How to backpack and carry you photograph ic gear

“Ok I tried to do a search on this subject but how do any of you carry along all of your photographic equipment with your backpacking gear at the same time? I'm talking like an F5, 70-200 2.8 lenes, a wide angle lenes and tripod. Do you just find room in your pack or use something else?”

“I don't carry that much, but I've got a little Lowe Pro that has a big enough belt loop to fasten to my hip belt. I can access it whenever I need to without taking off my pack.

Others have this big pack that fastens on their chest, which is really cool for carrying more gear. It even has its own raincover - its supernice.

My tripod I can strap to the pack on the outside.”

“YOU MAKE DUE and IMPROVISE!!!!

sheesh...lets see...I wanna take a 15 lb tent...any ideas how I could do that?

I'm an a$$hole and live for threads just like this one...thanks.”

“For the tripod I figured I could use my pack just Like I did when I had my daypack. I'll have to check out the other idea on the chest pack. My other thought is selling my bogen 3021 for a carbon fiber to lighten the load a bit.”

“and then the extra weight won't matter, or you could get a large nalgene and put the camera and equipment inside it and strap it to your pack and you'll never know its there.”

“Stikmon
Guess no one ever told you if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all.

Simple question looking for a simple answer not for anything smart.”

“Stikmon you are a a-hole and the great thing about this sight is I get to click the ignore user link. Its self involed people like you that think your high and mighty and try to drive any new guy that comes around away and you feel good about it. You give backpacking a bad name to to a mountain and get lost forever.”

“Thanks a ton bison on that pic. Looks very useful. I see its lowepro so I'll check it out.

Thanks again”

“

Hmmm... it doesn't like that picture apparently

Here's a Link
last edited: 1/11/05 12:21:02 AM”

“I use something similar to what Bison posted and am pleased with the setup. If I plan on taking oodles of photos I clip it to my shoulder straps on my chest with a couple of biners. I make sure to have the lens i use most on the camera body (19mm-34mm)and pack my 300mm lens in my pack wrapped in clothes and tucked in the middle of my pack. I carry one of these in my cargo pocket -


P.S. Stikky has a habit of opening his mouth before engaging his brain. Sorry, every village has one, we\'re blessed with several here. ;~)”

“P.P.S. - Always, always, always have a waterproof bag handy! I wrecked mine in the Smokies when the heavens opened up on us about a year ago.”

“Generally it's not a good idea to backpack with a large SLR or similar digital camera. The abuse on the camera is great. Sooner or later you will probably beat-it-to-death or drown it. The "ipods" mini tripods (been out for 20 years) are great. A smaller point & shoot works best. Try a waterproof, padded shoulder strap case. I like & use (Olympus digital stylus 400) weather resistant camera's.”

“I have a Nikon D70 with two lenses and a Nikon Coolpix 5400. The D70 is decidedly not going backpacking, and will get only limited dayhiking. The Coolpix is small, lightweight, and will not cost an arm and leg to replace if it should be damaged. It takes clear, sharp photos. I have not found a tripod light enough to justify the added weight on a backpacking trip. So any serious photography is limited to car camping trips and day hikes.

I will second what others have said about plastic bags to keep the rain off the camera, whatever you do decide to carry. When you get a rainy weekend, there is virtually no way to keep the equipment dry otherwise. None of those camera bags is so waterproof it works better than a good ol plastic ZipLoc bag.”

“I have to disagree with catskhiker, I've taken my slr on countless trips and never had a problem, those Lowepro toploaders are tough. We got absolutely drenched on that Black Mountain trip and I had no problem whatsoever with my camera.”

“The mini-ipods weigh about an ounce. They stay in my front map case all the time. They're only about 4" high. Campmor Ultra-pod (who has the fastest shipping department of anybody on earth) sells them. Been a while, but think it's like 7-8 bucks. You can sit them on relatively flat horizontal surface or use the velcro strap to a sm tree (verticle) or branch. One small gadget I truely love. Probably used it on every people woods pic I have with the self timer.”

“Currahee, catshiker, and geobeet thanks for the good info. I'll consider a lighter camera and the mini tripod looks like a good idea. If I go with my main equipment a plastic bag will be a must. Thanks again for the information.”

