In search of a Light weight bag pack for a safari

I will be going on a safari in Tanzania and I am looking for a backpack that will be

1) as light as possible (because of the 15kg weight restriction on ALL luggage i.e. checked luggage + carry on). If the bag weighs too much, it will take away valuable weight for me.2) it will be my carry on bag, so besides camera equipment, it needs to be able to hold a few clothes items, an ipad, all chargers, toiletrie, etc. 3) i will be carrying the following gear: Lumix G9, PL 100-400, Oly 40-150 Pro, Oly 12-40 Pro, Oly em10 mk2, and probably the Panasonic G85 (if I buy it)4) I really would prefer not to pay more than 200 $ US for it.

Thank you all for your help and advice.

Since you will carry your camera backpack to the field, you may not want the laptop there. I am carrying similar gear without the laptop in the Think Tank Streetwalker. You can get one with or without the laptop compartment.

My gear:

• Two E-M1 ii bodies
• 40-150 2.8 mm mounted
• 100-400 mm mounted
• 12-40 mm
• 12-100 mm
• 25 mm
• TC-14

Phil wrote:

Since you will carry your camera backpack to the field, you may not want the laptop there. I am carrying similar gear without the laptop in the Think Tank Streetwalker. You can get one with or without the laptop compartment.

My gear:

• Two E-M1 ii bodies
• 40-150 2.8 mm mounted
• 100-400 mm mounted
• 12-40 mm
• 12-100 mm
• 25 mm
• TC-14

Thanks Phil. You do have similar gear to carry. I took a look online and it is not too heavy. The only thing is that it does not have room for other stuff like one day of clothing etc. that I would have in a carry on.

The small planes limit you to 20kg, including carryon.  They also limit you to a medium size duffle bag in the baggage area.  I carry on a small hand bag with a very small laptop along with my backpack that has the camera equipment.  You could also consider a backup driver rather than the laptop.  I have 12" laptop along with an external drive.

Phil wrote:

The small planes limit you to 20kg, including carryon. They also limit you to a medium size duffle bag in the baggage area. I carry on a small hand bag with a very small laptop along with my backpack that has the camera equipment. You could also consider a backup driver rather than the laptop. I have 12" laptop along with an external drive.

The plane we are taking has  a 15kg limit, not 20, including carry on. That is what my problem is i.e. finding a camera bag that can be my carry on and not weigh too much, taking away valuable kg. I do not intend to carry a laptop. All Inwill have is an iPad for reading and emailing purposes. I don’t intend to do any backup while on safari because of weight limits.

What do you mean by « backup driver »? How much does it cost? And weigh?

Here is a review I did of 2 Tamrac sling bags. The 8z would probably hold your gear. I've hauled these bags on lots of trips and found them incredibly flexible. We are planning an Africa trip and I'll be taking the 8z. Great for hiking, climbing and general outdoor activity. When climbing in and out of cars, boats, trucks, vans and planes, a sling allows you to use both hands. It's super flexible since you can wear it front, side or back. And, if it's a top loader like the Zs, you can get your gear out without taking it off.

About the weight - my 8z weighs 860 g (1 lb 14 oz)

phil from seattle wrote:

Here is a review I did of 2 Tamrac sling bags. The 8z would probably hold your gear. I've hauled these bags on lots of trips and found them incredibly flexible. We are planning an Africa trip and I'll be taking the 8z. Great for hiking, climbing and general outdoor activity. When climbing in and out of cars, boats, trucks, vans and planes, a sling allows you to use both hands. It's super flexible since you can wear it front, side or back. And, if it's a top loader like the Zs, you can get your gear out without taking it off.

Thank you Phil for your reply and link. I just read your review and it is informative and useful.

My problem is 1) that it is a camera bag that will not allow me to have anything else in it. I need a bag that will be a true carry on with room in it fornother personal stuff (as mentioned) .

2) I don’t like sling bags because I am a smallish woman and the weight of all that equipment is too much for one shoulder.

Chizuka wrote:

phil from seattle wrote:

Here is a review I did of 2 Tamrac sling bags. The 8z would probably hold your gear. I've hauled these bags on lots of trips and found them incredibly flexible. We are planning an Africa trip and I'll be taking the 8z. Great for hiking, climbing and general outdoor activity. When climbing in and out of cars, boats, trucks, vans and planes, a sling allows you to use both hands. It's super flexible since you can wear it front, side or back. And, if it's a top loader like the Zs, you can get your gear out without taking it off.

Thank you Phil for your reply and link. I just read your review and it is informative and useful.

My problem is 1) that it is a camera bag that will not allow me to have anything else in it. I need a bag that will be a true carry on with room in it fornother personal stuff (as mentioned) .

2) I don’t like sling bags because I am a smallish woman and the weight of all that equipment is too much for one shoulder.

