Photo bags

[EOSThree]

I have quite a collection of photo bags, but I still haven't found the grail of bags. I recently got back from a weekend in the Wrangell's with everything from steady rain and fog to blazing sun. It's nice to have a variety of gear with you to be able to go on a good day hike to even an overnight jaunt and be able to handle most situations you may get into.

I have been looking for years for a full on backpacking rig for a overnight capability with photo capability. My solution has been to either woefully underpack with a fanny pack or something or over do it with a full backpack rig with no real space for camera gear, so I have to unpack when a photo op comes along.

What have I been looking for?
A backpack.

• Waterproof Cover
• Rugged(cordura)
• Decent Shoulder Straps/carrying system(comfortable for several hours)
• Places to lash gear for longer trips outside

With a dedicated padded area for camera gear with easy access:

• Pro Body 1D, 5D w/grip
• Pro WA/Short Tele Zoom(28-70 2.8, 24-105 4, etc.)
• Pro Tele zoom(80-400, 120-400, 100-400, etc.)
• Couple of Batteries
• Memory
• Various Sundries(cleaning supplies, filters, remote shutter release, etc.
• Nicely organized

With a large space for personal gear:

• Preferably as large as or larger than the camera compartment
• Room for jacket, lunch, water bottle(or hydration sleeve)
• Tarp(possible shelter)

I have like what I've seen from F-Stop gear and Clik Elite. Right now because F-Stop doesn't have the smaller ICUs Clik is in the lead. I was wondering if anyone else has had any experience with other gear out there that would serve in this function.

[Skyman]

It sounds like the Lowpro Dryzone rover will do everything you are asking...
http://products.lowepro.com/product/...er,1936,18.htm

I had the original rover for about 15 years. It went to god about a week ago due to an accident with a box cutter :cryin:

shortly after I bought mine they released a version with a built in raincoat, but it looks like the new model is completely waterproof! It has a great harness with spots to hang lens pouches etc off it, but there is no reason you couldn't hang a bedroll tent or pots and pans off it if you want to stretch it for a couple of days although that might mean the top portion is a little bit small.

[n8]

I use a lowepro flipside 400, which certainly covers most of your criteria, but the last category would probably depend on how creative you can get with your lashing.

[EOSThree]

The Rover looks pretty close to what I am looking for, I think I'll give that one a shot. Still looking at the Clik Elite Probody Sport though. I don't think it would get me through an overnight hike though.

I may be switching gears toward an insert with a dedicated backpack for overnight purposes.

[Singletracklovr]

I may be switching gears toward an insert with a dedicated backpack for overnight purposes.

I prefer this method. Quick access is important for those shots that popup along the trail.
WHen I hike I use a harness type strap and keep the camera ready at all times.
When I mtn bike I protect the camera a bit more with a lowpro attached to the shoulder straps.



hth

[mjs1973]

I have only gone on one overnight hiking trip with my camera gear and at the time, my gear was pretty minimal. A 35mm SLR and 2 kit zoom lenses. My solution was a LowPro TLZ (top load zoom) bag that came with a chest harness. Very similar to what Bob is pictured with. I was able to keep a dedicated backpack with all of my hiking/camping gear on my back, and all of my camera gear on my chest. It worked great but with the amount of camera gear you have listed, I don't see this as a practical option but thought I would mention it.