Camera pack or Hiking pack

[SineV]

I am hoping someone has come across problems like this and figured out the pros and cons already.

I hike a lot, when I am not bike-packing, and I always take my photography gear. I have never really much liked camera packs much because they just never seem to work for what I want them to. I want a safe bag for my kit that I can stop and grab something out at a moments notice to take a picture. I have owned the one shoulder style bags that can easily be unclipped and accessed from the side to access your gear without too much fuss, but there have always been more cons to them then good, in my opinion.

Recently, after breaking my arm and being unable to ride my bike (mostly because i broke my bike while breaking my arm. I am a multi-tasker) I got back into looking for a good hiking pack. Something like the Osprey Aether AG, or the Baltoro 65. But looking at things like the Alta Sky 51 or (to a lesser extent) the 66 has me wondering if those are worth looking into.

Basically, what I am trying to figure it out is if I have to take the pack off anyway, no matter what, to access my gear would a hiking pack or a camera backpack be better. I guess I am looking at whether price, comfort, durability, ease of access, and protection sways more one way or the other. For 275$, do I get a more specific Alta 51, or for 350$ do I get the baltoro 65. I feel like the dedicated hiking packs at that price range will be more comfortable for the long haul and always have lots of room, and I need to take the pack off to get my stuff anyway. But it has been some years since I have really looked into the camera bags and maybe I am out of touch, and those packs are far superior now and an alta 51 could do everything i want (or maybe the 66).

Has anyone tried to figure out the camera bag vs hiking pack problem, and what did you decide on? Do you do a lot of hiking for long distances? And have you missed or skipped shots with one vs the other because getting everything out was too much of a pain?

Just looking for some thoughts and experience.

Thank you.

 

[Swift One]

I was where you are currently at. My ultimate decision was to go with a true hiking pack. I want my gear to be multitask if it can be. from what i have seen from camera backpacks, the seem to be mission specific, leaving little room left for non camera gear. I did like the Lowepro Whistler series packs, but I already had a nice hiking pack as well as a Lowepro toploader holster. So, I just decided to get a Peak Designs travel cube to put in my pack with my toploader. It works for me and I have plenty of room for other stuff. Also, the Travel Cubes transfer from my pelican hard case straight to my pack-mutitask.

I need to say though my pack isn't a top loader design, It's a Kelty Redwing 50 that opens all the way up. I tried a toploader design I had at first but, you pretty much had to unload the while pack to get to the bottom.

 

[HRC2016]

You cannot have security and quick access at the same time.

 

[Bmark]

I have two dedicated camera backpacks and an Osprey. Its definitely possible to get a camera backpack that carries well, just go to a store that carries many options and try them. I use the camera backpack when I want to carry a lot of camera gear, and I can also put food an water in some of the spots made for lenses. I typically use straps to tie jackets, etc. to the side or back of the camera backpack. My Osprey is comfortable, and smaller, but the issue with the Osprey is that it has no padding or compartments for camera gear and so every piece of equipment needs to be covered by a lens bag or lens wrap. So I only use the Osprey when I'm carrying only a few pieces of equipment. So it takes a longer to be ready to shoot out of the Osprey than out of my camera backpack.

 

[JMcHaffie]

You might want to take a look at atlas packs:

Atlas Packs - The World's Finest Camera Bags and Backpacks

If you carry a camera, you should carry an Atlas. Awards winning design. Patented Origami Camera Core (TM). Atlas Packs makes the world's best camera bags and backpacks for hiking, travel and outdoors.

atlaspacks.com

There’s a couple of interesting YouTube reviews of their packs.

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

See this thread in the Landscape forum: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4305751

With posts (including pictures) about one of my favorites, the Mammut Trion Pro 50+ with backpanel access.

--
TheBlackGrouse
Active Outdoor Photographer

 

[Chris 222]

I'd happily give you feedback but personally it would help me (help you) A LOT if you could list what your cam gear consists of. Also of paramount importance:

- what cam(s) or cam/lens combo(s) are you most likely to need to pull out in a jiffy?

