Back Pack/Bag for XTi +400mm f/5.6L

[booju]

I need a comfortable, durable, weather-proof bag/pack for my XTi Gripped + 400mm f/5.6L...

Any suggestions?

Prior I used a Lowepro Top-Loader 75AW that was perfect for my XTI 70-200mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4x/TC...It was hooked up and just ready to shoot anytime, anywhere, at any given moment!!!

Is there a bag/pack that someone could recommend for my new gear as I want it to be ready to go while in the field at a moments notice when needed!

Many places that I will frequent involve a lot of hiking, then spot and stalking to get in range; Often I will not have the privilege of taking my SWEET TIME to get set-up under those types of conditions!

I need something rugged and durable and padded and long enough to handle the 400mm f/5.6L coupled to my gripped XTi...

Thank you!:D

[gh patriot]

Im in need of a simalar bag for my 40d and 300f/4L as well. Looking forward to suggestions.

[Mike55]

Booju - I've given up on most photography bags for hiking. I use an REI Galaxy backpack that I bought last year and I bought a waterproof pack cover:

http://www.rei.com/pwr/product-reviews/Camping-Hiking/Pack-Accessories/Pack-Covers-and-Side-Pockets/REI/p/738952-REI-Duck-s-Back-Rain-Cover-100-Liters.html

The result? A real backpack actually made for hiking and it's waterproof. Real hikers backpacks are actually comfortable under load. I put camera bodies and lenses in fabric cases(the $10 variety with padding), and any peripherals in ziploclk bags so I can easily identify them.

This is much more comfortable than backpacks specifically made for camera gear. These packs are built for high loads and are just more comfortable.

I still use my handy Canon bag for local stuff, I think it's great ($50 at Amazon), but for heading into the woods/mountains the professional backpack with waterproof cover is the way to go.

[booju]

Hey Mike!

Thanks as always buddy!

Its funny you mention this,.. as this is what I just started doing!!!

I got a strong, weatherproof hiking back-pack and I'm making a "sleeve" out of foam [cushion] and cutting the foam and forming it with good ole DUCT TAPE so that I can slide my XTi mounted 400mm f/5.6L right into it...Then place that puppy fitted into my hiking back-pack! It's as fast and easy as I need it to be!

Its a great idea and I'm fooling around trying to make a few proto-types now!

IMHO its the only way to go for my needs instead of wrapping it up in a beach towel and placing it in the back-pack and heading for the hills which ain't such a bad idea either:lol:...and actually that's how this project had evolved!!!

I spent the whole day browsing around on the internet and for my particular application the stuff available just didn't suit me for some reason or another...hehehe

What I have devised is not only more practical but it is darn CHEAP with superb results!!!

I used to be a cook [Teppan Yaki Chef] many years ago and we had a number of Japanese knives for whatever we were doing...many of us made our own sheathes of some sort or another...well this time I'll be making a well-padded and protected SLEEVE/SHEATHE for my camera combo...:lol:

I'm a McGyver:lol:... so I always enjoy projects of some sort or another...hehehe

When I'm FINALLY done and happy with my project I'll go ahead and send you a pic or two....:lol::lol::lol:

Aloha my brother!

Roland

[Mike55]

No kidding? That sounds aewesome. If you wouldn't mind sharing a pick when it's complete that woudl be cool (with gear inside if possible).

The system I have now you kind of have to dig down into the pack to grab the gear, and it's not perfectly placed.

Like you I looked all over when there was an opbvious solution to the probme. Your solution looks even better.

[booju]

Will do buddy...:lol:

Its evolving still and I'm getting busy at work, give me some time and I'll send pics with the gear mounted!!!

[Tom Reichner]

Hello, Roland!

I basically do the same thing. I just have a regular backpack - not one made for photography. I typically put my 5D with the big 400 2.8 on it in the backpack, after wrapping it in a fleece shirt, beach towel, etc. My lunch, alot of water, and emergency clothes will be in there, too. Then I just carry my 1D mark 2 with my 100-400 around my neck - yes, with that pathetic strap they give you when you buy the body.

I've hiked many miles like this; much of it up or over very rocky, steep terrain. Or thru marshes and swamps. Or crossing creeks. You get the picture. It may not be the most comfortable, but one rig is there in your hands ready for instant use, and the better, bigger glass is right there with me in the pack in case I come upon something fantastic that lets me get close.

- Tom

[Laramie]

You could check out the Think Tank Digital Holster 50. Large enough for the 400 5.6L and comes with weather cover. Can also be put on a belt.

[Tom Reichner]

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Defg,
What the heck is the matter with you, dude? We're talking about backpack protection for a camera here. What the heck are you talking about? Actually, don't answer . . . we don't want to hear it. This is just weird, to put crap like this on a post that it doesn't belong on.

[wayne_eddy]

As a regular hiker, I too use a hiking day pack for my camera gear and hiking. 45L bags are fine for my 40D +400mm f/5.6L, 430-EX, spare batts, better beamer and a days hiking gear, food, wet weather gear and water.

I have looked at various producers "camera backpacks" and all appear essentially useless [no matter what the wonderful images of an adventurer on a mountain side show] for all day hiking where you will need supplies.

IMHO, lots of padding is not required, except at the base of the pack and this is just in case I am walking on slippery downhills and take a short fall on my butt. The padding of a rain jacket, or similar will absorb all the force.

[GlobexCo]

I have looked at various producers "camera backpacks" and all appear essentially useless [no matter what the wonderful images of an adventurer on a mountain side show] for all day hiking where you will need supplies.

That's what I've always thought. I'll be in need of a new hiking pack pretty soon (my tenba shootout's getting pretty stuffed) and I haven't found any camera bags that I really find as practical for hiking as a real backpack (well, those I have seen cost twice as much as a hiking pack and are less comfortable!) I will definitely have to explore this option.

Thanks

[Mike55]

Check out this thread:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=668304&highlight=yellowstone

The user modified a real backpack for a 6 month stay in Yellowstone.

[keonilone]

Check out thinktank stuff. They have great bags. and most all of them have rain gear with them and are convenient.

They're a little expensive, but very worth it.