Rucksac for hiking & carrying gear that's comfortable??

simonkit

simonkit

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Having bought a Lowepro Primus AW rucksac recently I thought I'd found the ideal combination for hiking gear and photography gear. Unfortunately though, whilst it fits the gear I want it's just not comfortable - the strap system just doesn't distribute the load well - nowhere near my main hiking rucksac, an Osprey Atmos.

Does anyone know of anything that might do the job?

thanks

Simon
 
My husband does a lot of climbing and hill walking (munro bagging) with our son.
He has tried what seems like dozens of photo rucksacks over the years.
But now just uses his berghous rucksack and wraps his camera and lenses in the top section.
He wraps them in special neoprene wraps and towels


Kay
 
Photography gear isn't hiking gear; even when it looks like it is.....
You need a proper adjustable and ventilated back system.
You only get those by buying a proper hiking rucksack.

fStop (and others) are good, high quality and offer convenient access.
But they are not as comfortable on a full day on the mountains as a dedicated hiking rucksack.
I use both camera rucksacks and hiking rucksacks - my avatar is clearly a fully packed mountaineering rucksack.....

However, I normally use a photography rucksack (for convenience), but if I'm in the mountains for a full day, and especially if I'm on my own and need to carry a lot of extra kit, then I'll take my 70l mountaineering rucksack and place my camera gear in fleeces in dry bags.
For example, here's a 2011 TP meet in South Wales; I jettisoned my usual camera gear for crampons, safety rope, slings and harness in case we ventured up onto the ridge and the group got into trouble on ice on steep slopes.
We didn't need them as conditions were too bad to go onwards, but someone has to be sensible - right :thinking:

In summary - you can't beat the all day comfort of a decent mountain rucksack.
 
DuncanDisorderly said:
Photography gear isn't hiking gear; even when it looks like it is.....
You need a proper adjustable and ventilated back system.
You only get those by buying a proper hiking rucksack.

fStop (and others) are good, high quality and offer convenient access.
But they are not as comfortable on a full day on the mountains as a dedicated hiking rucksack.
I use both camera rucksacks and hiking rucksacks - my avatar is clearly a fully packed mountaineering rucksack.....

However, I normally use a photography rucksack (for convenience), but if I'm in the mountains for a full day, and especially if I'm on my own and need to carry a lot of extra kit, then I'll take my 70l mountaineering rucksack and place my camera gear in fleeces in dry bags.
For example, here's a 2011 TP meet in South Wales; I jettisoned my usual camera gear for crampons, safety rope, slings and harness in case we ventured up onto the ridge and the group got into trouble on ice on steep slopes.
We didn't need them as conditions were too bad to go onwards, but someone has to be sensible - right :thinking:

In summary - you can't beat the all day comfort of a decent mountain rucksack.
Click to expand...

I don't know if you have used fstop bags? This is where they differ from a normal camera rucksack. They ARE proper rucksacks and were designed from the ground up that way. This makes them ideal for used when hiking, mountaineering and skiing. They are then fitted with a removable ICU (internal camera unit) which you can actually slide up and down in the pack to balance the weight better in the pack. I have multiple 'hiking' rucksacks and when used without camera gear the fstop is a much better pack to start.
 
Blimey - I see I upset a few fStop fans ;)
I agree that for a rucksack purpose designed for carrying camera gear I've seen nothing better - actually I've seen nothing anywhere near as good...
Happy now ? :)

However....
A quick Google to illustrate what I meant turned up this feature list.
The section on Back Systems succinctly states.

Adjustable back system :
Usually on larger backpacks, they allow the distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt to be increased/ decreased to suit people of different heights, providing a more comfortable fit.
Most manufacturers now have slightly different types of adjustable back systems. The general principal in them is the same which is to allow the shoulder straps to be moved up or down to accommodate longer of shorter backs.

Air flow back system
Some rucksack have a tensioned mesh back that creates a large air space between the bag and the users back, keeping it cool and free of perspiration.

I sure you will all be good enough to correct me, but the fStop rucksacks I've looked at don't have either of those.
The fStop type of back system is frequently seen on smaller rucksacks. It's fine for light loads all day or heavy loads for a part day, but is still not as comfortable as proper expedition type back system.

On my expedition rucksack I can vary the back length without taking the pack off; I use this to relieve pressure points on my shoulder and hips at the end of a long day.
My rucksack is slightly unusual in that it doesn't actually touch my back except at the hip and top of the shoulders. This means great ventilation and my clothing moves freely meaning less effort reaching when scrambling or using trekking poles.

