Hiking Photo Bag

[finbarqs]

I did some research on some camera bags I would like to take with me on hikes because I realized that my camera bag cannot be my hiking bag... and taking 2 bags makes it very inconvenient.

My criteria is this:

-side access to camera gear (Swing) so that I don't have to take off my bag to take a picture

-Weather resistance (Of course I would love water proofing but that's a pipe dream)

-Compatible with a hydration bladder (i.e. camelback bladders)

-must be able to carry a tripod (probably like a manfrotto befree series travel tripods)


In all my searching, I've found 2:

Clik Elite Compact Sport

lowepro Photo Sport BP 200 AW II

I was leaning towards the Clik Elite because I like how it looks a lot more than the lowepro,

but the lowepro seems to be more weather resistant than the clik elite. Clik Elite is also somewhat cheaper...

Anyways, anyone have any experience with this?

 

[CuriousMike]

I have the Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L that I use on hikes.

The only thing it's missing is the side-access, but I wanted the ability to hold a body with a tele-zoom attached ergo the longer Sport was necessary.

The build quality is good. I haven't had the opportunity to test it in inclement weather - but it uses a rain-poncho just like the Clik you listed - I'm not sure you can say either is more weather resistent. It is a definite positive that it holds a "standard" water-bladder.


If you're not in a hurry for whichever model you want, use something like CamelCamelCamel to email you when the price drops.

On that bag I bought, I think it was hovering around $105 for a couple of months and one day it dropped to $77 - I snagged it. The next day it was $105 -- that's Amazon for you.

 

[Aharami]

I have a lowepro 200W sling bag. While convenient, the one shoulder support starts getting uncomfortable really fast. I haven't found a replacement yet, but I've been using peak design's Capture camera slip system to attach the camera to the shoulder pad around my mid chest. I've found that configuration to make the system more balanced. Added bonus is that the camera is always accessible and it doesn't swing around like it would with a neck strap

 

[finbarqs]

I found it: Mindshift 180 Horizon 34L

has a pouch to hold a tripod on the side, or straight on the back.

Uses weather resistant nylon with PU coatings and if you buy now, you'll get a free rain fly (all the other manufacturers just gives them to you...)

but the best part is the 180 spin around pouch! You'll NEVER have to take even a single shoulder off!

oh yeah, will store a 3L bladder!!!!! This is what i've been looking for!

 

[CuriousMike]

That's a more serious bag then I'd need -- that looks like something you'd use for a multi-day hike.

Definitely has a lot of good features.

 

[finbarqs]

then there's the little one the "panorama" version 24L bag!!!

 

[Gooberlx2]

I have the old version Lowepro Sport 200AW, which I've used a ton. It's decent, if a bit small for my frame (5'10" 180lbs). Fits the gear I need for a dayhike. Nice, light and durable so far. Consider moving up to the 300AW II if you're larger or taller than I am.

FWIW, the Click Elite Obscura is on sale for $100 right now. Though some reviewers suggest it's better suited for small framed people.

As Aharami mentioned, the one accessory I can't recommend enough for fast access while hiking or backpacking is the Peak Design Capture Clip. Ever since I bought this years ago during the original kickstarter, I no longer care about side access in a pack.

For actual backpacking, I just bring along minimal gear (Pentax K3, 18-135WR, 16mm f2, Trailpix tripod) and stuff them in my multiday pack (REI Flash 62).

If you pull(ed) the trigger on the Mindshift, I'd love to see a review.

 

[finbarqs]

problem is that I may be getting it for Christmas....

 

[Renob]

Got this for $140 not sure its $252 in the link anyways great pack with side access to your camera this thing holds lots of gear I love it so far got it in June use it every week more mt biking then hiking.

Lowepro LP36505-PWW Photo Sport Pro 30L Camera Bag

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C69X7NA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

[finbarqs]

and my gf's parents are the best. Got me the mindshift 180 horizon 34L!!!! this thing exactly what I'm looking for!!!! now... since I'm going to zion early January (8,9,10) with a permit to the subway, can't wait to use it in the winter time there!!!!