Backpack for photoequipment and hiking

[xps]

I´m looking for an alternative for my Tamrac adventure 10. I need an backpack that is able to contain 1 Camera body and 4 lenses (wideangle, 70-200 L or 100-400 L, 28-70L, 60mm macro), e.g. 1 light tripod, AND where I can put all the things inside I need to go hiking (meal, drinking, clothes,...)
The Adventure 10 ist nice, but often (if your family joins) a little bit to small. And I´m not pleased that this backpack has no climating system on it´s back. My other backpack from tamrac (expedition has an small cooling system on its back.

Does anyone knew one thats like an goldenegglayingwoolmilksaw (large, with big room for hiking supplies and an climating system against to muck sweat?

[Mikedurg]

F-stop packs are great, but pricey.


http://fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain

[Cali_PH]

I'll second the F-Stop packs.  I've been using a Loka for about a year and a half and love it.  I've taken it on day and overnight trips, used it to take two bodies, lenses, a tripod etc to Subway in Zion, and other decent length hikes. One key thing for me that may not be obvious is that it's designed to fit in airplane overhead bins. 

I was just hiking in Canyonlands and was stopped by two photogs wearing Tamron packs.  They asked about my pack and I gave them a brief demo, opening it up and everything...they told me they were sold and were going to each get one.  Not that the F-Stop fits everyone's needs of course, but it's done well by me.

[xps]

F-Stop seems to be a good choice. Looks good.
I´m interested in the Satori Exp. If you take a smaller ICU inlay, thats smaller than the opening on the carrying side, does it cover the things you carry within the bag? Or is it open, so that the things outside of the ICU can be seen?
And how is the air circulation on the back and the carrying comfort?

Much thanks

[Michael_pfh]

I´m looking for an alternative for my Tamrac adventure 10. I need an backpack that is able to contain 1 Camera body and 4 lenses (wideangle, 70-200 L or 100-400 L, 28-70L, 60mm macro), e.g. 1 light tripod, AND where I can put all the things inside I need to go hiking (meal, drinking, clothes,...)
The Adventure 10 ist nice, but often (if your family joins) a little bit to small. And I´m not pleased that this backpack has no climating system on it´s back. My other backpack from tamrac (expedition has an small cooling system on its back.

Does anyone knew one thats like an goldenegglayingwoolmilksaw (large, with big room for hiking supplies and an climating system against to muck sweat?

As usual, I am recommending the LowePro ProTrekker 400AW. Took it to Nepal for some hiking in the Himalaya last month, managed to fit water (in a camelbak), some food and clothes inside in addition to my photo gear.

[RC]

Tenba might be worth checking out.  I bought the 632-353 Shootout Daypack for all the reason you listed (ample gear, tripod, weather resistant, and storage for personal items.  It has water repellant zippers and fabric plus a concealed weather cover
http://www.tenba.com/products/Shootout--Daypack.aspx

I see this specific model is not available so check out its brother the shootout series
http://www.tenba.com/Categories/Backpacks.aspx

[Halfrack]

You're most likely not going to find the 'perfect bag'.  You may want to go the traditional backpack route, and get protectors specific to the lenses you're taking.  That way you can add and subtract without needing a new bag, AND you get a bag that was designed for hiking to begin with.

[match.head]

I own a Lowepro Pro Trekker AW 400. It's the largest pack that is still allowed on as carry on luggage. It has more lens compartments than I think you might need, but that leaves lots of room for other things. It also has two huge side pockets for whatever, including a Camelbak, and a removable waistpack/lid.
I've loaded up mine with two bodies, six lenses, two tripods, monopod, steadycam, shotgun mic, gps, food, water, raingear, etc. and gone canyoneering to get to a remote location in Jemez, NM. The pack weighed about 35lbs, but was comfortable and stable all day. I even fell back-first into the river, and everything inside the pack stayed dry and undamaged.
I go hiking with this pack every weekend it seems. I love it. I'll be taking it to New Zealand for three weeks with about $15k worth of camera equipment inside.

[xps]

  Much thanks for your replies.

The F-stop Satori exp seems to be the most flexible backpack. But the most expensive one too. Its an good idea to make flexible inlays, so you can customize it if you need more space for hiking accessories. Thats an good idea

The lowepro AW400 is to much photographic orientated, so the space for the accessories for hiking e.g is a little bit to small (even if your family joins).

The Tenba would be ok, but its sold out. The others are to small for me.

[xtaski]

The LowePro Slingshots are nice for hiking - very easy access without having to take the pack off.

[Michael_pfh]

The lowepro AW400 is to much photographic orientated, so the space for the accessories for hiking e.g is a little bit to small (even if your family joins).

All of the dividers are attached with velcro and can be fixed in the layout that fits you best or even all be removed. So basically it's up to you as to how much of the ProTrekker 400AW you dedicate to photo equipment.

[Caps18]

It is a very hard thing to find.  I would want one that could carry my tent, sleeping bag, clothes, food, water (1 gallon/4L), supplies, and camera gear (5Dm2, 17 TS-E, 16-35mm, 300mm), and allow it to be easily stored and pulled out while hiking without taking the backpack off.  Something like a protective holster.  Some of the dividers need to be padded, but others just need to be nylon.

And the whole thing should weigh 25 lbs. 

[stefsan]

F-Stop seems to be a good choice. Looks good.
I´m interested in the Satori Exp. If you take a smaller ICU inlay, thats smaller than the opening on the carrying side, does it cover the things you carry within the bag? Or is it open, so that the things outside of the ICU can be seen?
And how is the air circulation on the back and the carrying comfort?

I own a Satori Exp and a Loka as well as small and medium ICU's. As far as I can see the ICU's are all the same width, so even a small ICU is wide enough that nothing should drop out of your pack (see Dan Carr's review: http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/2010/11/02/introducing-the-new-f-stop-tilopa-bc-photo-backpack/ and scroll down to the pictures). The air circulation on the back is the only point that can be perfected on the F-Stop packs, the padding on the back panel is made from a relatively dense material and does not allow for very much air to reach your back. But apart from that, the packs are near perfect. For serious hiking or mountaineering (and depending on how long you want to be out and what you want to bring) I would consider the Tilopa BC because it is the most rugged one of the mountain series and its volume (48l) is pretty good.

[D_Rochat]

I went with the Lowepro Vertex 300 AW and I'm very happy with it. It holds up to a 17" laptop and has a ton of storage with the ability to strap multiple tripods or stands on the outside. It feels great even fully loaded. I got mine for $200 ($100 cheaper than anywhere else) at the link below.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/120889658616?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[xROELOFx]

I bought a Clik Elite Escape this morning. It's a really nice and not too large (and not too small ) bag wich holds my 500, 70-200 and a flash without a problem. There's enough room for food and stuff, extra clothing, a jacket, a tripod and even a camelbak! I'm really happy with it