- how long and/or how many days is your typical hike?

- in what region(s) and temps range do you usually hike?

- in what country will you purchase your new bag?

 

[SineV]

I was where you are currently at.

Thank you!!!

I do feel like I am where you were at based on your description, lol. This is a good place to start and thank you everyone for your reply. Another problem I have is because I live in a small city (which happens to be the capital city in the province I live, means I would have to leave the province to find bigger), my store options are limited. Someone mentioned going to the store to try on packs, etc (camera bags, I have also been told the same thing when shopping for lenses and dslrs. No joke, the biggest "camera" stores anywhere close to where I live in descending order are probably best buy, staples and then walmart. We have a radical edge, and a sport check as far as best places to find hiking gear).

My ultimate decision was to go with a true hiking pack. I want my gear to be multitask if it can be. from what i have seen from camera backpacks, the seem to be mission specific, leaving little room left for non camera gear.

This was also my goal. Good comfy pack, that can carry kit, but also multitask depending on the situation and camera bags all seem exactly as you put it. thank you for finding the words i couldnt

I did like the Lowepro Whistler series packs, but I already had a nice hiking pack as well as a Lowepro toploader holster. So, I just decided to get a Peak Designs travel cube to put in my pack with my toploader. It works for me and I have plenty of room for other stuff. Also, the Travel Cubes transfer from my pelican hard case straight to my pack-mutitask.

Its funny you mentioned the pelican case as I had also been debating just buying a new one of those and trying to figure a way to strap it on somewhere. The travel cube idea is something I had not yet considered though and is a valuable idea I will look into for sure.

I need to say though my pack isn't a top loader design, It's a Kelty Redwing 50 that opens all the way up. I tried a toploader design I had at first but, you pretty much had to unload the while pack to get to the bottom.

And that is definitely another problem I find myself running into is if you pack anything in the wrong order, well... just dont pack anything in the wrong order.

Thank you

 

[SineV]

I have two dedicated camera backpacks and an Osprey. Its definitely possible to get a camera backpack that carries well, just go to a store that carries many options and try them. I use the camera backpack when I want to carry a lot of camera gear, and I can also put food an water in some of the spots made for lenses. I typically use straps to tie jackets, etc. to the side or back of the camera backpack.

My Osprey is comfortable, and smaller, but the issue with the Osprey is that it has no padding or compartments for camera gear and

This was my major concern as well as accessibility. I want to get my stuff out but I also dont want to break something dropping my pack too hard or accidentally hitting against a tree. I was hoping someone might have had luck in finding those kinds of options that i never had success finding. Something big, multipack that can carry your lunch, lots of water and extra clothes, but also some tools without worrying something is going to go smashing through your lens.

so every piece of equipment needs to be covered by a lens bag or lens wrap. So I only use the Osprey when I'm carrying only a few pieces of equipment. So it takes a longer to be ready to shoot out of the Osprey than out of my camera backpack.

and not just the fact that it is slow but when you are hiking, at least how i do and where i go, everything you can pack at the least weight possible is important. You had 3 bulky foam cases and then put a case around those just to be sure they are protected and well, the pack is basically full already and then i am back at square one. should have bought a camera pack. But still good thoughts and glad to see different configurations that worked for you.

 

[SineV]

I'd happily give you feedback but personally it would help me (help you) A LOT if you could list what your cam gear consists of. Also of paramount importance:

- what cam(s) or cam/lens combo(s) are you most likely to need to pull out in a jiffy?

cam- 5d mk iii / lens i'd have with me - ef 100-400 and ef 17-40

- how long and/or how many days is your typical hike?

from single days to several weeks

- in what region(s) and temps range do you usually hike?

+45 to -55, rock, tree, swamp, marsh, gravel, sand, snow, mud, all terrain. the pack is less for the hike and more for the destination. "I want to get to this remote location and see what inspires me. I want to take this camera kit with me for whatever might inspire me there/along the way. And I need to stay this dry/warm/cool/sheltered from the elements". So it isnt a small task I am trying to accomplish, I am asking for a lot. that doesnt mean options dont exist and if I have to make a couple pigeon rats in the process to my goal then so be it. as long as I and my equipment make it there, and back again.

