Which camera backpack for photographing bears in the Alaska wilderness?
Feb 21, 2018 07:28:21 #
I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula this summer photographing brown bears during the salmon run. I plan to take to take two camera bodies with lenses and CPLs already attached (Fuji X-T2 w/18-135 & Canon 80D w/Sigma 150-600). The environmental conditions will not be conducive to changing lenses or putting a bag or backpack down to swap cameras or access other gear since it's very wet in most areas. So, I'm looking for a bag or backpack that will give me the ability to store and swap the two cameras without setting it down while hiking and shooting. Suggestions?
Feb 21, 2018 07:34:20 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
binsjohn wrote:
I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula ... (show quote)
Here you go! https://www.amazon.com/Plush-Bear-Backpack-Rocky-Bearington/dp/B001DI608Y
Closest I could find for a bear backpack.
Feb 21, 2018 07:57:19 #
Feb 21, 2018 08:35:35 #
binsjohn wrote:
I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula ... (show quote)
I would call Think Tank and they have product specialists.
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Feb 21, 2018 08:36:37 #
Feb 21, 2018 12:19:19 #
Leitz wrote:
Here you go! https://www.amazon.com/Plush-Bear-Backpack-Rocky-Bearington/dp/B001DI608Y
Closest I could find for a bear backpack.
Closest I could find for a bear backpack.
Yeah, one with a PLEASE DON'T EAT ME sticker.
Feb 21, 2018 13:09:02 #
Feb 21, 2018 13:09:41 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
Yeah, one with a PLEASE DON'T EAT ME sticker.
But bears can't read. . . I think my solution is better.
Feb 21, 2018 13:15:17 #
binsjohn wrote:
I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula ... (show quote)
Doesn't matter too much so long as it is comfortable and holds your gear, just take a companion with you that can't run as fast as you can.
Feb 21, 2018 13:22:54 #
Feb 21, 2018 13:32:29 #
binsjohn wrote:
I guess I'll have to post some of the photos when (and if) I return ;-)
It will be a bit of a bear if you don't! More seriously. I personally find things like camera bags / backpacks to be a very personal thing. Clearly form factor, strength and robustness are important criteria but they apply to the bag and the carrier, so the ideal combination becomes very subjective. It's really a decision process that only you can manage.
Find something that can handle the gear you want, choose good quality brands, don't go cheap, but try to find a good store where you can try some of them on. It would most likely be worth the journey.
After a number of attacks on hikers and campers in Alaska, the Department of Fish & Game released the following advisory:
We advise that outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity.
Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between Black Bear and Grizzly Bear droppings. Black bear droppings are smaller and contain lots of berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear droppings have little bells in it and smell like pepper.
Feb 21, 2018 13:35:16 #
Feb 21, 2018 13:43:18 #
Feb 21, 2018 17:40:09 #
Finding that perfect backpack isnt easy. I use a streetwalker for lighter loads and a mindshift, when I'm hitting the trail. You may want to check them out on B&H. Mindshift has a 26l and 36l.
Also, don't forget the bear spray and make sure you bring someone else with you, that you know you can outrun!
Also, don't forget the bear spray and make sure you bring someone else with you, that you know you can outrun!
Feb 21, 2018 18:21:45 #
binsjohn wrote:
I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula ... (show quote)
Get one that comes with bear bells and a pouch for bear spray!
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