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Archive 2016Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A ...
p.1 #1Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
I have been looking for a true hiking backpack for use as a photography pack for a while. Most photography backpacks in my experience are not really designed to carry a relatively heavy load for long periods of time. On the other hand, most hiking packs aren't designed with the photographer in mind. To that end, I decided to look for hiking packs that could be modified for photography use. To do this, the packs neeeded to have the following characteristics:
1. They needed to be true hiking packs, i.e. had the support systems to allow for carrying relatively heavy loads for long periods without discomfort
2. They needed to be rear loading to enable someone to put the pack on the ground, retrieve the photo gear and put the pack back on without getting one's back dirty
3. They needed to have adequate room above the photo gear to accommodate other daily gear - a ziploc back with a lunch and or snacks, and a jacket, rain shell, etc. for layering.
After a lot of reviews and searching on the web, I settled on the Gregory Tarhee 45, a ski/mountain pack. It seemed to fulfil all the 3 criteria listed above.
I'm not going to talk at length about the virtues of the pack for hiking/mountaineering/skiing. These can be found on numerous reviews online by googling the name of the pack.. I will add a few here below, as well as a Youtube video of how the pack can be used for backcountry skiing and mountain trips.
https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-gregory-targhee-45l-snow-pack/
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Packs/Internal%20and%20External%20Framed%20Backpacks/Gregory%20Targhee%2045%20pack/Test%20Report%20by%20Nancy%20Griffith/#LRPT
In particular, there is a review of the pack being used precisely for what I wanted it for - as a photography/hiking pack. Here it is:
http://www.highwaytourcollective.com/pack-list/photographers-daypack
Well, on to my review.
I ordered the pack from campsaver.com. I paid $125 for it, which seemed reasonable when compared to "photo" packs for similar use.
http://www.campsaver.com/gregory-targhee
It is listed for $140 but you can find coupons floating online that will give you a bit of a discount. Just google for it.
I also ordered a photo gear insert from eBay. This one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171752477625
It cost me about $19.
The pack is great. It really is designed for backcountry ski trips as well as mountain rescue, etc. and it has all kinds of doodads, tieoff points, etc. for carrying skis, snowboards, snowshoes, poles, avalanche rescue gear like shovels, etc. etc. You can watch the video and read the dedicated reviews for all that stuff. I don't think I'll use half that stuff, but certainly snowshoes may come in handy for hiking in winter.
Here is a photo of the pack:
IMG_20160904_173723 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
The entire back of the pack (in black in the photo) opens up as a panel with a zipper giving full access to the storage area:
IMG_20160904_173735 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
Here is the insert:
IMG_20160904_173834 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
The insert could accommodate a Rokinon 14/2.8, a 6D with a 24-70 II attached and a 70-200 F4 IS. That illustrates the rough size of the insert.
IMG_20160904_174059 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
The insert could be placed easily in the storage compartment with some room on either side, probably enough to stuff a flash in if needed, although I didn't try.
IMG_20160904_174125 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
There is a fair bit of room on top of the insert in the main compartment, seen in photo below. I managed to stuff a fleece jacket, a water bottle and a ziploc back with a few granola bars in it. There are also external pockets to accommodate more stuff if needed.
IMG_20160904_173816 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
Since this is a ski pack, there are all kinds of strap and hooks to attach skis to the pack, and I used one of them to hang a tripod. It worked reasonably well. I didn't cinch things down enough and I am sure it would be fine and secure.
IMG_20160904_174459 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
IMG_20160904_174449 by Scrumhalf, on Flickr
So, how did the pack perform?
I used the pack loaded pretty much as I described it (minus the tripod) on 2 days of hiking in Mt. Rainier NP. I spent 1 day doing the 6 mile Paradise Rim trail, and the 2nd day doing a 4 mile hike at Sunrise. The pack performed flawlessly and was as comfortable as any pack designed for hiking. The pack distributed the weight well on my hips and did not feel a burden to carry.
Being a ski pack, it has room for a bladder for drinking water but no side pouches for bottles (since they would freeze in the cold). I don't drink from a bladder, so I may need to come up with some kind of tie-off/cinch scheme to attach a bottle to the pack, but I view that as a minor inconvenience that can be worked around.
