> have 2 Lowepro camera backpacks that get used a lot and am very
> happy with them BUT I need a backpack that can carry a tent,
> sleeping bag, change of clothes & other stuff along with my camera,
> 3 lenses & tripod for overnight treks out in the woods.
> I have been searching online but thought I would ask here hoping
> someone may have a suggestion or opinion to share.
I've done a lot of packing with cameras and gear over the years, and
every year I carry less and less. This past summer I went on a three
day trip with nothing but a Canon G11, instead of carrying my 5D and
lenses. Once I got used to the limitations of the G11, it was a joy
not to lug an additional 10 pounds of camera gear over rocky trailless
terrain. I often scramble around in the rocks, and do some climbing,
so lighter is generally better.
I've almost never carried a full size tripod into the backcountry. I
used mini-pods at times, and almost always a monopod adapter atop a
walking staff. I don't use long telephoto lenses, either. Most of my
backcountry work is shot with one or two lenses -- a 24-85 or 24-105,
a 16-35 or occasionally a 70-200. And since I've moved to Canon L-
series lenses, I probably wouldn't take the 70-300 into the
backcountry. Just too damn heavy to carry unless there was a serious
reason.
That said, to carry three lenses and a tripod into the backcountry,
you will probably want a backpack that has good size wand pockets and
lash spots or side compression straps to carry the tripod on the
outside. Keeping the load centered is ideal, but a centered tripod
will definitely tip your pack backwards. Carrying the lenses and
cameras so they are accessible is another big issue. The top pocket is
usually the best option, but again, makes the pack very top heavy, and
awkward to maneuver.
If you have experience with backpacking, you'll know how to size a
pack for your anticipated itinerary, stamina and load. If not, Gregory
and Osprey are great places to start. Backpacks have gotten lighter
and stronger, and internal frame packs carry much more compactly than
the old-style external frames. OTOH, external packs are very forgiving
in the way that they are packed, and can carry huge loads. If you
really want to carry a ton of weight, the Kelty packs are tried and
true.
Osprey makes very good packs, and my current overnighter is a climbing
pack with very few bells and whistles. It carries enough for a three
day trek if you pack light, but it leaves very little room for camera
gear. And it only weights a kilogram.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/MutantSeries/Mutant38/
Look at the Kelty Tioga series: http://gregorybackpacks.org/gregory-palisade-80-backpack/
Packs I have loved and used:
Gregory Palisade Plus was the first. Heavy (about 6 pounds), but with
the ability to add large side pockets and a back pod. Heavy at about 6
pounds.
The current version: http://gregorybackpacks.org/gregory-palisade-80-backpack/
Gregory Reality -- lighter, but still carries a good sized load. (no
longer made I believe)
One thing that you may find incredibly helpful is the Cotton Carrier
system. Basically a camera harness, it allows you to carry one or two
cameras without the load hanging completely off the neck strap. Great
for climbing, or any activity like backpacking where you need to have
your hands free and the camera secured for part of the time. More
about it here: http://www.cottoncarrier.com/
Again this is a bulky piece of gear, but worth the load in certain
situations. Backpacking with a full size DSLR and a heavy lens would
be one of them.
Jim Parker
parkerparker :: design | photography
http://www.parkerparker.info
248.229.7900
Jim Parker
parkerparker :: design | photography
http://www.parkerparker.info
@dakkid / twitter
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