Backpacking with your gear

[rfbarker]

I know the options for choosing a photo backpack and I know that the best thing

to do is bring a bunch of gear into a camera shop and try them out BUT:

 

What backpack do you use to go backpacking AND photographing. I was to bring

all the normal backpacking things (weekend trips at the longest) like tent,

sleeping bag, cookware, stove, sleeping pad, food, water filter, etc. I would

also like to bring a tripod D70 with two small lenses and RB67 with one lens.

The closest thing I'm seeing is the Lowepro Rover Plus or Nature Trekker. The

Rover doesn't seem like it would hold much up top in terms of camping gear, the

Nature or Photo Trekker doesn't seem like it would much other than photo gear.

 

I understand it's a load and a half but I'm young! What are you guys using for

your backpacking and photographic adventures that extend beyond just a day hike.

 

Any suggestions?

 

You guys rock, thanks!

 

-Rob

[cwphoto]

Forget the photo backpacks for this one. Use what you have for backpacking. I have Osprey Aether 60 & 75. You will want something larger if a RB also goes along. Try a short trip, then modify.

[jonas_cilieborg]

I have been wondering the same thing for a few years. Before I bought my current camera (EOS 5D plus some L-glass) I used a LowePro beltpack.

 

Last week I bought a kinesis chestpack, a harness, a belt and some lenspouches. In addition I bought some straps which allows me to attach the chestpack and the pouches to the harness on my regular backpack.

I haven't tried it out yet hiking, but this seems to be a good system for me. This way I don't think weight is a big issue, as I have previously hiked for around ten days with 30kg in the backpack and beltpack in total.

[george_lupton]

I use a north face seraphim (alpine ice climbing pack) when i do this kind of thing. the ice axe loops are great for holding a tripod and the detachable lid is big enough to hold a fair amonunt of camera gear.

[rob - atlanta, ga usa]

I agree with Curt. The Osprey Aether 60 & 75 are great packs because the packs themselves are relatively light for their volume. So many packs weigh too much for the volume they hold, causing you to start out with a liability. You can use Domke wraps or Zing pouches to protect lenses.

[erik_loza]

I have only ever taken a 35mm film body (usually small-ish F3 or F90x) when backpacking,

but just use my regular frameless pack and just keep the body and lenses in those little

padded pouches that Lowe/ Tamrac/ etc. sell. My pack has compression straps along each

side, so the tripod can be lashed there.

 

My actual photo backpack is a LowePro Nature Tekker. I couldn't live without it, but no

photo backpack I have seen would be adequate, IMO, as a proper expedition backpack.

Too heavy, poor suspension, not enough space, etc. Just use the pack you are most

comfortable with and figure out how to fit your gear inside. Good luck.

[ian green]

as was already said before:<br>

forget about special photo stuff<br>

go search for something made for backpacking<br>

or some fishing bags for example<br>

sure it is very unpro but can save you money time and may be your photo gear ;)

[david_senesac]

I've answered that question on these boards a few times. Not only do I backpack with my photography gear but I've been doing so seriously since 1980 and carried 35mm, then 6x7, and now 4x5 the last few years. I have some information on my website below. Briefly I've always piggybacked a daypack on the back of my regular gear backpack with custom sewed on Quickrelease buckles. In order to be able to strap a longer tripod onto a daypack you will need to use a longer daypack than standard sizes. Such daypacks designs are usually marketed to climbers. And one thing I learned long ago is one doesn't need much camera and lens padding like one usually finds with all those huge dedicated photo backpacks. ...David

[david_senesac]

Select the "Backpacking" field on my homepage at:

 

http://www.davidsenesac.com

[frank uhlig]

Well, I would not be backpacking with your gear. I am not a thief/burglar. Sorry. I assume you want to backpack with your own gear and that you are not going to steal mine either.

 

Odd use of personal pronouns, Rob; or does that first name mean anything ominous here?

 

Anyway, let english be dammed. Onto backpacking and photography:

 

I would pack with my gear. And that would not be half as much as you anticipate to take. Why are you not bringing your chemistry kit and Jobo tank also; you could instantly see if the film came out right.

 

So, here is my backpacking philosophy: 1 camera, no more than 2 pounds of lenses (indicates rangefinder!); plenty of camping stuff on the light side, i.e. dried food and water filter to generate water ..

 

And the load cannot be too light. Trees and rocks can serve as tripods, monopods; star trail can be shot by propping camera on a bunch of rocks, ... be clever and resourceful is my idea of camping. I particularly do not bring my orthopedic mattress with me either but just lie on the ground. How do you sleep out?

