Rucksack for trekking

DigitalRelish

DigitalRelish

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I've started getting into fell walking/trekking/hiking/whatever you want to call it and want to replace my Lowepro Fastpack 350 with something that:
  • is lighter
  • can carry roughly the same amount of kit i.e. EOS 40D, 2-3 lenses including EF-S 10-22mm, EF-S 17-55mm and EF 70-200 f/4L, flashgun, Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod, Cokin P filter kit, torch, phone, water etc.
  • is better suited for a bit of climbing by managing the weight distribution
I'm considering one of the Lowepro Trekker models perhaps the Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II or Lowepro Pro Trekker AW II.

Can anyone with similar requirements share their experiences with these bags?

Thanks
 
I've recently bought a really big beast with a pretty similar kit and requirements to you. Walked round Scotland over early summer and was very helpful.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Rover-Plus-AW,2025,14.htm

The plus is very large and maybe overkill, but it will keep your kit in it and room for expansion. Very good bag with lots and lots and lots of adjustable stuff.
 
I have recently bought a new camera rucksack which although big, was a bargain and is not only big enough for my camera equipment but a laptop ( or maps & slim sandwich box)
the comfort and weight distribution is good too, straps and really well padded out and has strong construction. the bag is a Naneu Pro U120 Urban Gear Backpack. Have never seen or heard of this make prior to searching the net. for similiar bag in a more prominant make (lowe, tamrac etc) would expect to pay over £100.

More details are on the link below,

http://www.fotosense.co.uk/bags/backpacks/naneu-pro-u120-urban-gear-backpack-black.html
 
Will you really enjoy trekking up mountains carrying that lot. The camera and one lens soon gets really heavy, but 3 lens, that heavy tripod, sandwiches and survival gear could soon make for a miserable day. Sorry I can't advise on bag as I never take that lot, but would just like to point out as you have just started trekking just how heavy it can end up.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions so far and thanks for the concern ;)

I was in the Lake District over the weekend and in my Lowepro Fastpack 350 I carried all of the above in/on it. It wasn't exactly what I'd call a light load, but I managed Haystacks with energy to spare.

The main problem I had wasn't the weight of my gear, but that it wasn't very well balanced and the Fastpack doesn't have a proper tripod harness so it's makeshift across the shoulder straps or holstered over the waist belt. Either way, it can get in the way.

The pursuit of better landscapes is what's driving my trekking so I do want to take a fair amount of gear. Actually, not once did I get my 70-200 f/4L IS out so there's a potential saving of almost 1kg!

Admittedly, I trek with my missus and she carries the sarnies in her Berghaus backpack which is much better suited to the activity!
 
If you can visit a shop to eye a few up for close inspection, that would be handy.
I bought a Tamrac backpack online and it doessn't suit me at all, it's like having a really wide and large person constantly standing behind me, it's way too deep and far too short! It's like a box! Useless for navigating through busy area's like tube stations and high streets, probably no good for trekking either.

Lowepro seem to offer backpacks that have a bit more height and are more streamlined, fitting tighter onto the spine. Possibley better for your needs.

T.
 
Why not get a backpack with a gear compartment at the bottom and an all-purpose compartment at the top?

That way you could carry your own sandwiches. Useful if you want to go out on your own - you might feel more focused on image making without company.

Or if "she" went on strike....;)
 
I understand that weight is an issue but you also have to consider the safety aspect. I think that its very sensible to carry a small amount of safety equipment such as torch etc. weather is so changable that a clear day can soon turn nasty.

although we all go into the outdoors to take pics of the stunning british (and other) wildlife and scenary we have a responsibility to look out for ourselves. I think that the bag you get should have room for this equipment also and although might still be heavy could be useful if things take a turn.
 
