Originally posted by Arimel some of my equipment
What do you mean by this? To some people this could be an extra telephoto zoom and a polarizing filter; to others five lenses, a macro ring flash, and a tripod.
After hiking and photographing for over 30 years, I often say that the choice boils down to whether you are taking a photography-focused trip or a backpacking trip that includes a camera and a couple of lenses. If it is the former, it's all about weight savings in backcountry and photo gear and security for your equipment as well. Then one has to purchase ultra-light backpacking gear--
Stephenson's Warmlite is a great brand--at steep prices. For photo gear, Pentax is about the best choice for DSLRs, though micro 4/3 stuff is now used by many of my friends. I also favor a high-end CF tripod and a dedicated macro ring flash as I like to photograph rare plants.
I don't know of photo-specific backpacks that can carry liquids, stove+fuel, tent etc. I'd suggest finding a high-quality large (but light if possible) backpack and cordon off sections using padded inserts intended for photography such as Billingham. Nowadays I'll setup a basecamp with a vehicle and tent, and do a day hike that can run from pre-dawn to after dusk. I bring along a headlamp to see the trail and carry a waistpack with multiple pockets that can hold photo gear such as lenses that I'll need quick and frequent access to. My Kata photobackpack is only good for a long dayhike, but in its segregated upper section I'll carry water containers, food, sunblock, toilet paper etc. The interior gets excess lenses, lighting, sweaters etc. and my tripod fits on the outside in a pocket and straps designed for that use.
That works for me; hope this helps for you.
M