petejohn

I recently purchased a Nikon 200-500 and have it mounted on a Nikon 7100 or Nikon D500. I'm headed for Wy in the early fall/Yellowstone and G. Tetons and have planned a few hikes. I would appreciate advice on backpacks or harness' that would help me carry the load on hikes. I've tried researching Kinesis/Cotton/others and a few general purpose backpacks. Haven't found a clear decision and thought I'd query the group. Anyone have a good solution? Also, I'll be packing a sigma 10-20 and a tamron 18-400 on the camera that isn't on the big lense. My wife will be toting the lighter one. Thanks for any advice.

PoppieJ Loc: North Georgia

i would go for a backpack. if you are hiking then you will also need to carry water besides the camera, a backpack makes that much easier. I don't have a great suggestion as to which one, i use one that I got from REI and it carries the load without making my shoulders sore.

GerryER Loc: Virginia USA

I have the Nicama dual camera vest. Very well made and fully adjustable, so can be worn over jackets, etc. The 2nd camera "holster" is removable, if you only want to carry a single camera. Safety tethers attach to each camera for protection. I got mine thru Ebay. (The pictures are off the web.)

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Looks like a copy of the Cotton Carrier. I hope the materials and workmanship are good enough as well. Amazon has them for $40.

https://www.amazon.com/Nicama-Carrier-Harness-Mounting-Holster/dp/B071KPGRZH

Claude_46

Hello
When I go hiking, depending on which device I want to take, I have two bags.

1- If it is to shoot landscapes, I use the Nikon Z6 with the 24-70mm lens. In this case, the bag is the Lowepro Outback 200. It is very practical, it fits at the waist and the shoulder and can be pulled back in front of the chest. It even serves as a support for the Z6.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C8-5qoNGoU

2- If it is for animal photography, the bag is the Lowepro Flipside 500 AW, it allows to safely transport my Nikon D500 with the Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R5V8JOoaJo

Hoping that this can be useful to you ...
cordially

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I have both a Cotton Carrier and a LowPro camera backpack. Both are extremely comfortable, and I have used the Cotton Carrier with up to a 100-300mm F4, and a 70-200 F2.8, and a 50-500. Access to the camera is fast and the attachment system is solid. The downside is that it works great for short hikes and clear weather.

Longer hikes require food and water and protection from the elements, and sometimes I like to carry a tripod if there will be a waterfall along the way. This is where I like the added protection and comfort of a larger backpack that can accommodate anything I want. Regular backpacks lack the padding and protection. My LowePro has a built-in sleeve for a hydration bladder.

You might want to take a look at this one.

https://www.lowepro.com/us-en/powder-backpack-500-aw-grey-orange-lp37230-pww/

Cubanphoto

I got very much the same setup You have (D7000 with Nikkor 200-500mm just bought used. Also a D750 with 24-70mm.
I just bought used the Mindshift 180 rotation. The bag back has a pouch that comes out of the bagpack without taking the bagpack from your shoulder! It gives you a very fast access to a camera with a medium lens.
Check it on Adorama.
Now it does not designed to carry a laptop but I don't need that.
It has a pouch for rain, lost of straps, water pouch, pocket for a jacket, tripod pouch. It is designed for photo equipment and traveling (hiking). It is big but fits well on the back
I got it with tags, never used from a gentleman in Pompano, FL for $100.00.
It is pricy brand new. I lucked out to find it at this price. If you are serious, this bag is for serious trekking.
Like you I am on my way to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in 2 weeks. I loaded bag pack and took it for a test ride and flew from Miami to Chicago, although is big it fits on the overhead of a 737.

https://www.adorama.com/msr180prod.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4f35BRDBARIsAPePBHxSC836JTBqt5KS9G638rcR2HdvXG8rRu27dwpdXa_VNAGC9WVUkSsaAjWYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=nmpi-google-dsa

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

I bought a padded insert that MindShift makes for one of their backpacks:

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/mindshift-gear-accessories/products/professional-padded-insert

For short trips, I put it in a little Kelty daypack that's like a high school bookbag, with a large compartment against my back for the MindShift and my camera & 2-3 lenses, and a smaller compartment for bags of smaller gear; it also has gear loops so that I can hang my tripod from it. For bigger trips, when I need food and several liters of water and warm clothing and rain gear, I pop the MindShift into a much larger panel opening backpack; mine is a Gregory Baltoro.

tcthome Loc: NJ

I have seen where you can get a regular hiking backpack,eg. , Osprey & have a padded ICU (INTERNAL CAMERA UNIT) inside & still carry essentials like , rain gear, first aid kit, food, water , flashlight, etc.

tcthome Loc: NJ

I like it but pricey!

Cubanphoto

I know. I got lucky I found it for $100 unused

BobSmithingNP Loc: Kent, WA

I use a combo of a backpack with the Cotton system. Usually a strapshot on the left shoulder strap and then a belt holster (either the wanderer side holster or the belt). The pack is a MindShift. I like the Cotton Carriers as they are solid, last and I can quickly unholster the camera and shoot. The ability to do this has gotten me many photos I like. When my gear is in the pack it's protected, safe, and not ready for a quick shot. The Cotton Carrier system has great after purchase support as well.

Good shooting!