Have a look at www.fstopgear.com they make bags for adventure sports photographers and they are very well balanced for snowboarding/mountain biking. I also know of at least one pro who specialises in climbing uses them. If you need a lot of mountain kit I'd go for the Satori, but for day treks I'd go with the Tilopa...
 
schrismonkey said:
I understand that weight is an issue but you also have to consider the safety aspect. I think that its very sensible to carry a small amount of safety equipment such as torch etc. weather is so changable that a clear day can soon turn nasty.

although we all go into the outdoors to take pics of the stunning british (and other) wildlife and scenary we have a responsibility to look out for ourselves. I think that the bag you get should have room for this equipment also and although might still be heavy could be useful if things take a turn.
Click to expand...

agreed:)
 
Okay, I suppose the downside of the Lowepro Trekker bags is that they don't have a separate compartment for non-photographic equipment.

Ideally, I'd want a rucksack that's been designed for trekking as well as holding camera kit. So something that holds all my gear, balances the weight well, allows airflow around my back, doesn't get in the way of my movement, compresses down, keeps stuff from rolling around inside and allows me to attach a tripod somehow.

Craikeybaby - The fstop bags look like they'll fit the bill great. I'll take a closer look at them now. Hopefully, there's no problem with getting one shipped to the UK.

Thanks to all for your kind help. :)
 
DigitalRelish said:
Okay, I suppose the downside of the Lowepro Trekker bags is that they don't have a separate compartment for non-photographic equipment.

Ideally, I'd want a rucksack that's been designed for trekking as well as holding camera kit. So something that holds all my gear, balances the weight well, allows airflow around my back, doesn't get in the way of my movement, compresses down, keeps stuff from rolling around inside and allows me to attach a tripod somehow.

Craikeybaby - The fstop bags look like they'll fit the bill great. I'll take a closer look at them now. Hopefully, there's no problem with getting one shipped to the UK.

Thanks to all for your kind help. :)
Click to expand...

Have you had a look at the dryzone rover (not the dryzone). Purpose built for treking etc. Totally waterproof camera bottom bit and a top compartment for lots of other bits. Has a 1.5 litre drink pack in it as well with a drinking / hydration system. Mine was brilliant recently when trekking in the Sierra Nevada in Spain. Ffords have ex demo ones in stock. Great prices.

Chris :)
 
schrismonkey said:
I understand that weight is an issue but you also have to consider the safety aspect. I think that its very sensible to carry a small amount of safety equipment such as torch etc. weather is so changable that a clear day can soon turn nasty.

although we all go into the outdoors to take pics of the stunning british (and other) wildlife and scenary we have a responsibility to look out for ourselves. I think that the bag you get should have room for this equipment also and although might still be heavy could be useful if things take a turn.
Click to expand...

:agree: Safety equipment comes first. Trekking in winter you need room to carry a fleece, waterproof top, waterproof trousers, hat, gloves, compass, map, first aid kit, survival bag, food, water, mobile phone (can be useful if in range and need to call emergency). You and your wife should carry these each in your own rucksack, in case you should get separated from each other. Amount of camera equipment should be then determined by available space and energy. Sorry to preach but Mountain Rescue has told us some terrible stories.
 
hillwalkinggirl said:
:agree: Safety equipment comes first. Trekking in winter you need room to carry a fleece, waterproof top, waterproof trousers, hat, gloves, compass, map, first aid kit, survival bag, food, water, mobile phone (can be useful if in range and need to call emergency). You and your wife should carry these each in your own rucksack, in case you should get separated from each other. Amount of camera equipment should be then determined by available space and energy. Sorry to preach but Mountain Rescue has told us some terrible stories.
Click to expand...

Somehow, I may have given the false impression that I was going trekking naked with nothing but my camera gear. Let me assure you guys 'n' gals that we are reasonably well equipped!

This weekend just gone was our first trip with any significant altitude and we were wearing our:
  • base layers,
  • fleeces,
  • waterproof jackets,
  • gloves (mine were mittens that converted into fingerless gloves - very handy),
  • hats,
  • neck warmers

See, I'm wearing it all!



We also each carried:
  • our waterproof over-trousers in our bags,
  • a compass,
  • an emergency whistle,
  • a torch,
  • a phone,
  • a pocket knife,
  • water.

Okay, the missus was carrying lunch, the first aid supplies and my over-trousers, but we made sure we stuck together and had no intentions of roaming off on our own.