All i all, I am very happy with the pack and I think any backcountry photographer might want to go check one out at a hiking/skiiing store to decide for him/herself.
Thanks for reading and I hope this was useful!
1. They needed to be true hiking packs, i.e. had the support systems to allow for carrying relatively heavy loads for long periods without discomfort
2. They needed to be rear loading to enable someone to put the pack on the ground, retrieve the photo gear and put the pack back on without getting one's back dirty
3. They needed to have adequate room above the photo gear to accommodate other daily gear - a ziploc back with a lunch and or snacks, and a jacket, rain shell, etc. for layering.
After a lot of reviews and searching on the web, I settled on the Gregory Tarhee 45, a ski/mountain pack. It seemed to fulfil all the 3 criteria listed above.
I'm not going to talk at length about the virtues of the pack for hiking/mountaineering/skiing. These can be found on numerous reviews online by googling the name of the pack.. I will add a few here below, as well as a Youtube video of how the pack can be used for backcountry skiing and mountain trips.
https://thebigoutside.com/gear-review-gregory-targhee-45l-snow-pack/
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Packs/Internal%20and%20External%20Framed%20Backpacks/Gregory%20Targhee%2045%20pack/Test%20Report%20by%20Nancy%20Griffith/#LRPT
In particular, there is a review of the pack being used precisely for what I wanted it for - as a photography/hiking pack. Here it is:
http://www.highwaytourcollective.com/pack-list/photographers-daypack
Well, on to my review.
I ordered the pack from campsaver.com. I paid $125 for it, which seemed reasonable when compared to "photo" packs for similar use.
http://www.campsaver.com/gregory-targhee
It is listed for $140 but you can find coupons floating online that will give you a bit of a discount. Just google for it.
I also ordered a photo gear insert from eBay. This one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171752477625
It cost me about $19.
The pack is great. It really is designed for backcountry ski trips as well as mountain rescue, etc. and it has all kinds of doodads, tieoff points, etc. for carrying skis, snowboards, snowshoes, poles, avalanche rescue gear like shovels, etc. etc. You can watch the video and read the dedicated reviews for all that stuff. I don't think I'll use half that stuff, but certainly snowshoes may come in handy for hiking in winter.
Here is a photo of the pack:
IMG_20160904_173723 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrThe entire back of the pack (in black in the photo) opens up as a panel with a zipper giving full access to the storage area:
IMG_20160904_173735 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrHere is the insert:
IMG_20160904_173834 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrThe insert could accommodate a Rokinon 14/2.8, a 6D with a 24-70 II attached and a 70-200 F4 IS. That illustrates the rough size of the insert.
IMG_20160904_174059 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrThe insert could be placed easily in the storage compartment with some room on either side, probably enough to stuff a flash in if needed, although I didn't try.
IMG_20160904_174125 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrThere is a fair bit of room on top of the insert in the main compartment, seen in photo below. I managed to stuff a fleece jacket, a water bottle and a ziploc back with a few granola bars in it. There are also external pockets to accommodate more stuff if needed.
IMG_20160904_173816 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrSince this is a ski pack, there are all kinds of strap and hooks to attach skis to the pack, and I used one of them to hang a tripod. It worked reasonably well. I didn't cinch things down enough and I am sure it would be fine and secure.
IMG_20160904_174459 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrIMG_20160904_174449 by Scrumhalf, on FlickrSo, how did the pack perform?
I used the pack loaded pretty much as I described it (minus the tripod) on 2 days of hiking in Mt. Rainier NP. I spent 1 day doing the 6 mile Paradise Rim trail, and the 2nd day doing a 4 mile hike at Sunrise. The pack performed flawlessly and was as comfortable as any pack designed for hiking. The pack distributed the weight well on my hips and did not feel a burden to carry.
Being a ski pack, it has room for a bladder for drinking water but no side pouches for bottles (since they would freeze in the cold). I don't drink from a bladder, so I may need to come up with some kind of tie-off/cinch scheme to attach a bottle to the pack, but I view that as a minor inconvenience that can be worked around.
