Backpacks/Slingpacks: When on a hike or ? Do you actually carry your camera in it?

Well, hows that for a title!
Trying to decide on the "perfect pack" I have watched product videos of the above mentioned packs in action and always they show the shooter coming across the perfect kodak(canon) moment and having to get that camera out of the pack before that opportunity fades.

My question comment or just whatever is "How many of you actually do this when out on walks?" and if you do, you must certainly miss some shots.

I thought about this when my family and I were out walking around in the UP area of MI. I know I would have missed shots of chipmunks and such if I had to reach in to a bag and pull out my camera. About the only time I can see keeping the camera in the bag is when you need both hands free, as when walking over rough or uneven terrain. I also keep my camera in its bag when I am driving, but as a passenger have it ready for that moment.

BTW, any ideas on a bag for a 500d with canon 50mm, a tamron 70-300, a canon 28-105, battery and charger, tripod/monopod mount, waterbottle storage, and included bag raincoat and a little extra storage compartments on side or top for purse essentials? Not too much to ask for. I imagine would eventually add to my lens collection, but would probably have one of the zooms attached and probably carrying it. lol

Thanks for reading and for your input,

I will carry my camera on a sling (carry speed) while hiking and will usually put my camera in my backpack only if it rains or if the conditions call for putting the camera away.

I use my trusty Kata 465 for my 5D2 with 17-40 or 24-70 attached. The bag is a backpack and so comfortable with all the supportive straps, I don't mind, but getting the camera out is not as easy. For easy access around town, I use my Passport, which is a sling bag, and still comfy. I have used the Passport a lot while traveling in urban areas, so easy to put the bag in front and get the camera out. If you insist on leaving the gear in the car or in one bag, there's nothing better than a nice Think Tank wheeled bag, but putting all the gear in one bag is a no-no for me. I can't lift it all, must split the weight. Also, I never leave my gear in the car unattended, asking for trouble.

When I'm out hiking, my primary camera is out around my neck and the lens I'm most likely to use is on it. I don't want to have to stop to remove the backpack to get at it. The other stuff will be in the bag. If I'm walking around a "target-rich" event or area, I'll have 2 cameras out and be using one of my Domke shoulder bags for everything else. So, no, I'll never have my gear all tucked up nicely in my bag except when I'm en route to wherever.

No, when I am hiking I always have my camera ready - the only things I carry in a camera bag are additional lenses, a flash, filters and my pano head.

On a decent length hike where comfort is a concern I use the LowePro Primus bag, camera in the pack but I can, without removing from my back, remove it one handedly, shoot, and then put the camera back.

I caught a pic of a deer bounding across the trail with this method.

On shorter hikes, I may use my Slingshot bag instead of the Primus if I want/need to carry more lenses but less non photo related gear.

If I'm out in the "target-rich" environment like Jon describes or on a strictly photo focused outing then I might use the camera with an R-strap and carry either the Slingshot or my Tenba messenger bag for extra gear.

When I am hiking, I usually have a destination in mind for my photography so I carry my gear in my pack until I reach my photography destination. I find my photos that were taken in a "run & gun" fashion are worthless. I need to spend time in an area, looking for the right compositions and waiting for the right light. This takes time and I usually arrive at my destination with plenty of time to setup my gear and get my head into the right space before pressing the shutter.

have a look at lowpro sling shot bags , best of both worlds , best part is you dont have to put the bag down , it quick and easy .

What alot of good replies, with lots of info! Thanks so much.

Research,research-but not right now, think I will go to bed.

Hogloff wrote in post #13050832
When I am hiking, I usually have a destination in mind for my photography so I carry my gear in my pack until I reach my photography destination. I find my photos that were taken in a "run & gun" fashion are worthless. I need to spend time in an area, looking for the right compositions and waiting for the right light. This takes time and I usually arrive at my destination with plenty of time to setup my gear and get my head into the right space before pressing the shutter.

Yep, here too. Also, I like to have my hands free since I usually end up having to bushwhack or climb/scramble over obstacles, not to mention hike through creeks for a ways. For me, "spraying and praying" (or, running and gunning) usually results in substandard images. If I reach an area that's "target rich", the camera is out and on the tripod. On the move, its tucked away.

Then again, it pretty much depends on what you call "hiking"...walking leisurely along a groomed trail with the wife and kids, then sure, keep the camera handy.

The Lowepro Rover AW II will hold your kit well. has daypack area and pockets for h20, etc. Sometimes my camera is in hand, othr times its bagged until I get where I am going... just depends on the objective for the day!

I'm a Tenba guy. I have a Tenba messenger bag (medium) and the Tenba Sling (medium as well). The sling is a bit larger than the messenger bag, and has a support strap that helps relieve the stress from the shoulder that is carrying the bag. This is the bag that I use while hiking long distances where I need a little extra equipment. Once reach my destination and start hiking, the Camera comes out and I hang it off my shoulder (opposite shoulder of the sling bag) with a Black Rapid strap. I just did a 5 hour hike at Cumberland Falls with this combo and it was perfect. I had my 5DII, 24-70, 70-200 2.8, 50 1.8, and a 100 macro. I also had a spare battery, memory card, and a set of Cokin filters (and a few others as well). Plenty of room in the bag. I also had my tripod, but I just carried that in my hand.

When I'm in a more urban environment, with less gear, I tend to use the messenger bag as it looks a little less conspicuous. I still wear the camera on a Black Rapid strap on the opposite shoulder that my bag's on. Last year, I did a 10 mile walk in San Francisco from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito with my messenger. I had my 7D, 24-70, 85 1.8, and 100-400, along with a few filters and accessories - no tripod this time. About 7 miles in, my shoulder got a little tired, but I just switched and life was good.

It may not be the perfect setup, but it suits me well, and both bags can be found around $100 or less.

If you have a backpack, once hiking, it's easy to carry your camera out front. In fact, if you do it by attaching the camera to the backpack shoulder straps, it's a nice counterbalance to the rest of the pack. Use these:

http://www.thinktankph​oto.com …kpack-connection-kit.aspx

only connect them right to the camera or camera strap instead of to a holster. Also, I just got this:

http://www.peakdesignl​td.com/

The Capture Clip from Peak Designs and find that it works pretty well with a backpack too. Just clip it in and it unsnaps quite fast to use.

J.

I have been looking for a year and finally found a bag for me. I hike a lot in the pacific northwest.

Here is the perfect bag:

http://www.clikelite.c​om/products/access/

Fits 7D and walkaround lens (15-85 or 17-55) etc.

Camera is right there and protected to a degree. It even handled a full speed wipe out over the handle bars when someone in front of me wiped. Camera took a shot. The bag is only thinly padded but it works. Wear the camera in front and std backpack in back.

The other thing that I do is wear the Cotton Carrier with my backpack. There is nothing better than the Cotton Carrier for chest carry and shooting.

J.