Camera Hiking Bag

leftquark

Does anyone have any recommendations for a camera bag to hike with? My current camera bag is just too big and too heavy to take on long hikes. I'd like something with the following requirements:

• Hold Camera (Nikon D700) with lens on it (most likely 24-70mm), plus one additional lens (most likely 17-35, and a couple batteries, filters, memory cards, and microfiber cloth
• Hold my carbon-fiber tripod on a side pouch
• Have a designated spot for CamelPak water pouch
• Extra room to throw food/lunch/long-sleeve shirt
• Waist strap to take weight off my shoulders
• 2 shoulder straps (I don't like the sling or across shoulder bags)

My buddy has a Clik bag that he really likes but I hate having all the same gear as him. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
-Leftquark

Rhuarc

I have the Computrekker AW that I use for hiking. In the laptop slot I put a 3 liter Camepak. I run the tube out the top of the zipper and over the sholder strap. It has room for a camera with several lenses and accessories, a tripod holder on the back, room in the top for snacks etc...

It also has a really good waist strap. Attached to the waist strap I have a water bottle holder that I keep a water bottle filled with snack mix in, and on the other side I have a lens pack to hold an extra lens that I can change without taking the bag off.

It is not a small bag, but it provides alot of space for quite a bit of gear to be carried comfortably. It also has the All Weather cover that can be pulled up from the bottom to basically make the bag water proof.

Hope this helps!

Zerodog

Check out f-stop camera bags.

cmason

I just bought the ClikElite Probody Sport, and its absolutely ideal. Highly recommended.

reminds me, I should do a review

Rhuarc

Wow, I just checked out the Clik brand of bags. I had no idea these existed! I think I am in love! I now know what I need to sell my other bags to get!

Wayupthere

I too just checked out the Clik brand of bags..nice looking. I like the looks of the Pro Elite, need to see them in person this time.

I have the Lowe Pro Flipside 400 AW.
The build quality is very good, and I love the design. Cant believe no one else is using it. The 700 with both lenses fit..but too tight. The problem is the lens hoods. If you dont use them then this would be perfect..but I would not be without them. And taking them on and off..no way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylGHT...eature=related
Gary

Art Scott

LowePro Slingshots.....several different sizes to choose from depending on what you need to carry.....OR
make a harness system using a military Pistol belt and suspendars plus LowePro TopLoad 75AW(s).

I use the belt harness system more than anything anymore as it works great for walking, hiking or riding
mc....and it was much cheaper than prefabed ones...
and as to space for a camelbak pak.......the larger slingbags have a laptop pocket and that would be usable
for a camelbak...easily

My whole prob with backpacks is having to remove them completely to get into them...whether they
standard style or what is termed the front/back loaders...they still have to come off....sling bags just slip
around from back to front or the belt/harness system the bags are right on your side ready to allow
access anytime and all stays totally secure and attached to your body......

Wayupthere

My whole prob with backpacks is having to remove them completely to get into them...whether they
standard style or what is termed the front/back loaders...they still have to come off....sling bags just slip
around from back to front or the belt/harness system the bags are right on your side ready to allow
access anytime and all stays totally secure and attached to your body......

Exactly, that's why the Lowe Pro Flipside is so ingenious. You don't have to take it off to have total access. And why I cant believe no one has copied the design... yet.
Now they need to come up with a 500 size
Gary

lightyear

Hiking bags
If possible, go to a store that has the backpack you are interested in and try it on. I did this and found that some bags are more comfortable than others. Some bags, when loaded with camera, lenses, tripod, etc. are VERY uncomfortable and unstable and shift around as you go up/down hill. I also found that the very large bag I first bought was just too heavy after 20-30 minutes, and I sold it.Both Tamrac and Lowepro have very well designed and comfortable bags. I found that when hiking, and I reached the area to photograph, I took the bag off put it near where I was working and worked from it. Conversely, I use a shoulder bag when not hiking.
Stan

Sam

I Have both the Low pro Rover AW and the Pro Trekker 300. The Rover is very nice for shorter trips with a light load. I has a top zippered compartment for jackets etc.

The Pro Trekker is much better on my back when carrying a heavier load. It has a hydration pouch, and you can carry jackets etc on the top or bottom of the pack. Very well built.

You may want to check these out as well.

Sam