As a user of the P67 this problem is fully appreciated by myself. I have used Tamrac packs in the past (still do on short hikes) but much prefer a good heavy duty backpack (mine is a Dana) for the extra support offered. However, I don't particularly like to have to unsling the pack and dig down to get my camera gear for each time I stop to photograph so I rigged up a system where a smaller pack (an old LowePro) rests against my chest. It hangs from the shoulder straps of the Dana and attaches to the waist belt so it would flop around. It sounds (and looks) a bit odd I suppose but works well. It has the added benefit of being a counterweight to the backpack so under heavy loads you can stand upright very comfortably. However, it is not for those who need to be able to see their feet and it does tend to make you a bit sweaty. I tried it out on a X-country ski trip early this year and it worked well enough - except when I felt over it was a bugger to get undone. So it isn't a perfect system.
<p>
After more thought the best system I can think of is to find a panel opening (as opposed to a top opening) backpack so it is easy to get to and so you can place most of the equipmant towards to base of the pack (heavy stuff at the bottom!) and carry the bare essentials out front. I have looked but I have yet to find a good heavy duty panel opening backpack, though I have seen some external frame packs that come close. Anyway, I'm still looking for the perfect solution.
<p>
The most important thing is to get a pack that transfers the weight to your hips. Well, I hope this gives you something to think about.
Weight of MF equipment in the field
in Medium Format
Posted
As a user of the P67 this problem is fully appreciated by myself. I have used Tamrac packs in the past (still do on short hikes) but much prefer a good heavy duty backpack (mine is a Dana) for the extra support offered. However, I don't particularly like to have to unsling the pack and dig down to get my camera gear for each time I stop to photograph so I rigged up a system where a smaller pack (an old LowePro) rests against my chest. It hangs from the shoulder straps of the Dana and attaches to the waist belt so it would flop around. It sounds (and looks) a bit odd I suppose but works well. It has the added benefit of being a counterweight to the backpack so under heavy loads you can stand upright very comfortably. However, it is not for those who need to be able to see their feet and it does tend to make you a bit sweaty. I tried it out on a X-country ski trip early this year and it worked well enough - except when I felt over it was a bugger to get undone. So it isn't a perfect system.
<p>
After more thought the best system I can think of is to find a panel opening (as opposed to a top opening) backpack so it is easy to get to and so you can place most of the equipmant towards to base of the pack (heavy stuff at the bottom!) and carry the bare essentials out front. I have looked but I have yet to find a good heavy duty panel opening backpack, though I have seen some external frame packs that come close. Anyway, I'm still looking for the perfect solution.
<p>
The most important thing is to get a pack that transfers the weight to your hips. Well, I hope this gives you something to think about.
<p>
Regards
Paul