All i all, I am very happy with the pack and I think any backcountry photographer might want to go check one out at a hiking/skiiing store to decide for him/herself.
Thanks for reading and I hope this was useful!
Sep 07, 2016 at 12:38 AM
p.1 #2Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Hi Scrumhalf,
I had similar issues/requirements as yours and ended getting same pack, but in black - must be a PNW thing...lol
I bought off fleabay two molle Pouches - similar to this bellow:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Molle-Belt-Tactical-Paintball-Magazine-Dump-Drop-Reloader-Pouch-Bag-S-size-Black-/302059590948?hash=item4654279524
They allow me to have a water bottle handy, or use it as a grub/snack bar or even for some camera gear, like filters, batteries, small P&S...you get the idea
My dislike with this bag is the bladder tube run fabric thing in the shoulder strap - a bit useless to provide insulation, and can't be used for anything else - missing some molle straps as many packs have.
btw, the molle pouch can be placed on the side too, and provide some extra support for the tripod.
Thanks for you review
Edited on Sep 07, 2016 at 11:58 AM · View previous versions
I had similar issues/requirements as yours and ended getting same pack, but in black - must be a PNW thing...lol
I bought off fleabay two molle Pouches - similar to this bellow:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Molle-Belt-Tactical-Paintball-Magazine-Dump-Drop-Reloader-Pouch-Bag-S-size-Black-/302059590948?hash=item4654279524
They allow me to have a water bottle handy, or use it as a grub/snack bar or even for some camera gear, like filters, batteries, small P&S...you get the idea
My dislike with this bag is the bladder tube run fabric thing in the shoulder strap - a bit useless to provide insulation, and can't be used for anything else - missing some molle straps as many packs have.
btw, the molle pouch can be placed on the side too, and provide some extra support for the tripod.
Thanks for you review
Edited on Sep 07, 2016 at 11:58 AM · View previous versions
Sep 07, 2016 at 08:21 AM
p.1 #3Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Thanks for the added info! I'll look into the pouch. How did you attach the pouch to the bag?
Sep 07, 2016 at 08:46 AM
p.1 #4Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Looks like a great bag.
Must resist. Must resist.
My other bags don't want company!
David
Must resist. Must resist.
My other bags don't want company!
David
Sep 07, 2016 at 09:53 AM
p.1 #5Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Scrumhalf wrote:
Thanks for the added info! I'll look into the pouch. How did you attach the pouch to the bag?
It has two snap-on straps in the back - easily go over the pack's belt and they are sturdy/strong enough to hold a bit of weight.
note that when I placed a valued item inside, I was able to rig a security strap ( with latches) to it too, but was never an issue.
I think the pouches have a slide-thru sleeve in the back but can't recall that now.
Thanks for the added info! I'll look into the pouch. How did you attach the pouch to the bag?
It has two snap-on straps in the back - easily go over the pack's belt and they are sturdy/strong enough to hold a bit of weight.
note that when I placed a valued item inside, I was able to rig a security strap ( with latches) to it too, but was never an issue.
I think the pouches have a slide-thru sleeve in the back but can't recall that now.
Sep 07, 2016 at 10:37 AM
p.1 #6Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
That makes sense! Having the ability to carry a water bottle in am accessible manner is the only thing I would add to this bag! I don't use the bladder system. I'll probably pick up one of these pouches.
Sep 07, 2016 at 10:42 AM
p.1 #7Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Looks like it is a little too tall for carry on?
Sep 07, 2016 at 01:34 PM
p.1 #8Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Yes, it is. I've used the Targhee 32 for a year or so in a similar manner, and even it is a bit too tall for carry on. The Deuter Freerider Pro, otoh, is sized just right for carry on and so I use it when travelling by air.
Good thing my wife seldom goes into the SW corner of the basement, else she'd find out how many backpacks I own!
Peace,
Todd
Good thing my wife seldom goes into the SW corner of the basement, else she'd find out how many backpacks I own!
Peace,
Todd
Sep 07, 2016 at 01:42 PM
p.1 #9Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
dgdg wrote:
Looks like it is a little too tall for carry on?
it is...but, if you don't use the top lid, or at least don't overfill the main compartment, one might be able to get away with it.
