Backpack for hiking & camera gear

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with a backpack where you don't just put camera gear in. I'm looking at doing some solo hiking in the coming months so I'd need to carry everything myself and don't really feel like taking two bags. So I'm looking for something that would be able to hold food, drinks (one day's worth), rain & cold gear, hiking essentials (first aid kit, flashlight, map, possibly gps,...) all the while having room and keeping safe the camera gear (don't think I'd take much more than my 500D, 17-55 f/2.8, 70-200 f/4 IS, tripod and filters, possibly a macro lens).

I don't need anything fancy like the tubes that bring water forward from a pocket in the backpack, I'm perfectly fine taking the pack off and taking a bottle of water out. :p I also don't need a toploader for easy access to the camera, again I can take the pack off and rest my shoulders while taking pictures.

I do however hike in places where fresh water sources aren't easy to come by, so am possibly looking at taking 3-4 liters of water along. So overall weight would be around 10 kg of which the water & tripod would be the heaviest.

A waist strap would be a must, I find it makes hiking quite a bit easier with a packed bag.

Think I've thought of everything I'd like...so erm any suggestions?

Would it be worth getting a simple holster type bag for the camera and individual lens bags then chucking all that in a hiking bag? I only ask because that's what I do (I don't own a camera backpack) and you mentioned speed isn't important.

My preference would be if I could get a single bag that could fit all, but what you suggest could also work I guess. It's not something that I thought of, but I'll keep it in mind.

Have a look at F-Stop bags. I have the guru and I just took it all over Europe with a gripped 5D Mark II, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, 24-70mm f/2.8L, Sigma 85mm f/1.4, 17-40mm f/4L, 580 ex II speedlite and a few other bits and pieces and it was perfect.

Water resistant, steel frame, good comfortable harness and plenty of options for customising the size of the ICU (internal camera unit), room for a water bladder (camelbak style).

They aren't the cheapest bag going around but they are some of the best out there and I wouldn't trade mine for the world. They definitely have something that would suit you.

This is a quick review I did on the guru a while back. (it got a little muddled up in the transition to the new forum software but it's still mostly legible):

http://community.the-digital-picture.com/showthread.php?t=5174&highlight=guru

And this is the fstop site:

http://fstopgear.com/

Hope this helps,

Ben

Patham,

I don't own an f-stop, but I have to admit that Ben's review has me pretty tempted. I use a Lowepro Fastpack 350 for day hikes and it works well. It doesn't have a natural tripod solution, but I tend to either secure the tripod under the back flap or to stick one leg into the computer compartment. Both work fine. It doesn't allow the same level of air circulation on my back as my actual hiking packs (Osprey and Vortex) and it loses some rigidity if there isn't something in the computer compartment. That said, it works perfectly for what I bought it for, an all in one that can be used for trips and day hikes. I tend to pack my 7D, EFS-15-85, 100-400L and filters when hiking, but that is mostly for weight. I can add the 580II flash and the 100L macro (and swap out the filters for the 10-22) in the padded compartment. The top compartment I usually have a my gear. It could hold what you described, but not much more. That would be pretty tight and it would depend on how bulky your rain gear is (I sometimes put that under the back flap).

In addition to the f-stop and Fast-pack 350, you may want to take a look at the Lowepro flipeside series (300 & 400) and the packs by Kata.

Good luck.

EDIT: I read the 3-4L of water backward...agree with Jan, it would be tough to pack 3-4 L of water in the 350...I typically take ~1 L. If what you are talking about is "hard core" you likely need another pack, like the f-stops. If these are simple day trips, I've used the 350 several times and does fine. But, I'd still look at other packs too.

That Guru does indeed look quite lovely. I have to admit the price is definitely higher than what I had in mind, but it sure looks almost exactly like what I'd need. Great review for it btw. Edit: Kayaker posted while I was reading the Guru review. Great suggestions, I'll have to check those out when I get home from work.

