custom photo backpack?

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wotan1

wotan1

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I am looking into getting a custom photo backpack.

I am looking at this not to find the ideal configuration for my cameras and lenses, but to find a pack that does a better job of distributing weight properly.

I am an experienced backpacker. Years ago I had a custom pack built for me by a local Seattle company. That pack has been the most comfortable pack I have ever used. I can hike in comfort all day carrying heavy weight.

My pack is designed for backpacking and is not ideally set up for access to photo gear.

The company I am working with is McHale and Company backpacks. Dan McHale, the owner, has a good reputation.

Would appreciate feedback, comments and suggestions.

If any of you have gotten a custom fit pack I invite you to share your experience.

Also if you know of inserts big enough for some of the nikon Z big lenses I would appreciate your recommendations.
 
Do you want it just for a day hike, or also want to carry your living gear plus photo equipment.
 
wotan1 said:
I am looking into getting a custom photo backpack.

I am looking at this not to find the ideal configuration for my cameras and lenses, but to find a pack that does a better job of distributing weight properly.
Click to expand...
Most of the better backpacking packs should be adjustable enough to fit properly. In a previous lifetime I worked in the camping department of a local REI store; we were trained to fit backpacks properly. Not every backpack can be made to fit everyone but there are enough variations among the brands and styles to find one or more that will be comfortable carrying a big load on long hikes.
 
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wotan1 said:
I am looking into getting a custom photo backpack.

I am looking at this not to find the ideal configuration for my cameras and lenses, but to find a pack that does a better job of distributing weight properly.

I am an experienced backpacker. Years ago I had a custom pack built for me by a local Seattle company. That pack has been the most comfortable pack I have ever used. I can hike in comfort all day carrying heavy weight.

My pack is designed for backpacking and is not ideally set up for access to photo gear.

The company I am working with is McHale and Company backpacks. Dan McHale, the owner, has a good reputation.

Would appreciate feedback, comments and suggestions.

If any of you have gotten a custom fit pack I invite you to share your experience.

Also if you know of inserts big enough for some of the nikon Z big lenses I would appreciate your recommendations.
Click to expand...

I have a (smaller) backpack I like very much (Aer). I am planning to send it to Doug at Brown Buffalo (Dana Point, CA) to convert it to a photo bag, which is mostly padding and some removable dividers.
 
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Maybe I am an old man or maybe I need conditioning but lugging a bunch of heavy camera gear around on long hikes with a poorly matched backpack hurts my back.

With a properly fitted backpack all the weight is on my hips and I can haul weight easily.

That is why I want a custom pack.

McHale has suggested he can build the pack to match off the shelf removable inserts.

His custom packs are really amazing.
 
wotan1 said:
Maybe I am an old man or maybe I need conditioning but lugging a bunch of heavy camera gear around on long hikes with a poorly matched backpack hurts my back.

With a properly fitted backpack all the weight is on my hips and I can haul weight easily.

That is why I want a custom pack.

McHale has suggested he can build the pack to match off the shelf removable inserts.

His custom packs are really amazing.
Click to expand...
My favorite part of the job I had at REI was when I made the final adjustment when fitting a backpack; the customer's face lit up when the weight seemed to disappear (it went to the hips). A custom pack isn't necessary for this to happen.
 
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You may be right about that. The McHale packs cost more than an off the shelf pack but they are not outrageous given what we spend on lenses and cameras.

It is kind of like boots.

Peter Limmer custom boots are legendary. I bought a pair of those early in my backpacking career and I never had a blister again. I still have those boots I need to send them in to get resoled.

McHale packs are that good.
 
I guess i was wondering if you could get a custom but removable insert for your existing, since it fits so well already.
 
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