I was, on a flight to Florida this year with AA, and was able to place under the seat( sort of) while carrying a 1DX, with a S24-105, C70-200f2.8 and a S12-24 along with some other small items
Looks like it is a little too tall for carry on?
it is...but, if you don't use the top lid, or at least don't overfill the main compartment, one might be able to get away with it.
I was, on a flight to Florida this year with AA, and was able to place under the seat( sort of) while carrying a 1DX, with a S24-105, C70-200f2.8 and a S12-24 along with some other small items
Sep 07, 2016 at 01:49 PM
p.1 #10Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
It's too tall by the letter of the law, but if you cinch down the top, you may able to get away with it in the US where I've never been checked for carryon size. Overseas where they are a lot pickier, I'm not sure I would risk it.
Sep 07, 2016 at 02:55 PM
p.1 #11Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
i love my gregory packs!
Sep 08, 2016 at 02:14 PM
p.1 #12Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Yeah, Gregory makes some nice packs.
Sep 11, 2016 at 11:23 PM
p.1 #13Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
There have been a number of posts about this pack in the last few months, so I thought I'd add my experiences to the list. I have been using it for about a year now, after selling off a Tilopa BC and XL ICU. Most recently, I took this pack as my carry-on and camera backpack during a two-week camping and photography trip to the Falkland Islands. I don't have many complaints about the pack and how it performed, but there are a few nits that I have.
I had a total luggage weight limit of 20 kgs (~45 lbs) to include both the carry-on and checked bag. Due to the idiosyncrasies of flying to the Falklands, I knew I needed to keep my "must have" items all in the carry-on in case the checked bag didn't make it to the destination along with me. So, in my Targhee 45, I carried:
All together, it came out to about 13 kgs (~29 lbs) with room to spare. The pack carried very well and easily handled that weight load. I had no trouble carrying it through the airports in DC, Dallas, Santiago (24 hour layover), and Punta Arenas. I also had no trouble stowing it on any of the various airplane overhead bins, and never got a second look from any gate agents. On several legs of the trip, agents were gate-checking all rolling bags and only allowing one carry-on per person (no personal item in addition), so I was really glad to have all my delicate camera gear and essentials in my backpack.
In the Falklands, I kept both cameras with lenses mounted in the backpack. I rolled a small towel around each to keep them from rubbing against each other. Ordinarily, I use a TrekPak divider system in this backpack, but I decided to leave that at home so that I could maximize the internal space. There was plenty of space for me to also pack my food for each day, and a couple of pieces of extra clothing in case anything got wet. Instead of a water bottle, I used a 2L bladder. I was thankful to have the zippered sleeve as it kept the bite valve clean of sand, dirt, and other debris. The zip pocket on the waist belt is thankfully large enough to hold an iPhone 6 Plus or Delorme Inreach. Hiking anywhere from 5-10 miles per day was not a problem at all, and adjustability of the pack ensured that it would carry comfortably and minimize fatigue.
I had a couple of days of pretty bad weather, including rain and hail. The Targhee, without a rain cover, still kept the contents of the pack dry. I also frequently laid it down in the wet sand and the moisture did not seep into the pack. Blowing sand easily shook off the exterior.
My main nit with the pack is the rear panel zipper. It tends to catch in the various straps that dangle off the pack. I would also prefer to have a few more compartmentalized pockets in the lid as well as the front pocket. That would be handy for separating items that you want to access easily without fumbling or rummaging through a large pocket. Lastly, I don't know how much I like/dislike the tapered bottom of the pack. Part of me would like it to be able to stand upright, but it's not a deal breaker for me by any means. Overall, I'm very happy with the Targhee 45.