I also have the Fastpack 350, but to be honest I don't think all of the things you mentioned really fit well in the bag. Unless you don't mind flat sandwiches:o The bottom compartment is big enough for your camera+lenses+flash that you want to take, but no more than that. The top compartment is too small IMO to fit 3-4L water, food, clothes, tripod, first aid kit, flashlight etc. It might all fit, but it's going to be very tight I think.

The F-Stop bags seem pretty cool and bring me to an idea: What about a dedicated hiking backpack with a separate ICU (from F-Stop for example).

I'm starting to quite like the ICU in the backpack idea. It even looks like I might be able to fit all my gear (minus tripod of course) into a small ICU (http://fstopgear.com/en/icu-pro).

Hmm...decisions, decisions...

Well, I pulled the trigger on a Guru with medium ICU...

Not currently in stock but I'm hoping to get it in a few weeks. I blame Ben's great review for my quick decision. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by patham

Well, I pulled the trigger on a Guru with medium ICU...

Not currently in stock but I'm hoping to get it in a few weeks. I blame Ben's great review for my quick decision. ;)

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That was quick. I hope you give us a review as well. The guru looks a little small to me for what you want.

Personally I liked Jan's suggestion : "The F-Stop bags seem pretty cool and bring me to an idea: What about a dedicated hiking backpack with a separate ICU (from F-Stop for example)". I have several bags, lowepro and tamrac, they are great at protecting camera gear but are not as comfortable to carry as a good pack that is made for hiking.

I personally like the Lowepro Flipside, for me, it works as it holds all of my gear. If I need to change a lens, I take my arms out of the staps, while the bottom straps are still connect around my waist I swing the back around and open it up to reveal my gear- it's like having a table top right there. They have a demonstration video on it as well: http://products.lowepro.com/product/...AW,2116,14.htm

Edit: Looks like I'm too late :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HDNitehawk

The guru looks a little small to me for what you want.

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This is the picture that made me really decide:

http://fstopgear.com/images/stories/...workbook16.jpg

I'm not going to fully use the medium ICU with all the photo gear that I have but it definitely looks like I can fit in some misc gear in there, like first aid kit, map and a small light. Not that I'm planning on hiking in the dark but I do prefer to have the bare essentials of emergency gear on me on a "you never know" basis. Since I plan on mostly just doing day hikes (for longer I would need a bigger backpack, which I do have) it looks to me as though the top part can fit a pullover/anorak against the rain along with food. And then there are the side pockets for water bottles and the straps for the tripod. Actually it looks to be the perfect fit for everything I described in the first post. :) Really looking forward to getting my hands on it.

Additionally the ICU looks to be perfect for when I want to transport the photo gear in another bag.

And I'll definitely look at making a review once I have it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Photog82

I personally like the Lowepro Flipside, for me, it works as it holds all of my gear. If I need to change a lens, I take my arms out of the staps, while the bottom straps are still connect around my waist I swing the back around and open it up to reveal my gear- it's like having a table top right there. They have a demonstration video on it as well: http://products.lowepro.com/product/...AW,2116,14.htm

Edit: Looks like I'm too late :)

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I'll have to try that swing around option with the (empty...just in case) Guru when it arrives, looks like a great idea. :)

One of the things that would concern me about the guru is how you can attach the tripod. For it to balance right it will need to be in the center, you can most likely strap it in with the straps on the back. Provided it locks in and doesn't shift on you.

I thought carrying 3 liters of water might be a bit much for a day hike. For me though you didn't list the "you never know" basics that I go with. First aid kit sometimes doesn't make my list. Map's can be useless without a compass. The three never go on the trail without for me are matches, knife and TP. Actually TP is at the top of the list as you could be in danger if you miss identify a leaf that is poison ivy or poison oak.

I remember a hike from last summer with friends in the Vercors in France where we didn't find a water source the whole day and we were very happy at having two 2 liter bottles each. Admittedly it was a hot summer day, but always best to be prepared.

Knife & TP are also on my essentials list, but are usually in my pockets for quick access. I also have an iPhone which has a built-in compass. Matches though...I can say I've honestly never felt the need for matches on a hike. Curious though, why is it on your essentials list?

