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Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

Joseph Marney
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

I'm looking for as small of a backpack as possible that meets these criteria:

- Can hold 14" laptop (most bags rated for 13" hold modern 14" laptops)
- Padded area for photo gear: Something along the lines of enough room for a A7-series, 28-75mm and 70-180mm
- Enough extra space for laptop charger, rain jacket, snacks, and a few other small items
- Prefer waistbelt
- Water bottle holder on side
- Airflow along the back
- Fits under an airplane seat
- Waterproof, and short of that, included rain cover

I will be using the pack for daily use, travel, and day hiking.

The MindShift Backlight 18L is probably my frontrunner right now, but I'd like some other recommendations. I've owned two of the larger MindShift bags previously and appreciate the build quality but did get a lot of sweat along my back, even in moderate heat.

Edited on Jun 30, 2024 at 07:09 PM · View previous versions

Jun 30, 2024 at 02:22 PM

oguruma
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

How much gear are you taking with you when you're day hiking? Camera backpacks are HORRIBLE at distributing the load to your hips, so all of the weight ends up pulling back on your shoulders. Even if they have a waist belt, that basically just serves the purpose of keeping it closer to your body. Without a rigid frame, the weight is going to be carried almost entirely on your shoulders. For a mile or two and with 10lbs, that might not be that bad, but even 20lbs and a 5 mile hike would probably start to suck.

Personally, I skip camera backpacks altogether and use real hiking bags, and then various padded containers to pack my camera gear in.

Jun 30, 2024 at 05:52 PM

Joseph Marney
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

oguruma wrote:
How much gear are you taking with you when you're day hiking? Camera backpacks are HORRIBLE at distributing the load to your hips, so all of the weight ends up pulling back on your shoulders. Even if they have a waist belt, that basically just serves the purpose of keeping it closer to your body. Without a rigid frame, the weight is going to be carried almost entirely on your shoulders. For a mile or two and with 10lbs, that might not be that bad, but even 20lbs and a 5 mile hike would probably start to suck.

Personally, I skip...Show more →

20lbs would be an edge case. Here is what I would see as an absolute max:

~7lbs water, if there is nowhere to filter
~6lbs photo equipment
~1.5lbs meals/snacks
~2lbs misc
~2-3lb for the pack itself

A more standard scenario would be:
~2.5lbs water
~2.5lbs photo equipment in the bag, the rest worn on my neck strap (unless weather or obstacles required me to stash it)
~1lbs snacks
~1.5 misc
~2-3 for the pack itself

I actually did 12 mi a few weeks ago with my old Think Tank Perception 15, and it wasn't awful. But lack of waist strap or belt was annoying when bending around to get various angles, etc. Like you said, keeping it closer to the body. That hike was mostly in the Redwoods though and not too hot. I also dislike the organization of that bag and it does not have side pockets.

All that being said, you are right in your observations. Even the Mindshift with a more substantial waist belt is lacking any sort of suspension or airflow.

I have several backpacking packs between 35-58L, but those are all far too big for day hikes.

A lot of regular hiking packs also have one large compartment and smaller pockets that aren't large enough for photo equipment. So then if you add in padded containers, you are digging through the bag, as opposed to having a separate equipment compartment that is accessible from the outside.

I appreciate non-photo backpack recommendations as well though, if you have something that is working well for you.

The Tenba Fulton v2 16L WR checks a lot of the boxes, except it sits flat against the back with no airflow, too.

Jun 30, 2024 at 07:00 PM

mitesh
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

I use an Osprey Talon 22 as sort of an EDC backpack, but it also doubles as a great photo hiking pack. I’m ok with using wraps or extra layers as the padding for my camera gear. It lacks the hyper organization and laptop pocket of dedicated photo packs, but it’s super lightweight and carries 15-20 lb. loads with ease and comfort. I’m traveling to Botswana for a 19-day camping safari, and will be taking this as my carry-on. I’ve got packed inside:

Sony a1 (x2)
Sony 70-200/2.8
Sony 400/2.8
Sony 28-60/5.6
Two pants
Two shirts
Mid weight base layer
Fleece pullover
Undergarments and socks (x3)

This is the maximum I can fit, but it’s everything I need for photography on safari. The pack handles the weight (about 20 lbs.) superbly.

Jun 30, 2024 at 07:15 PM

Joseph Marney
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

mitesh wrote:
I use an Osprey Talon 22 as sort of an EDC backpack, but it also doubles as a great photo hiking pack. I’m ok with using wraps or extra layers as the padding for my camera gear. It lacks the hyper organization and laptop pocket of dedicated photo packs, but it’s super lightweight and carries 15-20 lb. loads with ease and comfort. I’m traveling to Botswana for a 19-day camping safari, and will be taking this as my carry-on. I’ve got packed inside:

Sony a1 (x2)
Sony 70-200/2.8
Sony 400/2.8
Sony 28-60/5.6
Two pants
Two shirts
Mid weight base layer
Fleece pullover
Undergarments and socks (x3)

This is the maximum...Show more →

I like this one and am generally a fan of Osprey. This, with a padded compartment with separate access would be along the lines of what I'm ultimately looking for, but I just don't think such a bag exists. Time for me to start a crowdfund, I guess!

Also, that trip to Botswana sounds amazing - I'll keep an eye out for photos!