“If you're taking your camera gear backpacking it's nice to be an ultrlight backpacker. That will keep your total weight down as low as it can be. You still have to face the fact that you will be carrying a load, though.

It's been a while since I toted it all, but when I do I ususally just strap my camera pack and tripod to my backpack. That way the gear is protected in a specialized pack and available when I need it. Backpacking is tough on all gear, cameras no exception. So far mine has survived, though. In bad weather I ziplock things inside my camera bag and then cover the extrior of the camera bag. So far I've managed to keep it all dry. I'm aware that one day it will meet a nasty end. But, doesn't everything? I'm okay with that.

Have fun. Post some pics for us sometime.”

“I have a full SLR with Tamron 28-300mm lens... I'll take it on trips where I know there will be a lot of photographic opportunities as far as scenery go...but if I'm just snapping shots of everything I'll take my digital.

BTW I have the Lowe Pack that Bison showed and it works great...they have an all weather version that has a little raincoat to cover the pack.”

“I'll vouch for Bison on the weatherproofness of his pack too. Like he said, it POURED for an entire afternoon on us in the Black Mtns and his gear was fine it that top loader with its own rainfly. Pretty nifty setup.”

“The Lowepro Pro TLZ AW is very roomy, comfortable with the chest harness, and has a waterproof cover. I can fit a D1H with a 2.8 180 lens in it. Your F5 is about the same size as a D1H so it will fit, but the 2.8 70-200 might be a stretch.

On the rare occasions that I take a lot of SLR gear backpacking, I'll attach a wide angle lens to the cam, and stash a 300 lens in the top of my backpack. I've never taken my full size tripod backpacking. I opt for a monopod which doubles as a hiking stick, and one of those small minipods. Surprisingly, some of these minipods can hold a big cam (with a wide angle lens, not a long one).

All that gear gets tiresome though, and most times, I find myself taking a small digi. Lately, when I do take the SLR, I compromise with the lenses and take a lighter, versatile 24-120 lens.

AS far as durability, I'm more careful with the small digitals with all the plastic and sensitive electronics. The pro SLRS (like the F5) are all metal and pretty much bombproof.
last edited: 1/11/05 8:09:57 AM”

“I carry a Nikon N65 with a 28-80 & a 70-300 lense. I use a Lowe Pro with separate add-ons for the lenses. I only need 1 add-on unless I'm taking the zoom & a wide angle, since the body fits in the main compartment with a lense attached. There's also room for 2+ rolls of film in the main compartment. Also, I have a bolt attached (i.e. duct taped) to my hiking stick to use as a monopod. If I need more stability, or I want to be in the shot, I improvise (hang the camera from a tree, tie a stick or 2 to the monopod, etc.).”

“Get yourself a packdonkey.
In my family, that would be ME. When Synchro comes on trips, I get the "honor" of carrying all the gear for us (he was soooo nice to get me that Mtsmith Specter pack afterall.) He has one of those LowePro front packs, and carries his digital SLR in it. He carries maybe a 15 lb pack on his back so he has flexibilty.
But I do it so he can take photos. :-)”

“Frist of all with a F5 that camera is not a cheap camera, it's not like a n65 or one of the low end cameras. It was made for the hardships of travel. I do the same thing with my camera stuff that i do with all my equiment, i lay it all and and see what i really need. Normally i take my 10D, no film, and to me the point and shoots are worthless. For a lens i take my 28-135 IS. Both are very tough. i would say on a long hike pocket tripod. The top loading lowe pros are the best. and then get a large water proof bag. To me if i can't find a place for my camera something eles stays. But when thats what you do for a living you don;t leave home with out a big slr.”

“Hi Photoguy
I have packed just about every way you can think of. Ansel Adams, was once asked what camera he carried and he replied "the larges one that I can carry". I have packed 35mm, 645, 6x6, 4x5, and 8x10. When I packed my 35mm ( a f4s) at the time. I would put it in my pack and stick the lens, filters ect. were I could. To pack light, I would roll my camera in my sleeping bag, lens in cloths and so on. The only thing about this is it's hard to stop and shoot. I have used all kinds of packs, camera packs and so on. I took a external frame pack and put my 4x5 case on the bottom and my pack on top. I can carry about 80 to 90 lbs with this set up. I shoot a Sinar 4x5 view camera, very heavy. You are right, If you are going to take photo's you have to carry the load. As for a Tripod I used a cheap one from Wal-Mart or target. They have one that weighs only about 1 or 2 lbs. and will hold a 35mm with a good size lens. You can buy a $400 graphite one, but they will last about as long as one from Wally World. I have a large tripod for my view camera, but I would not carry it if I didn't have too. I always packed my electronic stuff in Ziplocs. As for harming your camera, I don't think so, I've used Nikon for years, carrying them in my pack, a F3, F4s, N90s, F1 no problems. I think the F3 would be ok in the back of the truck.”