I guess it depends on where you are considering on hiking, possibly you wouldn’t need matches. Is it a walk down well established trails or in the back woods off the beaten path? If you are in the backwoods or other area where you have the possibility of either getting lost, or being caught out and having to spend the night, the ability to build a fire can be a life saver.

Good point on the matches. I usually do hike on trails/not far from trails though.

Another must have is a whistle- something like a fox40 - lot easier to blow a whistle than yell if your stuck- anyone seen movie 127 hrs?
For first aid kits I have a couple different small ones- Company called Adventure Medical makes some small personal kits for 1-4 people for 1-4 days with all kids of options. MEC in canada or REI in US are 2 places I know for sure have them.
shown below is the .5, 1 person 1-2 days with macro 100 mug and EW-83H for reference
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z...0/IMG_5821.JPGhttps://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9...0/IMG_5824.JPG

I'm planning to get back into hiking this summer so would love to hear more feedback, or other options people are using for back packs.

I used a seperate bag last year for gear and personal items- and that just didn't work for me.

I'm guessing your hiking won't involve any overnight stays. I used to hike / mountain climb / camp quite a bit in my younger days. I could not have gotten away with a pack that did not have room for a sleeping bag, tent, cooking equipment, etc. So I purchased a good internal frame pack in which I kept a modified medium-sized padded fanny pack containing my photo gear(except tripod) for day tripping away from camp.

I kept my photography kit small:
- One body (no battery grip)
- 24mm f/2.8 lens w/hood
- 135mm f/3.5 lens
- Polarizing filter (fit both lenses)
- Mini-tripod - about 8" folded up

Optional equipment i would take if I was feeling strong or if circumstances called for it:
- 50mm f/1.8mm
- Flash
- Lightweight tripod (cost me $20 in 1986 - a little flimsy but decent when weighted down, opened to about 5' tall)

As lean as this was, it still felt like too much unnecessary weight after a few hours of hiking. Nonetheless, I don't think I've ever taken better photos in my life than I did on these trips. I've certainly not had more fun. It feels really good to pare down your equipment to the essentials and then really make them work for you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by patham

Well, I pulled the trigger on a Guru with medium ICU...

Not currently in stock but I'm hoping to get it in a few weeks. I blame Ben's great review for my quick decision. ;)

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Good choice mate. Feel free to blame me if you're not happy with the bag but I can't see that happening, it's a beast!

With the medium ICU you won't have a huge amount of spare room, but you'll be able to fit a few bits and pieces above it.

Good choice. Can't go wrong with f-stop. I just spent a week skiing with my Tilopa BC and medium ICU, and it was great for carrying my gear, lunch, and a few extra clothing pieces, not mention it was very comfortable.

Received the Guru today. :D

Going to play around with it a bit before posting much more than this, but first impressions are that it's exactly what I was looking for. :)

For others looking at backpacks for hiking, here is what I use: 1st generations ULA Equipmet Catalyst, custom made for me (I was a tester for them when I worked at a backpacking store), Think Tank Skin 75 pop down on one side of hip belt, Think Tank Skin 50 on other side. I carry the Skin Belt and body bag (for dayhike items) in the pack if I plan on having a basecamp, otherwise I forgo them. I keep my body in the top compartment or attached to my harness using clips. My tripod is a diy number using two trekking poles.

I've found that using designated camera bags as backpacks doesn't really work out, always taking the bag off, weight distribution is off and can get unbalanced when gear is in use as opposed to just riding in the bag. My set up allows me to have a 50mm 1.8 on the body, a 70-200 in the 75 popdown and the 24-105 or 17-40 in the skin 50 both ready for use. Pouches are not padded, weigh next to nothing and come with rain protection.

So...I'm a bit late with this, but better late than never I guess. ;)

Took the Guru with Medium ICU on a week long trip in the French Alps at the beginning of May.

