lisa_bree Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>I've read and read threads here and elsewhere but feel this issue has not been resolved. <br>If you go on long hikes, somewhat strenuous, and need plenty of water, two fleece layers, gloves, etc...<br>And you also go on shorter strolls - 8 miles or so, say on the beach, and you'll take your kindle and maybe an iPad, lots of water...<br>What is the best solution for carrying reasonable camera gear, i.e. one body, maybe two lenses?<br>I have a thinktank holster which is great but too large for my osprey talon 22, which I otherwise love. <br>http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/multi-use/talon_22</p><p>It not just the size, I have larger packs, but I'm tired of the disorganization of it all, and having to stop, take out camera, etc. I'd like a more organized pack - but one which is suitable for hiking.</p><p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 <blockquote> <p>but feel this issue has not been resolved</p> </blockquote> <p>LOL - who was it that thought this meant "lots of luck"?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Kahn Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>Have you thought about the backpack attachment accessory for the Thinktank holster? It attaches the holster to the backpack harness in front, so that the holster hangs between the belt and the sternum strap. It's a compromise, yes, but at least the camera is accessible without having to dig it out of your pack.</p> <p>As for the pack itself, I like internal frame top loaders with a compartment in the lid, and side pockets. But the main concern should be how this thing is going to feel, five or six miles down the trail...</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou_Meluso Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>Most of my hikes are day excursions and I use a smallish Lowe Pro SlingShot 200AW (AW=all weather). Holds a body and a few lenses and some accessories. A Canon 7D with an EF 70-200m F/4 IS zoom on (hood reversed) fits (snugly), a wide and normal prime, accessories -a few grads, polarizers, extra batts/cards, a thin rain shell, and a lunch. It is fairly comfortable but quick to access the pack innards while wearing it. I clip a water bottle to the outside. If rain starts the bag has it's own rip stop nylon shell built in. I've done some light scrambling with it on and it's quite secure when all straps are engaged. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luis_g Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>I'm afraid there is no single, clear resolution to be had. Buying backpacks (or camera bags) is as personal as buying undies.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>I hadn't heard of the attachment, but could hang the holster with something. It's just not comfortable.<br> Maybe I should try the lowepro.</p> <p>Or one of the fstop backpacks? http://fstopgear.com/en/guru</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Kahn Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>Daria, here's the attachment:</p> <p><a href="http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/backpack-connection-kit.aspx">http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/backpack-connection-kit.aspx</a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>I don't think it's for women...but thanks for the suggestion. :)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>Just saw the price on the fstop. Never mind! </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnw63 Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>I wish I could find the same thing. It is tough because a proper day pack doesn't do camera gear well and a camera pack doesn't really pack well for water and cloths and snacks. What I have tried is two things.</p> <p>1) A nice day back with</p> <p>2) A hip pack for the camera gear. </p> <p>On the long parts of my walks, the hip pack fits in the day pack, which does limit the capacity of the other stuff, and when I get to the places I want to be, the hip pack gets slung on my waist, in the front, so I can get my camera stuff. I have a simple no frame day pack from REI. </p> <p>With my F4s the waist bags than the big SLR would fit into was limited and the waist pack was rather large. I could keep a lot in it, but to keep it from pulling away from my body too much, I had to add a set of shoulder straps. These plus the day pack straps would get tangled with each other if I forgot which one I put on last. Once I got the smaller battery holder on the camera, which made it a simpler Nikon F4, I could look for smaller waist packs. I then got a D7000 that is even smaller and I had more choices. </p> <p>I wanted to try out the Think Tank Speed Demon, but they raised the price of the new version. I ended up getting a Clik Elite Trekker: http://www.clikelite.com/products/trekker/</p> <p>As long as the two lenses I bring are not large, this one works for me. It fits in the day pack easily and is small enough to NOT need shoulder straps to stay close to my back or front. </p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted July 7, 2012 Author Share Posted July 7, 2012 <p>Thanks for the link - looks nice, and some other promising products, including backpacks.