Why do I need to look here for a good Camera Pack

[bachamp]

Why, because, it seems Cameras and Hiking do not go together. Well that is what people who make camera bags think.

I'm looking first for a comfortable daysack and second something that can carry 10kgs of camera equipment including a 2kg tripod. It seems like most packs are the other way around. They are built like a brick, but kill if when you want to carry them more than from the house to the car...

I'm really careful with my camera, I don't drop it, roll it down hills, or sit on it. So I don't need 3kgs of padding, nor does it need to be made out of something that is 10 times stronger than steel.

I'm also currently looking at an multi day body-pack. I was trying on the Aarn Effortless Rhythm and I'm amazed at how comfortable the harness are. But it made me think, why are there no camera packs that are like this. I mean, I carry 10kgs.

Here is exactly what I'm looking for, needs to match all these:
1. Needs to fit all my gear, internal dimensions = 420mm x 300mm X 150mm
2. Needs to be a proper hiking pack, built for comfort, light wight etc. (I want to feel good after walking all day).
3. Needs to fit onto a plane as carry on luggage.
4. Tripod needs to go on outside (not on plane) and still be good to carry, maybe attach onto the front of the bag or something.

Also, would be good if when I put it down to get the camera out, I don't put the harness in the mud. So when I put it back on, I don't get mud on my shoulders, back etc.

If anyone know of a hiking day-pack that has a zipper that runs all the way around the bag (bottom right to bottom left) and has a cavity with dimensions 420mm x 300mm X 150mm, I can get an insert that will protect my gear.

I know this seems like a lot to ask, but its not rocket science, I would have thought someone would have thought about it before and made something that works.

Thanks
Bachamp

[woka]

Have a look at this:

http://www.macpac.com.au/shop/en_au/gea ... 5dbed8f2be

I use one of these when travelling for work (not photography). Internal dimensions are about what you're looking for and it's the largest size that can be used for carry on baggage. The zip goes about halfway down the pack. It would need a modification to carry a tripod on the outside.

The harness is more like a travel pack than hiking, but I've found it surprisingly comfortable with 8-10kg in it. It's crossed my mind to try it out as a day pack for camera gear, but I haven't done it yet, so can't comment.

[Slithers]

I have used a Tamrac bag for 3 years now.
The AERO 80. Weighs 1.177 kg. External dimensions are 32 x 23 x 47 cm. Look at http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm for more details.
It usually has 5-9 kg of weight in it. It fits semi-pro(40D) body with battery grip and medium lens. Room for 2-3 more lenses and external flash and all the usually filters/accesories and batteries.
I bought this bag specifically for hiking so i can carry the essential food/water,first aid etc, with all my camera gear. The bag has 3 main sections,
1. The lower section is seperated for your camera body & lenses. (this section is separated from the upper)Very important if you have expensive gear and do not want food/water near your camera equipment.
2. The upper section for flash filters and food/water, other items.
3. The 3rd was for laptop but i only use this for maps. (they stay dry in here in wet weather)

The bag is water resistant so if it starts to rain if you put all the camera gear back in the pack it will stay dry. 3 years on and no sign of deterioration looks hardly used really despite many, many day walks and the weight it usually holds. I take it on walks anything from 0-32km daywalks in all terrain and most weather conditions. Best of all it is really comfortable to carry, nicely padded back and straps.

I can highly recommend this from personal experience. They have quite a few other sizes depending on how much gear you carry.

[photohiker]

If you're enjoying the Aarn, it might be worth waiting a month and checking out the upcoming 'Photo balance pockets' that will convert any Aarn pack into a photo pack.

You don't mention what gear you carry, but for light day walks, I carry a belt system and lightweight backpack for the non-photo extras. That would be a bit much with 10kg in it though...

[blacksheep]

there may well be another Macpac aztec option this summer!

[blacksheep]

(sorry-double post)

[Nuts]

Try Mountainsmith, they have a range of camera packs. Personally, I would use just a top loader and lens cases.. especially overseas...

[glanzer]

Take a look at Kinesis Gear - http://www.kgear.com/store/index.php/ , specialising in packs & camera accessories specifically for bushwalking.

The system is modular featuring one pack model which is coupled with shoulder harness / hipbelt depending on users size.

Cameras, lenses & tripods are catered for with varying carrying & attachment options.

[Drifting]

I just bought a DMH Hikelight Bag for a day pack and camera pack- it works a treat! You can fit lenses in the side pouches, a tripod in the loops on the back, and lots of stuff in the main compartment. I'm going to get some neopreme lens wraps and maybe a soft case for my primary camera, and if I feel it's necessary an insert with padded containers.

I used it this wekend for the first itme and it was WAY better than any camera bag I've used.