Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Just a curious item for discussion. When I look at backpacks on line I always see the configuration with the camera either at the top facing down or on its side. When I load a backpack I always like to put the heaviest items on the bottom. I normally only use a backpack to go from the house to the car to protect the gear but if I were to use it for a long hike etc. would it possibly be harmful to carry the camera at the bottom of the backpack with the lens pointed up. How do you load your backpack for carrying? Are there any things one should not do in the process?

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I think the reason for the camera at the top is easy access. I don’t need to completely open the backpack to get to the camera. It really wouldn’t affect anything else to put the camera at the bottom.

bleirer

I think heaviest load at the bottom is the rule of thumb for creature comfort. It depends on the type of backpack, some, not necessary photo packs, but for hiking, have a frame to put the load downward on your hips. Either way if the weight is high it is going to multiply the force with torque and strain your back.

For camera comfort, imagine the backpack rolling down a cliff edge when you set it down then kick it while leaning over for that shot. Put the expensive stuff in a protected middle spot.

Ourspolair

I used the zip to give easiest access, so the camera was always on the side that the zip opened, if only one zip, otherwise at the top with the lens pointing down. Most of the time when hiking, the cam was on a diagonal strap around my neck.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Depending on the section/divider setup, pack it the way you want to for easy access.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

With the lens up and the body down and hiking any debris that is dislodged will fall toward the sensor. That should not be a big problem but it is something to consider.

I usually carry my camera on a shoulder strap, lens down, on my side, when hiking. I like to have the camera available for immediate use.

I hike with a small M43 camera not a big DSLR.

PS - I have hiked with a DSLR when my M43 was in the shop and I did it the same way.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Thanks, we are a lot alike except my photos don't compare with those you post. I normally only carry the equipment in the backpack to protect it when in route then the camera is either on a side sling or around my neck ready for use.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Thanks for all the comments and SuperflyTNT I have to admit, I was not thinking of speed of access but I could see how getting the camera out without exposing other lens and items would be smart.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Well thank you for the compliment. :). Now I’m gong to go and buy a new helmet (because my head wont fit in the old one). See what you did? :)

Seriously, I looked at your created posts and I don’t see any pics. I doubt my pics are any better. I am confident you have some great shots and I would love to see some of them.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...for me...the way I configure my backpack depends on the lens I have attached to the camera...there is so much padding in a camera backpack you shouldn’t need to worry about weight on top... Also...having access to the side, the top and one big opening to see the entire contents of the bag works best for me...

Sergey

The following is just my opinion - everyone may have their preferences to differ from mine. I prefer to pack heavy items in the middle of the backpack closer to my back. As I tend to lean forward when hiking with a pack that brings the center of the gravity of my pack forward so it projects down to the core of my body. If you put the heavy stuff on the top the pack it may cause swaying it from side to side as you walk. When the heaviest stuff is packed in the bottom part of the pack it will be pulling you back as the pack's center of the gravity is outside of your body no matter how far forward you lean.

With all that though having the camera deep in the pack makes it difficult to access when needed, so when I do bring my camera to the hike or backpacking I either attach it to the backpack shoulder strap with Peak Design lock (but sometimes with a heavier pack it makes it uncomfortable to carry; also it may cause the lens to fog from your breath) or pack it closer to the top of the pack.

If I just doing a short hike with photography as a main goal (as opposed to the hiking being the goal) I bring my F-stop backpack that opens from the back panel - you lay it on the ground and unzip the back panel wide open with everything accessible.

neillaubenthal

When I’m hiking the camera is not in the backpack...too many quick opportunities lost otherwise. I have a cross body Black Rapid strap, and a couple of carabiners hooked together that hook onto my belt in center back...and the end of the carabiner chain hooks onto the camera strap. That holds the camera at my hip so it doesn’t bounce around or slip off my shoulder but is still quickly accessible.

tcthome Loc: NJ

I'm guessing your talking camera gear packs. Like you I mostly use it for storage & for moving most of my gear to & from the car. Once in awhile I will take the whole pak with me just in case. I will put what ever lens I think I will use attached to the camera at the top of the case (lens down)with the movable divider at the bottom of the lens for support. Haven't had any problems as of yet. But putting it at the bottom with the camera with lens attached facing toward the top of the pak makes more sense if your talking about the lens weight hanging from the camera body.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

The focus of the weight in the backpack will also depend on which and how many lenses and other accessories you pack. It may be that your camera, even with a lens attached, may not be the heaviest item.

Stan

cytafex Loc: Clarksburg MA

When I'm backpacking I keep camera in camera case for easy access.