Recommendations Camera backpack for hiking

[sirhawkeye64]

So I'm going to be taking a trip to a national park in the coming months and need to get a camera bag that's suitable for hiking.

Specifically, will be carrying my Nikon Z FF system (one body, a 24-70 2.8, a 14-30, a 100-400 and maybe my 70-200, but definitely the first three). Also need to have room for a tripod (folded up, on the outside probably) and an area for snacks and water. The 100-400 I'm going ot be carrying is a Tamron 100-400 so it's not all that large of a lens.

Also needs to fit within the "personal item" dimension for air travel (which I think it's 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches max). Also needs to have a rain cover.

Thoughts?

I'd like to keep this under $200 as I have other bags I normally use so this would only be used for hiking with photo gear.

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[jaberg]

My advice would be to find the most comfortable backpack you can, then adapt it as necessary to protect and accomodate your gear using a camera cube and/or pouches and Domke/knockoff wraps.

Although it wasn’t my primary role, I do have training in pack fitting and, in my experience, as with ski booting fitting, the least useful question you can ask, of your fitter or of another, is “what do you use?” My feet aren’t your feet. My body differs from yours. I happen to be a short man with an extremely long torso. 5’6” (as far as you know) but I use an extra large pack where most of my height would use a small/medium. What feels perfect to me may be agony to you.

Start with the best quality, most comfortable packyou can afford. Load it and carry it around the store. Don’t limit yourself to “photo” packs.

I can’t do this topic the justice that Morten Hilmer does:



That being said, my serious pack (as opposed to a daypack) is a Mystery Ranch TerraFrame 50 — which is out of your stated price range. The pack is extremely heavy but the OVERLOAD carrying platform lets me pack in large water containers or, if necessary, Pelican cases full of gear.

My day/hiking pack, also beyond $200 will be a GoRuck. (I have three different sizes to choose from.) Contrary to popular practice, I don’t use a waist suspension for “day loads” and I can carry up to 50 pounds in a GoRuck — though I’m going to try not to. Pack light, go fast. If I want a lighter pack I have a few to choose from but the GoRucks are my go-to.

I use the Peak Design 5L Everyday Sling, its waist belt tucked into the back panel, as a camera cube with my “non-photo” packs. It can be used as a “camera slinger” waist pack while wearing my main pack if the situation warrants.

In terms of camera specific bags, I have the Every Day Backpack from Peak Design. I like it if I’m carrying a lot of gear in an urban setting but I don’t use it for hiking. I tried a ThinkTank Mindshift in the store but found the gear specific pack to be too small and the pack itself wasn’t a perfect fit — for me.

Brands I’d consider: Osprey tends to work well for a lot of body types. REI (if you’re US based) has some nice value offerings. I really like Mystery Ranch and GoRuck but, depending upon what you mean by a hiking pack, they may be beyond your budget.

TL;DR: Best, most comfortable pack you can afford. Protect the gear within that pack. “Fast access” is the lowest priority.

 

[Kokopelli_Rocks]

I use this bag for hiking, Flipside Trek BP 350 AW, but you might prefer the 450 version.

Flipside Trek BP 450 AW

Built for outdoor photographers who need a versatile pack to protect a pro DSLR camera plus adventure gear. Flipside Trek has the perfect balance of dedicated camera compartment and open space, plus all the features you expect in a premium outdoor pack.

www.lowepro.com

You could get everything you mentioned except the 70-200. I like the bag because of the easy access to carry water while hiking. The bag is very well built and the belt fits well for hiking. I also like the size, not too big for hiking and can flip it around to have access.

 

[jaberg]

One more thing that’s worked well for me. I attach Peak Design Capture Clips to my pack straps so that I can keep a camera, or two, (or, hypothetically 6 but I don’t have enough clips) “ready to go” while hiking when weather and terrain permit. I use different systems of safety tethers depending (mostly) on my mood but, at minimum, I’ll wear a wrist strap and clip it to a camera before detaching it from the clip.

Please, no comments about the “danger” of wearing a bracelet while hiking. I’m a grown-ass adult, of sound mind, and I accept the risk. If I didn’t have the camera strap on my right wrist I’d still have a soft-shackle there, along with a watch on my left.

 

[msu79gt82]

I prefer a regular backpack; I have a previous edition of the North Face Surge: https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/...ks-c298772/surge-backpack-pNF0A52SG?color=GVV

I use OpTech Snoot Boots for camera gear: https://www.optechusa.com/snoot-boot.html

 

[Craig Gillette]

Do you have a rough estimate of the dimensions of the upper (non-camera) gear "pocket" on the Flipside 350? Our local camera "chain" has an ongoing feud with LowePro so don't have a handy spot to check it out.

