Suggestions please - Daypack for hiking/scambling with tripod
Discussion
14 replies
Posted by Scott Snyder on June 20, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Hi All,
Does anyone have a suggestion for a good day pack for hiking with camera and tripod + gear - summer and winter - somewhat light weight? I'm in the Northeast, usually on steep and rocky trails. For a camera daypack I've been using a DaKine camera pack, carrying tripod in hand. I am looking a a lighter alternative with easy tripod-strapping capability for steep scrambles and for longer hikes where poles would be nice. I bought a Gregory z35 this weekend, but am not happy with what I've come up with for tripod carry-ability. Most dedicated camera packs are too weighty and clumsy for my taste.
Mountainsmith Borealis. This is the one I own and the tripod straps right to the back.
You can see more images of this pack at Flickr.
Note that the newer version doesn't have the (small) net water bottle pocket, is only in black and the pack is slightly larger.
As with all camera packs, there are some compromises. You can't carry a boatload of photo gear in either pack, and you may find the upper pack a bit small for your needs. I'm able to carry water, snacks, a first aid/survival kit and a light jacket in mine. That's all I need for my outings. The NaneuPro K5 is a viable option if your needs are greater. This one more closely remembles the Gregory pack.
Another thought would be the Lowepro Rover AW II. You can search it on the net. Sorry didn't know how to do the link like John does. Like John said you can't care a boat load of equipment in these but it works well. It is very comfortable even when load. I own this one. There is an upper and lower section. Lower I can carry, Nikon D200, with 24-70 f/2.8 attached, 12-24 f/4, 70-200 f/2.8, 50 f/1.8, SB600 flash and extension tubes, The upper section is mainly for your personal stuff but I can also fit 150 f/2.8 macro in lens case there as well. There are 6 slip-lock attachment loops on the outside to attach other lens to in the slip-lock lens cases if you need to. It does have the mesh water bottle pockets and 2 other small pockets too. The tripod system on the back works very well and is well balanced. The pack only weighs 3.3 lbs so is fairly light. You can take the complete camera insert out of the bottom if you need to use it as just a daypack. Just another thought. Happy hunting. Doing the research is half the fun.
Just bought the Lowepro Flipside 400 last week and used on the weekend on a 5 hour trek. Feels comfortable with 2 bodies and 3 lens, tripod, monopod and 2L water bottle.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on June 22, 2010 at 11:26 AM
I have a Deuter Futura Zero 40 pack which has been great in scrambling and day hiking for me though they no longer list this particular model. From the factory, you can lash a tripod on either side, but I had a tripod sling made which sits in the center of the back of the pack. I can provide a pattern for this which should work on all top load Furtura packs. I carry my 4X5 kit with this pack and I can carry the Tachihara 45BR camera, 30 sheets of quickloads, a few traditional filmholders, 4 lenses, filter system, spotmeter, loupe, darkcloth, tripod, goretex shell, food and two qts of water, plus a Panasonic LX3 and a raincover for the pack.
Here is a photo of me scrambling with the tripod sling and a full pack (4X5 plus 35mm kit) in the Maze District.
I've also used the pack carrying 35mm gear in a Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4 with fly fishing kit, food for two, 2 or 3 qts of water, top and bottom shells, etc...
The open mesh design of packs like the Osprey Stratos/Atmos, Gregory Z and Deuter Futura series packs is a huge step forward in comfort for day hikes.
I've been using the Deuter hard for 4 years now climbing through slot canyons, sliding down sandstone and hiking on brushy trails and it has some scrapes and wear, but its by no means worn out.
I am looking to change my pack to one with a full zip body like my wife's Osprey Stratos 24L (which is also a fantastic pack), so I can setup the LF camera without pulling everything out of the pack, but I haven't found one with the type of open suspension in a ~40L size. I suppose I could cannibalize the Deuter frame to make my own perfect pack, but I'd rather buy one if possible.
One last thing to consider is that the Deuter pack weighs only 3 pounds for a 40L pack and costs just over $100 with a frame/harness designed to carry 35 pounds in comfort.
The Nano Pro K4L at $229 weighs 5.8 for a 48L pack
The mountainsmith at $189 weighs 5.1 pounds for a 26L pack
The Lowepro Flipside 400AW at $189 weighs 3.5 pounds, but is only a 17L pack
None of the camera packs provide a load recommendation.
Scott. I use the LowPro AW Charlie spoke about and love it. Great for day hikes.
Posted by Scott Snyder on June 23, 2010 at 7:19 AM
Thanks for all the suggestions everybody. Mel, what you are doing with the Dueter is what I am aiming for with the Gregory z35. Can you describe or photograph how you are attaching your tripod?
I don't have a close up of the tripod sling, but this image of the pack lays the groundwork.
