Which camera backpack for photographing bears in the Alaska wilderness? (Page 4): Whichever will allow you to run the fastest. :) Actually, you might try a frontpack ore even a...

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Which camera backpack for photographing bears in the Alaska wilderness?

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Feb 22, 2018 12:19:03 #

halraiser

Whichever will allow you to run the fastest. :)

Actually, you might try a frontpack ore even a waistpack. They have disadvantages, but you can get at what's inside without removing it.

Feb 22, 2018 12:41:26 #

Mark M USN RET

I would think you would a companion who is slower than you😆

Feb 22, 2018 12:42:04 #

rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA

binsjohn wrote:

I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula ... (show quote)

There's another Hog selling a backpack that may fit your needs.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-59618-1.html

Feb 22, 2018 12:51:32 #

jcboy3

binsjohn wrote:

I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula ... (show quote)

I would look at the Lowepro Flipside 400. The advantage to this type bag is that it opens on the side with the straps. They come with a hip strap, so you can take it off your shoulders, rotate it around, open it, and swap cameras without having to put it down. But if you do put it down, the front goes down and the back (with shoulder straps) is where you access your gear. So if the bag does get wet or dirty, it's not going against your back.

Feb 22, 2018 13:26:45 #

Eberhard Brunner Loc: Alaska

The best Alaska packs are 100% waterproof, but not bear proof. Keep your pack on your back at all time.
Check with REI, Patagonia. and Cabela. Fly fishing catalogs are another source.
Your destination at Chinitna Bay has lots of bears. There is plenty of action.
Most creeks can be waded with hip boots, or even better with chest waders.
Enjoy your trip.

Feb 22, 2018 13:45:34 #

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

My experience in shooting feeding bears is extreme caution. I would only take the Canon, with the Sigma 150-600, with either a 1.4, or 2X teleconverter. I'd also look into a good guide familiar with the area you are going to be hiking, and shooting the bears. Remember, the bears may be transitioning between streams, while you're hiking, and you may become prey for these bears. Be prepared to abandon your equipment at any time to flee a attacking bear. You can always return to retrieve you equipment, but not your life. From experience, and seeing how these bears work, I would leave the bear spray home, and carry something in the .44 to .45 caliber range.

B

Feb 22, 2018 13:54:20 #

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd suggest something that is easily digestible. One wouldn't want to be giving the native wildlife indigestion.
--Bob

binsjohn wrote:

I'll be spending time in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula ... (show quote)

Feb 22, 2018 13:55:24 #

BBBruce77 Loc: Eureka, Montana

Gene51 wrote:

You need this one!

Good one. I was thinking one made of kevlar might slow the bear down long enough for you to get in one or two extra shots.

Feb 22, 2018 13:58:43 #

halraiser

Or maybe instead of a Canon he should take a cannon. :)

Feb 22, 2018 14:31:27 #

oregon don

you will need a 3 foot long telephoto lens

Feb 22, 2018 14:59:27 #

Eberhard Brunner Loc: Alaska

Bill; Your reply is the funniest I have EVER read.
Where did you gain your experience with bears?

My first advice is; Never run from a approaching bear. Walk-talk but DON'T run!
If you run the bear might give chase. There is no way you can outrun a bear. Most animals know when you are afraid-so keep cool and stand your ground.
Forget the bear spray and the gun.If you shoot a bear in self defense you might fill out endless papers, answer many questions and possible pay a fine.

Pilots-park rangers and guides trust the IKARUS "bear flare". Not to be confused with a road flare.Contact EAGLE ENTERRPRISE in Anchorage Ak 907-562-2331
ask for Gary.
I have worked with Alaska Coastal Brown Bears for 40 years. While filming and photographing bears I had only a few harmless "bluff charges". Very likely I would not write this note If I would have been "attacked". Paying attention and showing respect will keep you safe. Ask locals and park rangers for sound advise.
www.EberhardBrunner.com

Feb 22, 2018 15:27:12 #

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Depending on how fleet of foot you are I might suggest this one!

Feb 22, 2018 15:48:15 #

chrisscholbe Loc: Kansas City, MO

Effate wrote:

Depending on how fleet of foot you are I might suggest this one!

Where did you get this picture of Commander Cody?

Feb 22, 2018 16:43:16 #

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

binsjohn wrote:

As I think I mentioned in my original post, I'll b... (show quote)

I hope the backpack you are ordering works out for you. Make sure to give it a really good test. That type did not work well for me. Ordered a couple of that type from BestBuy and tried them out here at home prior to the trip. It was just too darned tough to handle for me. Returned both. Of course, it may work much better for you. And I hope it will! My Lowepro actually opens from the rear or from the top which makes it very convenient for me. It has been to 4 continents with me so far and it is going to Africa in a bit over 2 months. I like it so much that I actually bought a second one when I found out that that model has been discontinued.

Enjoy Alaska! It really is my favorite place on earth.

Feb 22, 2018 18:13:49 #

Ob1 Loc: Utah

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L. It has everything you are looking for have a great time.

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