Tamrac Expedition 7 anyone?

[William Ward]

to simulate this type of pack by adding camera friendly internals to my existing, well designed trail packs. I use a Marmot Talus (I have 3 of these in various vintages) as a great load carrying day pack and as an airline friendly travel pack. The Talus has a single stay internal frame system and a light but very supportive hip belt with load lifters. It carries extremely well even when severely overloaded.

Recently I got Lowepro to sell me their removeable "insert" for a Rover AW II camera pack. That insert fits perfectly in the bottom of the Talus. The insert is very light (a few ounces) and provides minimal, but adequate, protection for a camera body, your choice of lenses and some misc. camera gear:
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Rover_Plus_AW.aspx

The insert comes with a velcro attached detachable "lid" which protects the camera gear from whatever you pack above it. The rest of the main pack compartment is then available for lunch, clothing and other hiking gear.

My setup is not limited to theTalus pack but should work with whatever pack fits you well and works to carry the size loads you haul. This type of arrangement should work in virtually any of my other serious backpacks. Lowe makes different removeable inserts in a variety of sizes for many of their camera carriers. I considered trying to make an insert myself but realized it was much easier to buy one readymade if it was available to fit my packs.

Of course, the downside of carrying camera gear in this arrangement is that it is always in the bottom of the pack. That makes it harder to access and, given the weight of camera stuff, often puts the weight lower in the pack than is ideal.

To deal with the quick access problem, I carry my DSLR ready to go in one of two toploading camera carriers: a Lowepro Toploader 75AW for use with a large lens or a Quantaray (Ritz Camera lightweight knockoff of a Lowe) when I know I won't be using a large lens. Both have chest/shoulder strap arrangements that allow them to be carried in front on my chest. That arrangement works very well with either a backpack or a fanny pack and keeps the camera ready for nearly instant access.

I carry water bottles in the side pockets and can attach a tripod either using one of the side pockets or center it in the back or at the bottom of the pack.

This arrangement is not perfect: I'd prefer a way to carry the camera gear higher in the pack and with a more quick access system. But, it does solve the one major problem I've had with every camera pack I've ever tried: they simply do not provide the fit and suspension system necessary for comfortable carry for long periods of time.

I'd sign up today to purchase one of your "ideal" packs if it could be made to fit me. That's the rub of course and why there are so many pack manufacturers. Everybody needs a bit different fit.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Bill

PS: We ought to ask Phil to start a forum for Gear Storage and Packing. This same sort of discussion is taking place frequently in virtually every camera-specific forum on his site.

 

[RecalcitrantRon]

I just ordered this pack. It should be here early next week. I'll let you know what I think. I looked into the Kata bags. They seem to be very well constructed ect, but there was no where local to try one one for size to even get a feel for it. Plus, I got the LowePro for an excellent price new off of ebay ($175 including shipping).

--
Just my nickels worth.
Happy Snappin'!



Ron
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.pbase.com/recalcitrantron
FCAS Member No. 68
pbase supporter
D Seventy

 

[waterskier]

I went to Blue Ridge Mountain Sports with my existing LowePro camera bag full with camera, SB-800, and a couple lenses, my 80-400 in it's carry case, my 328B lightweight tripod, a 3211BN w/ leveling head and 501 video head. I probably should have taken my Sony PD150 camcorder with me as well, but I think I could manage a light video rig with this backpack as well.

They fitted me for a Medium Osprey 36 + 5. There is a velcro vertical adjustment for your torso length. My torso length is 20" according to their measurements. The hip belt was very comfortable and did hold most of the weight very well. I was near the long end of the adjustable spectrum for the medium bag, but the large bag was a little too large. The velcro allows very precise torso adjustment, rather than the 1" increments on some of the other backpacks.

I stuck my 80-400 with case, LowePro OffRoad camera bag with camera, and a couple lenses and SB-800, in the backpack. Then I strapped my lightweight tripod to it. It was extremely comfortable. Then I hung my 10lb video tripod off the back (not where you want this weight) and it was still very comfortable after a little adjusting. I think it would be very comfortable with 30lbs in it.

The fact that it easily takes a 3 liter "aquasource" or camel back is handy as are the two side pockets that are canted towards the front for easy access to additional liquid.

It does not have all the pockets of a true camera backpack, but I can also use it without the camera when I hike without it. I think the idea of dropping a compartmentalized camera bag into it has it's merits. First of all, my wife doesn't like me stopping all the time during a hike to take pictures and setting up to take pictures may actually be a blessing in that I make sure that I want to capture something. Frequently on out and backs I survey the scene on the way up and shoot on the way back, unless lighting makes that a bad choice.

I am seriously considering this backpack. I can also just take the side pockets off my OffRoad and put it at the top of my backpack and have access to enough compartments to be useful and fairly accessible.

