Hiking backpack for photography

Amp34 · 21 Feb 2017 at 06:16

I'm looking for something in the region of 40-50L for hiking and "backpacking" trips. Nothing specifically photography related however, but ideally a decent hiking bag that has a section/opening that would make storing and retrieving lenses and camera easy.

I currently use a 35L Osprey Atmos but it's an older one with a majorly arched back which makes putting anything in that isn't soft and conformable rather annoying. It also only has a top zip.

I'm looking for something that either has a side entry or back entry ideally, that can make retrieving a 120-300 (about the size of a 2L fizzy drink bottle) and various other smaller lenses easier.

Any suggestions*?

*I'm looking at Fstop as an actually dedicated photo bag but I'd rather have a bag that doesn't scream "expensive camera gear", and most of their bags are pretty heavy.

Felon · 21 Feb 2017 at 09:50

I use an FStop bag (this one - http://fstopgear.com/redbullphotography) for my Phase One setup,

It's really good, as unlike many other dedicated bags you can put other stuff in it too - and the ICU simply pulls out, so you can carry the internal camera compartment like a briefcase - they're pretty well made.

The only bad points to be aware of, F Stop are a nightmare for stock and shipping - whilst they make good kit, most of it is constantly out of stock and you might be waiting 6 weeks... it's also expensive, but I think the cost is worth it - as none of these bags are cheap, and yes - it does scream "expensive camera gear inside" but probably no more so than a lowepro bag, (you can also simply pull the entire ICU out anyway)

D.P. · 21 Feb 2017 at 15:51

Anything form Fstop, I use a now discontinued Tilopa BC. I have around 7-9 different back packs dedicated for skiing, back-country touring, hiking, alpine ascents, multi-day hikes etc etc form all the best brands. The Fsto gear easily lives up to the best f these backpacks in terms of quality, mountaineering dedicated accessories, practicality, durability, construction, etc. The camera aspects are at least as good as the usual brands, liekly better than most. The wdie choice of ICUs is great. Nothing else I have seen on the market comes close.

I don't think Fstop bags scream "expensive camera gear" compared to other brands, it looks like a decent backpack, that is all. With a tent, climbing helmet, ropes, or crampons etc. on the outside no one would even guess you have a DSLR in there. The weight is valid and I put off buying one for a year due to that. The reason I have many different backpacks for hiking/climbing/skiing is I have different sizes and grades depending on the type of trip from casual hike to multi-day alpine mid-winter ski ascent to 4000m. I'e spent a lot of money buying some of the lightest skiing, climbing and back-country camping gear around so i hate loose expensive weight savings in a backpack. However, hen it comes to a decent backpack for hiking/BC while simultaneously taking a DSLR and lenses then the weight has to be put in perspective. While 100g matters when you are going completely minimalist for a speed ascent of peak, taking a DSLR along immediately rules out that kind of travel so comfort and practically become much more important. If you are taking 5kg of camera gear with you then 300-500g in the backpack to help with comfort and protect gear is not a big concern. There are other places to save weight.

Screeeech is right, the stock issues are the biggest issues. i waited 6 months for the pack to come in, ridiculous really that 5 years later they still have the same problems.

Amp34 · 21 Feb 2017 at 20:54

To clarify when I mean "backpacking" I mean travelling to places like Gabon, Guatemala and the Philippines (past and present trips - but plenty of other places in Africa as well) for several weeks with camping stuff, and doing multi day hiking trips there, rather than just day hikes in local places.

I want an Fstop bag at some point for local hikes and overnight camps but I'm looking for something that's 80% hiking, 20% photography which is why all dedicated camera backpacks are out. I want something that's not obvious it's got lots of expensive camera equipment in it for when I'm in towns and travelling to and from on local transport etc.

Basically does anyone have any suggestions for osprey, dueter, lower alpine and similar brands that would work well for quick access to photo equipment (such as a side or back opening as well as the standard top opening.

I currently use a North Face duffel and a day pack but was wondering if there was something more convenient out there for when the duffel isn't really needed.

D.P. · 22 Feb 2017 at 15:42

I still think something like an F-stop SUKHA with a small ICU would be perfect but otherwise just go to your local MEC and see what there is. I have several larger packs form Black Diamond and Arteryx (Altra 65) for multi-day backcountry trips. You will find at these sizes that side and back opening packs are rare, and TBH, even for a photocentric trip wouldn't be a priority over comfort for me. A camera and lens or 2 will sit happily on top of the pack using spare clothing/sleeping bag/tent fly sheet as padding, saving weight form any ICU type padding. What i have seen but not successfully implemented is attachment mechanism to get the camera on your chest strap https://www.peakdesign.com/capturepro . There are also systems like this: https://www.cottoncarrier.com/collections/camera-vests/products/ccs-camera-vest-1 . What I have also done is used the dedicated lens cases attached to the waist belt.

For these packs you really need to try them on in person, get the shop to load them up with some ballast (good shops typically have bags of sand for this purpose), and wander around the shop for an hour with it on to see if you get any saw points. These packs come i different sizes and like most things sizes don't match across brands. You need a pack that sits properly on your hips.

Amp34 · 23 Feb 2017 at 04:23

I realise they are rare, it's why I'm asking if anyone knows of any so I can go and find one to test it out.

Basically the problem is with a long tele and a couple of other larger landscape lenses you end up with 5-7kg on the very top and back of a bag that weighs 10-12kg in total, meaning it's completely unweighted. I'm basically looking for bags the I can load the lenses somewhere either in the middle next to my back or at the bottom, to give the pack better balance., while still making it fairly easy to change lenses fairly quickly, rather than pull everything out of the bag because the lens is at the bottom. I don't like the bottom access option for this sort of thing however because having lenses at the very bottom of an unprotected bag is a recipe for disaster!

The method you mentioned you use is the one I currently use, but it's a bit of a pain, and as I need a slightly bigger bag (not quite 65L though, although that may be useful when winter camping) without the rather annoying back system (they changed it on newer Atmos bags because it is a real pain) I thought I'd try and see if there was one that gave me that option.