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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Taxboy on 14:53:55, 09/10/20

Title: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: Taxboy on 14:53:55, 09/10/20
Im looking for a backpack that wil primarily be used on day trips for photographic outings that can also carry an extra layer, food etc but will also be comfortable
Most camera bags such as my Lowpro 400 Flipside focus on carrying the gear leaving loittle room for other stuff . Additionally although it has a hip belt I don't find it very comfortable. Im awre that hiking backpack focus on comfort but mainly cramming as much stuff in as possible, whereas I will need reasonable access through the day.
Based on reviews the Atlas Athlete seems to fit my criteria https://atlaspacks.com/pages/learn-about-the-athlete-pack  However ........... it doesn't fit my budget !! So what I'm hoping is to tap into the collective expertise here to try and finad the best equivalentbackpack to the Athlete that I can emulate by use of a camera insert. Ideally it needs good rear access and a comfortable carry ...at a reasonable price !!
I've looked at the Osprey Stratos but the curved frame means it's not easy to fit a square / rectangular cmaera insert inside and maintain access to my gear
All advice appreciated
Title: Re: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: pdstsp on 15:04:17, 09/10/20
Have you considered one of these;


https://www.wilkinson.co.uk/mind-shift-gear-rotation180-professional/


The rotating part of the bag is fixed to the hip belts so just swivels round the body allowing access to photo equipment.  The top half of the bag is for non photo stuff - I have had waterproofs, extra layer, lunch etc in mine no problem.


It is not as comfortable as a walking rucksack such as an Osprey, but I have carried mine all day without pain.  Best to try one on though as they are a hefty price if they don't fit!
Title: Re: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: Taxboy on 18:47:18, 09/10/20
Have you considered one of these;


https://www.wilkinson.co.uk/mind-shift-gear-rotation180-professional/ (https://www.wilkinson.co.uk/mind-shift-gear-rotation180-professional/)


The rotating part of the bag is fixed to the hip belts so just swivels round the body allowing access to photo equipment.  The top half of the bag is for non photo stuff - I have had waterproofs, extra layer, lunch etc in mine no problem.


It is not as comfortable as a walking rucksack such as an Osprey, but I have carried mine all day without pain.  Best to try one on though as they are a hefty price if they don't fit!


Thanks for the steer. It's looking the type of thing I could be interested in. The trouble is its not cheap and the only real way to test is to use it loaded up so if it doesn't work as you say could be a pricey trial !!!
Title: Re: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: Lee R on 21:46:16, 09/10/20
I have a Manfrotto Off Road 30L with a purpose fit (comes with the bag) padded insert which is side access. It's pretty comfortable to wear, plenty of room for clothes, food, drink, tripod carry, etc I sometimes found the side access a pain especially shooting primes & swapping lenses - that may not be an issue for you.


I also have an Osprey Kamber 42 which is rear access & fits a Pacsafe padded ICU.
Title: Re: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: Taxboy on 15:18:54, 10/10/20
I have a Manfrotto Off Road 30L with a purpose fit (comes with the bag) padded insert which is side access. It's pretty comfortable to wear, plenty of room for clothes, food, drink, tripod carry, etc I sometimes found the side access a pain especially shooting primes & swapping lenses - that may not be an issue for you.


I also have an Osprey Kamber 42 which is rear access & fits a Pacsafe padded ICU.
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Thanks for that. The Manfrotto looks comfortable but I don't think the camera storage will be big enough unfortunately. However the Osprey looks like a possibility. Can I ask please which size ICU you are using
Title: Re: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: Lee R on 18:23:46, 10/10/20



Medium. It is a tight fit but it's more than usable. I also have a small Amazon ICU for when I need a different ratio of 'stuff'
Title: Re: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: Taxboy on 13:09:45, 11/10/20


Medium. It is a tight fit but it's more than usable. I also have a small Amazon ICU for when I need a different ratio of 'stuff'


 O0
Title: Re: Best Equivalent Rucksack primarily for camera gear
Post by: tillster on 10:53:20, 21/10/20
I have had quite a few of the so-called camera-rucksacks and have always ended up frustrated with the lack of space for 'other stuff' - and even thats considering I use relatively compact Olympus Micro 4/3 kit.   


I still have a Peak Design backpack, which is by far the best 'backpack' I've ever had, but it's the last tihng I'd take with me on a hike!


The solution I have ended up with for hiking / photo combo is a Tenba BYOB 10 holder (https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/2256105002) which fits witin whichver rucksack I'm wearing, and a Peak Design Capture Clip to carry the camera on my rucksack strap and always have it handy to shoot. It suits a weather-proof setup, of course, but it's what I've ended up with and am happy with. (You can find some 'equivalent' Chinese klnock offs on amazon for much less than the Peak)


HTH