Jake Mongey
Well-known
Hey all,
I am going to be going travelling in europe for two weeks at the end of august and I am looking for reccomendations on a large Hiking pack that can hold all of my clothes and toiletries and the following gear:
Hasselblad 500 CM with 50, 80 and 150mm lenses, spare back and prism
Manfrotto 190X Tripod
Set of cokin filters
Support is very important to me as Ive had back problems in the past with non padded bags and I will be carrying my belongings with me all the time.
My budget is £200 and under and im happy to shop used.
cheers,
Jake
I am going to be going travelling in europe for two weeks at the end of august and I am looking for reccomendations on a large Hiking pack that can hold all of my clothes and toiletries and the following gear:
Hasselblad 500 CM with 50, 80 and 150mm lenses, spare back and prism
Manfrotto 190X Tripod
Set of cokin filters
Support is very important to me as Ive had back problems in the past with non padded bags and I will be carrying my belongings with me all the time.
My budget is £200 and under and im happy to shop used.
cheers,
Jake
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Jake,
No advice, but (a) Good Luck and (b) any chance you'll be in our neck of the woods?
Actually, I say "no advice" but:
1: DO NOT overload yourself, even at your age.
2: Consider a frame backpack using your clothes as padding. This is what Frances and I did in our 30s in India. frighteningly long ago.
Cheers,
R.
No advice, but (a) Good Luck and (b) any chance you'll be in our neck of the woods?
Actually, I say "no advice" but:
1: DO NOT overload yourself, even at your age.
2: Consider a frame backpack using your clothes as padding. This is what Frances and I did in our 30s in India. frighteningly long ago.
Cheers,
R.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Find a good used Kelty or Jansport or REI bag with an internal frame and a padded hip strap.
If you're in the states, you can find an REI and then find out when they have their sidewalk sale. It's a sale of lightly used or cosmetically blemished (store floor demo models) that they sell way below retail. External frame packs are kind of cool yet very old school. A few have the ability to stand themselves up. I have a decent internal frame pack that I almost never use but I'd love an external frame just because I loved my old one I used when I was in the boy scouts a few decades ago. Check Craigslist or your local equivalent. Whatever you get make sure all the zippers work well, there are no tears or threadbare areas. Make sure to try it on and fit it. Maybe even take a plastic bag of clothes and some of the gear you want to pack in the bag to feel how the load works.
Once you find your pack, grab some camera bag inserts, place them inside and enjoy your hike.
EDIT: I just read your signature and see you're in the UK. Basically, all the recommendations still stand but the retailers and craigslist recommendations will be different. But definitely get a frame pack like Roger said. Your back, hips, neck, shoulders, knees will thank you.
Phil Forrest
If you're in the states, you can find an REI and then find out when they have their sidewalk sale. It's a sale of lightly used or cosmetically blemished (store floor demo models) that they sell way below retail. External frame packs are kind of cool yet very old school. A few have the ability to stand themselves up. I have a decent internal frame pack that I almost never use but I'd love an external frame just because I loved my old one I used when I was in the boy scouts a few decades ago. Check Craigslist or your local equivalent. Whatever you get make sure all the zippers work well, there are no tears or threadbare areas. Make sure to try it on and fit it. Maybe even take a plastic bag of clothes and some of the gear you want to pack in the bag to feel how the load works.
Once you find your pack, grab some camera bag inserts, place them inside and enjoy your hike.
EDIT: I just read your signature and see you're in the UK. Basically, all the recommendations still stand but the retailers and craigslist recommendations will be different. But definitely get a frame pack like Roger said. Your back, hips, neck, shoulders, knees will thank you.
Phil Forrest
KenR
Well-known
Jake - I agree with Phil F on everything - I've not seen the external frame packs in stores for quite a while, although people who have used them swear by them (not at them). Another brand that I would look at is LL Bean - purists may shy away from them but they generally offer good value for the money and are very well made. You may look like a suburban weekend hiker, but their packs last forever.
Jake Mongey
Well-known
Right, Thanks for the advice guys - going to take a look now. The biggest problem seems to be finding one with a sturdy tripod mount or holder! ill see what I can find
Edit: I may find myself round your neck of the woods Roger - it depends where your woods are!
Edit: I may find myself round your neck of the woods Roger - it depends where your woods are!
