Landscape backpack suggestions

Well, I found a Tamrac Adventure 6 on sale for $60.00 locally and it looks pretty decent at that price. It fits my minimalist photography and minimalist budget needs.

I will need to add some straps so I can mount my tripod vertically but I don't mind a little modifying.

colbyb25 wrote in post #10745064
I agree. Not every piece of equipment suits everyones needs, but like I said a few posts before, I personally don't understand people spending thousands of dollars of photography lenses and camera and then going the cheaper route with accessories and packs. It just doesn't make sense to me. Given that I am a full time working pro, I understand that I have the disposable income to afford the higher end things when I need them, but my point was that I think it is better to save up a litte more and get something that actually works for your needs, rather then just what you can afford at this specific moment in time.

The irony is that over the years when I was first getting into the business, I didn't spend the extra cash to get the upper level equipment cause I felt I could get by with less. But what happened is that I ended up buying 4 different "more affordable packs" that cost a lot more then just one higher end one that may of suited my needs at the time.

Same principle goes for Cameras. I could use another 5D Mark II right now, but what I need is a 1Ds Mark IV when it comes out. Why not save some extra money for what will actually work for me?

I am not trying to push any specific type of camera, lens of photography gear on anyone...however I just want to pass along my experience over the years. I see too many people with buyers remorse in this industry because they went with something that worked for today, but not next week.

"How do you carry your photography gear" is probably the 2nd most asked question I get asked at any of the workshops or expeditions I lead. People ask because they want to know what works and what doesn't. I am 6'2, 210lbs and athletic which automatically rules out just about every lowepro, thinktank and tamrac bag. Toasters with straps aren't my idea of a good outdoor pack.

That last line made me chuckle, I share the same thought and am in the same boat of trying to find a good combination between outdoor/camera bag. As you pointed out, F-stop has a nice selection of them with different ICU's, they seem to be hard to track down in any store and seem to be order only which makes trying them on first rather hard.

Might have to bite the bullet on one to try it out.

HrcRacing wrote in post #10745295
Well, I found a Tamrac Adventure 6 on sale for $60.00 locally and it looks pretty decent at that price. It fits my minimalist photography and minimalist budget needs.

I will need to add some straps so I can mount my tripod vertically but I don't mind a little modifying.

Haha. Get what works for sure. If that pack does the job, can't ask for much more then that.

Vladimer wrote in post #10745390
That last line made me chuckle, I share the same thought and am in the same boat of trying to find a good combination between outdoor/camera bag. As you pointed out, F-stop has a nice selection of them with different ICU's, they seem to be hard to track down in any store and seem to be order only which makes trying them on first rather hard.

Might have to bite the bullet on one to try it out.

Ya I hear ya, although I have had to "test" my fair share of the big brand packs by purchasing them online anyway. F-Stop atleast has killer customer support and a 45 day - no questions asked - return policy. Not much of a risk if you ask me, but I am biased...I love the packs

Shadowblade wrote in post #10703214
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...

this is about the only reason why I don't like a belt system...and also its quite difficult to wear when travelling since when you get up on a bus, its pretty difficult to sit with those lenses on your belt. Its nice to have when you intend to shoot whole day though...

monk3y wrote in post #10746752
this is about the only reason why I don't like a belt system...and also its quite difficult to wear when travelling since when you get up on a bus, its pretty difficult to sit with those lenses on your belt. Its nice to have when you intend to shoot whole day though...

It's no more inconvenient than a backpack when travelling - either way, you'll need to take it off and keep it on your lap. It's much more convenient when riding a motorbike or animal, though, due to the lower centre of gravity.

Shadowblade wrote in post #10748758
It's no more inconvenient than a backpack when travelling - either way, you'll need to take it off and keep it on your lap. It's much more convenient when riding a motorbike or animal, though, due to the lower centre of gravity.

yeah... I guess. but how do you carry your stuff when you are travelling towards your destination? you still wear your belt system? or you have a bag where you can put your whole belt system into?

For the plane trip, I put all the more fragile/valuable gear in a bag and photo vest, and carry/wear them on board. The harness/lens cases go in a separate, flimsy, collapsible bag in the cargo hold, or is sometimes shrinkwrapped in plastic and checked in directly.

For all other modes of transport, I wear the harness. Hey, even in north-eastern Cameroon, they recognised Rambo...

Shadowblade wrote in post #10748884
For the plane trip, I put all the more fragile/valuable gear in a bag and photo vest, and carry/wear them on board. The harness/lens cases go in a separate, flimsy, collapsible bag in the cargo hold, or is sometimes shrinkwrapped in plastic and checked in directly.

For all other modes of transport, I wear the harness. Hey, even in north-eastern Cameroon, they recognised Rambo...

hahahaha... I should check out those belt systems then, I will only ever need 4 lenses and 1 body, and I think a belt system will suit me fine. I just need something to transport them in without separating the pouches.

I currently have a shoulder bag for when I am shooting, and a backpack when I am travelling, but I the shoulder bag is too cumbersome while shooting, keeps getting in the way hehe

I am always weary of any sort of exposed belt system when traveling. I do a lot of work in developing countries around the world and security is always a big deal for me. That is why I LOVE photo packs with back panel access only. Having my gear strapped to my body when traveling around Haiti or Guatemala....no thank you

It's pretty hard to steal anything from a well-designed harness system - your lenses and bodies are on your front and sides, with a small pouch on the back for other accessories (often non-photographic), leaving room above and behind for a daypack if necessary.