 

[Kokopelli_Rocks]

Do you have a rough estimate of the dimensions of the upper (non-camera) gear "pocket" on the Flipside 350? Our local camera "chain" has an ongoing feud with LowePro so don't have a handy spot to check it out.

I don't but it is pretty good size. I am not at home or I would attach a picture. I can put my R5 with the RF 24-105 f4 and my 2.x tc and spare batteries and some snacks. You can adjust the space and make it smaller or larger. The bag is very well built.

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[Craig Gillette]

Thanks, I'll explore a bit. Got a trip where I won't likely want a camera bag and a gear pack of some sort for walks but will be needing day trip stuff and some camera stuff, too. I've got a daypack and a camera backpack so thinking of something dual use in between.

 

[Bobthearch]

Most camera backpacks lack sufficient space for actual hiking gear, don't allow access to the camera equipment when hiking, or both.

The coming months is fall in North America, and many national parks are high elevation and located in northern climates. Even here in New Mexico it starts snowing in September.

Consider the Ten Essentials and how to apply them to the seasonal weather and climate where you will be visiting. Around here that means at least fleece, rain gear, extra food, extra water, and maybe extra clothes like a shirt and socks. Plus map, compass, knife, fire starter, water purifier... all very basic stuff for backcountry travel.

 

[Chris 222]

So I'm going to be taking a trip to a national park in the coming months and need to get a camera bag that's suitable for hiking.

Specifically, will be carrying my Nikon Z FF system (one body, a 24-70 2.8, a 14-30, a 100-400 and maybe my 70-200, but definitely the first three). Also need to have room for a tripod (folded up, on the outside probably) and an area for snacks and water. The 100-400 I'm going ot be carrying is a Tamron 100-400 so it's not all that large of a lens.

Also needs to fit within the "personal item" dimension for air travel (which I think it's 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches max). Also needs to have a rain cover.

Thoughts?

I'd like to keep this under $200 as I have other bags I normally use so this would only be used for hiking with photo gear.

You will find several articles below my siggy with lots of info and gear reviews about this very topic.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

Most camera backpacks lack sufficient space for actual hiking gear, don't allow access to the camera equipment when hiking, or both.

The coming months is fall in North America, and many national parks are high elevation and located in northern climates. Even here in New Mexico it starts snowing in September.

Consider the Ten Essentials and how to apply them to the seasonal weather and climate where you will be visiting. Around here that means at least fleece, rain gear, extra food, extra water, and maybe extra clothes like a shirt and socks. Plus map, compass, knife, fire starter, water purifier... all very basic stuff for backcountry travel.

For the hike's I'm doing they are along defined paths (I'm going to Banff NP and will be doing some of the more popular hikes so I don't think I'll need things like a water purifier or a knife or fire starter). So it's not back country hiking so much. Water, snacks, and perhaps a jacket or rain poncho (which I have a disposable one I wil lbring but it's about the size of a VHS cassette) will fit into the backpack. I just need room for about 3 lenses and a body as well, along with rain protection.

 

[jaberg]

Consider the Ten Essentials and how to apply them to the seasonal weather and climate where you will be visiting. Around here that means at least fleece, rain gear, extra food, extra water, and maybe extra clothes like a shirt and socks. Plus map, compass, knife, fire starter, water purifier... all very basic stuff for backcountry travel.

I like your use of consider here. I too am a proponent of preparedness and self-reliance, particularly when it comes to outdoor activity, but I have to confess that my strict adherence to the ten essentials will be influenced by “how far I’m moving back country” in the National Parks. There are certain “trails” I’ll tackle in shorts and sandals, without so much as a water bottle.

I know. I’m from a different age — we weren’t as afraid to be thirsty short term and I draw a clear distinction between thirst and dehydration. Plus, I’m of an age where if I drain that Nalgene, I’m going to need to drain my…self… so, it’s a balancing act. One I don’t take lightly.

There are other trails, marked trails, that require full-on expedition planning and prep. If in doubt. consult visitors guides, trail books, the Ranger at the visitor center, or locals, before just jumping “in” but, in general if the path you’re on is paved, you’re probably okay without a lot of extra stuff.