Dan Daniel
Well-known
I can't speak to brands in Europe, and I assume that by your price that you are in Great Britain.
I will second the recommendation to got for internal frame packs, if only because there is a good chance of finding one.
The basic design for packs in the US these days is an large upper compartment, a small lower compartment for the sleeping bag, and a few external pockets. I would suggest finding rock climbers or climbing supply outlets and talk to them. They have needs surprisingly similar to photographers- large bulky heavy gear with lots of little parts, with regular in and out use with easy access. An ice pick is similar to a tripod. Oh, they also want things to be tight to the body and not dangling all over the place, a good model for getting luggage in and out of racks, trunks/boots, etc., and to reduce theft.
2 weeks is long enough to hurt yourself but probably not do lasting damage. Still, go to a store! Get fitting and advise. Or buy used, very used and cheap and see this first one as a test drive.
As to the tripod, it is simple to strap it to the outside of most any pack these days. Add your own lashing points if need be. Or better, get a pack tall enough to carry it inside and not advertise your equipment. Most packs split top and bottom will have an opening for something like a tripod to slide through irf the height is needed. Or you can make an opening with a razor blade and a lighter to seal the edges.
I will second the recommendation to got for internal frame packs, if only because there is a good chance of finding one.
The basic design for packs in the US these days is an large upper compartment, a small lower compartment for the sleeping bag, and a few external pockets. I would suggest finding rock climbers or climbing supply outlets and talk to them. They have needs surprisingly similar to photographers- large bulky heavy gear with lots of little parts, with regular in and out use with easy access. An ice pick is similar to a tripod. Oh, they also want things to be tight to the body and not dangling all over the place, a good model for getting luggage in and out of racks, trunks/boots, etc., and to reduce theft.
2 weeks is long enough to hurt yourself but probably not do lasting damage. Still, go to a store! Get fitting and advise. Or buy used, very used and cheap and see this first one as a test drive.
As to the tripod, it is simple to strap it to the outside of most any pack these days. Add your own lashing points if need be. Or better, get a pack tall enough to carry it inside and not advertise your equipment. Most packs split top and bottom will have an opening for something like a tripod to slide through irf the height is needed. Or you can make an opening with a razor blade and a lighter to seal the edges.
D
Deleted member 65559
Guest
Jake, since you’re in the UK, check out 3S online in Chamonix. Given you’ll be in Europe & I assume using public transport, I would definitely not suggest an external frame pack. Modern packs are solid & comfortable. External framepacks are pretty much a piece of history. As a professional mountain guide I can tell you that gear has changed dramatically from the end of the 20th century to the present.
FrozenInTime
Well-known
Advice for a ( external ) frame rucksack is about 30 years out of date ... you will be laughed out of any shop in the UK. Multi-week unsupported trekking does not happen here.
All modern mountain/trekking packs of quality have internal adjustable frames and you will comfortably be able to carry as much weight as you can lift.
Look for something in the 55 to 65 certainly no bigger than 75 liter size.
Go to Cotswolds, Ellis Brigham , Tiso or Alpkit and try some out before buying . Make sure in the shop to load it up with heavy and lumpy gear.
All modern mountain/trekking packs of quality have internal adjustable frames and you will comfortably be able to carry as much weight as you can lift.
Look for something in the 55 to 65 certainly no bigger than 75 liter size.
Go to Cotswolds, Ellis Brigham , Tiso or Alpkit and try some out before buying . Make sure in the shop to load it up with heavy and lumpy gear.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
I'd say not to carry a tripod at all. Maybe get a beanbag o one of those screw-in rubber pods that conform to various surfaces. I've carried a tripod all over the world over eight years and actually used it only twice in that time. Other than setting up an assembly line for taking military portraits, it was only an albatross in the way. Unless, of course, you're shooting with a view camera, in which case, definitely take it.
Maybe think about a monopod? Also find out if there are restrictions on tripod use where you're going. For example, here in Philly and up in NYC one needs a permit to use a tripod, especially on or near a sidewalk, so I've carried a monopod. Out in city parks, law enforcement usually just ignores tripods unless they present an obstacle for people passing.