Quoting my earlier post.......
You need a proper adjustable and ventilated back system.
You only get those by buying a proper hiking rucksack.
 
DuncanDisorderly said:
Blimey - I see I upset a few fStop fans ;)
I agree that for a rucksack purpose designed for carrying camera gear I've seen nothing better - actually I've seen nothing anywhere near as good...
Happy now ? :)

However....
A quick Google to illustrate what I meant turned up this feature list.
The section on Back Systems succinctly states.

Adjustable back system :
Usually on larger backpacks, they allow the distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt to be increased/ decreased to suit people of different heights, providing a more comfortable fit.
Most manufacturers now have slightly different types of adjustable back systems. The general principal in them is the same which is to allow the shoulder straps to be moved up or down to accommodate longer of shorter backs.

Air flow back system
Some rucksack have a tensioned mesh back that creates a large air space between the bag and the users back, keeping it cool and free of perspiration.

I sure you will all be good enough to correct me, but the fStop rucksacks I've looked at don't have either of those.
The fStop type of back system is frequently seen on smaller rucksacks. It's fine for light loads all day or heavy loads for a part day, but is still not as comfortable as proper expedition type back system.

On my expedition rucksack I can vary the back length without taking the pack off; I use this to relieve pressure points on my shoulder and hips at the end of a long day.
My rucksack is slightly unusual in that it doesn't actually touch my back except at the hip and top of the shoulders. This means great ventilation and my clothing moves freely meaning less effort reaching when scrambling or using trekking poles.

Quoting my earlier post.......
You need a proper adjustable and ventilated back system.
You only get those by buying a proper hiking rucksack.
Click to expand...

hahaha you haven't upset me, just wanted to make sure people didn't think they were in the same class as the tamrac, lowepro sort of packs. I'll give that they don't have adjustable back systems, but tell me if i'm wrong, adjustable back systems are quite a new thing in rucksacks. So they are an excellent feature don't get me wrong, but not a necessity if the pack is the right length for you to start. Also seeing as the biggest pack they do is only 60Lish and the Loka (the one I own) is only 35L a full back system is as necessary as say on an 80L expedition pack. Also the ventilated backs wouldn't be an advantage on a small pack carrying a large weight, as it tends to push the weight away from your body which makes it more unstable and unwieldy. Hence why the majority of large expedition packs don't have full mesh ventilated backs.
 
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I gotta admit - I didn't realise you could buy the fStop ICU separately. :thinking:
A small ICU and drybag would be vastly superior to the fleece and drybag approach I use at the moment.
Cheers for making read their website in detail as I feel a purchase coming on :)
Is there a UK stockist or does everybody buy direct?

On a related note about fStop - their rucksacks seems to becoming extremely popular. This image was taken in atrocious conditions last month. Two of them were definitely using fStop rucksacks and the third may well have been too.
At the end of the day it's about personal preference.
An expedition rucksack gives best possible carrying comfort whereas fStop gives vastly better access to the kit.
20111218-090758-DSCF3210-S.jpg
 
jacob12_1993 said:
hahaha you haven't upset me, just wanted to make sure people didn't think they were in the same class as the tamrac, lowepro sort of packs. I'll give that they don't have adjustable back systems, but tell me if i'm wrong, adjustable back systems are quite a new thing in rucksacks. So they are an excellent feature don't get me wrong, but not a necessity if the pack is the right length for you to start. Also seeing as the biggest pack they do is only 60Lish and the Loka (the one I own) is only 35L a full back system is as necessary as say on an 80L expedition pack. Also the ventilated backs wouldn't be an advantage on a small pack carrying a large weight, as it tends to push the weight away from your body which makes it more unstable and unwieldy. Hence why the majority of large expedition packs don't have full mesh ventilated backs.
Click to expand...

Yup - totally agree they are a million miles better than Tamrack and Lowepro (I've got a Lowepro backpack for short trips and a Lowepro beltpack for concerts/festivals).

But for a day out on the mountains I'll take my big 70L Karrimor Jaguar.
It has compression straps so doesn't slop around when partly loaded and it's SO comfortable. :love:

Adjustable backs have been around for quite a while (20+ years).
 
I must have been buying the wrong mountain packs in the past, as they never had adjustable torso length, i just got one that fitted to start with. I know there was talk of them offering some packs in shorter torso length in the future.