We're both relatively young, fairly fit, had bags of energy after a 7-hour trek up and around Haystacks and I was carting around all of my stated gear.

I appreciate the advice, but you're preaching to the converted! ;)
 
I bought a Lowepro Rover AW 2 last year to take hiking in Austria this year. I found it excellent the padded waistband was an absolute must to help distribute some of the weight.

It does have a bit for a tripod on the back but I didn't take a tripod with me due to not wanting to add more weight to my case. I could get a spare fleece plus waterproof in the top part and there was room for a little bit more.

The only think I've found hard work is difficult access to gear as you have to take the rucksack off to get to your camera.

It has a built in rain cover which was used and very effective and it folds up inside a small flap at the bottom of the rucksack.

Hope this is of some use.

I won't be carting my 50-200 lens around next year though as I only used it once.

Andrea
 
DigitalRelish said:
Somehow, I may have given the false impression that I was going trekking naked with nothing but my camera gear. Let me assure you guys 'n' gals that we are reasonably well equipped!

This weekend just gone was our first trip with any significant altitude and we were wearing our:
  • base layers,
  • fleeces,
  • waterproof jackets,
  • gloves (mine were mittens that converted into fingerless gloves - very handy),
  • hats,
  • neck warmers

See, I'm wearing it all!



We also each carried:
  • our waterproof over-trousers in our bags,
  • a compass,
  • an emergency whistle,
  • a torch,
  • a phone,
  • a pocket knife,
  • water.

Okay, the missus was carrying lunch, the first aid supplies and my over-trousers, but we made sure we stuck together and had no intentions of roaming off on our own.

We're both relatively young, fairly fit, had bags of energy after a 7-hour trek up and around Haystacks and I was carting around all of my stated gear.

I appreciate the advice, but you're preaching to the converted! ;)
Click to expand...

My apologies DR, and I am so glad that you are sensible walkers. I must say though that I envy you having enough energy to carry all that equipment.:thumbs:
 
hillwalkinggirl said:
My apologies DR, and I am so glad that you are sensible walkers. I must say though that I envy you having enough energy to carry all that equipment.:thumbs:
Click to expand...

No need to apologise, it's good to see so many people care enough to remind us newbie trekkers to make sure we're suitably kitted out.

Now if you could recommend some good photo walks that would also be very useful :)
 
staffitaxi said:
I bought a Lowepro Rover AW 2 last year to take hiking in Austria this year. I found it excellent the padded waistband was an absolute must to help distribute some of the weight.

It does have a bit for a tripod on the back but I didn't take a tripod with me due to not wanting to add more weight to my case. I could get a spare fleece plus waterproof in the top part and there was room for a little bit more.

The only think I've found hard work is difficult access to gear as you have to take the rucksack off to get to your camera.

It has a built in rain cover which was used and very effective and it folds up inside a small flap at the bottom of the rucksack.

Hope this is of some use.

I won't be carting my 50-200 lens around next year though as I only used it once.
Click to expand...

There are so many good suggestions from this thread that it's making choosing difficult, but I think the f-stop Satori is the bag that's going on my Christmas list.

The Lowepro Rover AW II does look like a good bag though.

My Lowepro Fastpack 350 is an excellent bag which allows you to swing it under your arm to quickly access any equipment inside. The problem was that it was just too roomy and there's no way to compress down the slack space or secure the kit inside so stuff was rolling around a bit. Not good when you're climbing a rocky bit.

Also, not having a proper place to stow a tripod made carrying it a bit awkward. It's an essential piece of equipment to me so I need some way to safely carry it.

And yeah, I may well leave my 70-200 behind next time. What a dead weight that was!
 
DigitalRelish said:
Craikeybaby - The fstop bags look like they'll fit the bill great. I'll take a closer look at them now. Hopefully, there's no problem with getting one shipped to the UK.

Thanks to all for your kind help. :)
Click to expand...

I was shocked when mine arrived within a few days of ordering it, quicker delivery than most UK companies!
 
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