Backpacking with camera

Skyline On Fire

Skyline On Fire

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Luke
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I have a few questions about backpacking with a camera plus lenses. Mainly, what sort of bag should i be looking for? Il be taking a 7D, 50mm prime, 100-400 L series, and a 18-55 f2.8 IS. On top of this there will be a tripod (redsnapper), a few spare batteries, cards etc... and a 530ex flash. A lot of gear.

Add to that my tent, waterproofs, food, drink etc... its a lot of gear. What should i be looking at for a backpack? Budget isnt really a concern, any recommendations etc.. Would be great, thanks.
 
That is quite a lot of stuff to carry!

I did the GR20 a few years ago (two weeks across Corsican mountains). I took Oly E500 with 11-22, 14-54 and TC. I put all the stuff in dry bags (exped do padded ones) and put it in my normal rucsac. I used a lightweight Osprey Aether 60 for two weeks in tent etc. I find their packs ace. They are well made and carry very well. Not too expensive either. The Aethers are really light too and there are larger versions. Nowadays I'd take my E3 with 12-60 and maybe 50-200 with me (if I expected wildlife) or 7-14 (for epic landscapes). If weighs really tight I'd take E620 and PanaLeica 14-150.

I'd really take a look at the kit though. I'm guessing the tripod would be the main item I'd leave at home. A monopod or beanbag would be much lighter and not swing around so much.

Where are you going? If you need to carry food or large amounts of water you're going to have a huge pack that's pretty heavy.
 
Yeah - I went out with a 300/2.8, 50-200, 50 and a tripod and was on my knees at the end of the day - and that wasn't that far. I'm probably just a lightweight...

I think if you can find a decent wide to long lens for the 'snapshots' and pair down your kit for quality only in the areas you really need it, you will save yourself a lot of bother...

It's worth considering bags to go inside your big bag too - to keep things from knocking against each other.

Andy
 
AndyElliott said:
It's worth considering bags to go inside your big bag too - to keep things from knocking against each other.

Andy
Click to expand...

The Exped padded drybags are great for this. They are waterproof and padded. They also do a "3D" version that is shaped to take a lens.
 
Well Ive done a lot of camping and hiking, just minus the camera gear, but none the less with heavy kit, so I'm pretty well versed in that respect.

Id like to take the tripod, as I will be static a lot of the time, shooting wildlife etc... And it would be far easier to leave my camera set up and ready to shoot whilst waiting, rather than holding it in my lap or whatever. I guess I could ditch the flash, the 50mm prime... But everything else is almost a necessity.

Ive been looking at the berghaus gear, looks excellent and i've owned a few bits from them in the past and they impressed me. If i got a bag like that, that isnt technically built for camera gear, what would the best way of storing the lenses and body be? Quick access isnt a huge factor.
 
I have done a lot of looking for camera bags for a similar purpose.
My remit was to be able to carry my camera gear, and a backpack. Initially I looked at belts, but soon sussed they'd generally be a right faf. Imaging walking up/down stairs, sitting on buses/trains or in cafe's with that lot round ya waist!

So after mucho looking and trying I settled for the Think Tank Change up bag and a Chimp Skin - with this set up I can wear it as a front pack (sitting level with my stomach) with shoulder straps to spread the weight, or as a shoulder bag or a trad belt bag if required. In it I can get D300, 17-50 f2.8, SB800, 24-135, 80-200 f2.8 as well as batteries, cards and the like.

As it happens Im going to leave the 80-200 at home, as weight will be an issue - but thats what the bag can take. Tripod gets strapped to my backpack btw
 
I'll be backpacking a lot this summer and I've come up with this.

Main day bagwill be a Hydrapak Jolla with a smaller Crumpler Jimmy Bo 400/500. If I'm using the camera a lot I can sling the Jimmy Bo over my shoulder so I can have quick access to my camera and have a few filters, spare battery/card at hand. If I then want to put it in my bag out the way it will be safely padded from both the Crumpler and Hydrapak. The Jolla should also take a 70-200 in a padded case with enough room for waterproofs and other misc items, plus it already has a hydration pack in it so no need for bulky waterbottles. I'm sure a tripod could be attached somewhere on the bag as well.

I don't know if this helps you since it sounds like you want one bag that will hold all your gear. But you could easily put your day bag in the top of your main rucksack or clip it on like the rucksack/daysack combos do.
 
I'd certainly steer clear of a camera pack. You'll be adding a lot of weight and they don't carry nearly as well as a hiking pack. If you're looking at a proper rucsac (Berghaus bioflex or whatever (I'd still recommend Osprey). I would store the camera and lenses separately in padded dry bags like these:
http://www.facewest.co.uk/Exped-Crush-Drybag.html
or
http://www.gaynors.co.uk/productdetail.asp?productcatalogue=061001350018

The sealine ones are lighter but more expensive.

You may need to store the body and lenses separately but that's not a big deal if fast access is not a problem.

Alternatively you could use normal dry bags and wrap the lenses in a pack towel or clothing to pad it. Bear in mind that no rucsac is truly waterproof so you're better off keeping your kit in something watertight.
 
By the way. The Berghaus bioflex bags are really comfortable if they fit you. Unfortunately they didn't fit me. My brother swears by them though.

Go and try a few packs (Snow and Rock Manchester will have a load) with a healthy load in and see how they work for you. Fit is by far the most important thing especially if you're carrying that much weight.
 
Very good advice Vchaney, I think im going to go for a berghaus or similar, I tried a few today and was pretty impressed. Just pack the lenses and camera in padded dry bags like you said, bury them in the pack. I dont really need quick access. Thanks for the advice buddy.
 
No problem. It works for me hiking and on the mountain bike. Had a few downpours and crashes and the lenses have been absolutely fine (unlike me!).
 
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