FYI. I think the recent post about LowePro'ss lightweight divider bags is interesting. I'm starting to warm up to the idea of having a camera bag or two inside my backpack.

It's great hearing from people who have lots of experience lugging around camera gear.

 

[Jerry Hamm]

I'm with you on the seperate forum. It isn't "digital" specific, but it would be nice to share ideas with others in one location without scouring all the forums. I'm always refining things and still looking for that perfect combination.

One thing I'd like to see is a pack that opens up backwards. By that I mean a "back loader" where the zipper is at the side with the internal frame and harness. The internal frame, straps, etc. would just zip away from the rest of the pack. This way I could lay it down on it's back instead of laying it down on it's belt and straps. I think Osprey might have one but I think it's a "transporter / luggage" type and the harness isn't that great.

Since you've obviously shopped looked around to find your pack, you haven't seen anything like this (with a decent harness) have you?

I'm also curious, where did you purchase the Lowepro insert? I thought of this too when I was "designing" my backpack innards, but I couldn't find a place to purchase the inserts seperately (I didn't ask; just looked for them where readily available).

You say you "recently got Lowepro" to sell you one. I take that to mean you called them up and convinced them to sell you something they don't normally sell seperately?

Thanks,

Jerry

 

[Thom Hogan]

1. Internal frame would be very welcome.

In order to transfer the weight from bag to waist, you have to have some type of frame, actually. In internal frame Backpack designs, these range from plastic stay sheets, to crossed carbon fiber stays, with a host of different mechanisms that seem to work.

2. I'd love to see an implemented hydration pack.

I'm not overly keen on this. While hydration pouches have gotten better, they still can leak. Moreover, you'd want to carry this high in the pack, which means leaks would fall into the equipment. I suppose you could build a shield in the pouch holder, but we're trying to move this down in weight, not up. The old standby, mesh side pockets, works just fine.

3. Tripod mounts on sides, front or bottom of pack - depening on
the trail I am hiking, I might choose any of those mounting points.

From a true weight transfer standpoint, you'd want the pod mounted centrally, though from a balance standpoint you'd want it NOT mounted on the back of the pack as is commonly done. Tripods remain the big problem, so having options is probably good, but to date, none of the options work well.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide & Nikon Flash Guide
editor, Nikon DSLR Report
author, Complete Guides: D70, D100, D1 series, D2h, S2 Pro
http://www.bythom.com

 

[Thom Hogan]

This arrangement is not perfect: I'd prefer a way to carry the
camera gear higher in the pack and with a more quick access system.

Kinesis has a solution for that--they provided mount points high in their backpack for the camera bag or lens containers. Easy enough to do in design, but difficult to keep low in weight.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide & Nikon Flash Guide
editor, Nikon DSLR Report
author, Complete Guides: D70, D100, D1 series, D2h, S2 Pro
http://www.bythom.com

 

[William Ward]

and they will sell you the parts for their packs, camera bags, etc. Dealers don't carry the separate inserts and Lowepro does not show them separately on their web site, but they provide a contact person on the web site:

http://www.lowepro.com/customer_service/faqs.aspx

I emailed them and got a prompt response to my inquiry.

Good luck,

Bill

 

[waterskier]

When I emailed LowePro I got a prompt response and was told that they would sell the tripod mounts for the Tracker AW II individually and gave me a price.

 

[waterskier]

2. I'd love to see an implemented hydration pack.

I'm not overly keen on this. While hydration pouches have gotten
better, they still can leak. Moreover, you'd want to carry this
high in the pack, which means leaks would fall into the equipment.
I suppose you could build a shield in the pouch holder, but we're
trying to move this down in weight, not up. The old standby, mesh
side pockets, works just fine.

On the Osprey I looked at, the water is in a separate compartment close to your back. The rest of the pack is separate. Any water that leaked would run down your pant leg and you would definitely know about the leak I guess this is where gortex pants come in handy.

Of course it has two side pouches for water bottles too and it just takes a removable standard 1-3 liter tank, so you don't have to use one.

From a true weight transfer standpoint, you'd want the pod mounted
centrally, though from a balance standpoint you'd want it NOT
mounted on the back of the pack as is commonly done. Tripods remain
the big problem, so having options is probably good, but to date,
none of the options work well.

Since putting the tripod centrally in a cylinder or circular pouch would really split up the backpack, I agree that the best that you can do is get it close to your body and then balance the backpack as much as possible, but it is just one bulky piece of equipment.

The Osprey 42 + 5 has zippered backpanel entry and an additional delrin loop in the frame. It might be easy to compartmentalize with that system.

At this point I think I will be able to find a real backpack that meets my needs well. I will put something else inside it to organize my camera stuff and be good to go.

 

[Octane]

I just bought it to have at least one bag that can hold all my lenses. I even carry my 300/2.8 in it. It is very comfortable to have on your back.