- in what country will you purchase your new bag?

canada

 

[Bmark]

I mentioned try them on because that is the only way to see if they fit and are comfortable. If you don't have a store where that is an option then you may need to order several and return the packs that you don't want to keep.

Because I hike with my gear I also make compromises. I'm going on a hiking trip next week and will likely carry my D850, 16-35 f/4, 70-200 f/4 and 300 f/4 along with 1.4x teleconverter. I used the f/4 lenses and zooms because they are smaller and lighter. Sure I sacrifice low light capability and some image quality, but hiking with primes (and more primes to cover that range) and f/2.8 options is not feasible for me. I sometimes through in the Nikon 200-500 instead of the 300 f/4, if I think there will be telephoto opportunities.

 

[Swift One]

I was where you are currently at.

I did like the Lowepro Whistler series packs, but I already had a nice hiking pack as well as a Lowepro toploader holster. So, I just decided to get a Peak Designs travel cube to put in my pack with my toploader. It works for me and I have plenty of room for other stuff. Also, the Travel Cubes transfer from my pelican hard case straight to my pack-mutitask.

Its funny you mentioned the pelican case as I had also been debating just buying a new one of those and trying to figure a way to strap it on somewhere. The travel cube idea is something I had not yet considered though and is a valuable idea I will look into for sure.

You actually can buy a back strap system for certain pelican cases. However, comfortable is not a word that would use to describe having a large, plastic, heavy case strapped to my back. If waterproof is something that is an absolute requirement for your mission, I would take a look at the Watershed brand dry packs. They will not be as comfortable as a true hiking pack, but they will most certainly be ALOT more comfortable that a pelican case on your back. I use Watershed dry bag for my camera gear when I’m in the kayak. They are drybags on steroids. My camera gear has gone swimming once in this dry bag and I did not get one drop of water in it.

 

[Chris 222]

I'd happily give you feedback but personally it would help me (help you) A LOT if you could list what your cam gear consists of. Also of paramount importance:

- what cam(s) or cam/lens combo(s) are you most likely to need to pull out in a jiffy?

cam- 5d mk iii / lens i'd have with me - ef 100-400 and ef 17-40

- how long and/or how many days is your typical hike?

from single days to several weeks

- in what region(s) and temps range do you usually hike?

+45 to -55, rock, tree, swamp, marsh, gravel, sand, snow, mud, all terrain. the pack is less for the hike and more for the destination. "I want to get to this remote location and see what inspires me. I want to take this camera kit with me for whatever might inspire me there/along the way. And I need to stay this dry/warm/cool/sheltered from the elements". So it isnt a small task I am trying to accomplish, I am asking for a lot. that doesnt mean options dont exist and if I have to make a couple pigeon rats in the process to my goal then so be it. as long as I and my equipment make it there, and back again.

- in what country will you purchase your new bag?

canada

Okay, thanks for those hugely important details and my best wishes for a full recovery from your serious injuries (hopefully less "multitasking" on the horizon for ya? LOL.) You've already got quite a bit of very sensible advice so my apologies if I duplicate some. Here are my quick thoughts, in no particular order:

1) Based on what you need, there isn't a single "specialized' Cam Pack" on the market that would work. There are many reasons, and you have stated some, but the main one from my own experience (I'm a bit of a bag nut so I've owned tons over the years) is that since you obviously hike in hot weather (as do I) there still isn't a single cam pack manufacturer out there that has implemented proper ventilation. That is to say, that uses the type of "trampoline" suspension system, invented by Deuter of Germany over 30 years ago, which keeps the pack away from your back while distributing the weight properly, that is to say onto your hips. Yes, many brands have all sorts of ridiculous claims about "breathable" tech and such, and some brands like Atlas are moving in the right direction, but even for a "low sweat" person like me, the backpanel of every single specialized photo backpack I've ever owned or tried is soppin' wet 30 minutes into a hot day hike. This alone can really ruin the rest of the day, especially in humid weather areas.