This sling was made a few years ago, so I don't remember the exact dimensions, but can measure them.
At the top of the front pocket and on the sides there are compression straps on the pack. I measured the distance between these straps in height and width. On this pack, that forms a trapezoid.
Then I allowed some drop below the bottom compression straps where the bottom of the tripod would hang, 8 to 12 inches. The bottom of the sling was measured by taking the width of 2 legs of the tripod and giving a little clearance forming a lower trapezoid. At the bottom of the sling, a pocket is formed, roughly 4 inches deep for two of the tripod legs to rest in. The pocket is not baffled so it lays flat when the tripod is out of the pocket.
The sling is attached to the pack using thin accessory cord that is sewn into a loop for the compression straps to pass through. The accessory cord is sewn into pockets on the back of the sling (the top made by folding the fabric over, the lower by a second piece of fabric and the cord is stitched into those folds as well.
The tripod is secured to the sling by using double sided Velcro (continuous tape with hook on one side and loop on the other), which is sewn on the top and middle of the sling, with secured stitching at the ends.
The sling weighs just a couple ounces, but has been very durable and holds the tripod stable. I'll try to get a close up photo of the sling tonight if I get a chance.
I´m using and abusing the Clikelite Large Hiker, IMHO the best mountain/backpacking/photo hybrid backpack available these days.
http://www.clikelite.com/shop/large-hiker/
Posted by Jeff Loomis on June 28, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Scott - Not to discount the great feedback already given, but I think your Gregory pack should work fine. It looks like the z35 has a pocket on either side and compression straps directly above. If you slide the tripod under the compression strap and into this pocket, you should be able to cinch the strap tight and be good to go. This may be difficult to picture, but if you bring your pack and tripod to REI and explain what you want to do, I'm sure they will help you.
Mel--the Deuter packs do not seem to be designed for carrying camera gear--I could not find any photos showing any padded compartments, etc. for stashing lenses and bodies, etc. Maybe this is part of the reason for the lower cost. In addition to the tripod sling you added, did you end up buying padded compartments or do you just let the stuff all bang around together?
Posted by Darren Huski on July 17, 2010 at 8:16 AM
I have used several camera backpacks and while I think they are fine for short hikes for a real scramble all day kinda hike I still prefer a real pack. I have the LP Flipside 400 and a Photo Trekker AW. They are both decent packs for carrying camera gear for a short hike or working froma vehicle, but I find it lacks the space for the 10 essentials I want an a long rugged all day hike. My pack for rugged hikes is an Osprey Kestrel 32. Carries my photo and survival gear, food, jacket, etc. I can lash the tripod to the side. This pack carries much better.
Your Gregory should be able to do the same. If your tpod is too big look at a smaller lighter one like a Feisol 3401. At $220 its about what you would spend on a good pack anyway.
Posted by Chad Merrell on August 11, 2010 at 11:56 AM
If you are still looking check out what fstop has to offer. I am using the Tilupa and really like it. I can pack the camera, 4-5 lenses, tripod, assorted photo odds and ends, rain gear, down jacket, lunch, water bottle, binoculars and stil have some room left over. As a light weight backpacker I consider the pack a little on the heavy side at 4.5# but for a dayhike it's not a problem. With a smaller camera unit in it I am sure that I could pack my camera gear and enough other stuff for an overnighter.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on August 31, 2010 at 7:58 PM
Mel--the Deuter packs do not seem to be designed for carrying camera gear--I could not find any photos showing any padded compartments, etc. for stashing lenses and bodies, etc. Maybe this is part of the reason for the lower cost. In addition to the tripod sling you added, did you end up buying padded compartments or do you just let the stuff all bang around together?
I have to admit I missed this update along the way.
Um.... No I don't allow the stuff to just bang together.
Depending on what I'm carrying, it defines how the pack is configured.
For 35mm stuff, which would apply to the majority of readers here, I use the mid-size Tamrac Adventure Messenger. It fits straight down or sideways in the pack body. This is much lighter than a typical fully padded pack and allows me to carry different kinds of gear well too.
For 4X5, which is my normal setup, I use a lightweight RPT camera case for my Tachihara, a quickload box for my film, the readyload holder and meter are wrapped, and then lens wraps for the various lenses and little pouches for the filters.
Ideally, I'd like to have a Deuter Zero 40 that had a full zip front panel to make access to components easier and I may buy another pack to modify myself.
Whichever pack you choose Scott, do yourself a favor and get a couple of belt pouches to go with it. Whether you hang them from the belt of the pack or your own belt, you'll treasure them. It's a PITA to take off the pack every time you need to change lenses or whatever. The belt pouches keep most-used gear handy and within reach at all times.
