Best backpack / rucksack for hiking photographers

[Bobthearch]

I've been searching for solutions over the years and have also come to this same conclusion:

BOTTOM LINE: PHOTO BACKPACKS (STILL) DO NOT WORK FOR SERIOUS HIKING

Crappy packs not actually made for hiking;

No space for hiking gear and the Ten Essentials;

Inaccessibility to camera gear;

Grossly overpriced bags;

Have to take the pack off to access camera... etc., etc., etc.

The solution I've settled on for the indefinite future, two bags. A daypack / backpack and a shoulder camera bag. I can reach my camera, quickly stow it, browse the bag contents, pull the weather cover on, change lenses... instantly, without fumbling, without taking anything off, and while maintaining complete segregation from water jugs and other hiking gear.

 

[Chris 222]

Just like to add something to the thread.

The OP is of course right that a Pressure Panel makes your back sweat and when it's hot your clothes get soaked. When using a pack with a Tensioned Mesh Panel you don't have this problem as it allows back ventilation. And for some this panel eliminates pain.

Since I'm living in a sea climate with at most 10-15 days a year with a temperature above 30 degrees Celsius, I can live with a Pressure Panel. However, these few hot days are terrible and I have to put an extra layer on my back to protect the pack.

The big advantage of a Pressure Panel is that it keeps the gear as close to your body as possible. It saves a lot of energy because the weight won't pull you backwards.

Neither does a properly fitted and loaded TMP pack.

Besides, it improves balance. For me, when hiking in the mountains that's extremely important. Maybe it's because I'm a flatlander that I'm too careful in the mountains

Whatever the reason, you found something that works for you and that is what matters.

And I have no choice when I choose for freedom of movement, needed for wildlife photography. Skiing and mountaineering packs make this possible and they are all glued to your back. As always, it's a trade-off. Soaked clothes, better weight distribution and balance, vs constant ventilation and less back pain.

There are all sorts of compromises in life but this absolutely does not have to be one.
But I wanted to know what others thought so I ran a little poll in our group. Out of fairness I asked that only folks who moved from a PP to a TMP system as their preferred photo/hiking pack, enter their choices - for background, many have decades of hiking experience and some (retired, lucky) ones hike many more miles than I do. There was also space for additional feedback. 127 people participated.

Question #1: How many hours of hiking did it take you to get used to your TMP pack?
Under 1 hour: 22
1 to 20 hours: 84
More than 20 hours: 21
Many comments here about the importance of showing patience in adjusting to the different stance and hiking stride allowed by the considerably improved weight spread a good TMP pack provides. Some observed how disconcerting it was at first to feel that their CG (Center of Gravity) had been lowered with 3/4 of the load now on their hips instead of pressing on their shoulders and backs.

Question #2: Does your TMP pack pull you backwards more than your PP pack?
Yes: 0
No: 127
Many comments on this question about the fact that finding a pack that truly works for your body type and shape (that's why most women need a female pack) can be really challenging. Many other comments about the absolute necessity to load the pack in a balanced way (some observed/complained that those 10 pound bags at the Outdoor Store, while nice to have, are too small and compact to represent a real load, hence the need to "bring all your stuff" when buying a new pack) and then utilize the pack's compression straps, load lifters, etc. to bring the load closer to your CG. Several members found out that they had weak core spinal muscles and worked on that.

Question #3: Compared to your old PP pack(s), how does your TMP pack affect your balance while hiking?
Negatively: 0
Positively: 72
Same: 55
Many here said that they feel safer on tough trails without that high load swinging around. Several commented about much they love that by design, the heavier the load, the closer the better TMP packs bring that load to your CG (as close as about 1/2 inch or 1,25cm on the Deuter Vario, a little more on an Osprey Atmos) which gives you even more confidence.

Question #4: Compared to your old PP pack(s) does an identical load in your TMP pack feel?
Heavier: 0
Lighter: 106
Same: 21
Most here commented on how surprised they were at first by the clear perception of lower weight. Several said they load more photo gear on their hikes than before.

Anyhow, this was a fun poll. As always, your (hiking) mileage may vary.

 

[Chris 222]

Great thread and oh so true!

Thanks N.

I spent ages looking for a setup that worked for me and used the Jack Wolfskin ACS photopack for a while as it had a decent harness and trampoline back. Unfortunately the hip belt was not so good, there was not much room for any other gear and the pack was a little too short.