2) This leaves us with true backpacking units with a raincover and truly working ventilation, but fitted with solutions for your cam gear (more on that below.) The good news is that you have excellent choices at half or less the price of some of the currently hyped cam brands. For obvious and previously mentioned reasons, toploaders are out so here are a few great choices with creative zipper access to the main compartment (side, U, J zipper, etc. those allow you to place your photo gear wherever works best on that day and still get it out fairly quickly.) You just drop your bag, open the zip, pull your cam out of its cozy little foam niche (plenty of cheap and effective "photo cubes" on fleabay, just get one that matches your current Canon kit) and shoot those awesome pics!
Based on my experience (and if like me you prefer true lifetime warranties in case something goes wrong) the best choices are the Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 (only 4 lbs 9 oz but built like a tank) and the (slightly smaller but only 3 lbs!) Osprey Stratos 50. After that, you have still great packs but with lesser quality and lesser warranties like the Gregorys (Zulu 55/65, Baltoros) and the REI Traverse series (70L, 85L) which are chockfull of clever features, including some that can be of serious use to the creative photographer (read on.)

3) Okay, now... what if this type of access is still too slow or cumbersome (as is the case for me on most of my hikes, BTW)?
With the above packs you have plenty of options. I don't carry the same type of kit right now, but I have in the past and what I would do is:
- attach my main cam+WA lens (the one I use the most on hikes, in your case that would be the 17-40mm, right?) to a shoulder strap via a PD Capture Clip. This works best for me on those hikes where the landscapes are so amazing I can't help but shoot every few minutes, like in the Alps.
- OR I keep it inside a side stretch pocket. Of note here is the fact that the upper part of some of those side pockets (normally designed for a Nalgene bottle, an ice pick, trek poles, a tripod, etc.) stands pretty high which can make grabbing your cam slower and sometimes just challenging. You just need to try it out as soon as you get the pack (make sure you first gather all your hiking stuff and load it as you would on a real hike.) The cool feature on the latest REI Traverse bags is that they added a second, lower pocket just outside the stretch pockets (and just behind the always-so-useful hipbelt pockets) and the one I tried recently was perfect for a 1L bottle so if your 17-40mm isn't wider than that in diameter, I can tell you for sure it would fit just perfect (but if you are not too far from the US border it's definitely worth a trip, REI stores are just like candy for any hiker.)
- I plunked my 2nd body with the long lens (or a bridge zoom cam) inside the opposite side pocket. But you could also place your 100-400mm inside the front pocket for easy access, when for example you suspect some wildlife may be close by.
In all 3 cases I'd say my access time was under 3 seconds. In fact I got into the habit of turning the cam on before pulling it out. By the time I bring it to eye level it's at full power so I never miss a shot.

4) I've seen some other options on the trail such as cam holsters (attached to hip or chest strap) and even folks keeping their cam gear front and center on their chest, inside the detachable day pack that normally sits in the back of their main pack (Deuter, Osprey.)

5) Keep in mind that October to mid-December is the time of the year when one can often get the absolute lowest prices on backpacks.

Does this help?

 

[SineV]

I mentioned try them on because that is the only way to see if they fit and are comfortable. If you don't have a store where that is an option then you may need to order several and return the packs that you don't want to keep.

oh yeah, i wasnt disagreeing with you at all. That was lamenation more than anything. I wish i could go there and try things out (bags and lenses and more or less everything if i could) but that has been a constant source of difficulty. If you want something around here and cant get it at canadian tire or walmart, then amazon is your next best bet and you're at the mercy of reviews and mostly accurate-ish product descriptions. I also need to feel the pack because i own one now that was highly reviewed and im sure it is great but i hate it. just doesnt seem to fit me right.

