Best backpack for hiking with...

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Patrick Cox
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p.1 #1 · Best backpack for hiking with...

I am looking for suggestions for the best backpack for hiking with a 20D, 3-4 zoom lenses and a tripod. I currently have a Thinktank Airport Antidote that is OK, but I am wondering if there is anything better? Maybe something like a Lowepro Nature Trekker but not so big and heavy. But I do want a quality harness.

Thanks!
Pat

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 10, 2007 at 05:39 PM

AJ Nadershahi
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p.1 #2 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Patrick Cox wrote:
... I do want a quality harness.

If the support system is important then consider using a "real" backpack and carry your gear inside the bag by utilizing camera holster and lens bags.

ThinkTank belt system is great for this. And if you decide to carry the gear in a more readily accessible format, you can always use the lens carriers externally.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 10, 2007 at 06:00 PM

Patrick Cox
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p.1 #3 · Best backpack for hiking with...

AJ Nadershahi wrote:
Patrick Cox wrote:
... I do want a quality harness.

If the support system is important then consider using a "real" backpack and carry your gear inside the bag by utilizing camera holster and lens bags.

ThinkTank belt system is great for this. And if you decide to carry the gear in a more readily accessible format, you can always use the lens carriers externally.

Thanks for this suggestion. I have thought of this and may go this route if I can't find a true camera backpack that I like. But I would prefer a camera backpack with better accessibility to my gear.

Has anyone tried the Lowepro Vertex bags?

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 10, 2007 at 06:07 PM

dcains
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p.1 #4 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Everyone has a different body, but for mine the Kata R-103 was the only way to go.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 10, 2007 at 07:04 PM

Forrest Egan
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p.1 #5 · Best backpack for hiking with...

20D with 3-4 zoom lenses might be a little more than a Kata R-103 can handle (I have one...it depends if they're L zooms or consumer zooms). I would look toward something like the HB-205 or HB-207 (I've got the 207) instead...should be plenty of room for camera gear, snacks and water...and the harness is very comfortable (IMO).

Here's the inside of my HB-207:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

CCW from top: 20D/grip w/70-200/2.8L IS, 580EX & ST-E2, 180/3.5L macro, 24-70/2.8L, 135/2L, 100/2.8 macro, 25mm ext tube & 1.4x converter, 15/2.8 fisheye & 50/1.8.

Spare batteries in top compartment and a few extra pockets for more accessories.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 10, 2007 at 08:16 PM

beach bum
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p.1 #6 · Best backpack for hiking with...

I have the Kata R-103 and it has been great. Comfortable and far better padding than any others I looked at.
BB

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 10, 2007 at 10:15 PM

mark1958
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p.1 #7 · Best backpack for hiking with...

i have tried a number and i prefer the F64. Inexpensive but very comfortable and nicely designed

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 10, 2007 at 11:00 PM

Timm
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p.1 #8 · Best backpack for hiking with...

My favorite for day-hiking is one of these http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=0_1&p_id=59

I add a LowePro AWZ holster hung from the shoulder harness as a chestpack. A shoulder strap on my tripod allows it to sit comfortably on top of the True North. The amount of gear I can carry in this rig is impressive (four lenses, including 70-200 2.8 and 17-35 2.8, all my macro gear, four batteries, a flash or two, etc--and even lunch and a sweater). I just got a LowePro Slingshot 300, and I can't get anywhere near the amount of gear in it. The number of small pockets in the True North allows for lots of organization. Great set-up for skiing, too.

For longer hikes, a full-size internal frame pack with the holster in front takes care of everything.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 11, 2007 at 01:05 AM

Patrick Cox
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p.1 #9 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Timm wrote:
My favorite for day-hiking is one of these http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=0_1&p_id=59

I add a LowePro AWZ holster hung from the shoulder harness as a chestpack. A shoulder strap on my tripod allows it to sit comfortably on top of the True North. The amount of gear I can carry in this rig is impressive (four lenses, including 70-200 2.8 and 17-35 2.8, all my macro gear, four batteries, a flash or two, etc--and even lunch and a sweater). I just got a LowePro Slingshot 300, and I can't get anywhere near the amount of gear in it. The number of small pockets in the True North allows for lots of organization. Great set-up for skiing, too.

For longer hikes, a full-size internal frame pack with the holster in front takes care of everything.

Thanks. This bag looks interesting. How do you pack your lenses in here? Do you use lens cases?

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 11, 2007 at 02:58 AM

dinoadventures
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p.1 #10 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Timm wrote:
My favorite for day-hiking is one of these http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=0_1&p_id=59

This sounds excellent.

What are the interior dimensions of the main compartment and can the front pocket fit a pro body?

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 11, 2007 at 05:21 AM

liquidtiger720
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p.1 #11 · Best backpack for hiking with...

im suprised nobody has mentioned www.kgear.com

I have the p-450 backpack and some other smaller accessories.

Whats great is that its modular, and you can fit non-photo stuff in the bag too. The bag also has metal staves to support the weight while hiking.