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony_bhe Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 I recently bought a Lowepro Photosport 200, which I really like. It's basically a day pack with a small externally accessible camera compartment in the bottom. I use it for day hikes and for flying (where I don't want to put my camera gear in checked baggage). It's not very big, but it is large enough for a dslr body and a lens or flash, holds an iPad, a small jacket or fleece plus another layer or so, snacks, assorted other items. Fits under the seat of even small prop commuters. Has a compartment for a hydration bladder, which I haven't tried out yet. Downsides include the small size (although this is a plus in the sense that it keeps pack weight down and is conducive to folks who use it for adventure sports), thinly padded straps and not enough small pockets/compartments to subdivide and organize small items/gear. I would definitely check it out in a store if you can, it may be too small for you but I find that it's just the right size for my activities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattman944 Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 <p>My solution is the same as John Williamson's. Hip pack for the camera stuff, day backpack for the other stuff.</p> <p>Although I rarely see people use them, hip/waist packs are great. The weight on your hips is less tiring than your back. You can slide the pack around to the front and access you camera without taking it off. You can change lenses standing up (without putting anything down). In my film days, I could even thread film standing up.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_harper9 Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 <p>Once I rigged up a tripod attachment system using shock cord and a web belt w/buckle for easy detachment, this Tamrac Adventure 7 day pack has served well. A tight fit for my photo gear ( I wish the pack had and extra inch or more in width and depth), but it holds a nylon rain jacket, lunch, and water for a day's hiking. Stows easily under airline seats with the tripod removed.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnw63 Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 <p>I need to figure out a tripod holder arrangement too. The basic tripod sling works, but it's one more strap across my shoulders and neck, if I wear it diagonally.</p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 <p>The Lowepro site has a nice feature where you can pick a pack that suits your gear - but it doesn't tell you about other stuff. I'll get one of them, I think. Today was another example of the problem: went to beach ---> ended up slogging several miles across the sand ---> saw tons of seals and *beautiful* skies, partly cloudy, lots of interesting colours...but had neither binoculars nor a camera. I need a pack that's always ready to go.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted July 9, 2012 Author Share Posted July 9, 2012 <p>I ordered this one.<br> http://www.clikelite.com/products/probody-sport/<br> I plan to use it as my go to day bag, for strolls that turns into long walks with photo ops, and eventually get something larger for actual hikes.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bomobob Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 <p>Dang, I completely missed this thread, and just posted a similar one. Glad to see I'm not the only one who feels there's a big hole in the market for a dual purpose pack.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 I was happy with my purchase. The main non photo compartment is very small, though. I ended up filling it with a kindle and several 500ml water bottles. You can put a 3 liter water Reservoir in the back though I didn't try that. There are a few nice little pockets, two zippered, where you can put sunscreen or glasses. There's not a ton of room, so you can't really take a layer unless you tie it to the outside. The one side pocket is on the small side. You can stick a 500ml water bottle in there, that's it. The camera area itself is good I think for one extra lens, not sure about two, since I didn't try. It feels snug and secure. Very pleased with the quality of the bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bomobob Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 <p>That's a nice looking bag! Is that upper zippered compartment all for just regular stuff? Looks like a decent size. My problem with a lot of backpacks is that I'm 6'-3", so the hip belt is often of little use, which is why I'm now in love with slings. I'll have to see if I can find this one locally to try out.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisa_bree Posted September 10, 2012 Author Share Posted September 10, 2012 <p>There's a little zippered compartment on top for sunscreen and say, hand lotion. The the compartment beneath it is for 'other stuff', i.e. small water bottles and a kindle, a few energy bars. There's a little side zipper where you can put eyeglasses for example, just barely but you can. As I described above it's all pretty small but workeable for a summer day. I thought the bag was very well constructed. I didn't really hike with it, just long walks on the beach, several miles, and I can't remember if I used the hip belt.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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