Because I hike with my gear I also make compromises. I'm going on a hiking trip next week and will likely carry my D850, 16-35 f/4, 70-200 f/4 and 300 f/4 along with 1.4x teleconverter. I used the f/4 lenses and zooms because they are smaller and lighter. Sure I sacrifice low light capability and some image quality, but hiking with primes (and more primes to cover that range) and f/2.8 options is not feasible for me. I sometimes through in the Nikon 200-500 instead of the 300 f/4, if I think there will be telephoto opportunities.

Man, in my experience, unless you are living it there are always sacrifices when packing for hiking. "i got some zooms, but if it gets darker i could take this cheap 40 that's faster than my zooms, but then i cant take that extra pair of socks" or any combination of camera equipment, food, clothing, water, etc. One thing you take is another thing you cant. I enjoy it, but i think the thing you and i are looking for is the "i am always wanting to take these and have them safe, but then i want enough more room for these other things that i can swap in and out, and also have a comfortable pack". i dont think that's unreasonable.

I am planning on checking out that linked discussion. it seems very much up the alley of this convo.

 

[SineV]

I was where you are currently at.

I did like the Lowepro Whistler series packs, but I already had a nice hiking pack as well as a Lowepro toploader holster. So, I just decided to get a Peak Designs travel cube to put in my pack with my toploader. It works for me and I have plenty of room for other stuff. Also, the Travel Cubes transfer from my pelican hard case straight to my pack-mutitask.

Its funny you mentioned the pelican case as I had also been debating just buying a new one of those and trying to figure a way to strap it on somewhere. The travel cube idea is something I had not yet considered though and is a valuable idea I will look into for sure.

You actually can buy a back strap system for certain pelican cases. However, comfortable is not a word that would use to describe having a large, plastic, heavy case strapped to my back. If waterproof is something that is an absolute requirement for your mission, I would take a look at the Watershed brand dry packs. They will not be as comfortable as a true hiking pack, but they will most certainly be ALOT more comfortable that a pelican case on your back. I use Watershed dry bag for my camera gear when I’m in the kayak. They are drybags on steroids. My camera gear has gone swimming once in this dry bag and I did not get one drop of water in it.

I should have clarified. Strapped to my bike, or slung off my hiking pack, though the latter being far less desirable. but your mention of the watershed packs has me highly intrigued because i dont think i mentioned canoeing but it is something i should have mentioned. i dont do it often but mostly because i havent ever found a rock solid option for keeping my kit safe in that much water, other than the bulky orange pelican. thank you for the addition.

 

[SineV]

I'd happily give you feedback but personally it would help me (help you) A LOT if you could list what your cam gear consists of. Also of paramount importance:

- what cam(s) or cam/lens combo(s) are you most likely to need to pull out in a jiffy?

cam- 5d mk iii / lens i'd have with me - ef 100-400 and ef 17-40

- how long and/or how many days is your typical hike?

from single days to several weeks

- in what region(s) and temps range do you usually hike?

+45 to -55, rock, tree, swamp, marsh, gravel, sand, snow, mud, all terrain. the pack is less for the hike and more for the destination. "I want to get to this remote location and see what inspires me. I want to take this camera kit with me for whatever might inspire me there/along the way. And I need to stay this dry/warm/cool/sheltered from the elements". So it isnt a small task I am trying to accomplish, I am asking for a lot. that doesnt mean options dont exist and if I have to make a couple pigeon rats in the process to my goal then so be it. as long as I and my equipment make it there, and back again.

- in what country will you purchase your new bag?

canada

Okay, thanks for those hugely important details and my best wishes for a full recovery from your serious injuries (hopefully less "multitasking" on the horizon for ya? LOL.) You've already got quite a bit of very sensible advice so my apologies if I duplicate some. Here are my quick thoughts, in no particular order:

1) Based on what you need, there isn't a single "specialized' Cam Pack" on the market that would work. There are many reasons, and you have stated some, but the main one from my own experience (I'm a bit of a bag nut so I've owned tons over the years) is that since you obviously hike in hot weather (as do I) there still isn't a single cam pack manufacturer out there that has implemented proper ventilation. That is to say, that uses the type of "trampoline" suspension system, invented by Deuter of Germany over 30 years ago, which keeps the pack away from your back while distributing the weight properly, that is to say onto your hips. Yes, many brands have all sorts of ridiculous claims about "breathable" tech and such, and some brands like Atlas are moving in the right direction, but even for a "low sweat" person like me, the backpanel of every single specialized photo backpack I've ever owned or tried is soppin' wet 30 minutes into a hot day hike. This alone can really ruin the rest of the day, especially in humid weather areas.