 

But by all means, is there a mule packing station where you hike? Rent one or tow mules and go, all set for photographic heaven. That is if you do not mind the flies these beasts normally invite to buzz around ....

[ranong]

i use my dana designs terraplane. it is huge, so it swallows camera gear very well. i just got some nice down camping stuff so now i have more room in my pack. i bring my small photo backpack along and when i set up camp i then use the smaller photo bag for my day excursions.

 

eddie

[bonsignore_ezio]

This subject has been discussed in a number of past occasions. This does not mean that you are not entitled to raise it again. Howewer, a search would bring you many more answers and suggestions to ponder about.

 

In general terms, I would of course agree to the suggestion, that has been put forward by many people before me: if you are backpacking, just select the best pack you can afford and use it to carry your gears, period - and this include your photo equipment. Specialised camera backpacks are fine if you are a pro or anyway can find someone to carry your camping gear in addition to his/her own, but otherwhise are virtualy useless.

 

This said, it seems to me that everybody here is missing a point. Unless I'm mistaken, the purpose of the whole exercise it is to take photos, not to take cameras from point A to point B. Cameras inside a backpack (be it a standard or a specialised model) won't take any photos. After you have run a couple of times through the procedure of - deciding that what you see is worth a photo - shouting to your companions to stop - taking you pack off (and securing it if you are on difficult terrain) - opening the pack - taking out the camera - removing the lense cover/switching the meter off - framing and taking the photo - putting the camera back into the pack - closing the pack - putting the pack back on your shoulders - signaling that you ready to resume the treck, your photographic enthusiams will be dampened pretty quick. Rather than focusing on the (false) backpack problem, you should focus on finding a way to carry you camera on the ready for a whole day, while protecting it from the weather and without it dangling around and becoming quite literally a pain in the neck.

 

There is no "one-fits-all" solution for this, and you should rather make your own tests and experiments,

[fourfa]

for me, it's a TLZ-II on my chest, attached to the shoulder straps. extra lens in a pouch on the pack waist strap. If I'm using a tripod (not as much since getting a camera with very clean high ISO + stabilized lenses) I usually carry it extended as a walking stick. Extra stuff in the pack's top pouch if you're got one, where it's easy to access. If you intend to make any distance at all, it's ALL about access.

 

If I'm rock climbing or using an ice axe, the chest pack is in the way. Putting it on the waist strap is in the way too. I sometimes end up with the camera bandolier style but this has its disadvantages too. No good solution to that one, I'm afraid.

[walkinman]

Hey Rob</br>

 

<p>Your question here is well worth raising - regardless of how many times it's been

discussed before. It's a tough gig, and I doubt anyone has 'the answer'. I guide

backpacking trips all summer long, and have had a number of photographers come along.

In my experience, the best solution is just to allow more time for your trip .. Do a 2 trip in

4 days. Or, if you only have 2 days, select a short, easy route. That allows you more time

to shoot, and means you're not wasted at the end of the day after carrying all that gear.</

p>

 

<p>For backpacks, definitely go with a 'proper' backpack - Dana, Osprey, Gregory, etc, all

make good packs. Even a cheaper REI pack will be far better than ANY of the camera

packs. I was using the Dana Alpine backpack for about 10 years, and I love it, though I'm

not sure the newer ones are up to the same standard as the older ones. I just recently

bought a Mystery Ranch backpack, and it's pretty awesome. $$$ though.</p>

 

<p>Here's a short piece I put on my website a few months back.</p>

 

<p><a href="http://www.alaskanalpinetreks.com/ImageGallery/IOM/

IOM_feb2006.html">Photography and backpacking</a></p>

 

<p>I hope this helps. Feel free to email me with any specific questions.</p>

 

<p>Cheers</p>

 

<p>Carl</br>

<a href="http://www.alaskanalpinetreks.com">Alaskan Alpine Treks</a></br>

<a href="http://www.skolaiimages.com">Skolai Images</a></p>

[Leaff]

Hi Rob,

I've been backpacking for many years and haven't found anything better than a regular pack (mine is Gregory) and the Lowepro Topload Zoom on my chest.

I keep my ready-to-shoot stuff in the Lowepro and extra stuff in the pack. Good padding in the pack for photo equipment is sleeping bag, tent tarp, like that. The Toploader Zoom can be carried on the chest, belt or of the shoulder with a strap. Very versatile! On the chest, you can keep the lid open and ready to shoot at all times. When shooting the Toploader is great to help steady the camera by using the lid as a rest. The Zoom is AW (all weather) so rain or shine.