My first thought on putting the loaded backpack on my back was something along the lines of "Wow...this is much lighter than I expected". While holding the backpack you can definitely feel the full weight of things in it when you put it on your back and correctly adjust the straps it almost feels weightless(*). I thought my previous backpack was good in this aspect, but the Guru blows it away. I had 500D, 4 lenses (17-55, 70-200 f/4 - camera mounted), 50 f/1.4, 100m macro), 3l of water and sandwiches for 4 people in the bag and it didn't feel like much at all, and I'm no way a sportsman.

Which brings me to the carrying capacity. I did not bring the tripod for this trip, so haven't been able to test the straps for fixing and carrying a tripod around yet, as the emphasis was on walking and not on taking pictures during this particular trip. I did however test every other compartment of the bag. The main area can easily take the medium ICU, 2-3 baguettes (chopped up into sandwich-sized bits) and a pullover and easily leave room for the other compartments. Front compartment can take maps, papers, extra memory cards, filters,... (I actually had the latter two in the ICU myself, but I can see people with bigger cameras/larger lenses moving stuff around).

When you open the middle compartment you are hit with actually how big the Guru is. You can still easily fit a lot of stuff in here even with the ICU in the big compartment pressing on this one. And you also have lots of meshes/zip pockets of which you can never have enough. I didn't fully use this area, but it still easily took a swiss knife, first aid gear and a flash light. Let me come back and stress this again. This bag has a *lot* of miscellaneous compartments for storing various gear. Always a plus (**).

Before I get to the ICU itself, one small quip about the bag would be that the mobile phone holder on the waist strap is a quite tight fit for an iPhone with a protector case. Just a small quip and it definitely would easily fit smaller phones, I'll happily blame this one on the iPhone's size rather than the bag's.

The ICU is very well padded, easily holds my gear (see signature) in whatever configuration I'd like. Hit the biggest problem with the bag in relation to the ICU though. The back zip area which allows access to the ICU from the exterior of the bag is a little bit too small for a medium ICU I found. It was quite a stretch with fingers to open/close the ICU while it was in the backpack so I tended to just leave the ICU itself open, just folded up for easier access. Still, even with the ICU unzipped in the bag, it provides more than ample protection as the back padding on the bag is very good. (***)

I also had the opportunity (****) to test out the rain cover. Fits perfectly, doesn't let any water through (and even though I didn't use one, also keeps the water pack tube exit free). Does its job perfectly.

Overall a very, very good hiking bag. Thank you for all the suggestions, definitely a purchase I'm very happy with.

(*) - although at the end of a day's hiking my feet/knees probably did feel the added weight, the weight distribution on back/waist is very very good.
(**) - except when you're still learning about the backpack and don't remember what you put where...
(***) - btaylor also seemed to notice this in his review (http://community.the-digital-picture...highlight=guru).
(****) - we had snow at 1600m at the beginning of May and quite heavy rain another day...

I also have pictures of what the bag actually looks like lying around on my iPhone (can't take a picture with my camera when it's loaded in the ICU...) but I'm at work now and don't have the cable for the phone so I'll put them up later.

Lowepro now has the Video Fastpack series which has a tripod carrying solution. I have a regular Fastpack 250 which I purchased just before they came out with the Video Fastpack series. When hiking, I put a hydration pouch in computer compartment and I find that helps with the rigidity issue. I find hiking without something in the computer compartment to be hard on the back. I picked the 250 because I was looking to use it as a carryon.

Good to hear you're happy with the Guru Patham. It's certainly suprising how much you can fit in that bag.

With the back flap on the medium ICU, I just leave it unzipped but still tuck it up where it would be if zipped up. The back of the pack itself gets zipped up anyway so there's no risk of anything falling out and the flap provides a bit more padding as well.

The rain cover is good, however I left mine somewhere in the middle of Iceland. Spent the rest of my trip (Europe during Winter so there was a bit of rain on occasion) without it and never had any issues with water seeping inside. I will buy a replacement though in the event that I have to use the bag in heavy rain.

I did exaclty the same thing, just leaving the ICU unzipped. Still, felt like it was worthy a mention as I was hard pressed finding anything negative about the bag! :p