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philippe
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Philippe have a look at Atlas Packs. I am 68 yrs old with some age related lower back arthritis. I have had the athlete version of the pack for 3 years and love it. I carry a Nikon D850, Nikon D500, Nikon pf 500, pf300 and the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 with plenty of room for hiking related things like food, water etc etc. They are rather expensive but I feel worth it. I live in Australia so importing it from the USA also adds somewhat to the cost. Good luck with whatever system you choose.
StefanSC
Well-known member
Back in the day I would do day hikes on mountains with a Lowepro Flipside 400 AW. It was a great backpack, comfortable and durable (still have it even though I rarely use it these days).
These days I do less mountaineering, more hills, forests and swamps and I use the Mindshift Backlight. I have the 36L which is, to be fair, kind of silly in size, but it is comfortable, with good wide padding and ample hip support (if you don't want to get back pains, you will need hip support to shift the weight from your back). Very well built as well.
I do think that for your lenses you can go for the 26L or even the 18L if you don't drink a lot of water during a hike.
These days I do less mountaineering, more hills, forests and swamps and I use the Mindshift Backlight. I have the 36L which is, to be fair, kind of silly in size, but it is comfortable, with good wide padding and ample hip support (if you don't want to get back pains, you will need hip support to shift the weight from your back). Very well built as well.
I do think that for your lenses you can go for the 26L or even the 18L if you don't drink a lot of water during a hike.
arbitrage
Well-known member
I was also going to say check out Atlas Athlete. Pricy (but what camera bag isn’t) but probably the bag that is closest to a true hiking pack for support.
atlaspacks.com
Best Travel Photography Camera Bags and Backpacks
Let's sell some packs. This page includes a list of all the Pack Friday Deals. All packs ordered during Pack Friday will ship for just $9.99 the week of Dec 6th,. If you need your pack sooner, faster shipping services are available. This year I'm excited to introduce all of you to "CLICK" my...
atlaspacks.com
Learn about the Athlete Pack
WHY WE MADE THE ATHLETE PACK "The Athlete Pack is a true hybrid - just as much a hiking pack as a camera bag with just the right ratio of storage space for both camera and non-camera gear." For the Athlete Pack, we wanted a camera bag that wouldn't impede movement in busy urban areas or while...
atlaspacks.com
I have two camera backpacks. First is a gura gear (largest version but the middle would work great for your equipment). This travels very well and i often place the bag on a cart when walking through the airport. Second is F-stop tilopa which carries less gear but is a great pack for hiking. It is more of a backpack and less of a camera bag, though the inside is configured as a camera bag. By this I mean it has internal frame like backpacks do.
I am using Lowepro backpacks as long as i can think and I am pretty happy with it.
In the meantime, even if only take smaller gear that wouldn't fill the big backpack (Pro Trekker AW II, I apologize for linking to a german site, but this the model I actually own, the newer ones look different)
I still take it for two reasons:
It all depends on what you do and how you do it. In my case I am far away from being able to shoot on a regular basis, so if I go out for shooting wildlife I always have some macro stuff with me in case I find something, so my backpack could hold more or less the things you think of as well: Gripped D850, 500PF, 300PF, 200 Micro, 24-70, perhaps a second body, carbon travel tripod able to hold the D850/500PF combo plus the bits and pieces that go with them ...
On the other hand it is big enough to carry my 500 f4G with TC and body attached, a second body plus the 500PF and the 300PF. This is if I go out for a more stationary shooting wth the big one (700mm f/5.6 on the tripod for "targeted" use) and have the second camera on the laps with either 500mm or 300mm to be able to shoot handheld what happens around me while waiting for the primary target
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In the meantime, even if only take smaller gear that wouldn't fill the big backpack (Pro Trekker AW II, I apologize for linking to a german site, but this the model I actually own, the newer ones look different)
I still take it for two reasons:
- Although being a bit heavier than the smaller backpacks it fits me best covers my entire back and due to its length the shoulder straps' top connection point and the hip belt are just in the right distance to ech other
- The hip belt has conection points for Street & Field components, so that I can have small pouches for the mini-binoculars, a drop-off place for the TC, a drinking bottle, a place to temporarily park a second body, ... you name it.