My standard set-up is my 24-70mm 2.8L on a EOS 3 or 20D. Occasionally, I carry an extra lens or flash in the pouch. You can ever attach lens cases to the sides but I think it's a bit much.

 

Backpacking as a Photographer is a different affair than a regular trip. My strategy is to have the equipment I think is the most versatile in the Toploader and plan two photo stops during the day where you can change gear and go off on side trips. I?ve done three-day trips in five cause if your not out there to shoot leave the big gear at home and bring a point and shoot.

 

Hope this helps you decide.

 

Gilles

[michael_greene]

I have to agree that weight doesn't really matter so much as convenience and accessibility. Tripod is strapped to the backpack, on the side as opposed to on the back or on the top (balance), and if I'm setting up a tripod, I'm stopping, anyway.

 

EOS 300d in a chest pouch with 18-55 for snapshots. Either a 105 macro or a 75-300 in a Nalgene pouch on the belt strap, along with a couple filters. I don't really like hiking with more weight than that...

 

That being said, I frequently carry an A95 in a pocket along with a Jandd Barad (BIG 5500ci) where I carry the regular backpack gear above the sleeping back/ main pack divider. Gowland 4x5 goes below the divider such that no weight is pressing on it (just have to remember not to set the bag down on its bottom). A couple lenses for the 4x5 mounted on boards, stored in neoprene- like CD cases with the sleeves removed. Bunch of quickloads. Snapshots with the A95, or meter with the A95, using Cokin filters on both systems. Use the detachable lid as a daypack, with A95, Gowland, regular daypacking material.

[josh_miller6]

I regularly do trips of up to a week at a time with a pack and camera gear. I also do multi

day ski trips in the winter as well. I do this with just enough gear that it allows me to

shoot publishable results while maximizing my mobility. You will find lots of stuff if you

read some of Galen Rowell's writings on the subject found on his website

www.mountainlight.com

 

For me personaly I have found that a small waste pack such as the Lowepro photo runner

works well (the brand is really not important). Rather than attaching it the normal way I

have rigged some short straps that attach from my sholder straps of my Pack. This takes

the weight off while allowing me fast access throughout the day. In this bag I carry a DSLR

and a small zoom 18-70 (quality is as good as a pro lens as long as you stop it down). I

often will also take a 70-300ED if I think I need the length. I carry only filters I would use

while shooting with my pack on ie. Polarizer.

 

 

I then carry all the rest of my stuff in my pack (a large top brand internal frame

backpacking pack). I use my GND's mainly when I am stopped and focused on

photography.

You have to take a tripod or it is a waste of time to carry all your gear. I recently bought a

small Gitzo carbon fiber one that weighs in at 2lbs with the head. Before this I used a

small garage sale tripod that went weist high and cost $15 bucks (still 2lbs).

 

Give it a try, once you attach the bag to your back pack straps you are golden. Also if I am

going really light I may only take a small chest pack that attaches to my sholder straps.

All these ideas come from NOLS guides and of course Galen.

[ivan_muska]

Rob,

 

I'm also looking for this kind of bag, but unsuccessfully. Largest I found is Lowepro Super Trekker AW II. It should be the biggest bag from Lowepro:

 

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/allWeather/Super_Trekker_AW_II.aspx

 

It is big enough, main part has about 40 liters for your gear and secondary compartment for some food and jacket. Plus there are daily-backpack (can be used separately) and some additional pockets outside and you can put more of them.

 

I just ordered that. Will update you when it arrives.

 

Ivan

[ivan_muska]

Here it is:

 

One Hasselblad V body with A12 magazine and PME90 viewfinder.

 

One spare Hasselblad V body.

 

Lenses - CF and CFi:

50mm,

60mm,

80mm,

120mm,

180mm,

350mm, - with original (huge) case.

 

Teleconventer 2x.

 

3 extension rings 16,32 and 56mm put together.

 

5 additional A12 magazines.

 

Lee filter system - holder, bellows and couple of filters.

 

I had to borrow some lenses to stuff it :-)

Actually I wouldn't carry this equipment with me, 3 lenses would be enough, I just wanted to demostrate how many it takes.

 

There is additional compartment that would hold jacket, some food. That compartment is not too big, but should be enough for one day trek. Then there is additional Daily backpack included and two side packs. Everything can be removed, you can place anything on both sides of the backpack and on the back too. Of course there is tripod holder, which can hold big enough tripod.

 

Ivan

[Landrum Kelly]

<blockquote>

<p>Forget the photo backpacks for this one.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Amen to that. Prepare for backpacking first, then select a smaller camera bag that will fit inside the larger pack--small but not too small.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>