Cableaddict
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 p.1 #4 · For those of you using "Real" Backpacks... | |
Hey, Patrick.
This is something I struggled with for a long time. I'm honing in on a system I'm happy with, Not much time to post right now, but here's the basic idea:
First, you have to define what you mean by "hiking." Are you hitting the trail for just the day, solely to take photos, or are you doing a 2-3 day hike, and taking camera gear along.
Those are two radically different scenarios.
What I've been doing is combining two different pack (one large one small, for each scenario) with a molle vest that holds modified Lowepro cases. You could use the Lowepro vest, but it's severely limited. To use any standard molle vest, you have to cut a slit out of the Lowepro case's back insert part, but then it works fine. You could also use standard molle pouches, but they would not offer much protection if you fell.
I keep a few choice lenses on my chest, (in the pouches) for fast changes. I keep my longest lens (a 300/4.5) on my 5D, placed in a Lowepro ToploaderAW on my hip (and tied to my leg) I keep the top open, so I can pull the camera out and shoot within seconds. I figure anything that needs that much speed will also require the long lens.
For day-jaunts, I use a small pack, with a hydration bladder. (similar to the Osprey, but a little smaller) The pack basically holds my lunch, flash, and a few small doo-dads. Because the lenses are mostly on my chest, I don't have to worry about dividers & padding inside the small pack. It does what it was designed to do.
For 2-3 day stuff, I use a Gregory Paliades 80. This pack is large enough for a week-long trip, so it does a 3-day with room for a small Lowepro camera backpack tucked inside. -if it's a difficult climb, I put the camera & tele inside this small pack, as they get a bit cumbersome on the hip all day. Once I make camp, I can just use the vest, or I can use that small camera pack. Nice.
If I really want to go light, I put a bladder-carrier on the back of the molle vest. Light & cool.
The tripod is a bit tough. With the Palisade, I use D-rings & cords, and it's not bad. I haven't figured out a good system yet with the day-hike rig.
Edited on Dec 15, 2008 at 01:26 AM · View previous versions
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