The Paramo shop in London is the only UK stockist, but I tend to buy direct.
 
jacob12_1993 said:
Buy direct shipping is only $5 I think. Henry Iddon is the UK marketing guy (http://www.henryiddon.com/). If this doesn't make you want an f-stop I don't know what will :D:D
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Awesome! Not sure I'll be doing that with my Satori EXP, snowboarding with a normal rucksack restricts you enough, let alone a 62l pack!
 
I use a low alpine air zone centro rucksack and find it very comfortable. I've carried a Swarovski 80 hd scope plus a days supply in it and found it very comfortable.

Gerard.
 
Never used an F-stop.....but the Ospreys are petty good packs. Very very comfortable.
 
Spoken to Paramo in London today (UK stockist) - no stock of the Loka and no idea when they'll have any, not very good.

Can anyone suggest other similiar alternatives?

Simon
 
I have a Calumet BP1500.
At the time I could only find one review, but that was written by a long experienced hiker who seemed to know a thing or two about bags and what makes them comfortable and he said it was the camera rucksack that came closest to the performance of a 'proper' rucksack, which was enough to sell it to me.

I can't find it now, but as someone with no experience, I can say after a long day of walking about with it on my back, I still find it perfectly comfortable.


http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_bp1500_large_backpack/rm2184
 
simonkit said:
Spoken to Paramo in London today (UK stockist) - no stock of the Loka and no idea when they'll have any, not very good.
Simon
Click to expand...

Shame you didn't speak to them before the weekend, as they had them at the Outdoors Show. That's probably where they sold them all, I got myself a Guru, with small & medium pro icu's.

Really impressed so far (only had it 5 days) has become my everyday bag, loving the icu's so versatile, use them for storage at home and of course in the bag.

You could always try speaking to Paramo head office, 01892 786444

HTH

McShug
 
The f-stop bags are, in my opinion, the best bags for carrying you camera gear safely and comfortably when hiking or hill walking. I have the Tilopa BC and bought my Wife for Xmas the Loka, we have had several hill walks since Xmas and both bags are supremely comfortable and able to hold more than enough winter hiking gear for a long day in the hills. The f-stop as others have said does not have an air back like my Ospreys I use without the camera gear; I have not noticed a major issue with that. You can use an ordinary hiking sac and wrap your kit up as well as possible, it does not lend itself to easy access and falling down will very likey damage kit as wrapping is not sufficient protection to protect against that. The f-stop bags are probably the best camera/hiking bags available - one reason they are out of stock of them so often. Definately worth waiting for, you will never sell it.
 
Looking at the Loka from a mountain rucksac point of view it looks way too basic for a big day out on the hills. Additionally you access the camera kit from the back, fine if you're taking the pack off but not brilliant for those, "grab my camera from the bag" moments.

I can't see it as anything other than a basic but expensive "look, I'm a photographer" daysac with limited versatility built in by design.

I'd buy one as a smartish daysac for occasions when I'm deliberately taking my camera out into the wild for shortish periods of time but I'd go nowhere near them for days when I'm out in the outdoors for long periods of time and taking my camera with me.

Others might like them though so hey ho!
 
ivandobski said:
Looking at the Loka from a mountain rucksac point of view it looks way too basic for a big day out on the hills. Additionally you access the camera kit from the back, fine if you're taking the pack off but not brilliant for those, "grab my camera from the bag" moments.

I can't see it as anything other than a basic but expensive "look, I'm a photographer" daysac with limited versatility built in by design.

I'd buy one as a smartish daysac for occasions when I'm deliberately taking my camera out into the wild for shortish periods of time but I'd go nowhere near them for days when I'm out in the outdoors for long periods of time and taking my camera with me.

Others might like them though so hey ho!
Click to expand...

really? is a shed load of pockets and straps and laptop and hydration pack compatibility, different size ICUs as well as a tonne of MOLLE addon pouches etc etc etc basic?

its even got a built in whistle for goodness sake :D
 
ivandobski said:
Looking at the Loka from a mountain rucksac point of view it looks way too basic for a big day out on the hills. Additionally you access the camera kit from the back, fine if you're taking the pack off but not brilliant for those, "grab my camera from the bag" moments.

I can't see it as anything other than a basic but expensive "look, I'm a photographer" daysac with limited versatility built in by design.

I'd buy one as a smartish daysac for occasions when I'm deliberately taking my camera out into the wild for shortish periods of time but I'd go nowhere near them for days when I'm out in the outdoors for long periods of time and taking my camera with me.

Others might like them though so hey ho!
Click to expand...

What bags would you recommend as an alternative?
 