It is big, it is not a bag when you have just one camera and two lenses. But if you have more than average it is very well designed to work with.

Well worth the money especially if you look how well designed every detail is.

--
-------David-------
http://www.pbase.com/david_hofmann/root

 

[dannv]

mesh side pockets, works just fine.

spoken like a true old-timer. the issues are easy enough to engineer around without adding significant weight -- several have done so. side pockets don't balance as well for any significant amount of water and the access of a pouch/tube can't be beat.

3. Tripod mounts on sides, front or bottom of pack - depening on
the trail I am hiking, I might choose any of those mounting points.

From a true weight transfer standpoint, you'd want the pod mounted
centrally, though from a balance standpoint you'd want it NOT
mounted on the back of the pack as is commonly done. Tripods remain
the big problem, so having options is probably good, but to date,
none of the options work well.

i don't get the problem here? bottom mounting works 90% of the time for a tripod of reasonable travel length. in the few instances where its too wide for the trail, side mounting works fine. definitely better than similar items (like my ice axe) that I need to strap on.

i'm also left wondering about an earlier post in which you commented the bag should protect equipment from a 2 foot drop. Nikon doesn't make a single piece of gear that won't inherently survive a 2 foot drop -- many of my lenses have been proven in the 3' drop to concrete 'test'. i believe you were just trying to say 'give us lighter weight instead of more padding'?

for my part, i've long wanted a multi-tier pack that meets my needs. i finally got it by taking my Dana Design and using industrial strength velcro to add a second level. all it took was self-adhesive velcro around the interior sides and a round piece of nylon fabric with velcro sewn around the edge. i can adjust it up and down the vertical strips inside. it would hold my weight if i wanted to stand on it. i've scavenged the padded barriers from old camera bags to use as seperators for the equipment on the new 'shelf'.

the Dana has a large side entry zipper which makes this configuration almost perfect. (its old enough that it doesn't have integrated hydration so i have to use those OLD mesh side pockets!).
...dav
--
don't wait for technology -- it won't wait for you

 

[ottawaronin]

Thanks for the info.

I too own an older Osprey Eclipse 32 backpack and was looking for a photo backpack.

I tried the LowePro Nature Trekker AW II. While it's a nice bag, I find it would be unsuitable for hiking (when compared to something like the Osprey). The Nature Trekker is too short and thus all the weight falls on your lower back/behind, where as the Osprey the weight is much better balanced. The Nature Trekker does have a nice hipbelt though.

Since I'll be hiking 10-20km in a day, I need something very comfortable. I'll be looking to get a Pelican insert (probably the 1450) or may look into a large eclipse (42+5?) and getting the pelican 1505 insert depending on the wdith of the Eclipse 42+5.

Anyways, thanks for the great tip about the insert.

John.

 

[artorius]

I need an airline carry-on option to have my cameras and notebook computer with me for buisness travel. I have gone through a LOT of bags and backpacks, Lowepro Stealth Reporter 500, 650 AW, Compu-trekker AW, Commercial AW, and numerous Tamarac series, and a lot of others.(I think I could have purchased another lens or two, or a new body for what I have paid in carry options)

I just received a new Kata HB-207 GDC Hiker Backpack today, and I will post a review soon. First impression is this thing should be my "last" photo/computer backpack for a long time.

--
Respect!
Artorius

'The brave ones were shooting the enemy. The crazy ones were shooting film.' - Norman Hatch USMC WWII Combat Photographer

 

[rgojr]

how did the kata 207 fit on the plane? i'm leaving on tuesday for LA from NYC.
--

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so

 

[artorius]

how did the kata 207 fit on the plane? i'm leaving on tuesday for
LA from NYC.

I was a little worried that it was too, big. I did the measuring and it was within the airline "Carry on" limits. It fits easily into the overhead. I had to be carefule though, about the weight. I could easily go overboard adding stuff until I wouldn't be able to carry it.lol This thing is built like a tank, and I don't worry about my computer or cameras in a backpack anymore.

I'll have photos up next week to show just how much you can put in it.

--
Respect!
Artorius

'The brave ones were shooting the enemy. The crazy ones were shooting film.' - Norman Hatch USMC WWII Combat Photographer

 

[rgojr]

Thanks for the reply, I ordered one yesterday, will be here on monday and i'm leaving on tuesday... but was worried about it not meeting carry on specs.

--

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so

 

[rgojr]

i breezed through security at JFK with the 207, it might look big, but it fits in the overhead and didn't even garner a 2nd look from anyone at the airport. Hopefully I'll have the same good experience at LAX when I head home on monday. I was also carrying a TUMI briefcase.
--

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so

 

[iKarma]

Just curious to know what you landed up buying eventually. I am on the market to buy a backpack myself.

Thanks a lot.