On the other hand, there will be times and places when the 10 essentials will be wholly inadequare, as you indicate. Unfortunately, I’ve come across enough ill-prepared wanderers — It’s a Park. What could go wrong? — that I must acknowledge, support and endorse the advice you’re sharing here. At the end of the day, overprepared is still prepared and the ten essentials, unused at the end of the day, are a minor burden to bear.

 

[Bobthearch]

Most camera backpacks lack sufficient space for actual hiking gear, don't allow access to the camera equipment when hiking, or both.

The coming months is fall in North America, and many national parks are high elevation and located in northern climates. Even here in New Mexico it starts snowing in September.

Consider the Ten Essentials and how to apply them to the seasonal weather and climate where you will be visiting. Around here that means at least fleece, rain gear, extra food, extra water, and maybe extra clothes like a shirt and socks. Plus map, compass, knife, fire starter, water purifier... all very basic stuff for backcountry travel.

For the hike's I'm doing they are along defined paths (I'm going to Banff NP and will be doing some of the more popular hikes so I don't think I'll need things like a water purifier or a knife or fire starter). So it's not back country hiking so much. Water, snacks, and perhaps a jacket or rain poncho (which I have a disposable one I wil lbring but it's about the size of a VHS cassette) will fit into the backpack. I just need room for about 3 lenses and a body as well, along with rain protection.

You may be underestimating the weather, climate, and topography in Banff.

I'm not a Banff expert, only visited there once. But I have lived and worked outdoors for years in similar backcountry conditions. I would not go hiking at Banff any time of the year without at least a warm fleece and high-quality rain gear. (Leave your disposable rain poncho at home.)

The Ten Essentials are called "essential" for a reason. Basic items to carry on every hike. Even a day hike can have rapidly-changing weather conditions or unexpected events. I consider such things to be everyday occurrences, having experienced enough of them. The proper gear can be the difference between a bit of discomfort and an emergency.

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[Bobthearch]

Consider the Ten Essentials and how to apply them to the seasonal weather and climate where you will be visiting. Around here that means at least fleece, rain gear, extra food, extra water, and maybe extra clothes like a shirt and socks. Plus map, compass, knife, fire starter, water purifier... all very basic stuff for backcountry travel.

I like your use of consider here. I too am a proponent of preparedness and self-reliance, particularly when it comes to outdoor activity, but I have to confess that my strict adherence to the ten essentials will be influenced by “how far I’m moving back country” in the National Parks. There are certain “trails” I’ll tackle in shorts and sandals, without so much as a water bottle.

Sure, I adjust my Ten Essentials and even skimp on some things depending on the topography, length of hike, and time of year.

My hiking list for the Mohave Desert in July is very different from my hiking list for a fall trip to the mountains, for example. And roadside sight-seeing, I hardly even consider it.

The question I ask myself when planning, "What happens if I get stuck out here overnight?" Injury, weather event, lost, something else...

At Banff in Sept-Oct, below-freezing temperatures are normal. A broken ankle just two miles from the car becomes a life-threatening emergency situation if you can't get help right away. You're out on a popular short trail catching the "good light" for photos, don't expect someone to just happen across you before morning...

 

[jaberg]

Sure, I adjust my Ten Essentials and even skimp on some things depending on the topography, length of hike, and time of year.

My hiking list for the Mohave Desert in July is very different from my hiking list for a fall trip to the mountains, for example. And roadside sight-seeing, I hardly even consider it.

The question I ask myself when planning, "What happens if I get stuck out here overnight?" Injury, weather event, lost, something else...

At Banff in Sept-Oct, below-freezing temperatures are normal. A broken ankle just two miles from the car becomes a life-threatening emergency situation if you can't get help right away. You're out on a popular short trail catching the "good light" for photos, don't expect someone to just happen across you before morning...

All excellent points that should be taken into consideration.

 

[Craig Gillette]

Somebody reliable knows where you are going and when you are due back. And you stick closely enough to the itinerary that "help" has at least some chance of finding you. Help may be minutes away. But only if they are looking for you and in the right place.

 

[Bobthearch]

Sure, I adjust my Ten Essentials and even skimp on some things depending on the topography, length of hike, and time of year.

My hiking list for the Mohave Desert in July is very different from my hiking list for a fall trip to the mountains, for example. And roadside sight-seeing, I hardly even consider it.

The question I ask myself when planning, "What happens if I get stuck out here overnight?" Injury, weather event, lost, something else...

At Banff in Sept-Oct, below-freezing temperatures are normal. A broken ankle just two miles from the car becomes a life-threatening emergency situation if you can't get help right away. You're out on a popular short trail catching the "good light" for photos, don't expect someone to just happen across you before morning...