- The hip belt as well as the backpack itself very well padded, so that it not only makes it compfortable to carry much weight when ging out with big glass, it is also much more comfortable if you walk around a lot and even keep the backpack on while taking images.
- The heigth is perfect for carrying tripods and if you take off the backpack, you an put it upright, because the tripods doens't stand out at the bottom end, which can make the backpack fall over. At the same time the fixing point at the top end is high enough to keep the tripod away from ma head. ... all these things didn't quite work out with small back packs
- If you don't take too much gear you have additional storing space for clothes, camou stuff etc.
- It has a simple detachable pouch designed as a mini-backpack on the outside that I use for food and other stuff that I don't want to carry in the camera gear compartment. I NEVER EVER have food in there, simply because Murphy's Law spplies everywhere and at all times .
It all depends on what you do and how you do it. In my case I am far away from being able to shoot on a regular basis, so if I go out for shooting wildlife I always have some macro stuff with me in case I find something, so my backpack could hold more or less the things you think of as well: Gripped D850, 500PF, 300PF, 200 Micro, 24-70, perhaps a second body, carbon travel tripod able to hold the D850/500PF combo plus the bits and pieces that go with them ...
On the other hand it is big enough to carry my 500 f4G with TC and body attached, a second body plus the 500PF and the 300PF. This is if I go out for a more stationary shooting wth the big one (700mm f/5.6 on the tripod for "targeted" use) and have the second camera on the laps with either 500mm or 300mm to be able to shoot handheld what happens around me while waiting for the primary target
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philippe
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philippe
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No worries, I think you can still get some of the older ones used (at least I did). Good luck
.If you need further information you are welcome to send a private message if changing language makes it easier.
Here in the forum I stick with English in order to avoid opening Pandora's box by triggering the start of babylonian communication cocktails mixing
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philippe
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Philippe: I currently use a Gura Gear Kiboka 18 liter bag (that’s the mid-size) for a D850 kit. I am sure it would fit a body (or two), and your 300 PF and 500 PF with room to spare. My current kit includes the f/2.8 zoom trio, a set of Polar Pro filters (CP, NDs, and Grads), and some small accessories. It rides well on my 70 y/o back for reasonable walks. I like the “butterfly” flap design for working from a vehicle — it takes up less space when opening the bag. It has a compartment for a laptop, but I usually do not carry one in the field. I use that space for a nylon jacket, if needed. The bag is supplied with plenty of dividers, and a rain cover. All the zips close at the top of the bag, and can be clipped together for additional security. Overall, a very nice bag.
Oops, a correction: my Kiboka is 22 Liter. My apologies.
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philippe
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randomwalk
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I personally use a non-camera hiking pack, like an Osprey, Gregory, Granite Gear, etc. I use these for day hiking and backpacking because I've personally always found them more comfortable than hiking backpacks. They are often a lot lighter and usually have better suspension systems. I had an F-Stop Loka 37L but never found the straps or support super comfortable compared to an Osprey, Gregory, etc.
I put extra lenses and accessories into an F-Stop ICU or sometimes just rolled up in my down jacket.
I carry my camera and main lens (100-400, 70-200, etc) on my chest with a ThinkTank Digital Holster (they have several different sizes) and their chest harness:
www.thinktankphoto.com
www.thinktankphoto.com
Taking the 4-6 pounds off my back and putting it onto my chest is wonderful and especially nice for long backpacking trips where my pack can exceed 20lbs-25lbs.
The system has worked great for me because when I am hiking, I have fast access to my camera. And when I want to stop and do a landscape shot, I can take off my pack and pull out the ICU have access to my lenses and accessories.
I put extra lenses and accessories into an F-Stop ICU or sometimes just rolled up in my down jacket.
I carry my camera and main lens (100-400, 70-200, etc) on my chest with a ThinkTank Digital Holster (they have several different sizes) and their chest harness:
Digital Holster® 30
Unique holster designed for a standard size DSLR camera with a 70-200mm f/2.8 and lens hood attached. Mounts on any compatible belt, includes shoulder strap.
www.thinktankphoto.com
Digital Holster Harness
Support strap system holds all Digital Holster cases snugly against front torso, keeps camera easily accessible. Mesh back panel for ventilation and comfort.
www.thinktankphoto.com
Taking the 4-6 pounds off my back and putting it onto my chest is wonderful and especially nice for long backpacking trips where my pack can exceed 20lbs-25lbs.