Tend to agree with Neil on this....it has a ton of stuff for additional items, in fact it has more facilities than my Osprey which I tend to think of as one of the best sacs I have owned. We are all different though and have different needs and requirements. I cannot accept the F-stop bag is a stylish photography bag though, I would call it an extremely practical bag. It will carry Ice axe and crampons with no problem and I can tailor the insides to suit whatever activity I am doing. Ivan I don't understand your comment regarding wrapping your camera and kit in jacket and stuffing inside an Osprey and then complaining on the f-stop you have to take it off the get at the gear in the back. I would be interested to know how you can get at gear inside a sac without taking it off. At least on the F-stop you can slip the shoulder strap and swing it around the hip belt like the Flipsides, no need to remove it and you are away again..
 
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Check out Bikeradar in the reviews sections, there's a good one in there that is for SLR's that even has a camelpak style drinking section and padding etc, etc. Not cheap at shy of £200 but gets a good review and worth it if weather is less than happy.
 
I've got a Kata MiniBee 111UL (they do offer bigger bags too). The bag is crazy light when empty but really solid (I think they use some type of aluminium for the frame and spine). It's also got the mesh at the back some people are talking about, so the only contact points are at the shoulders and at the hips, and the strap warps to fit your body shape. I use it for my large format camera (plus DSLR as a light meter), so it's normally carrying just under 10kg of equipment - including a fold up chair in the laptop section ;). The weight is spread really well and after a day of hiking have no pains or aches.
 
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bmwoner said:
Check out Bikeradar in the reviews sections, there's a good one in there that is for SLR's that even has a camelpak style drinking section and padding etc, etc. Not cheap at shy of £200 but gets a good review and worth it if weather is less than happy.
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Is that the LowePro bright orange one?
 
Like I said, everyone's different. The way I carry camera kit doesn't suit the compartmentalised nature of the f-stop bags and having had a good look at the f-stop packs on the web following this and previous threads then they don't look to have the features and layout I like.

Personally I prefer to have a big empty space which I can then fill as appropriate.

Crap weather and danger of damage? Stick camera in Lowe Pro case, lenses in pouches and chuck in drysack within the pack.

Less extreme conditions? Wrap it in a fleece (if that) and chuck it on the top of the rest of the kit.

Thinking I want to shoot on the move? Then I'll prob take a smaller pack and attach the Lowe Pro case to the outside for ease of access - spare lens in a lens pouch attached to a waist belt or wherever.

Want the camera out? - "Get the camera from the top of my bag" to whoever I'm with, swing it around waist or take it off.

Camping/Bivvying? Carry it all in in a normal mtn pack and then use the Lowe Pro case as a wandering about camp camera handbag.

Not taking the camera at all? Then I've not spent loads on a pack I'm not using.

Want a bigger/smaller bag? Money saved. The protection is the Lowe Pro type small case, the bag is just the carrying system - I'm not paying for the F-Stop system each time.



Imho to make it worth buying an F-Stop then you have to use it as it's intended - ie with the ICU. If you don't like this or prefer a more versatile way of working then you're paying a lot extra and not using it's USP. I still think it's an expensive way of buying a not particularly brilliant daysack and then limiting what you can do with it.

Rather than argue back and forth that the F-Stop is a good mtn pack I'd prefer to hear why people prefer the F-Stop "system" as I just don't see the point.
 
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It certainly seems options are quite limited, I'm suprised as there's clearly a market for it.

I still use my Osprey Atmos for my main hiking days, with the body inside in a holster bag for protection and my spare lens in a lowepro lens case - this does take up a bit of space though & access is cumbersome. I bought the Lowepro Primus AW primarily as it has much better access to the camera through a side pocket, not perfect though. As my original post says though the bag is simply too uncomfortable.

For me a decent photo/hiking rucksac needs to be both comfortable and have good access to the camera - whilst I like the look of the F Stop its access isn't ideal, maybe there isn't an ideal solution at the moment:bonk:

Simon
 
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Looking at their website, and sure lots of out of stock stuff, but I am confused by their pricing schemes.

Am I right to assume it's possible to get a Loka bag with 1 ICU for $399 and for same price get teh bag but with 2 ICUs? Seems very logical to go for one with a medium and large ICU rather than with just one ICU: http://store.fstopgear.com/Loka/Fol...age-Green-Loka-w-Medium-Pro-ICU-Large-Pro-ICU

Or am I missing something?
 
It looks like $339 with one ICU and $399 with 2 to me.
 
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