Rucksack packing Q - DPChallenge Forums

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

09/03/2005 04:12:40 PM · #1

Well, have spent the last hour trying to pack my Lowepro Photo Trekker AWII and have a couple of Q's. Am off to the Isle of Mull for 9 days at the end of the month for a walking holiday :) and will be packing all my gear, bar 3 lenses (it just about fits in)

I started packing it with what I think will be my 2 most used lenses attached to the 300D and 20D - I'm now thinking thats not such a good idea?

I'd like to keep the layout the same throughout the holiday, sense tells me to pack the heavy gear at the bottom with the lighter stuff above but whilst walking I'll probably have both cams around my neck, meaning there would be a large void in the bottom of the bag (is this safe? comfortable?).

Would love any tips/ideas from peeps with rucksacks and with those with too much time on their hands this is what is going into the rucksack...

20D +BG
300D +BG
100-400 IS L
70-200 F/4L
100mm F/2.8 Macro
24-70 F/2.8 L
17-40 F/4 L
10-22
50mm F/1.8 MKI
1.4 converter
set of 3 Kenko extension tubes
20gb Flashtrax
Lee filter bag (0.6 GND + fittings).

I'll be sticking the Manfrotto 144B pod and 1288C head on the side and probably take the Giotto monopod as a walking stick ;)

Might seem like overkill but I want to be prepared for anything :)

Thanks in advance :)

faidoi

Pentax K10D

09/03/2005 04:15:19 PM · #2

Don't forget the batteries and chargers.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/03/2005 04:19:41 PM · #3

Originally posted by faidoi:

Don't forget the batteries and chargers.

lol, they will be packed with my shorts and T-shirts :)

Nuno

Nikon D700

09/03/2005 04:24:23 PM · #4

With all that load do you think you'll make it trough there? :)

I would love one of the Lowepro backpacks that are waterproof... Lot of money though. I ue a stealth reporter aw from lowepro, and all things are in the same level... So I can't be a great help. I got thins intead of the backpack because I can introduce my hand from the top zipper and grab a lens quick. In the terrain is not so quick after all :(

Nikon MF Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 AIS

09/03/2005 04:31:19 PM · #5

Originally posted by Nuno:

With all that load do you think you'll make it trough there? :)

Good point Nuno, I'm not a muscleman and won't be doing 20 mile walks each day ;) am thinking more of shorter walks with plenty of refreshment breaks!The phototrekker has a full waterproof cover hidden in the bottom and a daypack for my waterproofs etc. Have tried it on fully laden and although it is HEAVY it has an excellent harness and balances the weight well.

Mustardhead

Nikon D800E

09/04/2005 11:51:46 AM · #6

It is not overkill :D I often carry a Lowepro Super Trekker AW (the really huge bag) with Nikon FA, F4S and F5, 300mm f2.8, 80-400VR, 70-180 Micro-Nikkor, 55mm, 35mmPC, 28mm, 24mm, 20mm, 2x converter, loads of filters, speedlight, food, water, survival kit, first aid kit... and film ;) ... oh and a coolpix just in case.

"Received wisdom" in packing and carrying rucksacks is to put the heavier stuff at the top to load your shoulders more than your hips. The downside to that is that too much weight above the shoulder can make you unstable in high winds or when climbing, descending or just clambering over gates and fences.

Personally I like to distribute the weight fairly evenly around the pack with the most-used camera and lens set up positioned top-centre. Not only is it easier to get that camera out without undoing everything but it also means the laod is still well distributed if I keep the camera out and walk with it or stand around with the pack on.

Don't wear both cameras around your neck, especially with the 100-400 and 70-200 dangling off them. You'll get fatigue in the neck from that while you've got a perfectly good rucksack on your back :)

Roger

jonr

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Olympus 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital ED

09/04/2005 12:05:45 PM · #7

My humble advice:
First, I have no idea what kind of photography you are planning, but 2 cameras? Both with battery grips?
I would also leave either the 100-400 or 70-200, probably the 70-200. And the 17-40, too much overlap with the 24-70.
Even with breaks, every kg. counts. And I assume that you will be walking almost every day. The first days will be ok, but it will start to wear you down, unless you are very fit. :)