Like much of life, one size does not fit all...

I get your second point. Makes sense.

On your first point, you kind of have a limiting factor - camera gear or personal items. To me, the gear you mention looks pretty close to "under seat" max volume.  A fully stuffed 8z fits snuggly under an airline seat. You might need to rethink what you take. I do get some personal items in the z bags - headphone case , glasses case, paperback book, hat - so it's not quite black and white. The headphone case is way too big but noise cancelling is a necessity to me for long flights. It's in the 8z pictures and could be swapped out for something else.  But, the ladies do generally have more "stuff" to haul.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L, or the Wandrd Prvke 31L could probably do the trick, but they're both a bit out of your price range. If you're carrying thousands of dollars of equipment (not to mention that you probably spent a fair amount to take a safari), you should consider paying the cost of a good camera bag. And you just might still be using it 10 years from now when all of your existing equipment is in a pile of e-waste.

Atlas Athlete Backpack (but 380 USD)

You can get something like a Western Digital My Passport that will back up your SD's, or you can even send the files by WiFi from the camera.

https://havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer/wd-mypassport-wireless-review/

phil from seattle wrote:

Chizuka wrote:

phil from seattle wrote:

Here is a review I did of 2 Tamrac sling bags. The 8z would probably hold your gear. I've hauled these bags on lots of trips and found them incredibly flexible. We are planning an Africa trip and I'll be taking the 8z. Great for hiking, climbing and general outdoor activity. When climbing in and out of cars, boats, trucks, vans and planes, a sling allows you to use both hands. It's super flexible since you can wear it front, side or back. And, if it's a top loader like the Zs, you can get your gear out without taking it off.

Thank you Phil for your reply and link. I just read your review and it is informative and useful.

My problem is 1) that it is a camera bag that will not allow me to have anything else in it. I need a bag that will be a true carry on with room in it fornother personal stuff (as mentioned) .

2) I don’t like sling bags because I am a smallish woman and the weight of all that equipment is too much for one shoulder.

Like much of life, one size does not fit all...

I get your second point. Makes sense.

On your first point, you kind of have a limiting factor - camera gear or personal items. To me, the gear you mention looks pretty close to "under seat" max volume. A fully stuffed 8z fits snuggly under an airline seat. You might need to rethink what you take. I do get some personal items in the z bags - headphone case , glasses case, paperback book, hat - so it's not quite black and white. The headphone case is way too big but noise cancelling is a necessity to me for long flights. It's in the 8z pictures and could be swapped out for something else. But, the ladies do generally have more "stuff" to haul.

Yes, women do have more junk in their bag!!! But you know Phil, my bag does not have to fit under my seat. It can go in the overhead bin. BTW I too have to have the noise reduction headphones.

Gary Martin wrote:

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L, or the Wandrd Prvke 31L could probably do the trick, but they're both a bit out of your price range. If you're carrying thousands of dollars of equipment (not to mention that you probably spent a fair amount to take a safari), you should consider paying the cost of a good camera bag. And you just might still be using it 10 years from now when all of your existing equipment is in a pile of e-waste.

Thanks Gary for your comment. I already have a camera bag that I like (for when I am not travelling. That’s why I don’t want to spend too much money on another one. Also, all that camer equipment I have and the cost of the safari have cleaned out my bank account, so...

I travelled with the Think Tank Airport Essentials to Africa, although my weight limit was 20kg. That bag handled 2xE-M1, 100-400, 40-150+TC, 12-35/2.8, and the 17/1.8. Also batteries, chargers, a My Passport drive, iPad, battery pack, etc.  I don't know of a bag that would also accommodate clothing and personal items and be smallish and lightweight.  I used a small collapsible bag for my personal items, which went in my checked duffel once we got to Africa.

I could have hit the 15kg limit by eliminating my tripod (never used) and some extra clothing.  But I don't think I could have packed my gear in a better bag given the size limits.

Mitrajoon wrote:

When I went I simply didn't bring a camera bag. I traveled with a small duffel bag. My 2 bodies and lenses were wrapped in clothes in the bag. In the Land Rover I had a lens on each camera, extra batteries and SD cards (which were never needed) were in my pockets. Used a towel to protect them from dust. Less is more.

thank Jim for your comment. I will be going on a walking safari for one, so I do want a backpack. I looked at the Matador website and it is not what I am after (although interesting concept). Thx.

If you're really committed to bringing a backpack, check out Matador. I used one of their bags for a trip to Antarctica because I needed something waterproof when getting on and off the Zodiacs. Weighs a couple of ounces.

Chizuka wrote:

phil from seattle wrote:

Here is a review I did of 2 Tamrac sling bags. The 8z would probably hold your gear. I've hauled these bags on lots of trips and found them incredibly flexible. We are planning an Africa trip and I'll be taking the 8z. Great for hiking, climbing and general outdoor activity. When climbing in and out of cars, boats, trucks, vans and planes, a sling allows you to use both hands. It's super flexible since you can wear it front, side or back. And, if it's a top loader like the Zs, you can get your gear out without taking it off.

