Backpack: Time is starting to catch up with me relating to my back. I would like some suggestions on backpacks or sling bags that I can use to carry extra lens, tripod, etc when I am...

Zaydewise Loc: Nashville TN

Time is starting to catch up with me relating to my back. I would like some suggestions on backpacks or sling bags that I can use to carry extra lens, tripod, etc when I am hiking. My D800 and my FX lenses are not light so any way of spreading the load would be helpful.

Thanks

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I have the Domke propack 418. Its fairly large but comfortable. Holds tripod and laptop.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I have same equipment and use a Lowepro Pro Runner 350 AW. It's large enough to carry my D800e with my Sigma 15-500mm attached and 3 other lenses + a flash. Lots of pockets for small items also. It has a waist strap to help with weight distribution on shoulders. It also has a compartment for a laptop and outside straps and holder for a tripod. I paid $130 and consider it a bargain relative to others of comparable size and quality.

LPigott Loc: Monterey Peninsula, CA

Backpacks work for me ... even loaded up. Weight is distributed evenly so hiking long distances is comfortable. They offer peace of mind given they accommodate camera, lenses, spare batteries, hoods, etc. (I had a sling bag, but my equipment was too heavy on one shoulder.)

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I have a Lowepro sling 120 AW sling which I love, but if you have a long lens it might be difficult to impossible to get in the bag. The hip straps take the weight off of your shoulders and you can get into the bag with out taking it off. All big pluses for me.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Zaydewise wrote:

Time is starting to catch up with me relating to my back. I would like some suggestions on backpacks or sling bags that I can use to carry extra lens, tripod, etc when I am hiking. My D800 and my FX lenses are not light so any way of spreading the load would be helpful.

Thanks

I suggest you drive over to your local photography store and take a look at the in person. I know that Lowepro and Tamrak are nice backpacks but if you don't buy the right size to begin with you will wind up with 3 of them like me. It's not a big deal because I still use all three. I use the small one to take just the necessary stuff on hikes to that I don't try to overload it. I use the large one for storing my equipment and keeping track of it. I'd never take this on a hike since it weighs a ton when loaded with 4 or 5 lenses and 2 bodies. And I have a backpack that just fits my large lens and one camera body. I don't carry this on my back but use it to keep my camera protected while in the trunk of my car. If I travel anywhere I will put it on my back but just from the car to the motel room.

Bobgood1 Loc: Indianapolis, IN

Zaydewise wrote:

Time is starting to catch up with me relating to my back. I would like some suggestions on backpacks or sling bags that I can use to carry extra lens, tripod, etc when I am hiking. My D800 and my FX lenses are not light so any way of spreading the load would be helpful.

Thanks

If you are doing serious backpacking, more than " Day," packing weight and space is critical. P & S cameras are extremely popular, for a reason. They are quickly coming up to the capabilities of the big Heavy Boys. ( Much like computers have evolved.) In every hobby there are purists. Old ways are hard to break.imho.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Zaydewise wrote:

Time is starting to catch up with me relating to my back. I would like some suggestions on backpacks or sling bags that I can use to carry extra lens, tripod, etc when I am hiking. My D800 and my FX lenses are not light so any way of spreading the load would be helpful.
Thanks

Z, if you are having back problems I would stay away from a sling. They put all the weight on one shoulder and have no waist belt. Without the cross strap on, every time you bend over, they fall off. You can't balance them.
I would recommend something in the 200 range. 300 and up is pretty big.
I have a sling and three backpacks. Two Lowpros and one Canon.
My favorite ? Your gonna hate this, the Canon. I think it's an EG200, at about $50, it's the cheapest of the four. Why do I like it? It has the most backpack like feel. Not as stiff as the good ones. It has the most pockets, both outside and inside. It also has an elastic speed strap on the out side for stowing clothing etc.
Not as high quality as my lowpros, but it's my everyday use pack for a reason.
Check it out, thousands of packs out there. Good luck.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

SharpShooter wrote:

Z, if you are having back problems I would stay aw... (show quote)

My lowepro has a waist strap and experience little to no stress on my back. I was concerned when I bought it that it would be too much stress on my back and shoulders. The first serious hike I took with it was to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. I was 57 at the time. The only sore muscles I had was in my legs. :) I have not regretted that purchase. Now I wish my 400mm fit in it. :hunf:

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

SharpShooter wrote:

Z, if you are having back problems I would stay aw... (show quote)

I bought the Canon since the reviews were good, but returned it as I didn't think there was enough protection.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Zaydewise wrote:

Time is starting to catch up with me relating to my back. I would like some suggestions on backpacks or sling bags that I can use to carry extra lens, tripod, etc when I am hiking. My D800 and my FX lenses are not light so any way of spreading the load would be helpful.

Thanks

I have the Lowepro Fastpack 250. The lower compartment holds lots of camera gear, and the upper section can hold ... whatever. I just ordered a Lowepro Pro Runner 350. It's a bit larger, without the upper section for ... whatever.

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Fastpack-250-Camera-Backpack/dp/B000YIYQ30/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371496521&sr=8-2&keywords=lowepro+fastpack+250+aw

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

ecobin wrote:

I bought the Canon since the reviews were good, but returned it as I didn't think there was enough protection.

Ecobin, protection from what? My bigger LowPro trekker us great, has lots of protection, but it feels like a big box with nice straps on it when it's on my back. If I were going to roll it down a hill, then it would be my choice. Fortunetly I haven't had the need to roll my Canon down a Hill yet.
I use my bigger LowPro to carry all my gear on a plane, then my smaller one when I get there. I guess it just works well for me.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

jerryc41 wrote:

I have the Lowepro Fastpack 250. The lower compartment holds lots of camera gear, and the upper section can hold ... whatever. I just ordered a Lowepro Pro Runner 350. It's a bit larger, without the upper section for ... whatever.

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Fastpack-250-Camera-Backpack/dp/B000YIYQ30/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371496521&sr=8-2&keywords=lowepro+fastpack+250+aw

That is a really good price. I have been looking at Lowpro on e-bay, but I need one big enough to hold my 400mm lens. I love it but what a problem child for hauling around.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Country's Mama wrote:

That is a really good price. I have been looking at Lowpro on e-bay, but I need one big enough to hold my 400mm lens. I love it but what a problem child for hauling around.

Take a look at the Pro Runner 350. Amazon has it much cheaper than anyone else.

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Pro-Runner-350-Black/dp/B000CBLYVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371501505&sr=8-1&keywords=pro+runner+350

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

jerryc41 wrote:

Take a look at the Pro Runner 350. Amazon has it much cheaper than anyone else.

http://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Pro-Runner-350-Black/dp/B000CBLYVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371501505&sr=8-1&keywords=pro+runner+350

Thank you. I will start looking for a used one in my price range.