Tele lens backpack: using F-Stop icu and a trekking backpack

[Asafser]

Hi,
I’m always in search for a better backpack ...
I usually carry a lot of stuff, and like to hike. my
Current backpack is Thinktank Backlight elite 45L. It is a very nice pack and have reasonably good carry system for a photography backpack, but it too small for my current needs and in long walks with heavy stuff the carry system shows its limits : it just not like a proper trekking/huntting backpack.
After watching Morten Hilmar video I think I’ll try his method of combining a trekking backpack with the F-Stop Master Cine ICU :

What I like about the Master Cine is that it will hold my z9+800mm with the hood attached and also have a top load access.
The backpack that Morten uses with the Cine Master (Powerframe Bergans ) is not available so…
Do anybody try this method of using the ICU with a trekking backpack, and can recommend a trekking/military/huntting backpack that will fit the F-stop Master Cine comfortably, and that it will be easy to operate (storing & taking the camera out) ?
I looked at these hunting backpacks:
Kuiu pro 6000
Kuiu pro 7800
(very expensive, but looks like a good fit)
P.s : if someone is using the older, discounted, F-Stop Tele master with a trekking backpack I’ll appreciate their input as well

 

[groob]

I went down this path but could never find something that quite worked. So, I tried a Nya-Evo 60c + XL RCI and have been very happy with it. It is far and away the best photography/hiking bag I've tried. In fact, I just grabbed a used Nya-Evo 36c backpack with S, M, and L RCIs on FredMiranda. I plan to use the 60c when hiking with my 600mm f/4 and as a carryall for my photo equipment on trips. I'll use the 36c when hiking with landscape equipment.

 

[Asafser]

I went down this path but could never find something that quite worked. So, I tried a Nya-Evo 60c + XL RCI and have been very happy with it. It is far and away the best photography/hiking bag I've tried. In fact, I just grabbed a used Nya-Evo 36c backpack with S, M, and L RCIs on FredMiranda. I plan to use the 60c when hiking with my 600mm f/4 and as a carryall for my photo equipment on trips. I'll use the 36c when hiking with landscape equipment.

Thanks, the Nya Evo sure looks like a very well thought pack. I think it will be a bit small for my current needs… did you tried it with heavy loads - is it comfortable as a trekking backpack ?

 

[groob]

I’m not sure what your current needs are beyond a Z9+800mm, but I’ve carried a: Z9+600mm f/4+ FTZ II, a 24-70mm f/2.8, a 21mm f/2.8, a 70-200mm f/4, laptop, landscape filters, rain cover, and more miscellaneous items. It’s possible I had a 50mm f/1.2 as well, but I can’t remember. I often carry my 600mm f/4 mounted to my Z9, an 70-200 f/4, and a 50mm f/1.2 when I go out shooting. It’ll easily carry your Z8 + 800mm, but I’d have to check the measurements of the XL RCI to see if it will fit with the hood in shooting position.

As far as trekking, I generally hike 2-3 miles when I go out. I find the Nya to be very comfortable for hauling my gear. But I haven’t gone further than 2-3 miles in an outing with it.

 

[Terry]

I know absolutely nothing about the cine/bag combination but was curious since I've use the large ICU in a 5.11 bag. While looking at the site I noticed a reviewer pointed out the cine was great with the Shinn 80L bag.

No first hand knowledge but apparently this person tried and liked it so thought I'd pass it along.

 

[fcotterill]

To the OP, I have used my TfStop TeleMaster ICU for going on 8 years in a fStop Sukha, in which it's a snug squeeze. But it fits with the crucial top lid access and certainly packs a full system.
I also use the new fStop Tilopa DuraDiamond, which is excellent for a smaller kit, but I only have the smaller ICU out of my feature-deficient Thinktank Elite 45. Searching for a better ICU with top lid access, I found this new Shimoda XXL DV. It looks ideal, see this post:

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

You’d have to do the math, but I can fit a Z9 + FTZ II + 600mm f/4 FL E into the XL ICU (with everything attached). I have a Zemlin short hood on the lens also.

bcgforums.com

The new DuraDiamond fStop packs are a big improvement but the company seems to have lost the plot with ICUs suitable for telephotos with top access.