I took my system on a hike up half dome in yosemite in the snow and rain. Didn't fail me for the whole day.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 11, 2007 at 05:30 AM

Timm
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p.1 #12 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Morning, Patrick and Dino.

The inside dimensions of the main pocket are 11" wide, 7" front-to-back, and 12 " deep. The front pocket is 7" X 3" X 9 1/2".

Here's what I have in the bag today:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Between the True North and the LowePro TLZ, I have an amazing ability to organize all that junk so I can find what I need when I need it. The lenses go in lens pouches or cases (the 70-200 in it's case just fits into the main compartment of the True North when laid sideways), and all 3 (plus tele extender) fit in the main pocket with just enough room to spare for a light windbreaker. The side pockets are great for storing the two SB800 flash units and a spare set of batteries each. Straps on top of the bag are great for tying down an umbrella and fleece jacket. Macro reflectors fit between the main pocket and the front pocket. The front pocket holds my macro gear--two focusing rails, two Ultrapods, clamps, diffuser, R1 macro flash kit, x-tubes, etc. There are two mesh pockets inside where my cleaning kit and remote cables live (along with whatever little things find their way in). The TLZ holds the stuff I need to grab quickly, like the camera with lens mounted, spare batteries for the camera, filter stack, CF cards, etc. It's a bit awkward looking, but actually carries very well.

Now I've gotta get all that stuff back where it goes!

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 11, 2007 at 07:10 PM

dinoadventures
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p.1 #13 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Tim, that looks excellent! Thank you so much for the writeup and image. It's a whole lot bigger than they say on their site if it is that deep. In fact, it could take pretty much any Domke insert easily.

Where did you purchase yours?

edit: One more thing... does the bag itself have any padding?

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 11, 2007 at 09:25 PM

Timm
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p.1 #14 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Hmm.. perhaps my measuring methodology isn't up to the task. I'd probably go with True North's measurements--they ought to know.

There's no padding at all, so one has to use some care when scrambling around or skiing, but I don't have much of a problem, particularly as I keep all my lenses in neoprene or padded cases. Of course, the LowePro holster is padded, but for weight savings I sometimes use a very old Lowe Alpine unpadded holster. Nothing broken yet.

I bought mine from Mountain Gear ( mgear.com ) in Spokane, WA, but I don't see it on their website anymore. Shop around at various outdoor/adventure gear shops. Should be under $100.

I need to get another one for my ski patrol pack. This carries much better than any of the lumbar packs or vests we use at the area.

I was just searching around at True North's site, and I think this: http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_detail.php?path=0_1&p_id=34 is the pack to get. At 1800 cu inches, it's 400 cui bigger than the Double Diamond, and offers some protection against weather. Then I can use the DD for my patrol pack.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 12, 2007 at 06:23 PM

dinoadventures
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p.1 #15 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Well they just give some measurements, i don't know if it's external or internal. they give internal dimensions for some of the larger packs, but not the Serac SAR that I want. It looks like I'm going to have to call them and ask for the internal dimensions and ask if I can buy direct as I can't find anyplace online that sells the Serac SAR.
I'm planning to stuff mine with domke inserts, so padding will be minimal, just how i like it. I've shown it to a few fellow event photographers and it looks to be an incredible bag for doing this type of work and totally customizable.

I've still not figured out how to attach a tripod to one, but I suspect I could rig some Kinesis Tripod Strap adapters to the webbing areas. I think a tripod would be too thick to put between the front and main compartment.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 12, 2007 at 07:50 PM

dinoadventures
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p.1 #16 · Best backpack for hiking with...

just got off the horn with True North. They said the dimensions listed on their site are the main compartment dimensions. The guy also told me that the Serac SAR is very similar to the Double Diamond. He said the primary differences are the water resistance and different top on the Serac SAR. The Serac SAR has a water resistant construction with a roll top like a dry sack has. From the sounds of it, I don't think that's ideal for a lot of kinds of photography because you'd have to unroll it to get your gear then roll it up again. It's a tossup for me because though I like the security of the zipper I also like the extra inch of depth on the Serac SAR because it would accomodate standard-width Domke inserts.
He also said that you can order them directly from True North since no retailers have it yet. If you're like me and like to hang cameras off the straps, he recommended asking for the pro harness option which has denser padding and more gear loops for hanging gear (read: cameras).

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 12, 2007 at 09:28 PM

JohnJ80
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p.1 #17 · Best backpack for hiking with...

That basically looks like one of the Think Tank waist belts with their optional harness applied.

Might want to look at that too.

I agree that the Kinesis backpack is terrific for hiking. I have one and have mounted Think Tank Modules in it - they are more trim and take up less room.

See here:
http://www.prophotohome.com/forum/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=34252&entry=54

Then hang your camera from the backpack harness straps - works great.

J.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 12, 2007 at 09:55 PM

dinoadventures
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p.1 #18 · Best backpack for hiking with...

