Start the section with a help me choose a hiking backpack thread.

I'm looking for a backpack to wear while hiking. Pretty compact Camera with standard zoom, long zoom, maybe another lens, plus some non camera stuff.

Here's the catch I want to keep it under $100. What do you suggest. Quick access would be helpful, though not required.

I know you said under 100, but you really should look into the mindshift gear rotation 180 bags. They are perfect for hiking as the rotation system allows you to keep the bag on your back but still access your gear. One thing I had about hiking and trying to use my camera is taking off the bag to shoot when you don't always have the time or the location to do so. With your current line up, you could probably get the panorama and fit most of your stuff in there. One body with attached lens and a second, and the rest in the top:

http://www.mindshiftge​ar.com/products/rotati​on180-panorama

I have and like the lowepro fastpack 350. I got it cause if i go camping with it and it gets damaged or stolen its no big deal, but ended up using it all the time. Its fairly light but holds a lot of gear, it has a separate top compartment for a light jacket and some food or whatever. Its quick access works by swinging the bag forward and pulling the camera out of the side. its $75 on B&H now

I've been a long time F-Stop gear user, have the Loka and Kenti backpacks. I recently got to try out one of those Mindshift Gear rotation bags and they are very nice! I am considering switching now. As for the $100 limit, I suppose it really depends how much you hike. If it is somewhat regular and/or for long distances a good backpack is worth every penny. Your back will thank you!

Yeah it's not regular at all. I normally use an Incase Ari Marcopoulos http://www.amazon.com …ds=incase+ari+m​arcopoulos And it's great for what I have and the access I need.

But recently I was looking to go on a 5 mile hike, and worried I would regret not being able to distribute the weight between both shoulders. The temperature was in the teens so we ended up not going at all. But it's driven me to start the search. As often as not I'd be carrying a child also, so perhaps I should be looking at one of those peak design attachement thingy's and wait and get a backpack when it's necessary enough to cause me to want a good(expensive) one.

A sub $100 camera backpack is not going to distribute weight well at all. F Stop have a good deal on the Loka UL for Cyber Monday, $100 off with a bunch of stuff. I would suggest spending more and getting a good bag which will last you ages, be comfortable, and practical.

But if you are unable to spend that much, then stick to Lowepro and Tenba, they have the most suitable hiking bags out of all the cheaper brands IMO.

The Kenti has side access, which is nice, but won't hold that much gear. I would look at the f-stop Guru to start with and add an approriate ICU. It'll cost more, but it'll last you ages.

I really like my Clik Elite Compact. Its got a waist strap, chest strap that moves up/down for comfort, and is sleek and low profile for small areas. Fits my Rebel with 70-300L, a 17-55 EF-S, and has a pretty quick access area.

It looks like its about $108 on B&H so its a touch over your budget but its built to last!

i use clik elite products,i am very happy with the quailty of them,amazon has them on sale quite often,mine is big enough for many camera accessories and tripod and some other hiking stuff,it will also hold a water bladder for longer hikes, its very adjustable for different size people. its this model
http://www.amazon.ca …oh_aui_detailpa​ge_o00_s00

its pricey if its not on sale,i got mine for less than 100

The gear is the easy part. The "non camera stuff" will really determine what you need. I carry a $70 Lowepro ProRunner 200AW for quick outings. I can carry a body with normal zoom attached and a small prime in the center column, a small telephoto like the 70-200 f/4 in one of the side columns, and a Camelbak water bottle in the other side column. There's room for a sandwich or two in the outer organizer pocket, but no room for clothing.

+ 1 for the Lowepro ProRunner 200AW

Well, I like my Lowpro Photosport 200 AW which lists at $149. I've seen it for much less on eBay.

Another Clik Elite fan. I don't have experience with their smaller packs but the Contrejour is an outstanding pack for carrying camera gear in backcountry and while skiing or mountain climbing. Many of the backpack bags have sub-par padding at hips or shoulders, and/or small straps and small buckles. Pay attention to these features for the best comfort.

a slightly different approach, how about a waist belt for your camera gear, like a thinktank speed freak, and a typical hiking backpack for everything else? Very fast access to gear and comfortable.

I've done that a few times already, and it works out great.

genesimmons wrote in post #17302633
clik elite

Smitty2k1 wrote in post #17302478
Clik Elite Compact.

Nethawked wrote in post #17306443
Another Clik Elite fan.

And yet another Clik elite suggestion from me. I use a couple of their larger bags but they are fantastic bags and their smaller bags get great reviews as well. I'd check out the compact like smitty suggested