Photo backpacks and hi-packs for dayhiking?

[venchka]

A real backpack

A real backpack

I can put a word for the stuff from w[B]ww.photobackpacker.com[/B]. Bruce is a very kind and friendly person. He ofers different Kellty backpacks that are slightly reworked to allow the full front panel to open. I got the Kellty 2650 (it fits the carry on requirements when not fully packed and is very light but still with a good harness and waist belt). Even better are his camera and lense cases - feather light but still enough protection. Although designed mainly for large format equipment - they are perfect for carrying other cameras and lenses too. I use one of his "double lens" cases to carry my Rolleiflex T. I use his other cases for my 4x5 equipment and couldn't e be happier. I have also a very good personal experience with Bruce and I would not hesitate to recommend either his products or himself as seller.

I have also considered the Kinesis stuff (www.kgear.com) - the backpack looks really good and they offer a lot of different accessories and they are more directed to MF/35mm users.

Also check out the ThinkTank stuff (www.thinktankphoto.com) - looks great - I have heard only good reports. I consider getting a belt pack form them.

I have had a look at the "standard" backpack from Tamrom, Lowepro and others and only found them too heavy and "dedicated".

Use a real backpack. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Matus]

Use a real backpack. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Actually true, when I need to carry more (=more weight) of equipment for a longer distance together with some other hiking gear (food clothing, walking sticks) - and I do not expect to use the (I mean the 4x5) camera too often - I take my dedicated backpack designed for hiking with close-to-perfect harness and belt - and even though it is 2 pounds heavier then the light Kellty, it is very comfortable. But the gear still travels in the light cases from Photobackpacker.

Still - for shorter trips the gear stored in lightweight cases inside backpack that opens via full front panel is much easier and faster to access - and that is where backpack designed for that purpose shines (my Kellty does).

For the case when smaller amount of gear is taken along, but needs to be accessible fast - nothing beats a well designed belt pack. I would consider one of the ThinkTank models - but first have to decide on the camera 😉