“I bought an aluminum tripods from Target. It weighs almost nothing and I don't care too much if it gets destroyed. I ductaped two heavy zip ties to one leg at the top and the bottom. With this setup, I can clip it to the outside of almost any pack I have. It makes for easy access.”

“I strap my full-sized carbon fiber tripod to the side of my backpack (down the compression straps), load 1.2 bazillion rolls of film inside my backpack, and carry my Canon® Elan 7, filters, and three lenses (17-40, 70-200, and 15mm fisheye) in a top-loading Lowepro with side pockets strapped to the front of my shoulder straps. It makes it so I can't see my weiner when I go pee, but just like tying my shoelaces, I can do it without looking now.”

“some people are so sensitive. newbies!!!”

“I have a 28-70 lens on my Nikon D-100. I put it in a soft case and just hang it from my neck with the strap. Then I use a small strap to attache it to the front straps of my backpack... It's pretty quick to detach and open when I need my pictures. If it gets raining (light rain), I just put a plastic ziplock over it-- although I'm looking into how I can improve on that, because after a while condensation may occur because the bag doesn't really seal the sides well...

I carry my bigger lens (70-200 - 10 inch lens) inside its foam case inside my backpack. That one is much harder to get at, but I don't want to risk damaging it....

If I do decide to use the larger lens, I also carry it in front of me and using the neck strap.

For a monopod, I use my walking stick-- the top unscrews and the screw is exactly the right size for the camera. I usually use both my pack and Thinkbubelz' pack to stabelize the monopod if taking self-portraits. Of course, I don't use the 70-200 lens that way--far too top heavy to risk having it fall over accidentally...”

“sorry to have been such a jerk...I use a fairly large digital camera and found a really good case for it at REI. It is padded and can connect to my hip belt for fast and easy access. It even has a handy stretch mesh pouch outside the case where I keep candies and snacks at easy reach.

Hope you find what your looking for.Taking the camera to the backcountry is what its all about.”

“Stikmon I need to appolgize I totally went off with out thinking first myself. I was just wondering what others used themselves so I might not have to experiment and ruin my equipment in the process.

By no means did I need to call you an a-hole. By the way I see your down in Missouri. I'm in Iowa do you know any good backpacking spots down in Missouri. I'm looking for places locally to backpack to.”

“Hey, you dis'sed my camera! Heck it's at least 2 steps up from the disposable I used to take. I know it's not what you pros use, but it takes pretty good pics for the $. I suppose I shouldn't tell you what lenses I have huh?...

Seriously, sounds like you've got great gear, post some pics! I'd love to see some.”

“You are good to stick with Nikon. Good sturdy camera will take a beating. I carry 2 bodies, 20-35 2.8, 80-200 2.8, filters, film, decent tripod, gear and food for 6 day hike. 70 pounds. With that weight, a guy doesn't get anywhere fast.

It would also help to get a pack animal. One of the reasons I have been visiting thebackpacker.com is to find a woman that wouldn't mind taking my equipment up a mountain side. Ansel Adams used a mule or something of that order. Mules can be stuborn and often have morning breath all day long. Llamas spit... and that is all I've got to say about that. A dog can carry your food for you.”

“finding a woman to carry your gear, isn't stubborn, doesn't have morning breath on a backpacking trip and doesn't spit... althoug I guess I could live with the rest, as long as she had fresh breath...

If you find her, ask if she has a sister.”

“Alpaca maybe?

I hear llamas are good for their owner. They only get testy with strangers. And they're great watch/guard animals.”

“I went to an alpaca rescue farm. They're very nice animals, much nicer than llamas. Didn't get close enough to smell their breath, though.

Not sure it's what Goat had in mind, but then beggars can't be choosers, eh?”