Discussion
14 repliesDoes anyone have a suggestion for a good day pack for hiking with camera and tripod + gear - summer and winter - somewhat light weight? I'm in the Northeast, usually on steep and rocky trails. For a camera daypack I've been using a DaKine camera pack, carrying tripod in hand. I am looking a a lighter alternative with easy tripod-strapping capability for steep scrambles and for longer hikes where poles would be nice. I bought a Gregory z35 this weekend, but am not happy with what I've come up with for tripod carry-ability. Most dedicated camera packs are too weighty and clumsy for my taste.
Ideas please!
Mountainsmith Borealis. This is the one I own and the tripod straps right to the back.
You can see more images of this pack at Flickr.
Note that the newer version doesn't have the (small) net water bottle pocket, is only in black and the pack is slightly larger.
NaneuPro K4L. This was my second choice.
As with all camera packs, there are some compromises. You can't carry a boatload of photo gear in either pack, and you may find the upper pack a bit small for your needs. I'm able to carry water, snacks, a first aid/survival kit and a light jacket in mine. That's all I need for my outings. The NaneuPro K5 is a viable option if your needs are greater. This one more closely remembles the Gregory pack.
Here is a photo of me scrambling with the tripod sling and a full pack (4X5 plus 35mm kit) in the Maze District.
I've also used the pack carrying 35mm gear in a Tamrac Adventure Messenger 4 with fly fishing kit, food for two, 2 or 3 qts of water, top and bottom shells, etc...
The open mesh design of packs like the Osprey Stratos/Atmos, Gregory Z and Deuter Futura series packs is a huge step forward in comfort for day hikes.
I've been using the Deuter hard for 4 years now climbing through slot canyons, sliding down sandstone and hiking on brushy trails and it has some scrapes and wear, but its by no means worn out.
I am looking to change my pack to one with a full zip body like my wife's Osprey Stratos 24L (which is also a fantastic pack), so I can setup the LF camera without pulling everything out of the pack, but I haven't found one with the type of open suspension in a ~40L size. I suppose I could cannibalize the Deuter frame to make my own perfect pack, but I'd rather buy one if possible.
One last thing to consider is that the Deuter pack weighs only 3 pounds for a 40L pack and costs just over $100 with a frame/harness designed to carry 35 pounds in comfort.
The Nano Pro K4L at $229 weighs 5.8 for a 48L pack
The mountainsmith at $189 weighs 5.1 pounds for a 26L pack
The Lowepro Flipside 400AW at $189 weighs 3.5 pounds, but is only a 17L pack
None of the camera packs provide a load recommendation.
Thanks again.
This sling was made a few years ago, so I don't remember the exact dimensions, but can measure them.
At the top of the front pocket and on the sides there are compression straps on the pack. I measured the distance between these straps in height and width. On this pack, that forms a trapezoid.
Then I allowed some drop below the bottom compression straps where the bottom of the tripod would hang, 8 to 12 inches. The bottom of the sling was measured by taking the width of 2 legs of the tripod and giving a little clearance forming a lower trapezoid. At the bottom of the sling, a pocket is formed, roughly 4 inches deep for two of the tripod legs to rest in. The pocket is not baffled so it lays flat when the tripod is out of the pocket.
The sling is attached to the pack using thin accessory cord that is sewn into a loop for the compression straps to pass through. The accessory cord is sewn into pockets on the back of the sling (the top made by folding the fabric over, the lower by a second piece of fabric and the cord is stitched into those folds as well.
The tripod is secured to the sling by using double sided Velcro (continuous tape with hook on one side and loop on the other), which is sewn on the top and middle of the sling, with secured stitching at the ends.
The sling weighs just a couple ounces, but has been very durable and holds the tripod stable. I'll try to get a close up photo of the sling tonight if I get a chance.
I´m using and abusing the Clikelite Large Hiker, IMHO the best mountain/backpacking/photo hybrid backpack available these days.
http://www.clikelite.com/shop/large-hiker/
- Jeff
Your Gregory should be able to do the same. If your tpod is too big look at a smaller lighter one like a Feisol 3401. At $220 its about what you would spend on a good pack anyway.
I have to admit I missed this update along the way.
Um.... No I don't allow the stuff to just bang together.
Depending on what I'm carrying, it defines how the pack is configured.
For 35mm stuff, which would apply to the majority of readers here, I use the mid-size Tamrac Adventure Messenger. It fits straight down or sideways in the pack body. This is much lighter than a typical fully padded pack and allows me to carry different kinds of gear well too.
For 4X5, which is my normal setup, I use a lightweight RPT camera case for my Tachihara, a quickload box for my film, the readyload holder and meter are wrapped, and then lens wraps for the various lenses and little pouches for the filters.
Ideally, I'd like to have a Deuter Zero 40 that had a full zip front panel to make access to components easier and I may buy another pack to modify myself.