I had a total luggage weight limit of 20 kgs (~45 lbs) to include both the carry-on and checked bag. Due to the idiosyncrasies of flying to the Falklands, I knew I needed to keep my "must have" items all in the carry-on in case the checked bag didn't make it to the destination along with me. So, in my Targhee 45, I carried:
- (2) Canon EOS 1D-X camera bodies
- Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 zoom lens
- Canon EF 16-35/4 zoom lens
- Canon Extender 1.4x III
- Canon LC-E4N dual battery charger
- (2) extra Canon LP-E4N batteries
- (2) Gura Gear CF card wallets
- GoPro Session 5
- Delorme Inreach
- Various charging cables, adapters
- Windproof/Waterproof shell pants and jacket
- Extra midweight base layer top and bottom
- Extra wool socks
- Balaclava and gloves
- Platypus 2L water bladder
- Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizer #2
- Travel documents/wallet
All together, it came out to about 13 kgs (~29 lbs) with room to spare. The pack carried very well and easily handled that weight load. I had no trouble carrying it through the airports in DC, Dallas, Santiago (24 hour layover), and Punta Arenas. I also had no trouble stowing it on any of the various airplane overhead bins, and never got a second look from any gate agents. On several legs of the trip, agents were gate-checking all rolling bags and only allowing one carry-on per person (no personal item in addition), so I was really glad to have all my delicate camera gear and essentials in my backpack.
In the Falklands, I kept both cameras with lenses mounted in the backpack. I rolled a small towel around each to keep them from rubbing against each other. Ordinarily, I use a TrekPak divider system in this backpack, but I decided to leave that at home so that I could maximize the internal space. There was plenty of space for me to also pack my food for each day, and a couple of pieces of extra clothing in case anything got wet. Instead of a water bottle, I used a 2L bladder. I was thankful to have the zippered sleeve as it kept the bite valve clean of sand, dirt, and other debris. The zip pocket on the waist belt is thankfully large enough to hold an iPhone 6 Plus or Delorme Inreach. Hiking anywhere from 5-10 miles per day was not a problem at all, and adjustability of the pack ensured that it would carry comfortably and minimize fatigue.
I had a couple of days of pretty bad weather, including rain and hail. The Targhee, without a rain cover, still kept the contents of the pack dry. I also frequently laid it down in the wet sand and the moisture did not seep into the pack. Blowing sand easily shook off the exterior.
My main nit with the pack is the rear panel zipper. It tends to catch in the various straps that dangle off the pack. I would also prefer to have a few more compartmentalized pockets in the lid as well as the front pocket. That would be handy for separating items that you want to access easily without fumbling or rummaging through a large pocket. Lastly, I don't know how much I like/dislike the tapered bottom of the pack. Part of me would like it to be able to stand upright, but it's not a deal breaker for me by any means. Overall, I'm very happy with the Targhee 45.
Dec 29, 2016 at 05:33 PM
p.1 #14Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Looks like a great bag. Thanks for writing the review !
I wrote a review a while back about the Boreas Lost Coast 45L (but takes much more). I'll be looking at Boreas again when it comes time for a new backpack because I've loved using this one (my Gregory 85L sits virtually unused unless I'm in expedition mode).
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1366149/0
I wrote a review a while back about the Boreas Lost Coast 45L (but takes much more). I'll be looking at Boreas again when it comes time for a new backpack because I've loved using this one (my Gregory 85L sits virtually unused unless I'm in expedition mode).
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1366149/0
Jan 02, 2017 at 02:44 AM
p.1 #15Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
What are the dimensions inside the main compartment at the bottom?
Feb 12, 2017 at 09:29 PM
p.1 #16Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Shedugengan wrote:
What are the dimensions inside the main compartment at the bottom?
F-Stop medium size sloped ICU fits well, with some room to spare - that will give you a better idea IMO
What are the dimensions inside the main compartment at the bottom?
F-Stop medium size sloped ICU fits well, with some room to spare - that will give you a better idea IMO
Feb 13, 2017 at 01:45 AM
p.1 #17Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Bacalhau wrote:
F-Stop medium size sloped ICU fits well, with some room to spare - that will give you a better idea IMO
Thank you.
Shedugengan wrote
What are the dimensions inside the main compartment at the bottom?Thank you.
Feb 13, 2017 at 08:21 AM
p.1 #18Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
Frogfish wrote:
Looks like a great bag. Thanks for writing the review !
