Looking for a combination hiking and camera bag

RobBass

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I am looking for a medium sized backpack that has an area for a mirrorless camera, Sony A7II and 2 lenses plus accessories and an area to store a rain jacket and other things you would bring along while hiking such as water bottle. I have done some Google searches but not really found what I am looking for.
 
That doesn't give folks much to work on in terms of offering relevant suggestions...

Have you looked at B&H? They have about 434 options here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Carrying+Options_Backpack&ci=176&N=4075788794+4122974928

At minimum that should get you a good sense of vendors and the ability to then look at their websites for mroe detail as to their specific options offered.

Also consider looking at inserts that you can use with an existing backpack.

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Images are about emotion. Technical perfection is nice, but does not stand by itself.
 
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"Medium sized" has no meaning.

If you want something to serve as a backpack, you need to state a volume measured in liters or else cubic inches.
 
Most of those are only camera bags I want a hybrid bag, when I travel I go on long hikes so I need the ability to carry food, water, rain clothes, etc along with my camera gear.
 
I am looking for a medium sized backpack that has an area for a mirrorless camera, Sony A7II and 2 lenses plus accessories and an area to store a rain jacket and other things you would bring along while hiking such as water bottle. I have done some Google searches but not really found what I am looking for.
 
I am looking for a medium sized backpack that has an area for a mirrorless camera, Sony A7II and 2 lenses plus accessories and an area to store a rain jacket and other things you would bring along while hiking such as water bottle. I have done some Google searches but not really found what I am looking for.
 
You should go with the Lowepro 22L AW. Great lightweight bag.

I own the Lowepro 16L AW but the camera compartment is small. The 22L will work best.

Oh, and I also own the A7rii and usually travel w/ 2 or 3 lenses.



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Difficult, the best brand seems to leave the business.

Talking about Clik Elite, these are the best photo backpacks for hikers. But I should not promote them. They don't deserve it because they refuse to answer e-mails.
 
Difficult, the best brand seems to leave the business.

Talking about Clik Elite, these are the best photo backpacks for hikers. But I should not promote them. They don't deserve it because they refuse to answer e-mails.

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TheBlackGrouse
Active outdoor photographer, trying to become better, studying user experience.
First of all this is a question. Not a challenge or argument.


Why do you think Clik Elites are better for hiking than other hiking focused bags from say Mindshift, F-stop or Lowepro? I have checked them at B&H, but unless one use them for a prolonged time, it's difficult to asses the comfort during hikes. Thus the question.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajesh_b/
 
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Difficult, the best brand seems to leave the business.

Talking about Clik Elite, these are the best photo backpacks for hikers. But I should not promote them. They don't deserve it because they refuse to answer e-mails.

--
TheBlackGrouse
Active outdoor photographer, trying to become better, studying user experience.
First of all this is a question. Not a challenge or argument.

Why do you think Clik Elites are better for hiking than other hiking focused bags from say Mindshift, F-stop or Lowepro? I have checked them at B&H, but unless one use them for a prolonged time, it's difficult to asses the comfort during hikes. Thus the question.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajesh_b/
This was just a response, no bad intentions at all, just sad because Clik Elite seems to quit...

Well, I tried all brands, have in fact still 25 packs lying in my home and ask any photographer I meet outside what their experiences are with backpacks.

- Mindshift: I'm one of their biggest fans, have the Rotation 360 and had the Horizon, but the suspension system of their packs is not suitable for everyone. Their packs can hurt your back if the intended lumbar support does not fit.

- F-Stop: only fits when your torso lengts is within a limited range. Then it fits perfectly, otherwise you can't hike with them.

- Lowepro: the new light outdoor packs are better but still no match for any serious backpack. They are good when you carry light equipment. With heavy equipment there is no Lowepro pack for a 15 mile hike, unless you eat the green vegetables or get green yourself when angry.

- Think Tank: brilliant packs but more for city use, I have all their belts, a lot of bags and pouches, great for event work when you are standing most of the time.

That said, I have nothing against any brand and a lot of photographers are happy with all kinds of packs. But when cycling 65 miles and/or hiking 15 miles with some serious equipment everything is different. And the OP is talking about long hikes.

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TheBlackGrouse
Active outdoor photographer, trying to become better, studying user experience.
 
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Kata DR-465-DL and similar. Kata was acquired by Manfrotto I think so these are no longer current (although maybe Manfrotto have the same bag branded differently?)
 
I use the DR-467. Not really suitable for hiking. 2-3 miles is okay, but not more than that.

Waist strap is just a thin nylon strap and top compartment is quite small. No way to carry a water bottle.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/rajesh_b/
 
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Wow thank you so much, when I searched Google I found some hybrids but most of the results were more camera oriented but I need the room for my rain gear, food, etc.

These look perfect and while pricy, you keep these things for 3-5 years so not a big deal.

Thanks once again and apparently I need to refine my Google skills =)
 
Will be attempting to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro this fall, hence me reach out to the community need something for the 6 night, 7 day attempt. I have to take a lot of personal gear but refuse to leave the camera behind as you pass through 5 different climatic zones and if we do make it to the summit...
 
Agreed I have had a Kata bag for a few years, great for camera only gear and short hikes but zero room for rain gear, water, etc. As posted earlier we are going to try and summit Mt. Kilimanjaro so I need a serious comfortable backpack with room for my A7ii and lens.
 
Will be attempting to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro this fall, hence me reach out to the community need something for the 6 night, 7 day attempt. I have to take a lot of personal gear but refuse to leave the camera behind as you pass through 5 different climatic zones and if we do make it to the summit...

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http://robandrobyn.zenfolio.com/
That's almost 5000m. At that kind of altitude I would most definitely be concentrating on getting a comfortable backpack, not a comfortable camera pack. Use an insert as someone else suggested.

I've looked at dozens of camera packs recently and if you find one that fits perfectly then that's good. But all of them are not very adjustable (with regards to torso length which is key) and a lot of them are just bulky and heavy compared to a good backpack.

Of the ones I have seen the Lowe 300AW is the closest to a decent outdoors bag. I haven't managed to check out the F-Stops or Mountainsmiths, which look promising. I've checked the rest of the brands that have been mentioned so far and don't consider them suitable for real hiking, especially at altitude.
 
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My suggestion would be to find a good backpack first, and then put a camera insert in it. I'm very happy with my Osprey backpack. Good support and comfort on long hikes, and the mesh back allows air to circulate and reduces sweating. I have yet to find a camera oriented backpack that feels as good (although admittedly I haven't tried them all).
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- Bill
 
Ignore the bags made by camera companies, or camera-marketed bags.

If you are doing serious hiking and actually need to rely on your pack, focus on that. I'm sure some "camera" backpacks are fine for non-camera abuse, but it's just an easy way to sort out product. And besides, you add "camera" to the description and the price goes up. At least go with a company that makes outdoor gear first, and secondarily does camera stuff.

For this reason I prefer Mountainsmith's stuff. I used it a lot for other outdoor stuff like mountaineering, so I'm familiar with it's durability. And with backpacks straps and suspension are very important.

Mountainsmith makes a nice "camera" backpack; really it's just a regular one with a few inserts. But that's all you should need.

Or just go to an outdoor shop, buy a pack that works, and get any of a million different inside containers for that M43 and lenses. I like those wraps, but YMMV. Think about protecting yourself before you worry about the camera.
 

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