Camera bag for short hikes

I like to visit the local state parks and hike for a couple of hours. What camera bags are recommended for easy accessiblity?
I just want to carry my camera and extra lens and battery. I saw someone with a back pack from Amazon Basics that looked fine but I do not want to continually don and remove a back pack for my accessories.

Brian Murphy

Brian:  You might want to look into a belt system and a couple of lens pouches.  I've found that to be very handy for short hikes.  Lots of options out there with varying price points.

I agree with Keith.  I love my Think Tank Skin system.  It's much more comfortable and handy than any photo pack, especially when combined with their Pixel Racing Harness for added support.  The only instances in which that may not be a good option is if you face a lot of inclement weather (the rain covers don't always fit tightly, though they're probably better on TT's padded modular system), or if you need to carry a big lens (larger than 300 2.8, which is about as big a lens as I can fit in the pouches).



Best part is, you can stil wear a backpack if you need to carry extra supplies.



If you really want a photo pack, MindShift Gear (ThinkTank's sister company) has come out with some hiking-oriented packs, including a line for landscape/smaller lens shooters that has a rotating waist pouch for quick accessibility.



Max

I have a little different view from the others.  I tried a belt system and ended up selling it because I didn't like it.  I devised a system that works quite well for me.  I keep my big camera bag in the car with everything in it and when I get to a location I consider my needs for the session and carry only what I need.  For that, I went to WalMart many years ago and bought a cheap canvas bag (tiny).  I think it cost maybe $12-15 bucks.  It'll carry an extra lens, extra battery, extra CF cards, a Lens Pen, a mini-Maglite, and a little toilet paper (never get caught in the woods without it!).  Total weight (fully loaded) is maybe 2-4 pounds, depending on lens.  It's unobtrusive and I can drop it easily to work with the camera or tripod.  Best $12-15 I ever spent I think.

I have been happy with my LowePro Slingshot for short hikes.. They are definitely worth a look. Perfectly suited for ease of access and carrying a small amount of gear.

I have a Tamrac Evolution backpack and love it.  It has color coded straps, so you can remember that you remove the red strap for camera or drop the blue strap for a second lens.  It has a handy area in the top that holds a small lunch and rain shell.  I think it also has a rain cover.  It might be more than you need, but I use it for short and longer hikes, more and less gear, and find that it fits most situatios.  There are several versions, one of which has a laptop compartment in the back, which I use for a hydration bladder and a garden kneeling pad (which I like to sit on for mid-hike breaks).

Here is a link to it:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=682171&gclid=CN_A2o2K9ckCFROVfgoduHIHIw&Q=&ap=y&m=Y&is=REG&A=details

New kid on the block:

https://www.peakdesign.com/product/bags/the-everyday-messenger

The lo-pro sling bag, I have had mine for a few years now, its perfect for a couple of hours in the woods