We discussed the Morten video early last year. There are quite a wide range of options in larger military style backpacks but it's definitely a personal choice and finding one's correct pack only works with actual testing

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

A big part of the challenge associated with packing great big telephotos is that the lens hood(s) are so space-demanding. If one either packs the lens hood(s) in one's checked luggage or else uses a soft travel lens hood, suddenly there is a lot more room in one's bag. This is where the Zemlin...

bcgforums.com

 

[BradleyD]

I’ve used the Nya with 30lbs. Did fine on one 5 mile day, another ten. I’m confident it can carry more if you need it to. It is a heavy pack compared to others if weight will ever be a limitation for you for air travel, and the straps are too stiff for my taste. But in terms of cameras it does what it’s supposed to do and carries good, which my bad shoulders can attest to.

 

[Asafser]

To the OP, I have used my TfStop TeleMaster ICU for going on 8 years in a fStop Sukha, in which it's a snug squeeze. But it fits with the crucial top lid access and certainly packs a full system.
I also use the new fStop Tilopa DuraDiamond, which is excellent for a smaller kit, but I only have the smaller ICU out of my feature-deficient Thinktank Elite 45. Searching for a better ICU with top lid access, I found this new Shimoda XXL DV. It looks ideal, see this post:

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

You’d have to do the math, but I can fit a Z9 + FTZ II + 600mm f/4 FL E into the XL ICU (with everything attached). I have a Zemlin short hood on the lens also.

bcgforums.com

The new DuraDiamond fStop packs are a big improvement but the company seems to have lost the plot with ICUs suitable for telephotos with top access.

We discussed the Morten video early last year. There are quite a wide range of options in larger military style backpacks but it's definitely a personal choice and finding one's correct pack only works with actual testing

Big Prime - Camera Bags & Backpacks

A big part of the challenge associated with packing great big telephotos is that the lens hood(s) are so space-demanding. If one either packs the lens hood(s) in one's checked luggage or else uses a soft travel lens hood, suddenly there is a lot more room in one's bag. This is where the Zemlin...

bcgforums.com

Great info thanks!

 

[dorthzyx]

I have the fstop satori 62 liter backpack with large, deep icu and they work very well with gatekeeper straps to attach things to the backpack. I used it for a sigma 150-500, nikon d7000 and assorted smaller lenses with misc camera/lens accessories plus overnight backpacking gear. I haven't done overnight backpacking in recent years but the combination still works well for short excursions and car trips when needed. For the most part these days I use a smaller Infocus gear photographer's backpack when only carting around photography gear.

 

[luckmurph]

Ive never got on with camera backpacks, had quite a few but always found they never suited my needs Ie not enough space for long lenses, food flask bits and bobs etc, and always found them uncomfortable on a long trek!
I recently took a punt on buying a specific trekking backpack (Fjallraven kajka 55)
And find it amazing, loads of space for all my bits and bobs and so comfortable, easily takes my z9, 400 2.8, 180-600 & z6ii, which is a heavy load but can walk for miles with it on, and best of all the old ICU out of my Gitzo adventure fits in a treat so all my gear is well protected!!
My tripod secures quite easily to the straps on the front of the bag too
With a front loading access its a very useable bag!

Kajka 55 S/M

Advanced trekking backpack that is extremely comfortable to carry with smart functions. Produced without PFAS.

www.fjallraven.com

 

[Activert]

I use the Shimoda Action X70 and it is really amazing. In it I use the Shimoda DV Core Unit XX-large. I can fit in it my Z9 attached to my 600 mm tc with it lens hood reversed, my Z8 attached to the 180-600 mm, my 24-70 f2.8 and all the accessory. Sometimes instead of the 180-600, I carry my 400 mm f4.5 and since the core unit so dip, I put over it my 70-200 f2.8 with a separation material in lbetween which is included with the core unit. You can also access the item from the top. I have in the bag a lot pockets and storage space plus top of the bag have a lot of room for cloth and accessory. On each side of the bag there is a big pocket for carrying tripod and other items. Plenty of pockets everywhere. The only thing is this bag cant be use as carry on, it is big. However in my trip I use it as a luggage and while in my destination, I transfer everything to it. I use it in all my hiking, and I always hike a long distance. Feel very confortable and for me it is the best bag. I take it everywhere.
i bought so many bags before having this Shimoda, I have the Lowpro Trekker 600 AWII, another Lowpro, Think Tang, none of them feel good to carry like the Shimoda