I wrote a review a while back about the Boreas Lost Coast 45L (but takes much more). I'll be looking at Boreas again when it comes time for a new backpack because I've loved using this one (my Gregory 85L sits virtually unused unless I'm in expedition mode).
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1366149/0
Boreas have got a GREAT deal on ! Buy a Lost Coast and get a black Buttermilk FREE ! I wanted the larger 60L (over my 45L) anyway for two serious hikes coming up Summer and now I have two
Great backpacks (read my review and see the pics as posted above).
Looks like a great bag. Thanks for writing the review !
I wrote a review a while back about the Boreas Lost Coast 45L (but takes much more). I'll be looking at Boreas again when it comes time for a new backpack because I've loved using this one (my Gregory 85L sits virtually unused unless I'm in expedition mode).
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1366149/0
Boreas have got a GREAT deal on ! Buy a Lost Coast and get a black Buttermilk FREE ! I wanted the larger 60L (over my 45L) anyway for two serious hikes coming up Summer and now I have two
Great backpacks (read my review and see the pics as posted above).Feb 13, 2017 at 03:19 PM
p.1 #19Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
mitesh wrote:
There have been a number of posts about this pack in the last few months, so I thought I'd add my experiences to the list. I have been using it for about a year now, after selling off a Tilopa BC and XL ICU. Most recently, I took this pack as my carry-on and camera backpack during a two-week camping and photography trip to the Falkland Islands. I don't have many complaints about the pack and how it performed, but there are a few nits that I have.
I had a total luggage weight limit of 20 kgs (~45 lbs)...Show more →
Nice write up.
I thought you had a tent too? Or did you rent it down there.
There have been a number of posts about this pack in the last few months, so I thought I'd add my experiences to the list. I have been using it for about a year now, after selling off a Tilopa BC and XL ICU. Most recently, I took this pack as my carry-on and camera backpack during a two-week camping and photography trip to the Falkland Islands. I don't have many complaints about the pack and how it performed, but there are a few nits that I have.
I had a total luggage weight limit of 20 kgs (~45 lbs)...Show more →
Nice write up.
I thought you had a tent too? Or did you rent it down there.
Feb 14, 2017 at 07:34 AM
p.1 #20Gregory Tarhee 45 Ski/Mountain Backpack for Hiking//Photography Use - A Review
dgdg wrote:
I had a total luggage weight limit of 20 kgs (~45 lbs) to include both the carry-on and checked bag. Due to the idiosyncrasies of flying to the Falklands, I knew I needed to keep my "must have" items all in the carry-on in case the checked bag didn't make it to the destination along with me. So, in my Targhee 45, I carried:
All together, it came out to about 13 kgs (~29 lbs) with room to spare. The pack carried very well and easily handled that weight load. I had no trouble carrying it through the airports in DC, Dallas, Santiago (24 hour layover), and Punta Arenas. I also had no trouble stowing it on any of the various airplane overhead bins, and never got a second look from any gate agents. On several legs of the trip, agents were gate-checking all rolling bags and only allowing one carry-on per person (no personal item in addition), so I was really glad to have all my delicate camera gear and essentials in my backpack.
In the Falklands, I kept both cameras with lenses mounted in the backpack. I rolled a small towel around each to keep them from rubbing against each other. Ordinarily, I use a TrekPak divider system in this backpack, but I decided to leave that at home so that I could maximize the internal space. There was plenty of space for me to also pack my food for each day, and a couple of pieces of extra clothing in case anything got wet. Instead of a water bottle, I used a 2L bladder. I was thankful to have the zippered sleeve as it kept the bite valve clean of sand, dirt, and other debris. The zip pocket on the waist belt is thankfully large enough to hold an iPhone 6 Plus or Delorme Inreach. Hiking anywhere from 5-10 miles per day was not a problem at all, and adjustability of the pack ensured that it would carry comfortably and minimize fatigue.
I had a couple of days of pretty bad weather, including rain and hail. The Targhee, without a rain cover, still kept the contents of the pack dry. I also frequently laid it down in the wet sand and the moisture did not seep into the pack. Blowing sand easily shook off the exterior.