2) This leaves us with true backpacking units with a raincover and truly working ventilation, but fitted with solutions for your cam gear (more on that below.) The good news is that you have excellent choices at half or less the price of some of the currently hyped cam brands. For obvious and previously mentioned reasons, toploaders are out so here are a few great choices with creative zipper access to the main compartment (side, U, J zipper, etc. those allow you to place your photo gear wherever works best on that day and still get it out fairly quickly.) You just drop your bag, open the zip, pull your cam out of its cozy little foam niche (plenty of cheap and effective "photo cubes" on fleabay, just get one that matches your current Canon kit) and shoot those awesome pics!
Based on my experience (and if like me you prefer true lifetime warranties in case something goes wrong) the best choices are the Deuter Futura Vario 50 + 10 (only 4 lbs 9 oz but built like a tank) and the (slightly smaller but only 3 lbs!) Osprey Stratos 50. After that, you have still great packs but with lesser quality and lesser warranties like the Gregorys (Zulu 55/65, Baltoros) and the REI Traverse series (70L, 85L) which are chockfull of clever features, including some that can be of serious use to the creative photographer (read on.)

3) Okay, now... what if this type of access is still too slow or cumbersome (as is the case for me on most of my hikes, BTW)?
With the above packs you have plenty of options. I don't carry the same type of kit right now, but I have in the past and what I would do is:
- attach my main cam+WA lens (the one I use the most on hikes, in your case that would be the 17-40mm, right?) to a shoulder strap via a PD Capture Clip. This works best for me on those hikes where the landscapes are so amazing I can't help but shoot every few minutes, like in the Alps.
- OR I keep it inside a side stretch pocket. Of note here is the fact that the upper part of some of those side pockets (normally designed for a Nalgene bottle, an ice pick, trek poles, a tripod, etc.) stands pretty high which can make grabbing your cam slower and sometimes just challenging. You just need to try it out as soon as you get the pack (make sure you first gather all your hiking stuff and load it as you would on a real hike.) The cool feature on the latest REI Traverse bags is that they added a second, lower pocket just outside the stretch pockets (and just behind the always-so-useful hipbelt pockets) and the one I tried recently was perfect for a 1L bottle so if your 17-40mm isn't wider than that in diameter, I can tell you for sure it would fit just perfect (but if you are not too far from the US border it's definitely worth a trip, REI stores are just like candy for any hiker.)
- I plunked my 2nd body with the long lens (or a bridge zoom cam) inside the opposite side pocket. But you could also place your 100-400mm inside the front pocket for easy access, when for example you suspect some wildlife may be close by.
In all 3 cases I'd say my access time was under 3 seconds. In fact I got into the habit of turning the cam on before pulling it out. By the time I bring it to eye level it's at full power so I never miss a shot.

4) I've seen some other options on the trail such as cam holsters (attached to hip or chest strap) and even folks keeping their cam gear front and center on their chest, inside the detachable day pack that normally sits in the back of their main pack (Deuter, Osprey.)

5) Keep in mind that October to mid-December is the time of the year when one can often get the absolute lowest prices on backpacks.

Does this help?

Honestly, this was a stellar response and helps very much. I greatly appreciate the time you took to write that all out and provide me with some of your experience. I don't know what the rest of you guys were doing with your answers... Pick up your game or what (very joking, appreciate all who try to help )

That said I will need to take a moment to read it through again to fully take it all in, and when I do I will be sure to send a more proper reply. Until then I will leave with this; Who wanted the answer to this more? Me for wanting the answer, or you for wanting to talk bags?