All excellent points that should be taken into consideration.

Back to the topic at hand, carrying the proper gear requires having a daypack/backpack of suitable size and durability. My pack for the Blue Mountain rain forest summers is not the same pack I use for autumn Colorado mountain hikes.

But in both instances I carry my camera gear in a separate shoulder bag that allows instant access when hiking. I don't want to stop and take off the pack every time I change lenses or stow / retrieve the camera. In bad weather I need to pull out the camera, take a shot or two, and get the camera back in the bag quickly. While hiking, I frequently make rapid lens changes from wide angle to long zoom. I don't want to dig through a daypack looking for a certain lens or accessory. If something snags my pack zipper, there should be no chance of camera gear falling out. And it's nice to drop the main pack sometimes and walk around with just the camera bag.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

Most camera backpacks lack sufficient space for actual hiking gear, don't allow access to the camera equipment when hiking, or both.

The coming months is fall in North America, and many national parks are high elevation and located in northern climates. Even here in New Mexico it starts snowing in September.

Consider the Ten Essentials and how to apply them to the seasonal weather and climate where you will be visiting. Around here that means at least fleece, rain gear, extra food, extra water, and maybe extra clothes like a shirt and socks. Plus map, compass, knife, fire starter, water purifier... all very basic stuff for backcountry travel.

For the hike's I'm doing they are along defined paths (I'm going to Banff NP and will be doing some of the more popular hikes so I don't think I'll need things like a water purifier or a knife or fire starter). So it's not back country hiking so much. Water, snacks, and perhaps a jacket or rain poncho (which I have a disposable one I wil lbring but it's about the size of a VHS cassette) will fit into the backpack. I just need room for about 3 lenses and a body as well, along with rain protection.

You may be underestimating the weather, climate, and topography in Banff.

I'm not a Banff expert, only visited there once. But I have lived and worked outdoors for years in similar backcountry conditions. I would not go hiking at Banff any time of the year without at least a warm fleece and high-quality rain gear. (Leave your disposable rain poncho at home.)

The Ten Essentials are called "essential" for a reason. Basic items to carry on every hike. Even a day hike can have rapidly-changing weather conditions or unexpected events. I consider such things to be everyday occurrences, having experienced enough of them. The proper gear can be the difference between a bit of discomfort and an emergency.

I guess... I mean I will have what I feel would be the basics. Plus the trails we will be hiking are popular trails so it's likely there will be people along the way (we also don't hike at night, only during the day and possibly early morning, like an hour before sunrise, but never at night and never in the real "back country" -- we tend to stick to trails that are known and used frequently by others.

I do plan on bringing some of the stuff you mentioned (I will carry a lighter as I always do, along with a cutting tool - kinfe, and the other items: sweat shirt ,water bottle, snacks, first aid kit, etc).

 

[msu79gt82]

For the hike's I'm doing they are along defined paths (I'm going to Banff NP and will be doing some of the more popular hikes so I don't think I'll need things like a water purifier or a knife or fire starter). So it's not back country hiking so much. Water, snacks, and perhaps a jacket or rain poncho (which I have a disposable one I wil lbring but it's about the size of a VHS cassette) will fit into the backpack. I just need room for about 3 lenses and a body as well, along with rain protection.

We were in Banff for a week in August '19 and my recommendation elsewhere in this thread is what I've learned to carry for NP trail type hiking. https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66365245

My North Face Surge was more than adequate for my lenses (in Neoprene Snoot Boot pouches), my binoculars, water bottles, fleece/jacket, lunch/snacks, etc.

I guess my main point is that I find a dedicated Camera Backpack much too restrictive! I long ago gave them up after trying several including Lowepro, Think Tank, Gura Gear, etc. Just a regular backpack suits my needs much better.

 

[Bobthearch]

Somebody reliable knows where you are going and when you are due back. And you stick closely enough to the itinerary that "help" has at least some chance of finding you. Help may be minutes away. But only if they are looking for you and in the right place.

Sure, that's a general travel safety recommendation. But it's not a substitute for carrying proper gear or being self-sufficient when outdoors.

Hiking in Banff or other public lands and national parks, even the most prompt help can be hours away. Rescue teams weigh the risks to themselves given the weather, darkness, and other conditions. Under normal conditions I wouldn't expect anyone until morning.

And I certainly don't want Wife calling a SAR team every time I'm a few hours late rolling back in. They'd get tired of that pretty quick.