p.1 #1 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
Hey guys,
I'm looking a taking a hiking/kayaking trip to Belize this summer and I'm in the market for a new backpack. I'm looking at something more on the "hiking" side and less on the photo backpack side. I won't have a ton of photo gear with me (50D, 17-70, maybe my 70-200, gorillapod, and an underwater p&s), and I'd like the bag to handle carrying other stuff like change of clothes, water bottles, etc., better than most photo backpacks can.
I was kind of thinking of getting something like an Osprey Stratos daypack and just figure out how to pack the photo gear into it. I was also considering some waterproof dry bags like these: http://www.backcountry.com/sea-to-summit-evac-dry-sack for the kayaking portions.
Anyway, I know I can't be the only one to have looked for a bag like this. Any suggestions? Thanks!
p.1 #4 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
I`m sure the F-Stop bags are great as they have many fans, personally I`ve never seen one so can`t offer an opinon other than like many others of this type you may have to remove it completely (I think) to get at your camera. I found this process to be annoying, unsling the tripod, remove the backpack, put it down (usually in mud, water etc.) take out camera, shoot, replace camera, put on back pack, re-sling tripod etc etc. My approach now is to carry my day stuff, food, water, clothes etc in a non-camera bag (Osprey Quasar 30L) and carry the camera in a toploader style bag on my chest so that it is available immediately. I carry only a minimal amount of equipment now as I have refined my vision (after 20 years of photography, duh!) so that I only need 1 zoom lens. This works for me but may not be appropriate for those who carry many gears The chest-type bags usually have a means of attaching auxiliary pouches so that more than one lens can be carried. Another alternative may be a waist bag like the TT Speed Racer or whatever they`re called but they get big and bulky (and heavy)very quickly.
p.1 #5 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
It`s worth pointing out that backpacks with the freeflow mesh system are curved so may not fit single bulky items like a camera bag. The conventional top-loader or panel type may be more suitable. Also take a look at some of the quasi-military packs from Maxpedition and 5.11 Tactical as they use the Molle attachment system for complete versatility and customisation.
p.1 #6 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
Look at the Lowepro Sportpack(?). It is a photo/sport bag. You would probably want the 200 series with the double shoulder straps. Should hold most if not all of the equipment you describe. Bought one this summer. Used it a couple of times for day hikes. Worked out pretty well. It's part of their AW series so it comes with a rain cover. Won't be waterproof enough if the kayak tips!!
If an Osprey or other type of real day-pack is what you covet then what about wrapping your photo gear in Domke wraps and packing into the pack. Another option would be, if the appropriate attachment points are incorporated on the pack, use some "Think Tank" accessory bags and attach them to the waist belt of your pack?
one that i use most of the time depending on my needs. i do use various day type packs with less gear and different inserts with the loka. i tried bowed flex frames 30 years ago from lowe. didn't like them then, don't like them now from any maker. limits loads, tough to carry heavy items w/o really being particular with c/g. greater potential for failure. there are many situations where simplicity is the key.
p.1 #9 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
sjms: See, the f-stop bag is exactly what I don't want -- I already have a camera backpack, and I find it almost useless for carrying anything other than camera gear. I'm going to only have one body and maybe 2 lenses with me, so I'm not looking to commit that much of my bag to camera stuff
edit: Well, looking at the photo again -- is that just one compartment, or is that the whole bag? Is the room for other stuff there?
I'll look into the domke wraps -- anyone have experience with those?
If I go regular daypack like the Osprey, any particular recommendations on chest or side/acessory bag?
p.1 #10 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
SidewinderX wrote:
sjms: See, the f-stop bag is exactly what I don't want -- I already have a camera backpack, and I find it almost useless for carrying anything other than camera gear. I'm going to only have one body and maybe 2 lenses with me, so I'm not looking to commit that much of my bag to camera stuff.
I'll look into the domke wraps -- anyone have experience with those?
If I go regular daypack like the Osprey, any particular recommendations on chest or side/acessory bag?
If you're making your judgement on f-stop bags based in sjms's photo, you should see their website. This is how their backpacks work. First, they start with a real hiking backpack that offers great support and is lightweight. Then they add a padded camera compartment, called an ICU, for your camera gear. They offer several size backpacks and ICUs. You can mix and match different backpacks and ICUs. The photo sjms shows is a large ICU which takes up nearly all of the backpack. You can get ICUs that take up only a fraction of the backpack that have less camera space and more space for clothing, etc.
Take a look at their website. Their gear is very good even by backpacking standards.
p.1 #11 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
Richard Nye wrote:
If you're making your judgement on f-stop bags based in sjms's photo, you should see their website. This is how their backpacks work. First, they start with a real hiking backpack that offers great support and is lightweight. Then they add a padded camera compartment, called an ICU, for your camera gear. They offer several size backpacks and ICUs. You can mix and match different backpacks and ICUs. The photo sjms shows is a large ICU which takes up nearly all of the backpack. You can get ICUs that take up only a fraction of the backpack that have less camera space and more space for clothing, etc.