John,
Difference here is that you don't have to haul all the weight on your shoulders and you dont have a big bulky pack hanging off your back. No hot foam against your back either. There's also no bulky padded inserts so you can fill it as you see fit without it bumping into everything like a Lowepro/Tamrac/etc bag. Also, you can just unclip one of the shoulder straps and swing it around for access instead of having to take off the whole thing to get at your glass.

The Serac SAR takes full size Domke inserts so I'm planning on putting in the 4-compartment module and a pair of tall single compartment ones from the satchels. It fits with 1/2" to spare width wise and 3" from the top so I could topload a body easily. it's too narrow to put two full size multi-compartment inserts but you could put the big single compartment one plus a multi-compartment one or multiple singles or whatever you want, pretty much. For the Double Diamond you could use the satchel three compartment insert with 2" to spare width wise for what-have-you.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 12, 2007 at 10:56 PM

Timm
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p.1 #19 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Cool, Dino. I spent an hour or so looking for a distributor for the Serac today. Looks like you went right to the source and solved the problem. I'll have to give them a call and see if I can order one. Thanks for the tip about the harness--I'd forgotten that I had to sew a daisy-chain to the straps of my DD to hang the holster bag.

Having to unroll the weatherproof top may be a bit of a PITA, but I use this for skiing and keeping snow and water out of the main compartment would be a plus--not to mention that extra inch of depth.

I've strapped a tripod to the top, but it's awkward. My new Gitzo 2530 is pretty long when it's collapsed, so it's the one weakness with this system. The packs do have tunnels behind the waterbottle pockets on the sides. It may be possible to recruit these for tripod carrying. I'll check it out right now.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 13, 2007 at 12:37 AM

JohnJ80
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p.1 #20 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Think Tank Speed Racer plus harness.

J.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 13, 2007 at 12:46 AM

Timm
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p.1 #21 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Well... I just tried carrying the tripod with the side-tunnels. I can just cram two legs of the 'pod into the tunnel, and it does work. I don't think I'd want to try skiing with the 'pod in there--looks like a great way to get clubbed in the back of the head with a Z1! It also makes the pocket pretty well useless, beyond maybe carrying a few packs of AA spares.

Maybe that Pro harness will offer more options for tying one on. A tripod, I mean.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 13, 2007 at 12:46 AM

dinoadventures
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p.1 #22 · Best backpack for hiking with...

JohnJ80 wrote:
Think Tank Speed Racer plus harness.

It's nice, and it's well made, but it's much more boxy and it's 2.16x the money.

Timm, thanks for trying to fit your gitzo in there.
From my understanding, the pro harness only has accessory loops on the front so from what I can see unless you lash the tripod to the back strap (weird) or between the front and main pocket (dangerous?) I don't think that's the answer.
What are those straps on the top of your DD? Could you lash it to that or is too long? My tripod setup isn't that bad width-wise. I don't think it would get in the way too much.
I think what could work is using a Kinesis ballhead-to-pack pouch secured to the top of the DD with the tripod legs pointed upward, secured to the strap. It may work, but I don't know.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 13, 2007 at 01:43 AM

JohnJ80
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p.1 #23 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Did you add in the cost of the domke inserts too?

J

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 13, 2007 at 02:57 AM

Timm
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p.1 #24 · Best backpack for hiking with...

Great thinking, Dino. I just tried putting the tripod head-down in the pouch between the main and front pockets, legs up, and tied to one of the shoulder straps. This seems to work pretty well, especially with my little AcraTech AUB head on the 'pod. The A-S Z1 is a little big, but if you don't cram the front pocket, it fits, too. Since the AUB is my usual hiking head, this should work fine.

I've owned this bag for five years and you just solved a major problem! I'll have to sew a loop onto the left shoulder strap, just behind the shoulder, to keep the strap that holds the legs from slipping down while hiking.

The straps on top of the DD are right handy for hanging more junk from the pack. I usually keep a 30" white umbrella and, in chilly weather, a fleece jacket in them. Sometimes I strap the 70-200 in it's case there. The tripod mounted there is way too awkward, and sticks out to the sides enough to be dangerous at a crowded event. But then, I have a large tripod and a skinny body.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 13, 2007 at 03:18 AM

dinoadventures
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p.1 #25 · Best backpack for hiking with...

JohnJ80 wrote:
Did you add in the cost of the domke inserts too?

No, I didn't for two reasons:

1) The specific cost depends on configuration, which depends on bag, user, and usage. Some people like Billingham or other inserts instead, too.

2) I've got some Domke inserts since I own a few Domke's. Some people might own inserts appropriate to their usage like I do. Timm, for example, prefers lens/body cases.

Timm,
What do you do for hydration on warm days? I'm considering configuring it to take a 45 oz reservoir or some such. I have a pack (Deuter Race X Air I) that I've been using for events on hot days because it takes a 100oz reservoir and has a full mesh back so I stay cool. I did an event this past summer where I emptied the entire reservoir plus about 1/3 of a refill, so hydration is important. If I can't rig it with a hydration bladder, I was going to get a few 1L collapsible bladder-type bottles so I can stash them when empty.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 04:14 AM

Nov 13, 2007 at 03:50 AM


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