I use the Osprey Talon 33. The length is perfect for carryon. I can cram about 30# of gear (the upper limit) in it. I pack a full load of TT belt components, including lashing a Gitzo 1540 on the outside. What is nice is when I get to my location, I can unpack the Talon, assemble the belt system, and then pack the Talon with stuff for the actual day's events. And wear it while wearing the TT system, even including the Pixel Racing Harness if need be.

For anything beyond casual hiking, get a regular top of the line backpack and put an insert in it. The photo backpacks are far too heavy (ridiculously so in comparison) and they just are not as good or as comfortable.

J.

jdryan3 wrote:
I use the Osprey Talon 33. The length is perfect for carryon. I can cram about 30# of gear (the upper limit) in it. I pack a full load of TT belt components, including lashing a Gitzo 1540 on the outside. What is nice is when I get to my location, I can unpack the Talon, assemble the belt system, and then pack the Talon with stuff for the actual day's events. And wear it while wearing the TT system, even including the Pixel Racing Harness if need be.

I looked at this pack and it seems too light to lash a tripod to the outside. Where on the pack did you lash it on and how did it carry?

Thanks,
Pat

JohnJ80 wrote:
For anything beyond casual hiking, get a regular top of the line backpack and put an insert in it. The photo backpacks are far too heavy (ridiculously so in comparison) and they just are not as good or as comfortable.

J.

That depends on what you're comparing. I use a Lowepro Rover AW II for typical day hikes (no overnights). For overnights, I use an Osprey Atmos 65 liter pack. Believe it or not, the Lowepro when empty is only 3.3 pounds...just about the same weight as the Osprey pack.

nano pro echo for a couple camers and lenses.. has a different carrying style than most.. i tested all the lowe pro and did'nt like the excursion type feel i got with them. felt like a mountain climber. nano pro echo rides sideways.. feels real natural.. rather than something strap to your back.. check em out. it's a personal thing those carrying bags. you almost always have to be there to select one. and bring your gear with you so you do short change youself as far as room.. an additional large fanny pack style used at the same time is also a good idea for light meters filters and white balance cards.. these offer lightning speed access to frequently used items. hope this helps.

This works pretty darn good .
Pack and mark whats where.
Can't get any easier !

http://www.luxurylite.com/packindex.html

Patrick Cox wrote:
jdryan3 wrote:
I use the Osprey Talon 33. The length is perfect for carryon. I can cram about 30# of gear (the upper limit) in it. I pack a full load of TT belt components, including lashing a Gitzo 1540 on the outside. What is nice is when I get to my location, I can unpack the Talon, assemble the belt system, and then pack the Talon with stuff for the actual day's events. And wear it while wearing the TT system, even including the Pixel Racing Harness if need be.

I looked at this pack and it seems too light to lash a tripod to the outside. Where on the pack did you lash it on and how did it carry?

Thanks,
Pat

Originally I used the cord a thetop on the outside but it did pull on it and started to separate. So I took a piece of parachute cord and cord locks and made my own, running it across the top part near the point where the bladder would go. I also have compression straps, but have not needed to use them. I don't have the ballhead on when traveling, but I can put it on when hiking

sorry to dredge up this line of thought, but i have a similar question..i posted a new thread today, but since you guys have experience i hope you don't mind if i ask it here as well...

i'm doing a 5 day backcountry yosemite hike in a few weeks and will be bringing my d300 with a small lens attached (sigma 10-20mm)...i'm having trouble figuring out how to carry the camera in a way that it's easily accessible. i tried using my tt fanny pack turned around so that the camera was in front of me, but that didn't work well. i need to get the camera higher on my chest. i'm thinking about the lowepro chest harness with a lowepro topload zoom1. i'm hoping i can wear that and the backpack, or at least strap the zoom1 to the backpack somehow. i'm open to any and all suggestions however. thanks.