The system has worked great for me because when I am hiking, I have fast access to my camera. And when I want to stop and do a landscape shot, I can take off my pack and pull out the ICU have access to my lenses and accessories.
Darrellhar
Well-known member
I don't believe I saw it in the list above but my favorite backpack of all time is the Mindshift (ThinkTank) backlight series. I own a 36L and a 26L. For what you are looking to carry I would suggest the 36L. Both bags have a waist strap which helps take the weight off your shoulders. I've never owned bags from other manufacturers so I can't compare but Think Tank does a great job with their bags. Quality material and thoughtfully designed. I highly suggest you give them a look.
Calson
Well-known member
When selecting a bag it is important to check its weight when it is empty. I have a LowePro photo backpack that weighs 3 lbs more than my larger Gura Gear backpack. Anything that can put part of the weight on your hips will help. I like the old LowePro Stealth Reporter shoulder bags but have always add a waist belt so some of the weight was on my hips and off my shoulder.
A Gura Gear 18L will work for what you need and Think Tank makes comparable bags. With a 500mm PF and 300mm PF all I need is a bag that will hold the lens I am not using and a few extras.
I always start by first determining the exact size I need for the bag and then go to B&H and use their filters for the inside dimensions to shorten the list. For a backpack style bag the Think Tank Streetwalker would be OK and it weighs in at 3.3 lbs which is not bad.
A Gura Gear 18L will work for what you need and Think Tank makes comparable bags. With a 500mm PF and 300mm PF all I need is a bag that will hold the lens I am not using and a few extras.
I always start by first determining the exact size I need for the bag and then go to B&H and use their filters for the inside dimensions to shorten the list. For a backpack style bag the Think Tank Streetwalker would be OK and it weighs in at 3.3 lbs which is not bad.
DaveR
Active member
I went for one of these a while back for the simple reason it is a seat as well. It's not a photo bag and I had to get some foam inserts for it. Having a seat is really useful when I need a rest and when I need to sit quietly to observe/photograph birds.
www.fjallraven.com
Singi Stubben
Robust backpack with built in frame that doubles as a stool. Produced without PFAS.
www.fjallraven.com
AnnetteJane
Well-known member
I use an Athlete size Atlas pack and recommend it. It has great support and padding. You can also remove hiking hip support and metal frame for traveling on airlines to condense the pack so it will fit neatly under the airline seats and not have the big hip belts in the way.They have a travel belt option. Most days I’m packing Z9 with 500 5.6 pf and Z7 with 70-200. Lots of room for snacks, gloves, a jacket, hat, drink miscellaneous items such as sunglasses, cleaners, caps ect. My husband uses an Adventure size Atlas pack but I find its a bit big. More for a longer hike and I dont think it would fit under an airline seat.( important to me, I want all my stuff accessible like ipad ect) He got one after I had mine for a bit. He would like a smaller option to have as well.
I think its a great back pack that has been made for comfort and packing in mind. It is bigger than my think tank streetwalker overall but the atlas pack is definitely a better design for long outings and more comfortable for hikes. If I’m flying, I’ll put the metal frame and hiking hip pads in the checked luggage. I left them at home one time thinking I’d make due and missed them very much. I dont mind grabbing my think tank in the summer if I dont need a lot of extras and I’m not doing any real hiking.
But I looked at this strand closer and I guess not an option for you :/ Sorry. Maybe for someone else reading the strand though.
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I have the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW, and Mindshift Backlight 36L and 26L, and like you I rarely use the LowePro these days. The Mindshift are just great.
eaj101
Well-known member
There seem to be several strategies for backpacks 1) get one large enough for your current average kit, 2) get one easily customized with insert containers like the F-Stop ICUs. 3) get one large enough to hold everything and never really fill it.
There are pluses and minuses to all three approaches. Having been doing this a while now, I have multiple backpacks at all three points I think I collect backpacks and carrying gear more than any other photographic item.