Talk soon!

 

[AZheaven]

I use a Opteka Camera Harness when I hike. They don't make them anymore apparently. But Cotton Carrier does. What's fun about the harness is that when I go to the Grand Canyon, I get stared at by those carrying their heavy DSLR's with the camera strap hanging around their neck, which by the end of the day is nearing some's kneecaps.

https://www.cottoncarrier.com/

 

[Bing Chow]

I'd happily give you feedback but personally it would help me (help you) A LOT if you could list what your cam gear consists of. Also of paramount importance:

- what cam(s) or cam/lens combo(s) are you most likely to need to pull out in a jiffy?

cam- 5d mk iii / lens i'd have with me - ef 100-400 and ef 17-40

- how long and/or how many days is your typical hike?

from single days to several weeks

- in what region(s) and temps range do you usually hike?

+45 to -55, rock, tree, swamp, marsh, gravel, sand, snow, mud, all terrain. the pack is less for the hike and more for the destination. "I want to get to this remote location and see what inspires me. I want to take this camera kit with me for whatever might inspire me there/along the way. And I need to stay this dry/warm/cool/sheltered from the elements". So it isnt a small task I am trying to accomplish, I am asking for a lot. that doesnt mean options dont exist and if I have to make a couple pigeon rats in the process to my goal then so be it. as long as I and my equipment make it there, and back again.

- in what country will you purchase your new bag?

canada

IMO, your thread should be re-titled to "Camera pack AND Hiking Pack." You sound like a very ambitious adventurer. I don't think one pack can do it all. Or even two. A single dayhike @ 20 C is very different than a multi-day, alpine trek @ -20C. I scanned the thread and don't recall you stating how much camping gear you want to bring. Maybe you're an uber-outdoorsman who plan to dig holes and insulate himself with leaves every night. No matter. You know that capacity needs to go up with the more gear you bring.

I'm a fan of camera packs because I don't hike long distances and I'm out there only because of landscape photography. Camera packs are great because once you get to your destination, it is much easier to work out of. Exploring and working a location means a lot of moving around, setting up, taking down.....I just want one panel to open and close, sling my tripod over my shoulder and move 100ft down the shoreline to check out something else. And for the 2-3 times a year I need to overnight somewhere, my Shimoda Explore 60 can handle it. Not the most comfortable thing. Certainly not adequate for loads bigger than 35lbs, but it does the trick for couple hours at a time. And I'm not ultralight camper either.

But even I will admit that for trips that are hike-centric, a proper hiking pack is the way to go. For trips like that, I will sacrifice photographic conveniences for comfort and load distribution. Being uncomfortable just ruins the whole thing for me.

Security and fast access don't go hand in hand. If you want to fire a shot off in under 5sec, you're gonna have to strap it to the outside. If you want SOME protection, use inserts or camera packs. If you want armoured protection, then pay the price for bulk and weight. I can only imagine the most extreme adventures needing Pelican-level of protection. Being out in the wild requires a certain level of risk acceptance. I'm not willing to carry a Pelican to cover the slim chance that something catastrophic will happen to my camera. I'll save myself first and buy another camera tomorrow.

My point is this: You have vast needs. Choose different types of packs for different adventures.

I'm Canadian also and Altitude Sports offers free returns for a $25 lifetime membership. I've never returned something as large as a backpack, but for apparel, returns are free and super easy.

 

[SineV]

I'd happily give you feedback but personally it would help me (help you) A LOT if you could list what your cam gear consists of. Also of paramount importance:

- what cam(s) or cam/lens combo(s) are you most likely to need to pull out in a jiffy?

cam- 5d mk iii / lens i'd have with me - ef 100-400 and ef 17-40

- how long and/or how many days is your typical hike?

from single days to several weeks

- in what region(s) and temps range do you usually hike?