Thank you Phil for your reply and link. I just read your review and it is informative and useful.

My problem is 1) that it is a camera bag that will not allow me to have anything else in it. I need a bag that will be a true carry on with room in it fornother personal stuff (as mentioned) .

Try separate lens cases. That way you can use ANY bag, while packing it the way you like.

It also allows me to strap one lens case on the outside of my sling bag or pack strap for quick swapping. LowePro, and Pearstone have a nice array of smaller cases that fit M4/3 lenses.

I use a small Mountainsmith Zoom bag that carries 2 lenses. 12-40mm, 7-14mm, Voigtländer Noktons. And a separate f64 brand lens case for my 100-400mm.

For general packing I also use Eagle Creek packing organizer pouches for clothing and toiletries. It makes packing and unpacking extremely easy.

https://shop.eaglecreek.com/packing-organizers.html

For a travel backpack take a look at the Osprey Farpoint 40. GREAT pack!

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/farpoint-40-FARPNT40_326.html

My girlfriend and I both use them. They're airline size compliant. We ONLY do carry-ons and have never had a problem taking them on a plane… we do international travel 4 or 5  a year. Once we had to check them flying on a commuter plane between islands in the Açores.

2) I don’t like sling bags because I am a smallish woman and the weight of all that equipment is too much for one shoulder.

Some sling bags have a waist strap that can help stabilize them. The BEST thing about slings is that you can swing it around n front for access or if you're feeling insecure someplace. there's no need to take them off, either. I ALWAYS lash mine to the table or chair I'm sitting at.

You may want a pack with that has the ability to use a hydration bladder. I use Deuter cycling packs. Deuter packs are extremely light and carry very well. I bike, hike and travel with them.

https://www.deuterusa.com/collections/bike/products/compact-lite-3l

https://www.deuterusa.com/collections/bike/products/compact-6

Mountainsmith Zoom S

Phil wrote:

You can get something like a Western Digital My Passport that will back up your SD's, or you can even send the files by WiFi from the camera.

https://havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer/wd-mypassport-wireless-review/

Thanks for the link Phil. I will have to get me one of those!

jeffharris wrote:

Chizuka wrote:

phil from seattle wrote:

Here is a review I did of 2 Tamrac sling bags. The 8z would probably hold your gear. I've hauled these bags on lots of trips and found them incredibly flexible. We are planning an Africa trip and I'll be taking the 8z. Great for hiking, climbing and general outdoor activity. When climbing in and out of cars, boats, trucks, vans and planes, a sling allows you to use both hands. It's super flexible since you can wear it front, side or back. And, if it's a top loader like the Zs, you can get your gear out without taking it off.

Thank you Phil for your reply and link. I just read your review and it is informative and useful.

My problem is 1) that it is a camera bag that will not allow me to have anything else in it. I need a bag that will be a true carry on with room in it fornother personal stuff (as mentioned) .

Try separate lens cases. That way you can use ANY bag, while packing it the way you like.

It also allows me to strap one lens case on the outside of my sling bag or pack strap for quick swapping. LowePro, and Pearstone have a nice array of smaller cases that fit M4/3 lenses.

I use a small Mountainsmith Zoom bag that carries 2 lenses. 12-40mm, 7-14mm, Voigtländer Noktons. And a separate f64 brand lens case for my 100-400mm.

For general packing I also use Eagle Creek packing organizer pouches for clothing and toiletries. It makes packing and unpacking extremely easy.

https://shop.eaglecreek.com/packing-organizers.html

For a travel backpack take a look at the Osprey Farpoint 40. GREAT pack!

https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/farpoint-40-FARPNT40_326.html

My girlfriend and I both use them. They're airline size compliant. We ONLY do carry-ons and have never had a problem taking them on a plane… we do international travel 4 or 5 a year. Once we had to check them flying on a commuter plane between islands in the Açores.

2) I don’t like sling bags because I am a smallish woman and the weight of all that equipment is too much for one shoulder.

Some sling bags have a waist strap that can help stabilize them. The BEST thing about slings is that you can swing it around n front for access or if you're feeling insecure someplace. there's no need to take them off, either. I ALWAYS lash mine to the table or chair I'm sitting at.

You may want a pack with that has the ability to use a hydration bladder. I use Deuter cycling packs. Deuter packs are extremely light and carry very well. I bike, hike and travel with them.

https://www.deuterusa.com/collections/bike/products/compact-lite-3l

https://www.deuterusa.com/collections/bike/products/compact-6

Mountainsmith Zoom S

Thank you very much Jeff for the info and advice. I will look into it.