours.

I looked at the market and could not find a better "all day hike" bag for a M 4/3 system with 3 or 4 lenses.

Drake

dbelling said:

I am going on a couplw of trips over the next year (New Zealand and Galapagos) that will involve quite a bit of hiking. I will probably bring my E-M10 with 14-150mm lens attached, along with a 9-18mm for wide angle and a 75-300mm for longer telephoto shots. I need a bag that will hold those items and will work well while hiking. I have a couple of shoulder bags but I am not sure about hiking with them. I have never used a sling bag, but would consider it. A small backpack would work, but I am afraid that it would be too difficult to reach things in a hurry. I would like something as small and light as possible, but also work well for hiking (I know that I am probably asking for too much). Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave

Click to expand...

You do not say how far you will hike each day.

For a serious day hike you need a proper hiking backpack, end of story.

I hike a lot in Italian Apennines and a proper backpack does not leave me with backache like the camera bag / backpacks I have tried in my misinformed past.

I keep my camera in a plastic bag in amongst all the other things like food and extra clothing. I have never damaged a camera this way.

http://nigelvoak.blogspot.it/

jefframm said:

Back in April I went through the exact search that you're on now. Only minor differences in our kits (mine is based around E-M1).

I ended up with the Tenba Discovery "mini" which was the perfect size for my kit of E-M1, 12-40, 40-150 and a rented Panny 7-14 super wide zoom. Top compartment held filters, SD card case, snacks, etc. Here's a link to the one I got on B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._321_Discovery_Mini_Photo_Tablet_Daypack.html

The other thing that I added to the setup was the Peak Designs Capture Clip Pro. Supercool base plate (ARCA compatible) that can "snap" and lock into the Capture Clip which I installed on the left strap of the backpack. That way the camera "hung" from the left strap and was in easy reach, but since we were doing some "technical" hiking in Utah, it left my hands completely free for balance, climbs, etc. If you aren't familiar with the Capture Clip you can check it out here. https://peakdesignltd.com/store/capturepro

I can't say enough good things about it for this sort of scenario. Good luck with your search.

Click to expand...

I also +1 the Tenba Discovery. I have the large and not the mini and do not mind the extra size. It is extremely light... astonishingly so even. I've had it for a few months now and still holds up well.

Good luck!

I love sling bags and sling straps. Great for hiking. I have the LowePro Slingshot 200 AW. As others have said, the ability to reach your gear without having to put anything down is a huge plus.

I also use a TrekPod for longer hikes. This is a hiking staff with monopod and basic tripod features. It has ball head, camera attachment and "hidden" tripod legs.

Carrying the hiking stick, with camera on a sling strap, it's a quick motion to attach camera to the TrekPod and get a stable shot.

I'd like to note also that on a personal preference level, I much prefer a backpack to a sling pack for hiking. For long hikes and/or hikes that require some climbing or uneven terrain, slings end up killing my back. They are generally not stabilized well and I just find that they become extremely uncomfortable for me to wear for extended periods of time.

I've never had a waist pack but would be willing to try those types of bags as I feel that they would provide a decent alternative to a backpack with very quick access.

Just my 2 cents.

-Pete

I have the Lowepro 202AW Slingshot bag, and would not trade it for another hiking bag. Easy to access my camera, carries my E-M1 w/12-40mm, Oly 75-300mm, Oly 40-150mm (or Pany 35-100mm f/2.8, Oly 9-18mm, and Bower 7.5mm Fisheye; plus FL-600, FL-LM2, spare batteries, charger, and filters.

It has a strap to mount my Benro 'MeFoto' tripod and also has a rain cover -- it is a super good hiking bag. All for about $70 at your favorite camera gear store.

A lot of great information from everyone. I was tending toward a sling pack, but now I am not sure. I have awhile before I must decide. I may have to order a couple that look promising before I make a final decision (I live in a very small community with neither a camera nor electronics store, so I cannot look at them locally). Thanks again.

Dave

daddyo said:

I have the Lowepro 202AW Slingshot bag, and would not trade it for another hiking bag. Easy to access my camera, carries my E-M1 w/12-40mm, Oly 75-300mm, Oly 40-150mm (or Pany 35-100mm f/2.8, Oly 9-18mm, and Bower 7.5mm Fisheye; plus FL-600, FL-LM2, spare batteries, charger, and filters.

It has a strap to mount my Benro 'MeFoto' tripod and also has a rain cover -- it is a super good hiking bag. All for about $70 at your favorite camera gear store.

--
God Bless,
Greg
www.imagismphotos.com
www.mccroskery.zenfolio.com
www.pbase.com/daddyo

Click to expand...

I mentioned in my initial post, a change I made to the Slingshot 200 - nothing physical, just the layout. Re-orienting the compartments to a side to side position makes the bag much more user friendly in difficult environments. I hike in many places where setting anything down is a issue, so now when I swing the bag to the front and unzip the side door all the lenses are available to remove without unbuckling the security strap.

I did add 2 additional dividers (shown folded down for viewing purposes) from another bag. These serve to secure the lenses in their compartment for this orientation. The attached photo shows this arrangement.

Drale