+45 to -55, rock, tree, swamp, marsh, gravel, sand, snow, mud, all terrain. the pack is less for the hike and more for the destination. "I want to get to this remote location and see what inspires me. I want to take this camera kit with me for whatever might inspire me there/along the way. And I need to stay this dry/warm/cool/sheltered from the elements". So it isnt a small task I am trying to accomplish, I am asking for a lot. that doesnt mean options dont exist and if I have to make a couple pigeon rats in the process to my goal then so be it. as long as I and my equipment make it there, and back again.

- in what country will you purchase your new bag?

canada

IMO, your thread should be re-titled to "Camera pack AND Hiking Pack." You sound like a very ambitious adventurer. I don't think one pack can do it all. Or even two. A single dayhike @ 20 C is very different than a multi-day, alpine trek @ -20C. I scanned the thread and don't recall you stating how much camping gear you want to bring. Maybe you're an uber-outdoorsman who plan to dig holes and insulate himself with leaves every night. No matter. You know that capacity needs to go up with the more gear you bring.

I'm a fan of camera packs because I don't hike long distances and I'm out there only because of landscape photography. Camera packs are great because once you get to your destination, it is much easier to work out of. Exploring and working a location means a lot of moving around, setting up, taking down.....I just want one panel to open and close, sling my tripod over my shoulder and move 100ft down the shoreline to check out something else. And for the 2-3 times a year I need to overnight somewhere, my Shimoda Explore 60 can handle it. Not the most comfortable thing. Certainly not adequate for loads bigger than 35lbs, but it does the trick for couple hours at a time. And I'm not ultralight camper either.

But even I will admit that for trips that are hike-centric, a proper hiking pack is the way to go. For trips like that, I will sacrifice photographic conveniences for comfort and load distribution. Being uncomfortable just ruins the whole thing for me.

Security and fast access don't go hand in hand. If you want to fire a shot off in under 5sec, you're gonna have to strap it to the outside. If you want SOME protection, use inserts or camera packs. If you want armoured protection, then pay the price for bulk and weight. I can only imagine the most extreme adventures needing Pelican-level of protection. Being out in the wild requires a certain level of risk acceptance. I'm not willing to carry a Pelican to cover the slim chance that something catastrophic will happen to my camera. I'll save myself first and buy another camera tomorrow.

My point is this: You have vast needs. Choose different types of packs for different adventures.

I'm Canadian also and Altitude Sports offers free returns for a $25 lifetime membership. I've never returned something as large as a backpack, but for apparel, returns are free and super easy.

I was both specific and unspecific. I wanted enough info as to what I want to do, but also wanted to know about what others did while trying to maximize hiking /camping, and photograph.

If I were overly specific, I feel I would have missed you mentioning something about camera bags that I wouldn't have factored in. I do most of my trekking, as much as possibl , via my bike. Being grounded meant I needed to get back to hiking as my only means. I still need to overcome the same problem for my bike, but for the days I just want to hike I can take what I've learned and implement those changes into my biking setup. But one thing I wasn't really thinking of exactly, as I was more focused on the "there and back again" with kit for hiking and surviving, and camera, where I also could look at it as "what pack should I get so that when I get to (either by hike or bike) my destination, I can set up a biv site, have my hiking pack with me, pull out my camera equipment to then put into a good camera pack and hike in that area (say 2km radius)". So I could learn what hiking pack will work, or has worked for others, what camera packs have worked for others in the ways they've used them, and the potential of getting both for different but also potentially individually important reasons and uses.

 

[SineV]

1. AZheaven wrote:

I use a Opteka Camera Harness when I hike. They don't make them anymore apparently. But Cotton Carrier does. What's fun about the harness is that when I go to the Grand Canyon, I get stared at by those carrying their heavy DSLR's with the camera strap hanging around their neck, which by the end of the day is nearing some's kneecaps.

https://www.cottoncarrier.com/

I'm very interested in clicking on this link. While my neck has ached from a day out in the woods (the 100-400 is made repurposed WWII tanks in quite sure), this might be it good for biking and not worrying about the lens smashing glass first into a piece of my bike.

Thank you.