Phil Forrest
Maybe think about a monopod? Also find out if there are restrictions on tripod use where you're going. For example, here in Philly and up in NYC one needs a permit to use a tripod, especially on or near a sidewalk, so I've carried a monopod. Out in city parks, law enforcement usually just ignores tripods unless they present an obstacle for people passing.
Phil Forrest
shimokita
白黒
Just got back from ten days in the Philippines where I used a tripod on about 1/3 of my shots. Was comfortable shooting ND Grads hand held (Nikon F3P i.e. 135 format), but happy as a clam to have the Manfrotto. Have a great trip.
mpaniagua
Newby photographer
Removed, please disregards
Marcelo
Marcelo
Shac
Well-known
Jake if someone hasn't already suggested it - when you go to the store to check out backpacks - either take some heavy stuff or ask if they have it to load up the pack and see how it feels. Here in Canada at out MEC stores they bags with different weights just so you can try out the fit and feel of various backpacks.
Also make sure the store is a real outdoors store with knowledgeable staff.
Have a great trip
David
Cheers
Also make sure the store is a real outdoors store with knowledgeable staff.
Have a great trip
David
Cheers
RObert Budding
D'oh!
I'd buy inserts for a high-quality backpack. That way you end up with a pack that rides properly on your body. Osprey is the brand that I know best. Best to go to a specialty shop to have it fitted properly.
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/
https://www.osprey.com/us/en/
MikeL
Go Fish
Good advice here. A good pack can really make a difference. I'd figure out how many kilograms you'll be taking, and then have them load up different packs. I did this when I was working in steep backcountry for 14-20 days at a time. I ended up paying more than expected, but after seeing how different bags affected my balance, it was worth it [e.g. when walking over a hundred meters over blowdowns (post-fire), the Dana Designs pack really helped]. If you don't need the balance, then most internal frames are good enough, and get the one that feels comfortable.
And if you are walking on roads, don't need balance, don't mind taking up extra space on transportation, and don't mind catching frame edges on trees, people, dogs, or whatever, then you can think about an external frame.
FrozenInTime
Well-known
One more suggestion:
If you are doing a combination of traveling and walking, is to also get a small 20 to 25 liter day pack. Use this for your valuables such as passport, phone and cameras.
When you are in the city or on trains etc, you want to keep this on your person and the main pack can be on the luggage rack or left at the campsite/hostel/hotel.
When you are walking all day on the trail or hills, the day pack would ideally fit inside the top of the main pack.
If you are doing a combination of traveling and walking, is to also get a small 20 to 25 liter day pack. Use this for your valuables such as passport, phone and cameras.
When you are in the city or on trains etc, you want to keep this on your person and the main pack can be on the luggage rack or left at the campsite/hostel/hotel.
When you are walking all day on the trail or hills, the day pack would ideally fit inside the top of the main pack.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Yokosuka Mike
Abstract Clarity
About 40 years ago I bought a “Himalaya (brand)” external aluminum frame backpack. All the weight rode on my hips (in those days I had hips). I climbed Mt. Fuji 8 times with that backpack. I carried bottles of wine, baguettes, tupperwares full of spaghetti and lasagna, all the essentials of a mountain top party with my at that time girlfriend, now my wife. Anyway… to this day I have never found a backpack that could equal an external aluminum frame backpack for heavy loads. Regrettably when the webbing rotted and other parts slowly disintegrated I chucked the thing in the dumpster (a mistake). To this day I have never found a backpack to equal that Himalaya backpack. So, why do I share this story with you? The moral of this story is, if you find something that works, stick with it. And, if you see an external aluminum frame backpack, rare that they are these days, give it a try, one certainly made the summer of 1985 a pleasure for me.
All the best,
Mike
All the best,
Mike
FrozenInTime
Well-known
Good packs should have side compression straps.
Those can be used for a rolled up camping mat, waterproof jacket or tripod ;-)
Jake Mongey
Well-known
Many thanks for all the reccomendations, I am going to have a look in some shops next week and see what works for me.
I may end up near there but am undecided as I am going with a friend of mine and for the last 5 days or so we plan to travel france - just we dont know where we will go!
I may end up near there but am undecided as I am going with a friend of mine and for the last 5 days or so we plan to travel france - just we dont know where we will go!
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Jake,
Best way to do it! Don't tie yourself down. Especially with only 5 days in France. Where else are you (thinking of) going?
Cheers,
R.