Some packs are excellent backpacks and so-so on packing gear, some are easier to configure (option 2), some are really easy to access but not so good on other fronts. Some are special-purpose (I have a one pack for the overheads of regional jets and a different bag with roller wheels for bigger trips and dragging through airports). I have small packs and sling packs day hiking and touristing. Some packs work great from the car and others for long hikes. I have one pack for days when I just use the 600 f/4.
I don't think there is one do-it-all pack. The closest to that is the largest and heaviest, a Lowepro that looks like a Himalayan expedition pack. It's comfy and great for hiking, weighs six or seven pounds by itself I think, and I've never filled it. If I need foul weather gear I have room for it. I also don't use it very much, but I don't go on big trips as much as before either. Wouldn't fit under an airline seat but would fit in the overhead of a big jet.
Within a day of home I use a couple of Gura Gear/Kiboko and Think Tank packs and I rearrange the foam inserts for the day's gear. Think Tank Streetwalker and Glass Limo get used a lot. Gura Gear 32L for days in the local refuges.
I'd suggest you look at your mix of trips and gear and come up with a couple of different scenarios (long/short trips, birds/mammals, car/hike) and decide from there. Of the manufacturers cited, I don't think there's a bad one.
There are pluses and minuses to all three approaches. Having been doing this a while now, I have multiple backpacks at all three points
I think I collect backpacks and carrying gear more than any other photographic item. Some packs are excellent backpacks and so-so on packing gear, some are easier to configure (option 2), some are really easy to access but not so good on other fronts. Some are special-purpose (I have a one pack for the overheads of regional jets and a different bag with roller wheels for bigger trips and dragging through airports). I have small packs and sling packs day hiking and touristing. Some packs work great from the car and others for long hikes. I have one pack for days when I just use the 600 f/4.
I don't think there is one do-it-all pack. The closest to that is the largest and heaviest, a Lowepro that looks like a Himalayan expedition pack. It's comfy and great for hiking, weighs six or seven pounds by itself I think, and I've never filled it. If I need foul weather gear I have room for it. I also don't use it very much, but I don't go on big trips as much as before either. Wouldn't fit under an airline seat but would fit in the overhead of a big jet.
Within a day of home I use a couple of Gura Gear/Kiboko and Think Tank packs and I rearrange the foam inserts for the day's gear. Think Tank Streetwalker and Glass Limo get used a lot. Gura Gear 32L for days in the local refuges.
I'd suggest you look at your mix of trips and gear and come up with a couple of different scenarios (long/short trips, birds/mammals, car/hike) and decide from there. Of the manufacturers cited, I don't think there's a bad one.
Do you have the medium or large Athlete bag? Could you share an image of how yours is packed to hold all those items?
Calson
Well-known member
I have 32L, 26L, and 18L backpacks and 4 sizes of shoulder bags. I also have two lens cases that I can fit in the trunk and grab what I need at a location. The 18L will hold the 500mm PF with a D850 or with the FTZ adapter and the Z9 attached. There is room for a 100-400mm lens off the camera and a second body and a teleconverter. It is my grab and go bag for local bird photography.
Not the case with the OP but I want a backpack that allows for mounting the tripod on the side so I can open the backpack without having to remove the tripod. What is also very helpful, and a reason why I own 5 of the Gura Gear Bataflae backpacks is that they have outer compartments that hold filters, shutter release cable, memory card wallets, and batteries, which can be accessed while the main compartment is completely closed and protecting my cameras and lenses. I have not found anything as well designed and well made as the old Gura Gear Bataflae backpacks. After looking for a backup backpack I found nothing comparable for sale and ended up buying a used Bataflae on eBay.
Not the case with the OP but I want a backpack that allows for mounting the tripod on the side so I can open the backpack without having to remove the tripod. What is also very helpful, and a reason why I own 5 of the Gura Gear Bataflae backpacks is that they have outer compartments that hold filters, shutter release cable, memory card wallets, and batteries, which can be accessed while the main compartment is completely closed and protecting my cameras and lenses. I have not found anything as well designed and well made as the old Gura Gear Bataflae backpacks. After looking for a backup backpack I found nothing comparable for sale and ended up buying a used Bataflae on eBay.
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philippe
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Will do over the next 24hrs or so.