“You all are funny as hell. I do have an ablum up. The pics are from Glacier National park when I was out in August.

"70 pounds. With that weight, a guy doesn't get anywhere fast" 70 lbs wow thats a load. I'm trying my best to keep my pack weight as close to 35 lbs as possible. Right now with all my gear I'm at 50 lbs. With all the camera gear I'll never get to 35.

Oh well like Stikmon said I'll have to start doing the pushups. :)”

“I decided to go ultralight, just so's I can take my camera (amatuer quality though it may be). I got a lighter, pack, lighter bag, lighter tent and do without some things so I CAN take my 35mm and still be 30# or less for 7+ days out, compared to my pre-ultralight pack weight of 55#+. It's def doable if you put some thought into it and get the right gear. Also, my camera is lightweight, for a 35mm. Heck my 70-300 lense weighs way more than my camera. Of course, the main objective is to enjoy yourself, so whatever it takes to do that, go for it.”

“External frame pack, everything including my F5, two lenses, Gitzo tripod, filters and film. Everything else I take is secondary. Occasionally a Mamiya M645.”

“Kelty K2 Longbed to be exact. Dana designs bought them, then abandoned the external frame packs. I've never seen another like it.”

“I've got one of those 4" lashable tripods -- greatest invention since sliced bread. The minute I saw one, I knew I had to have it. It fits right in my pants pocket.

As for the camera, I use a Canon PowerShot SD110, which is pretty small, and even with the case, and conveniently fits right into the other pants pocket. Also, be careful to waterproof the camera. I got caught a couple of times with mine, and now the paint is sort of chipping off. Camera works fine -- just looks like it's been around the block a few times (it has).”

“I can't imagine Synchro carrying a full load-and his camera gear. EEK!! On our last trip, my pack was over 40 lbs-while his pack weued maybe 15, I know his camera gear was another 15-20 lbs.
And unlike animal pack donkeys I do brush my teeth in the morning in the back country ;-)I do smell as bad as one though..lol!!
http://community.webshots.com/photo/184014989/184019756ixiXBo Damn..that packs hurt at over 40!!
last edited: 1/11/05 8:22:46 PM”

“A pack mule would be nice just my GF isn't quite into backpacking yet. I'm hoping to change her mind this summer about it. Thinking about wieght does anyone carry the thermal rest pads. I was thinking on getting one but then again I don't mind sleeping on concrete.

Also giving some thinking I can't give up my SLR on long hiking trips since it has played a major role in getting me back into the outdoors after 6 years of no hiking or camping.”

“My girlfriend bought a pack and i hope to take her on her frist trip this spring. But i;ll cary the most weight and my camera.”

“Yeah, we both carry Thermarests..I love mine, I use a Guidelite..though I also have a smaller womens one too.
Synchro is a very tall man, and he sleeps on the super cushy 3 lb+ pad...In all other aspects we pack light-but Thermarests are worth it ;-)
(When I go without Synchro though my pack weight is around 22 lbs)”

“man o man...my sleeping bag weighs more than that. LOL...I would have to leave everything at home if I was to try to get my packweight that light. I usually am at @40-45 lbs. I don't complain though. I work out like an animal to make sure that I can handle it.

I don't really do big miles though. I like slow start mornings, awsome trails with many stops to view the things that hikers on the clock never see. I like to trip into Middle Earth when I hike and that takes time.

I use an olympus c740. It replaces the c700 and a sony p31. I go through cameras like most people buy new fleece tops. LOL...

and no, you don't owe me an apology...I'm always a bit of a prick when people ask questions. All the regulars know that too. LOL...

Mo trails...yeah....I know plenty of trails..and rivers too. come play on a river this weekend...we;re tellin everyone that we are going to the current river, but (we're not really)...its a secret where we're going.

Weather looks good too...sunny and COLD!!!”

“Stik, call me on my cell phone!”

“What email are you using this evening?”

“Anyone who's using the monopod - does this provide you with enough stability to slow your shutter speed with moving water and still have a clear image without background blur? this is my only hesitation in using the monopod instead of tripod.

Thanks”

“I was viewing the camera cases available through Lowe and the Lowepro 65, 70, and 75 were the ones I came up with.

Do you all know which bag you have / recommend. Is it one of these three, or are there others I didn't find. Of course, your selection is based upon capacity.

Rob”