PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

You ask an honest question and you get a bunch of comedians who try to out due each other.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

if you are going to be close to brown bears, be sure to include a serious gun in the back pack. If you must shoot make sure it;s a kill shot or all you will have done is piss off the bear, and he will eat you as well as the backpack.

Largobob

Now.....that's funny!

mleuck

Be sure to buy a backpack the bears approve!

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Still laughing!

TJBNovember Loc: Long Island, New York

You may want to consider a Lowepro Fastpack, with side and top access or any similar pack. Also while not trying to be funny, many years ago we went on a trip to Alaska, and our guide carried a large caliber pistol in a quick draw holster. So perhaps a Desert Eagle 50 caliber pistol in a good rig and some combat range training might be a wise option.

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

You can also search Lowepro or Google for waterproof camera backpacks. I have one that is (allegedly, as I haven't tested that part yet) waterproof and it will carry anything you need.

ELNikkor

The one that comes with a .44 magnum in a rapidly accessible pocket...

tomcat

Get one with velcro "break-away" straps. This is important so when the bears swipe out at you and grab the backpack it will come off and you can run. Otherwise they'll use it to pull you closer

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

LowePro and ThinkTank are my go to brands. I have a LowePro pack that has a side entry so you swing the pack around your body and access the camera without completely taking off the pack. I also have a TT Streetwalker that I love, but you have to put it down to access the camera. I'm betting that they have a side entry also.You might also call B and H and talk to one of their reps about your requirements. I've found them to be unbelievably helpful and extraordinarily knowledgeable. Also, their product selection can't be beat.

doclrb

Mindshift Backlight 36L

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

A couple of years ago, my husband and I went to the same area where you will be. The reason was for me to photograph the bears, and my husband’s was to see if he could entice one of the bears to eat me so he could collect my life insurance. Just kidding about the second part of that previous sentence.

My serious response is that I took my Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L (no longer made, but you can find new ones on Ebay). It has a self-contained waterproof cover that is truly waterproof. It rains a lot where you are going, so waterproof is important. When we went, I carried a Nikon D7200, Nikon D5200, Tamron 150-600, Nikkor 55-300, and a couple of other lenses. Biggest mistake I made while photographing the bears was that I did not have a lens attached to each camera. Just had the 150-600 on the D5200 and left the D7200 and 55-300 (NOT attached to the camera) in the backpack. When at Brook Falls, I missed shots because the 150 end of the 150-600 was too long. It was raining and I wasn’t able to get the D7200 out and put the lens on it. Didn’t make that same mistake on Kodiak.

Something to keep in mind is that you can actually wear a backpack on the front of your body. This would allow you to access the contents without taking it off. If you wanted to go that route, check the arrangement out at home to determine whether or not you can shoot with that configuration.

Have fun! Send photos!
“Mike”

doclrb

Mindshift Backlight 36L

AzGriz Loc: Sedona, Arizona

Being a long time Alaskan, I know the brown bear population on the Kenai Peninsula has been greatly reduced. Best bet is on the Alaskan Peninsula at McNeil River or Kodiak Island.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

NEVER run from a bear. Bears are top of the predator pyramid. They are much faster than you, running marks you as prey. The only chance you have is to be still and slowly back away. I'm not kidding.