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

I am looking into picking up a GORUCK SD25 bag to convert into a camera bag for this purpose, sure they aren't designated camera bags but they are great packs and the quality is amazing, plus they come with a lifetime warranty. They are on sale now for under $100.

www.GORUCK.com

This is a good option, although a belt and hip support from backpack may conflict. I have a few different size padded lens containers that I use on a Think Tank pro speed belt, and a Peak Designs Capture Pro camera mount. This is a great combo with a small pack. My lens cases and the Capture Pro can also be attached to any of my larger packs.

I've attached a Peak Design Capture Clip to my Osprey daypack, but accessing any other camera gear besides the lens that stays on the camera becomes challenging. When I do serious hiking, I take my Aarn Liquid Agility bodypack with photo balance pockets and I have immediate access to everything I need, in front of me. The Mindshift 180 packs also look nice in the accessibility department, but I have no experience with them.

Im looking for one under $100 too, but one that DOESN'T look like a camera bag! They are all so ugly. Who designs these things?! Come on, I know we can squeeze form AND function into one product.

I like the looks of this one but don't trust it.
http://www.amazon.com …/ref=cm_cr_pr_p​roduct_top

Anyone know of or can suggest something similar in looks to this one? I like the fact that there is somewhere to put things besides camera gear but it's missing a tripod strap and the side access.

BlakeC wrote in post #17359425
Im looking for one under $100 too, but one that DOESN'T look like a camera bag! They are all so ugly. Who designs these things?! Come on, I know we can squeeze form AND function into one product.

I like the looks of this one but don't trust it.
http://www.amazon.com …/ref=cm_cr_pr_p​roduct_top

Anyone know of or can suggest something similar in looks to this one? I like the fact that there is somewhere to put things besides camera gear but it's missing a tripod strap and the side access.

THIS is truly an unsightly backpack!

For day hiking, I've got the Lowepro Photo Sport 200 Aw, which is great for me and less than $100 on eBay now. May not be big enough if you're carrying gear for overnight. Other question is how tall are you? I'm 5'3" and it is maybe an inch or so too big. If you're tall, that bag not fit right on you.