Well, good on JW to at least make an attempt at a photo TMP pack (AFAIK they are the only ones so far) but according to one of our members who owned that pack as well as the smaller brother, execution is indeed quite poor. Outside of the uncomfortable belt he also found that the location of the tripod mount blocks rear-access to his gear and he questions the decision to place that weirdly angled top handle above not just one but two zippers. If you have all your equipment in there, pick up your bag, and one zippper rips everything comes crashing out...

Again, you won't see this kind of dumb design on a good hiking pack. There's a reason they saw the top handle to the frame of the pack.

Since then I've witched to an Osprey Stratos with a camera bag insert. The side zipper allows access to my gear without having to open the top flap if I need to.

I still don't know why none of the camera backpack companies or even a company like Peak Design still haven't brought out a backpack with a decent carrying system for photography gear.

Yup, it's mystifying. As I posted elsewhere, AFAIK there aren't major patent issues or high licensing fees on the TMP. They all seem to make bags targeted to geeks and to ignore both Global Warming and the outdoors/hiking market which is exploding worldwide. Doesn't make much business sense, does it?.

True, for instance look at F-Stop, most of their packs are built for a torso length of 18.5 inches. Their hip belts are chest straps for me. For years I wanted to buy the Tilopa but since all the weight was on my shoulders this was no option. A good hip belt takes at least 80 percent of the load.

They make quality stuff but one our members found out the hard way how uncomfortable their design can be. He has a lot of gear and his expensive F-Stop bundle (nearly 1K) hurts his back so much after one hour of hiking that he just stopped using it.

Look at videos of camera backpacks. They proudly present the load-lifters but with these short packs the load-lifters are hanging far below the shoulders where they are not effective.

100% agreed.

 

[TheBlackGrouse]

Just like to add something to the thread.

The OP is of course right that a Pressure Panel makes your back sweat and when it's hot your clothes get soaked. When using a pack with a Tensioned Mesh Panel you don't have this problem as it allows back ventilation. And for some this panel eliminates pain.

Since I'm living in a sea climate with at most 10-15 days a year with a temperature above 30 degrees Celsius, I can live with a Pressure Panel. However, these few hot days are terrible and I have to put an extra layer on my back to protect the pack.

The big advantage of a Pressure Panel is that it keeps the gear as close to your body as possible. It saves a lot of energy because the weight won't pull you backwards.

Neither does a properly fitted and loaded TMP pack.

Besides, it improves balance. For me, when hiking in the mountains that's extremely important. Maybe it's because I'm a flatlander that I'm too careful in the mountains

Whatever the reason, you found something that works for you and that is what matters.

And I have no choice when I choose for freedom of movement, needed for wildlife photography. Skiing and mountaineering packs make this possible and they are all glued to your back. As always, it's a trade-off. Soaked clothes, better weight distribution and balance, vs constant ventilation and less back pain.

There are all sorts of compromises in life but this absolutely does not have to be one.
But I wanted to know what others thought so I ran a little poll in our group. Out of fairness I asked that only folks who moved from a PP to a TMP system as their preferred photo/hiking pack, enter their choices - for background, many have decades of hiking experience and some (retired, lucky) ones hike many more miles than I do. There was also space for additional feedback. 127 people participated.

Question #1: How many hours of hiking did it take you to get used to your TMP pack?
Under 1 hour: 22
1 to 20 hours: 84
More than 20 hours: 21
Many comments here about the importance of showing patience in adjusting to the different stance and hiking stride allowed by the considerably improved weight spread a good TMP pack provides. Some observed how disconcerting it was at first to feel that their CG (Center of Gravity) had been lowered with 3/4 of the load now on their hips instead of pressing on their shoulders and backs.

Question #2: Does your TMP pack pull you backwards more than your PP pack?
Yes: 0
No: 127
Many comments on this question about the fact that finding a pack that truly works for your body type and shape (that's why most women need a female pack) can be really challenging. Many other comments about the absolute necessity to load the pack in a balanced way (some observed/complained that those 10 pound bags at the Outdoor Store, while nice to have, are too small and compact to represent a real load, hence the need to "bring all your stuff" when buying a new pack) and then utilize the pack's compression straps, load lifters, etc. to bring the load closer to your CG. Several members found out that they had weak core spinal muscles and worked on that.

Question #3: Compared to your old PP pack(s), how does your TMP pack affect your balance while hiking?
Negatively: 0
Positively: 72
Same: 55
Many here said that they feel safer on tough trails without that high load swinging around. Several commented about much they love that by design, the heavier the load, the closer the better TMP packs bring that load to your CG (as close as about 1/2 inch or 1,25cm on the Deuter Vario, a little more on an Osprey Atmos) which gives you even more confidence.

