[awscreo]

Hi. Curious if people have suggestions for a smaller bagpack that would be good for hiking. I'm looking to fit my K-1, the 15-30 2.8 and a smaller zoom, like 28-105 or the upcoming 70-200 4 (I'm guessing it will be similar or a bit smaller than 60-250 f4).

Would be good to fit the nisi s5 filter holder with filters.

I have a Manfrotto 36l, but it's too big and heavy for hikes, a bit of an overkill, if I take two lenses there's a ton of empty space left.

Any suggestions?

[c.a.m]

This thread discussed some options for a lighter bag: Looking for recommendations for a backpack. - PentaxForums.com

I think that a bag that I mention in the thread -- the LowePro Flipside 200 AW II -- might be just a bit too tight for your K-1 and lenses. However, the Flipside 300 would work. See my posts #4, 10, and 11.

As you may know, there are plenty of backpack options on the market, ranging from small and low profile to huge multi-use monsters.


- Craig

[aaacb]

If you're planning longer hikes (2+ hours, but especially 6+ hours and backpacking), consider getting a camera insert. I have the tenba byob 9, it's too small for the gear you're listing (but perfect for my similar apsc setup), but there are larger options available from tenba and other companies. I have a separate hard-case for square filters, my round filters fit in pouches inside the external pockets of the byob.

Why get a hiking backpack and insert instead of a camera backpack for hiking: 1) you get all the things that are useful for hiking, from internal frames and suspension systems to compression straps and other gear attachment points.2) if your hiking style changes (winter vs summer, blue sky vs uncertain weather, maybe backpacking instead of daytrips) you can just reuse the camera insert if you need another backpack.

That being said, I've done some full day hikes with a think tank perception 15, which is a surprisingly comfortable backpack (with a laptop sleeve... it's my daily bag)

[wl02356427]

National Geographic backpack has a large, medium, side back for consumers such as NG A5290, NG MC 5350. I think these two backpacks can be used in general cases.

[awscreo]

Thank you for suggestions. I didn't think of getting a hiking backpack and the inserts, I'll have a look at it. I don't hike that often, and usually around 3-6 hours total, but planning to do longer ones next summer. I guess if I'm doing a longer or overnight hike an insert makes more sense. My other hikes didn't require me to bring much more than my gear, water and snacks.

[Gene D]

I'd offer you take a look at sling bags. I have had a Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 20 Sling Camera Bag V2.0 for about a year now and its great for short hikes. Can fit my KS-2 body with medium size lens, my Tamron 70-200 or Pentax 55-300 PLM, along with another lens such as Sigma 17-50. or 2-3 Limiteds. There is plenty of room for filters and my iPad, plus the best part about slings is you can swing them around easily while walking to change lens on the go. Have a traditional pack that I use by MindShift for 4-6 hr hikes but the slings were never on my radar till I tried one and I love it. Good luck!

[Andrea K]

Case Logic DSLR Compact Backpack - Case Logic

[cport]

just a tip ... Lowepro photo sport ... the larger one

[bdery]

The Mindshift Gear rotation180 series is by far the best I've tested for hiking, followed by the Manfrotto Off Road Hiker, but I think they're discontinued. Lowepro's PhotoSport are also nice, but won't carry the gear you mention I fear.

[WPRESTO]

Be sure to look here

Backpacks - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

From the ratings it appears that many are very good to excellent, but commonly there's only one person rating = the person who bought that model and really likes it.

[awscreo]

Thanks! Loads to look at

[Qman]

I just got the LowePro Flipside Trek BP 350. So far it's comfortable, but I haven't gone very far with it yet. It is also quite compact. There is a smaller and a larger version as weil.

[DeadJohn]

Manfrotto Off Road Hiker 30L or 20L. I have the 30L and it fits my K-1, 15-30, 28-105 in the lower camera compartment. The upper compartment has plenty of room for more camera gear and hiking supplies. Good selection of outer pouches and hangers for water, tripod, map, etc. Waist belt has storage for cell phone, camera batteries, etc.

The bag is very comfortable for day hiking. The padded waist belt does a good job shifting weight from my back onto my hips. The hard back support offers ventilation for a less sweaty back on hot days.


Note that the back support can be an annoyance when not using the bag. Typical soft bags can be folded/rolled and stowed in a small space. The hard back prevents doing that.

[zzeitg]

I've bought both Athlete and Adventure Pack from AtlasPacks.


Atlas Athlete Camera Backpack ? AtlasPacks#


Camera Bag - Atlas Adventure Camera Pack by Atlas Packs ? AtlasPacks#


The smaller one (Athlete) might be what you're looking for.


(As a bonus, it does not look like camera backpack, but rather like a normal hiking backpack...)

[Timotis77]

I just brought a second hand, perfect condition Lowepro Flipside 202 AW for $19 AU + $15 postage.
This thing is a perfect size, in this I can fit my Medium Format Pentax 645z, with attached lens (either 120mm, 80-160mm, which are big lenses) and 2 smaller lenses, like my 35mm and or 55mm. This is just in the main compartment. Then there is the top part, which could carry another big lens, other two smaller ones. Or just a heap of personal items, wallet, phone, drink even a spare top id say. Heaps of room.

Plus there is the front pocket, which could also hold wallted, phones and other small items. (I even tested my Godox flash TT350p flash (small to medium size) and this fits in the little front pocket also.

This is just my configuration for my large 645z, I have a Nikon D810 also, a lot smaller in size compared to the 645z, as is the lenses, so i'm sure i could fit just as much, if not more... Very versatile

I would highly recommend this bad/sling to any body.....

Happy to send proof pictures proving its space....