Recommend: backpack camera bag. w/hydration bladder pouch.

TylerW

Looking for a backpack-style bag that will accomodate my expanding collection of dslr gear. Easy, i could be answering this question by reading up on Amazon. The thing is though, I'll be spending a long time out in the sun on race days - water is pretty much a necessity, and I'd really like to believe that there's a camera bag out there that has a pocket for a hydration bladder, so I don't need to miss shots by rummaging around for a water bottle.

Ideally it should hold my 10d fitted with a 70-200 f/4L and a 1.4 teleconverter, with a few more cubbyholes for other gear.

Thanks for any suggestions!

pathfinder

My concern about a hydration bladder inside a camera bag would be what happens to the camera gear if it develops a leak?

I use a camelback on a bike, so I appreciate the convenience factor.

I understand that is unlikely, but how much damage would a bunch of water in your camera gear potentially cause? I

use seperate water bottles attached to a gear belt or carabinered to my backpack. I am just a belt and suspenders kinda guy.:):

TylerW

pathfinder wrote:

My concern about a hydration bladder inside a camera bag would be what happens to the camera gear if it develops a leak?

That's my concern as well - I guess I'm figuring that if a camera bag like this exists, the manufacturer has already considered the possibility and isolated the pouch from the camera gear.

otherwise I'd just be content to cannibalize a backpack with a laptop compartment, seeing as I don't have a laptop.

claudermilk

I am not aware of a photo backpack with a Camelback-type bladder compartment--probably for the same concerns as pathfinder mentioned. My first thoug is a laptop bag. I have also read of others just attaching a standard Camelbak to the outside of the camera pack--sme utility without the soaked camera worry.

pathfinder

I love the carabiners with the heavy rubber rings on them that slip over the flange on a bottle of Dasani or other bottled water. Quick, easy, handy and cheap. Like me.

I found mine at Gander Mountain for about $3 each. I bought a fistfull and slip one on each of my backpacks.

There are those in the hiking community who say you should never use anything for a water bottle but Nalgene bottles because they are less likely to accidently break in the outback and leave you without a water supply.

That is where using Dasani or a Camelback reservoir outside of a pack is a potential danger if you are in the desert or other wilderness.

If you are just wandering around the local woods it is merely an inconvenience rather than a risk to life.

ina

Actually, Lowepro makes a backpack just like the one you're asking for.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/waterproof/DryZone_Rover.aspx

It's waterproof, so that addresses your concern about mixing cameras with water. Check out the reviews on the bag first though, they don't say too many good things about the water bladder. Maybe you could replace it though, I don't know.

This backpack is on my list of future things to buy, especially if I get to go hiking more often.

photodoug

TylerW wrote:

Looking for a backpack-style bag that will accomodate my expanding collection of dslr gear. Easy, i could be answering this question by reading up on Amazon. The thing is though, I'll be spending a long time out in the sun on race days - water is pretty much a necessity, and I'd really like to believe that there's a camera bag out there that has a pocket for a hydration bladder, so I don't need to miss shots by rummaging around for a water bottle.

Ideally it should hold my 10d fitted with a 70-200 f/4L and a 1.4 teleconverter, with a few more cubbyholes for other gear.

Thanks for any suggestions!

The way we do it in scouts is to purchase the basic bladder bag and use it to strap to other bags. This allows you maximum flexibility: wear it alone or strapped to any bag. Most backpacks have external mount points, loops or straps, to easily clip on your bladder bag.

pathfinder

ina wrote:

Actually, Lowepro makes a backpack just like the one you're asking for.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/waterproof/DryZone_Rover.aspx

It's waterproof, so that addresses your concern about mixing cameras with water. Check out the reviews on the bag first though, they don't say too many good things about the water bladder. Maybe you could replace it though, I don't know.

This backpack is on my list of future things to buy, especially if I get to go hiking more often.

Very interesting find, ina. Welcome to dgrin

I could not find any other pictures of the interior of that bag - apparently it is a double compartment one above the other, rather like my Farmer's Double from Crumpler. But the Farmer's Double is not waterproof. Definitely might be worth a look!

patch29

Mountainsmith makes photo backpacks, no bladder pouch, but they do have mesh side pockets for water bottles.

TylerW

ina wrote:

Actually, Lowepro makes a backpack just like the one you're asking for.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/waterproof/DryZone_Rover.aspx

It's waterproof, so that addresses your concern about mixing cameras with water. Check out the reviews on the bag first though, they don't say too many good things about the water bladder. Maybe you could replace it though, I don't know.

This backpack is on my list of future things to buy, especially if I get to go hiking more often.

Good find Ina! Unfortunately the camera compartment is pretty small - no place for the telephotos that I need out at the racetrack. Looks like its back to the water bottle for me.

Thanks for all the input!