Question #4: Compared to your old PP pack(s) does an identical load in your TMP pack feel?
Heavier: 0
Lighter: 106
Same: 21
Most here commented on how surprised they were at first by the clear perception of lower weight. Several said they load more photo gear on their hikes than before.

Anyhow, this was a fun poll. As always, your (hiking) mileage may vary.

Ok, Deuter is an exception as their packs bring the load close to your body and they have a superb waist belt. Every year I speak with hundreds/thousand hikers/photographers and less than 1 percent likes a TMP pack. This must be a typical difference between countries. Possibly because the majority of wildlife photographers is cycling a lot too.

 

[Chris 222]

I've been searching for solutions over the years and have also come to this same conclusion:

BOTTOM LINE: PHOTO BACKPACKS (STILL) DO NOT WORK FOR SERIOUS HIKING

Crappy packs not actually made for hiking;

No space for hiking gear and the Ten Essentials;

Inaccessibility to camera gear;

Grossly overpriced bags;

Have to take the pack off to access camera... etc., etc., etc.

The solution I've settled on for the indefinite future, two bags. A daypack / backpack and a shoulder camera bag. I can reach my camera, quickly stow it, browse the bag contents, pull the weather cover on, change lenses... instantly, without fumbling, without taking anything off, and while maintaining complete segregation from water jugs and other hiking gear.

Thanks for the feedback.Yup, a separate bag is also the solution most of our members use (an old LowePro Nova 2 for me) although there are lots of small variations there. For some it doubles as a portable ICU/cube/insert, but when we have lots of lenses on a hike, we tend to either add a second small ICU. Those who also have the Deuter bags I spoke of in my OP tend to use the side bellows pockets since it's a lot easier to access your extra lenses that way.

Would you mind sharing what shoulder cam bag you use?

 

[Bobthearch]

Would you mind sharing what shoulder cam bag you use?

Vanguard Oslo 25. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1116329-REG/vanguard_oslo_25gy_shoulder_bag.html

It has a nice contoured shape that rides comfortably when wearing, but still sits flat on the car seat or ground. The size is good, holding a D7100 and 2-4 lenses. It's got a nice weather cover too.

Importantly, the material doesn't snag on branches or collect dirt.

It's often my "personal item" when traveling by air. Or I can cram it empty into my checked luggage and carry on a larger camera bag.

After several years of rough use I'm considering replacing it. I just don't have total confidence in the zippers any more.

 

[Morvegil]

Good write up. This thread just made me realize ill never do hard core hiking like this.

 

[Bobthearch]

Good write up. This thread just made me realize ill never do hard core hiking like this.

Why not?

Even if you don't hike for long distances, getting out where the pictures are (and tourists aren't) is critical.

Even more important, getting out when the pictures are and tourists aren't means suffering some dodgy weather.

Around here that means high-quality rain gear, fleece, spare clothes, and plenty of water. And that's true year-round, and it's true whether I'm going two miles or twenty.

 

[Wateraddict]

I've been considering the Deuter Freerider Pro 30L along with an F Stop camera insert for my tavels. Inexpensive enough and seems to have everything I need with room to spare for travelling.

 

[Bobthearch]

I've been considering the Deuter Freerider Pro 30L along with an F Stop camera insert for my tavels. Inexpensive enough and seems to have everything I need with room to spare for travelling.

Can you get the camera out, quickly stash it, or change lenses quickly without taking the pack off?

If not, it's a dead deal.

Stealing a couple photos from my own Facebook page:

Without the camera within easy reach and lenses instantly accessible, you will miss shots. What do teenagers, wildlife, and clouds all have in common? They're impatient and won't wait around for you to take off a pack and dig around for a camera and lens.



You don't want to be digging through a pack when standing here, potentially spilling or dropping something:



--
Personal non-commercial websites with no ads or tracking:
Local photography: http://ratonphotos.com/
Travel and photography: http://placesandpics.com/
Special-interest photos: http://ghosttowns.placesandpics.com/

 

[Bobthearch]

Good write up. This thread just made me realize ill never do hard core hiking like this.

Hi Morvegil, I wanted to share this photo with you. Here's my family just out for a nature walk looking for waterfalls in a local wildlife area. There are no trails, and our car is in the canyon below in the background.



It turns out this was also Wife's last time ever tagging along on one of our walks. :-D

--
Personal non-commercial websites with no ads or tracking:
Local photography: http://ratonphotos.com/
Travel and photography: http://placesandpics.com/
Special-interest photos: http://ghosttowns.placesandpics.com/

 

[Wateraddict]

I'm more on the side of a long exposure type of photographer so I like taking my time. The more important thing was access to the camera equipment from the front instead of having to lay the pack on the straps on the ground. Also to have room left over for a few items of clothing as well as possibly some small food items.