Take a look at their website. Their gear is very good even by backpacking standards....Show more →
Ok, I'm looking at the website now and maybe I just don't know where to look, but they only photos I see are either of the ICU or the backpack all closed up. Know anywhere where there are photos/videos of the rest of the bag, maybe showing the non-camera space? Or showing how much the camera space takes up, relative to the rest of the bag? For example, the Guru with a medium/shallow insert looks like it might be right up my alley, but I have no idea what kind of space in in the rest of the bag there with that insert in.
p.1 #12 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
SidewinderX wrote:
sjms: See, the f-stop bag is exactly what I don't want -- I already have a camera backpack, and I find it almost useless for carrying anything other than camera gear. I'm going to only have one body and maybe 2 lenses with me, so I'm not looking to commit that much of my bag to camera stuff
edit: Well, looking at the photo again -- is that just one compartment, or is that the whole bag? Is the room for other stuff there?
I'll look into the domke wraps -- anyone have experience with those?
If I go regular daypack like the Osprey, any particular recommendations on chest or side/acessory bag? ...Show more →
oh but thats not true at all. i carry food and compressable clothing. i use different modules for differential space requirements. that black unit comes completely out ane can use lots of other options. i even use a TT wired up as an insert holding body and 3 lenses along with vest parka shell gloves water and snacks. the limits are set by the owner. spent the afternoon shooting on rainer during late july. the whole point of Fstop gear is its versatility for many uses. making it grab and go when setup.
p.1 #13 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
sjms wrote:
oh but thats not true at all. i carry food and compressable clothing. i use different modues for differential space. that black unit comes completely out ane can use llots of other options. i even use a TT wired up as an insert holding body and 3 lenses along with vest parka shell gloves water and snacks. the limits are set by the owner.
Any chance you have photos of what kind of space you have in the main compartment with that ICU in there? Is that the "medium-pro" ICU? Do you have any other ICUs?
p.1 #14 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
that will be later as i'm out in awhile over to rutgers to shoot the annual Faraday lecture for them.
i do have a medium. but as i said i generally use the Think Tank wired up 20 as an inner bag. i can drop a whole bunch of junk in it and bring myself to my knees real easily.
p.1 #15 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
sjms wrote:
that will be later as i'm out in awhile over to rutgers to shoot the annual Faraday lecture for them.
i do have a medium. but as i said i generally use the Think Tank wired up 20 as an inner bag. i can drop a whole bunch of junk in it and bring myself to my knees real easily.
p.1 #16 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
Find a great fitting waterproof backpack and add an insert for your camera gear. You will pay a fortune for a waterproof ca camera "dry-bag", but a conventional "dry-bag" daypack is relatively easy to find.
p.1 #19 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
SidewinderX wrote:
Any chance you have photos of what kind of space you have in the main compartment with that ICU in there? Is that the "medium-pro" ICU? Do you have any other ICUs?
p.1 #20 · Hiking Daypack that can handle photo gear
gardenvalley wrote:
I`m sure the F-Stop bags are great as they have many fans, personally I`ve never seen one so can`t offer an opinon other than like many others of this type you may have to remove it completely (I think) to get at your camera. I found this process to be annoying, unsling the tripod, remove the backpack, put it down (usually in mud, water etc.) take out camera, shoot, replace camera, put on back pack, re-sling tripod etc etc. My approach now is to carry my day stuff, food, water, clothes etc in a non-camera bag (Osprey Quasar 30L) and carry the camera in a toploader style bag on my chest so that it is available immediately. I carry only a minimal amount of equipment now as I have refined my vision (after 20 years of photography, duh!) so that I only need 1 zoom lens. This works for me but may not be appropriate for those who carry many gears The chest-type bags usually have a means of attaching auxiliary pouches so that more than one lens can be carried. Another alternative may be a waist bag like the TT Speed Racer or whatever they`re called but they get big and bulky (and heavy)very quickly....Show more →
You don't have to take off the F-stop bags to get your stuff out. Rotate it around your waist with the waist belt on, pick up one knee and rest the bag on it (not always necessary), open the back and take your gear out.
I do as you do but use a Cotton Carrier instead in conjunction with the backpack.
The F-stop bags are as good as it gets for backpacks that can also carry camera gear.
The chest-type bags usually have a means of attaching auxiliary pouches so that more than one lens can be carried. Another alternative may be a waist bag like the TT Speed Racer or whatever they`re called but they get big and bulky (and heavy)very quickly.