Camera backpack for commuter planes and canyons

[MCS]

Folks,

This is a slight variation on a thread already posted, but my needs are quite specific. Help would be appreciated.

I need a camera backpack for day hiking and infrequent overnight camping in canyon country. I have a Lowepro slingshot style bag (actually the Sam's knockoff), but it seems too small. Also, it has no tripod strap, and opens to the side which could invite dust and dirt in the desert. I might make this bag work by carrying the tripod and a few accessories in a separate case, but having one larger case seems best. I am thinking of a Lowepro Flipside 300 or similar.

Here are the constraints:

1. Small enough to fit under the seat of small commuter aircraft. This is critical!
2. Large enough to hold a digital SLR and two zoom lenses, various filters, remote release cable, spare battery, manual, etc. Computer not mandatory.
3. Tripod holder. Suggestions on a good, light travel tripod?
4. Light enough to carry up trails with above stuff. I'm in good shape but don't want to get exhausted hauling something too big.

Comments on the Lowepro Flipside or similar bag, and attachable travel tripod are welcome. Thanks!

[Farmerj]

I took a camelbak HAWG and made a divider like system for the large compartment. Will fit as a carry one and works nicely for a day pack as well. has MOLLE straps on the outside for attaching anything you want to the exterior, and also allows me to put a nice compact tripod in it also.

[MCS]

Farmerj,

Thanks. I hadn't heard of this bag.

[Bonish Photo]

I'm pretty sure the Tamrac Expedition 6X is carry-on compliant and is a great hiking backpack that should hold a large amount of gear

http://www.tamrac.com/frame_exp.htm

I've got this model and dont like the straps they put on it. Although I've carried it far too many miles loaded down with gear!

http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm

Hiking in Maui with it loaded down



I really wish I would have spent the money and gotten the Expecition 6X instead. Mine is Carry-on compliant and has traveled many times on airlines from puddle jumpers to major planes

[MCS]

Thanks, Bonish. The Maui shot Looks like you're carrying a monopod. Do you frequently hike with a tripod also?

[Bonish Photo]

I dont normally carry both, but this time we both really wanted to have something to support the cameras after hiking the 3 miles so we had one of each

[MCS]

Pat,

What tripod do you use for hiking? How's the weight?

[gldiana]

Pat,
stop giving me ideas or I'll start using your credit card

[gldiana]

Hey Pat,
I just noticed you wrote Expedition 6X twice, did you mean 8X as the one you wish you had bought?

[Pokie]

Pat,

That expedition 6x looks nice.
I'm using a Lowepro slingshot which is fine (I actually really like it!) until I buy the Nikon 80-200 2.8 and then it won't fit.
Since I tore up my knee two years ago, my hiking is limited and really can't lug around a full pack.
For what I'm carrying now, the slingshot works fine and is quite convenient.

In the slingshot, I carry the camera body (D80), two lenses (70-300 and 18-105 (but one or the other is on the body)) along with extension tubes, flash, filters, and misc. accessories. It doesn't have a real tripod holder, so I have to carry that separately which is a pain. It certainly won't hold a laptop.
It's great for a day hike with limited equipment, but I'll need to step up a size when I am ready to trek further, or (most importantly!!!) add more glass

[Bonish Photo]

Sorry it took so long to reply to these questions

We use the Manfrotto 685B Neotec Monopod Deluxe with Safety Lock for our monopod and love it. I think it's the best monopod on the market and once you get the hand of it, you'll never go back to anything you have to use both hands to adjust.

It's a bit heavy for hiking, but a heck of a lot lighter than the tripod option.

I guess any of the Tamrac Expediton bags would be a good option, it's just how big of a pack you need. They go from a small model all the way up to one that will hold all your gear and then some

I just ordered the Think Tank Streetwalker Pro and will post some pictures and a review of it as soon as we get it. I posted a Promo Code they gave me on the Accessories Section that will give you a free bag if you order one of their backpacks. They've been known as some of the best in the business and I'm glad I'm finally able to add one to the lineup of bags we use