Right now I use a Lowepro Classic 300AW pack and it's fine for carrying camera gear, but that's it. Plus it's stiff and doesn't have much in the way of carrying a tripod.

 

[Chris 222]

I've been considering the Deuter Freerider Pro 30L along with an F Stop camera insert for my tavels. Inexpensive enough and seems to have everything I need with room to spare for travelling.

Are you planning on using it only in cold weather (ski trips and such)?

 

[Wateraddict]

Not on ski trips but on short hikes with snow shoes and in the winter Yes. I love the winter for the type of photography I do. Light hiking and average use. If you have any other recommendations I would be all ears.

 

[robert1955]

Looking at the Deuter site at 1.7kg it seems a bit heavy for 30L. OTOH it will [just] pass as cabin luggage.

With these smaller packs it is important to find out whether it is long enough for your back.

 

[Chris 222]

Not on ski trips but on short hikes with snow shoes and in the winter Yes. I love the winter for the type of photography I do. Light hiking and average use. If you have any other recommendations I would be all ears.

The Freerider Pro 30 is a super-well built bag (typical of this brand) but like many winter packs it has no water bottle pockets. We tend to ignore hydration in the winter but it's a mistake since we dehydrate just as quickly, especially at altitude. Anyhow, you can still stick an insulated bottle inside the pack but then you have to drop your bag any time you want a sip. But the bigger problem in my book, is the fact that this pack doesn't have a rain cover, a big no-no when you have photo gear inside.

FWIW if I were in your shoes I'd go with the Deuter Futura Pro 40 which is a true 4-season pack and has far more options for photo gear access (see post #1 for the gory details) and hydration. You also get a TMP with considerably better weight spread, meaning that in practice both the bag and the load feel much lighter. Alternatively, the Deuter Futura 36 Pro, a standard PP bag, has a side zipper but I'd caution about the practicality of this type of access. It's actually easier and less messy to just drop your pack vertical in the snow (the bottom is waterproof) and access your lenses in the ICU at the top of the bag. Both these packs should also be really nice for putting your snow shoes either in the stretch front pocket or lashed to the 4 loops on the top cover. BTW, both these models are under $130 now which is a steal.

Does this make sense?

 

[starfly]

Not on ski trips but on short hikes with snow shoes and in the winter Yes. I love the winter for the type of photography I do. Light hiking and average use. If you have any other recommendations I would be all ears.

The Freerider Pro 30 is a super-well built bag (typical of this brand) but like many winter packs it has no water bottle pockets. We tend to ignore hydration in the winter but it's a mistake since we dehydrate just as quickly, especially at altitude. Anyhow, you can still stick an insulated bottle inside the pack but then you have to drop your bag any time you want a sip. But the bigger problem in my book, is the fact that this pack doesn't have a rain cover, a big no-no when you have photo gear inside.

FWIW if I were in your shoes I'd go with the Deuter Futura Pro 40 which is a true 4-season pack and has far more options for photo gear access (see post #1 for the gory details) and hydration. You also get a TMP with considerably better weight spread, meaning that in practice both the bag and the load feel much lighter. Alternatively, the Deuter Futura 36 Pro, a standard PP bag, has a side zipper but I'd caution about the practicality of this type of access. It's actually easier and less messy to just drop your pack vertical in the snow (the bottom is waterproof) and access your lenses in the ICU at the top of the bag. Both these packs should also be really nice for putting your snow shoes either in the stretch front pocket or lashed to the 4 loops on the top cover. BTW, both these models are under $130 now which is a steal.

Does this make sense?

You probably mean the Trail Pro 36, as the Futura Pro 36 is just a slightly smaller version of the Futura Pro 40

The Trail Pro 36 as an FYI does not have side access. That zipper you see on the side is just a zipped side pocket. It does have front panel access, and depending on how you have the zipper it can double as sort of side-access. I otherwise concur with you that more often than not, side-access zippers aren't that practical for photography purposes. It's usually not very easy to access an ICU through a side access zipper. A front access panel tends work a bit better.

I just picked up the Trail Pro 36 alongside the Gregory Zulu 40 I picked up last week, as I wanted to compare the two and see how they work. Initial impression is that the Zulu feels a bit more comfortable on my back, but the Trail Pro 36 might be a little bit easier to work with, partly because the TMP suspension on the Zulu means the bag is somewhat curved instead of more straight on a more traditional back like the Deuter, which makes it more finnicky to deal with ICUs and tripods internally for example.