My main nit with the pack is the rear panel zipper. It tends to catch in the various straps that dangle off the pack. I would also prefer to have a few more compartmentalized pockets in the lid as well as the front pocket. That would be handy for separating items that you want to access easily without fumbling or rummaging through a large pocket. Lastly, I don't know how much I like/dislike the tapered bottom of the pack. Part of me would like it to be able to stand upright, but it's not a deal breaker for me by any means. Overall, I'm very happy with the Targhee 45.Nice write up.
I thought you had a tent too? Or did you rent it down there.
Thanks, David. I was already at or just over the 45 lbs. total weight allowance, so I had to eschew the tent in favor of a simple bivy sack/sleeping bag combo.
mitesh wrote
There have been a number of posts about this pack in the last few months, so I thought I'd add my experiences to the list. I have been using it for about a year now, after selling off a Tilopa BC and XL ICU. Most recently, I took this pack as my carry-on and camera backpack during a two-week camping and photography trip to the Falkland Islands. I don't have many complaints about the pack and how it performed, but there are a few nits that I have.I had a total luggage weight limit of 20 kgs (~45 lbs) to include both the carry-on and checked bag. Due to the idiosyncrasies of flying to the Falklands, I knew I needed to keep my "must have" items all in the carry-on in case the checked bag didn't make it to the destination along with me. So, in my Targhee 45, I carried:
- (2) Canon EOS 1D-X camera bodies
- Canon EF 100-400/4.5-5.6 zoom lens
- Canon EF 16-35/4 zoom lens
- Canon Extender 1.4x III
- Canon LC-E4N dual battery charger
- (2) extra Canon LP-E4N batteries
- (2) Gura Gear CF card wallets
- GoPro Session 5
- Delorme Inreach
- Various charging cables, adapters
- Windproof/Waterproof shell pants and jacket
- Extra midweight base layer top and bottom
- Extra wool socks
- Balaclava and gloves
- Platypus 2L water bladder
- Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizer #2
- Travel documents/wallet
All together, it came out to about 13 kgs (~29 lbs) with room to spare. The pack carried very well and easily handled that weight load. I had no trouble carrying it through the airports in DC, Dallas, Santiago (24 hour layover), and Punta Arenas. I also had no trouble stowing it on any of the various airplane overhead bins, and never got a second look from any gate agents. On several legs of the trip, agents were gate-checking all rolling bags and only allowing one carry-on per person (no personal item in addition), so I was really glad to have all my delicate camera gear and essentials in my backpack.
In the Falklands, I kept both cameras with lenses mounted in the backpack. I rolled a small towel around each to keep them from rubbing against each other. Ordinarily, I use a TrekPak divider system in this backpack, but I decided to leave that at home so that I could maximize the internal space. There was plenty of space for me to also pack my food for each day, and a couple of pieces of extra clothing in case anything got wet. Instead of a water bottle, I used a 2L bladder. I was thankful to have the zippered sleeve as it kept the bite valve clean of sand, dirt, and other debris. The zip pocket on the waist belt is thankfully large enough to hold an iPhone 6 Plus or Delorme Inreach. Hiking anywhere from 5-10 miles per day was not a problem at all, and adjustability of the pack ensured that it would carry comfortably and minimize fatigue.
I had a couple of days of pretty bad weather, including rain and hail. The Targhee, without a rain cover, still kept the contents of the pack dry. I also frequently laid it down in the wet sand and the moisture did not seep into the pack. Blowing sand easily shook off the exterior.
My main nit with the pack is the rear panel zipper. It tends to catch in the various straps that dangle off the pack. I would also prefer to have a few more compartmentalized pockets in the lid as well as the front pocket. That would be handy for separating items that you want to access easily without fumbling or rummaging through a large pocket. Lastly, I don't know how much I like/dislike the tapered bottom of the pack. Part of me would like it to be able to stand upright, but it's not a deal breaker for me by any means. Overall, I'm very happy with the Targhee 45.
I thought you had a tent too? Or did you rent it down there.
Thanks, David. I was already at or just over the 45 lbs. total weight allowance, so I had to eschew the tent in favor of a simple bivy sack/sleeping bag combo.
Feb 14, 2017 at 09:18 AM