Landscape backpack suggestions

Specifically, I'm looking for a backpack that will hold just the one camera, 2 lenses at most and bits needed for landscape photography. LEE holder, filters, remote release, etc. If it holds a tripod that would be great but I can lug that by hand if need be.

All suggestions appreciated.

Here is what I am planning to do, it may provide you with another perspective. I have a medium sized backpack which I use for light day hikes. I am going to buy a photo insert (avail. on ebay & ebags.com for ~ $20) that can fit inside the pack & hold my camera, 2-3 lenses plus my tripod in one of the side pockets.
This way I am not shelling money for 'camera' specific backpack...plus many camera backpacks are pretty lousy for any trekking, backpacking duties. The only camera specific backpack I have come across is the Tilopia from fStop but that is quite expensive.

I agree with ranesy. I use a lowepro 170 aw which holds my 500d, tokina, tamron and small telephoto plus random bits. If I use my large backpack it has a zipper along the bottom of the back that is meant for sleeping bag access but I toss the 170 in there and basically does not move. If I am hiking/trekking then I have the camera itself hanging around my neck but use carabiners to attach the neck portion to the actually top of the pack so I don't actually have any weight or discomfort around my neck. And then just use a simple buckle to quickly attach and detach the camera from around my stomach so that way it doesn't thrash around in front of me.

Scrambling and climbing I have to put the camera back in the pack which is not to much trouble, just have to take the pack off and put the camera in, basically the same amount of work that a camera backpack takes. Plus with the tensioner straps on the side the tripod attaches perfectly to it. For smaller day packs I do the exact same thing except the camera bag has to go into the top loading pouch.

I've been looking around for a good outdoor camera backpack but haven't found anything. Everything looks like cheap grade school backpacks with VERY uncomfortable straps for long distance or rough terrain, build quality/materials usually lacks for the outdoors, the way it sits, etc... I'm personally still looking for one but in the mean time that is what I have used in the past 6 months and it works perfect.

Thank you both and keep the suggestions coming.

Depends somewhat on budget. My favorite backpack is the Thinktank Rotation 360, which is a very clever device that lets you access lenses and a light without taking off the pack. There's a very solid tripod holder and straps. It's about $275, but you won't ever need another pack. it's the only one I use.

I primarily do landscape and travel photography (including towns/cities, people and wildlife as well) and don't use a backpack at all - instead, I use a custom-rigged belt-and-harness system to hold several camera holsters, lens cases, a tripod and other pouches all around me, rather like a tactical vest.

This has all the advantages of a backpack - namely, being easy to carry, with even weight distribution - without the disadvantage of equipment being relatively inaccessible. With camera holsters on each hip, with lenses attached, I can shoot at a moment's notice. The only (relative) disadvantage is that, when carrying enough gear, you look like something out of Star Wars...

May be something worth considering...

I use the National Geographic medium backpack. It works well for me on day hikes. Enough room to hold what you want and you will have room in the top compartment for water, lunch or a few more accessories. You can strap a tripod to the side or bottom.

Anyone have experience with Tamrac's Adventure 6 or 7? I like the look of them and I woudn't need any more storage than that. Just not sure about their quality.

Dakine Sequence works well for hiking. Can easily access gear without removing the pack. Removeable camera block. Very well built. Frequently on sale at ebags.com for $120. Absolutely love the one I have.

HrcRacing wrote in post #10722508
Anyone have experience with Tamrac's Adventure 6 or 7? I like the look of them and I woudn't need any more storage than that. Just not sure about their quality.

I'd avoid them. Unless the design has changed, there's no way to carry a tripod unless you lash it to the bottom of the pack. And you sure don't want to lug the tripod by hand if you're out 'hiking'...you'd want both hands available in case you need to get through brush or up and over an obstacle. Then again, depends on your definition of hiking.

For a 'photo' backpack, I rely on my Lowepro Rover AW II, which IMO has been very well designed. Lower compartment for photo gear (plenty of room for what you have in mind, plus room for future growth), and a separate upper compartment for other necessities such as filters, food/snack, light windbreaker, small tool kit, gloves, penlight, etc. Also has a tripod carrier, all-weather cover, outer pockets that are large enough to hold 1-liter Nalgene water bottles, and a good harness system.

I'd avoid any type of belt arrangement for hiking...who wants all that stuff banging against your body when you're out on the trail? For PJ or street shooting, it'll probably be convenient, but I wouldn't go there for any type of serious hiking.

Kata DL 210?

The main reason I looked at the Tamrac was that it only had enough room for what I'll take with me. I'm a minimalist photographer. Didn't know about the tripod mount though.

I like the looks of the Lowepro backpacks. Do they offer something a bit smaller for my needs? My landscape gear is set, other than I might upgrade to a 24-105 L one day. I don't need room to grow as I'll give the 10D and 28-135 to my son soon. Just need room for two lenses.

Thanks everyone.

HrcRacing wrote in post #10697053
Specifically, I'm looking for a backpack that will hold just the one camera, 2 lenses at most and bits needed for landscape photography. LEE holder, filters, remote release, etc. If it holds a tripod that would be great but I can lug that by hand if need be.

All suggestions appreciated.

go to REI and buy whatever daypack you like. you can wrap your gear in clothes or pads to protect it, and hike with any backpack. most daypacks have external straps for attaching things (e.g. tripods).

hiking is not very jarring, so you don't need much padding of camera equip -- most photo backpacks are over-padded. photography packs are bulky, and most space is consumed by foam. the photo back packs are pretty crappy for hiking as they are poorly designed for hiking use, and have little space for food, water, clothes, rain gear, etc.

also, if you are tall, you will find that long-torso daypacks are rare, and you won't find any long-torso photo day packs.

of course, some people are obsessive about their photo gear having little compartments for every widget -- those people should buy photo bags

freaking102 wrote in post #10726100
go to REI and buy whatever daypack you like. you can wrap your gear in clothes or pads to protect it, and hike with any backpack. most daypacks have external straps for attaching things (e.g. tripods).

hiking is not very jarring, so you don't need much padding of camera equip -- most photo backpacks are over-padded. photography packs are bulky, and most space is consumed by foam. the photo back packs are pretty crappy for hiking as they are poorly designed for hiking use, and have little space for food, water, clothes, rain gear, etc.

also, if you are tall, you will find that long-torso daypacks are rare, and you won't find any long-torso photo day packs.

of course, some people are obsessive about their photo gear having little compartments for every widget -- those people should buy photo bags

That's a generalization, don't you think? Not all "photo" packs fit into this neat little definition, but some definitely do. The Lowepro Rover that I referenced above weighs in at three pounds...the same weight as my Atmos Osprey 65L pack. OTOH, a Tamrac Expedition 7 weighs in at almost 8 pounds, and that's empty, rendering it pretty much useless for trail use (basically nothing more than a padded box...mine stays in the attic). The two compartments of the Rover are handy in that you don't need to rummage through everything to find something such as is the case with single-compartment packs. And you don't need color-coded tube socks to figure out just what lens is inside (if one is OCD, then maybe).

If the OP has minimal gear, then a 30L pack would probably work (that, and some REI tube socks).

Another option is F-Stop Gear's new Loka pack. The ability to switch out different ICU sizes gives you a ton of customizable options when heading out into the woods. Plus all F-Stop packs have full suspension systems.

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