Not sure yet which one I'll keep, or if I'll return both. I just laid my eye on a new Osprey Archeon series of packs, in particular the 45L version caught my eye. Quite a bit more expensive though and they're not in any stores, yet, at least not where I live. They seem very durable and I like the features it offers. No TMP back, but I'm not married to that idea as I'll have a sweaty back no matter what. The 45L appears to have very easy access to the entire pack, something the Zulu and Trail Pro 36 both have as well but less convenient/easy.

Anyway, I'm not in a rush to get a pack, I may just decide to return both packs and wait until I can see the Archeon in store to try it on and see if I like its features.

 

[Chris 222]

Yes, thanks for catching this mistake, I was referring to the DEUTER TRAIL PRO 36.

I agree that side access isn't what internet lore says it is but btw this pack, in addition to the very long zip side pocket (good enough for a small tripod) has a big U-zip on the front just like my Vario 50+10. You can't beat that when it comes to rummaging inside the pack to find something. As usual the Deuter site is quite poor (those dumb pictogrammes...)

https://www.deuterusa.com/products/trail-pro-36?variant=22034892521590

but for those who don't own this bag, this article by Michael Lanza has some pretty good pics:

Review: Deuter Trail Pro 36 and Trail Pro 34 SL Daypacks - The Big Outside

Outdoors blogger and former Backpacker magazine field editor and lead gear reviewer Michael Lanza reviews the Deuter Trail Pro 36 and Trail Pro 34 SL daypacks.

thebigoutside.com

 

[Chris 222]

Not on ski trips but on short hikes with snow shoes and in the winter Yes. I love the winter for the type of photography I do. Light hiking and average use. If you have any other recommendations I would be all ears.

The Freerider Pro 30 is a super-well built bag (typical of this brand) but like many winter packs it has no water bottle pockets. We tend to ignore hydration in the winter but it's a mistake since we dehydrate just as quickly, especially at altitude. Anyhow, you can still stick an insulated bottle inside the pack but then you have to drop your bag any time you want a sip. But the bigger problem in my book, is the fact that this pack doesn't have a rain cover, a big no-no when you have photo gear inside.

FWIW if I were in your shoes I'd go with the Deuter Futura Pro 40 which is a true 4-season pack and has far more options for photo gear access (see post #1 for the gory details) and hydration. You also get a TMP with considerably better weight spread, meaning that in practice both the bag and the load feel much lighter. Alternatively, the Deuter Futura 36 Pro, a standard PP bag, has a side zipper but I'd caution about the practicality of this type of access. It's actually easier and less messy to just drop your pack vertical in the snow (the bottom is waterproof) and access your lenses in the ICU at the top of the bag. Both these packs should also be really nice for putting your snow shoes either in the stretch front pocket or lashed to the 4 loops on the top cover. BTW, both these models are under $130 now which is a steal.

Does this make sense?

You probably mean the Trail Pro 36, as the Futura Pro 36 is just a slightly smaller version of the Futura Pro 40

The Trail Pro 36 as an FYI does not have side access. That zipper you see on the side is just a zipped side pocket. It does have front panel access, and depending on how you have the zipper it can double as sort of side-access. I otherwise concur with you that more often than not, side-access zippers aren't that practical for photography purposes. It's usually not very easy to access an ICU through a side access zipper. A front access panel tends work a bit better.

I just picked up the Trail Pro 36 alongside the Gregory Zulu 40 I picked up last week, as I wanted to compare the two and see how they work. Initial impression is that the Zulu feels a bit more comfortable on my back, but the Trail Pro 36 might be a little bit easier to work with, partly because the TMP suspension on the Zulu means the bag is somewhat curved instead of more straight on a more traditional back like the Deuter, which makes it more finnicky to deal with ICUs and tripods internally for example.

Not sure yet which one I'll keep, or if I'll return both. I just laid my eye on a new Osprey Archeon series of packs, in particular the 45L version caught my eye. Quite a bit more expensive though and they're not in any stores, yet, at least not where I live. They seem very durable and I like the features it offers. No TMP back, but I'm not married to that idea as I'll have a sweaty back no matter what. The 45L appears to have very easy access to the entire pack, something the Zulu and Trail Pro 36 both have as well but less convenient/easy.

Anyway, I'm not in a rush to get a pack, I may just decide to return both packs and wait until I can see the Archeon in store to try it on and see if I like its features.

I also wanted to thank you for sharing your findings here about these 2 packs. I hope you have time to get out on the trail and test them with a full load. Keep us posted !

 

[Wateraddict]

Thank you for the info and water has always been something I have just left behind or left in the car while off hiking. I'll look into this bag online this evening.