Another backpack question.

[U100695]

In August I will be hiking up a mountain and i definitely wanted to take my camera gear. Does anybody have any good suggestions as to what sort of backpack to bring.
I'm looking for a backpack that has space for gear, then space for like clothes and stuff. I don't necessarily want it to be really big and bulky. The gear i will be bringing: Rebel XSI, kit lens, 50mm f1.8, 75-300mm lens.
Thanks for your help

[javanutsy]

Lowepro Primus Minimus may fit the bill. Has extra compartments for non-camera gear, tripod holder, AW cover, and most important for me, quick access to my camera with lens mounted...

[argyle]

That depends...is this a day hike or an overnighter? Makes a big difference...

[U100695]

this is only a day hike. no overnight.

[skygod44]

+1 on a Lowepro, though mine is a Flipside 300.

The design is really slim and keeps the weight near your spine = I hardly notice it, even with 4 lenses, body and monopod stuck on the back.

[Laramie]

My choice would be a Tamrac Adventure. Either 6 or 7 would fit just fine my my opinion.
http://www.tamrac.com/frame_adv.htm
You want room just for a small jacket and other odds and ends or what other non-photo gear you thinking?

[MeNiS]

i would look at the kata 465 (or 467 if you want space for a laptop for future use). it's a great backpack....top quality. it doesn't look as bulky/boxy as some of the lowepro backpacks

[argyle]

Take a look at the Lowepro Rover II AW. Excellent pack for dayhiking, with separate compartments for camera gear and your other essential items (extra layer of clothing, first aid kit, food/snacks, etc). Very good waist strap and harness system. Also has separate elasticized pockets for water bottles, as well as a tripod holder. I've been all over with mine and as far as "photo" backpacks go, I haven't found one that's better. Its also very light...just a hair over three pounds.

[DegasGoneDigital]

My choice would be a Tamrac Adventure. Either 6 or 7 would fit just fine my my opinion.
http://www.tamrac.com/frame_adv.htm
You want room just for a small jacket and other odds and ends or what other non-photo gear you thinking?


I just bought the Adventure 9 and I can fit My 40D, 17-40 and the 70-200 and 580EX. The storage compartment is small.......

[jsinon]

I've got a Burton Zoom 28L that I really like. Has room for my 40D with 17-40 mounted, 70-200 and 300 as well along with other goodies.

[PlayersZ28]

What type of photo work do you plan on the hike?

Stop and take a bunch of pics with like-minded people and then reload all your gear and continue? Any backpack that'll hold all your gear will work.

Grab a shot hear and there as you hike with people that are hiking and not shooting? Some kind of slingshot-like bag that lets you quickly access your camera, grab a shot and then rebag it and continue on without taking off the pack.

My opinion anyways, other will have theirs.

[U100695]

I think the Kata 465 and the tamrac adventures are more of what i had in mind when i originally thought about it.

im not going to be hiking with other photographers, so it will probably just grab a few shots here and there while we rest for a minute.

[homersapien]

Probably not what you want to hear but...

Leave the 50mm and 75-300mm behind. Take a real backpack and stuff the XSI and kit lens in the back. I use a Mountainsmith, Arc Teryx, or REI pack and simply wrap my gear in an extra jacket/sweater/whatever. If the hike is not too severe (8K to 12K feet) I wear the camera slung across my shoulders anyway.

If by mountains you mean hills 0 - 5K feet high, the other suggestions would probably work. I've yet to wear a dedicated photo pack that fit/wore anything like a real backpack, though some of Mountainsmith's offerings come pretty close.

[argyle]

That's probably overkill for a day hike. Granted, "real" backpacks are a necessity for overnighters and more grueling hikes, but probably not for what the OP has in mind. I use an Osprey Atmos 65L for my overnights, and it basically weighs the same as the Lowepro Rover (each slightly more than 3 pounds). Given that the Rover is more functional when it comes to carrying camera gear and other necessities for long day hikes, the weight of the pack is a non-factor. But for overnights, it has to be the Osprey or something similar.

[Lunatic Scientist]

I use my tamrac adv 9 for my mountain hikes. It fits all the gear, plus lunch water, small jacket and books to relax and read. Although it is a bit heavy I still think it is a good choice.