Jul 01, 2024 at 11:27 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

If you want a photo pack that is decent for hiking your choices are more or less F-stop and Shimoda. Everything I have seen from Mindshift, TT, etc is too photo oriented and not sufficiently robust for extended day hikes. Unfortunately neither of the above have great air circulation around the back but at least they both have good internal frames and decent hip belts. Of the two only Shimoda has side pockets for water bottle and adjustable harness. I believe the Shimoda is lighter than Fstop at equivalent capacity, but it also has a roll top that people either love or hate (in the Adventure series)

In the non photo space you have great packs by Osprey, Mystery Ranch, Gregory, Deuter, etc. that have better harness design, better air circulation, more adjustability, carry loads better but worse usability on the photo side. Tripod carry in particular can sometimes be challenging to properly balance.

And on the other extreme you have TT, Mindshift, Lowepro, and a number of other "photo first" packs, that have niceties like pockets for SD cards, side camera access, provisions for drone storage, cable organizers, etc. But they usually lack internal frames and suck as hiking packs.

You want something that covers all three extremes. You will have to prioritize your wishes and select from the above groups.

I use the Shimoda Action X50. It is great for day trips and decent for overnights. It would suck as an EDC

Jul 01, 2024 at 01:15 PM

sjms
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

i think you're going to find that a 16L pack is teeny. i've been using a 40L Ajna from Fstop for years. i have just recently. moved to the MR Bridger 45L. a substantial upgrade to say the least for a multifunction loadbearing pack with great access.

the bag in the bag is a Respective 20 v2 with a Z9 with a 24-120/4 attached. a 14-30/4 and a 70-200/2.8E FTX attached. with a few other bits and pieces in the pockets

the lower section of the bridger is empty below the camera bag. 3.5" high 6" deep with removable platform.

above the camera bag is approx 7" of empty space available.

lid is removable to reduce overall vertical dimension.

40lbs+ is a no issue depending on the user when fitted properly. and there is lots of fitting capability here. frame is spring steel

NIKON Z 6 NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens 48mm 1/125s 25600 ISO

NIKON Z 6 NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens 40mm 1/80s 25600 ISO

NIKON Z 6 NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens 30mm 1/125s 16000 ISO

Jul 01, 2024 at 02:41 PM

Joseph Marney
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

I am seeing how divergent all of us are in our idea of daypacks and how much gear we carry, lol.

My primary backpacking pack is an Osprey Exos 48L, which works great for 2-3 nights backpacking, and an Exos 58L for trips up to a week. But, I spent many years and dollars purchasing ultralight gear to make that happen. I'm usually just over 30lbs fully laden with the 48L, and still under 40lbs with the 58L. But that's a whole other conversation.

If I needed a bigger pack because of having to bring a lot of equipment or bulky clothing or something, I have a Gregory Zulu 30L. The problem of a pack that is too large is that the weight does not easily distribute well, with everything wanting to sit low in the pack. That's where top and bottom compartments are nice. Also, the 30L is too big to count as a personal item when flying. For comparison, my old Mindshift 26L was just able to squeeze under. I am curious if the afore mentioned Osprey Talon 22 fits.

I am also wondering if the frame would be prohibitive of my laptop laying flat along the back in a sleeve...

This would all be easier if I was closer than 3 hours to an REI. :-P

Jul 01, 2024 at 03:37 PM

dblsplayer
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

I have the Mindshift 18L and it's good for carrying camera gear and a laptop but not much else. I also have an F-Stop Guru 25 that fits all of your criteria. It's designed for day hiking, but can be used as a daily carry.

For daily carry and travel (fits under seat) I use the Shimoda Urban Explore 25. Also best for daily carry if that's your thing.

All of the above can carry a 14" laptop.

If you are talking serious hiking, I use a regular backpack and carry my camera on a capture clip, and an extra lens if any in my pack. An alternative that I don't own is the Atlas Athlete or Adventure (camera priority). Great for a one to two nighter.

Jul 01, 2024 at 05:41 PM

hiepphotog
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

Since you're familiar with TMP backpacks like the Exos and Zulu, you know these systems keep your back dry even after a long, hot hike. For a smaller pack, if you haven't found anything from Osprey or Gregory, I recommend the Deuter Air Race 14+3, which I currently use. This pack handles loads under 20 lbs with ease. Due to its small volume, I haven't packed it beyond 20 lbs, but it will fit all the items you mentioned in your original post. Similar bike packs are available from Osprey and Gregory as well.

For padded storage, you can use an ICU. Alternatively, you can get a small camera bag with a belt loop (loop your backpack hip belts through) for balanced loading on your front hips when you want to take pictures. This approach not only enhances comfort on long hikes by shifting some weight to the front, but also allows quick access to your camera gear.

Jul 01, 2024 at 10:35 PM

sjms
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Looking for photo/laptop/hiking backpack recommendations

Also, the 30L is too big to count as a personal item when flying

used a 40L ajna for years shuttling back and forth to JP from EWR (Newark) as my carry on. the 45L has an easily reduceable volume. compression is my friend. by simply removing the lid it drops it height too. my laptop an ipad have survived many trips in both

i do have a roller that goes below if needed.

Jul 03, 2024 at 01:01 PM


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