Camera Backpack

[asdf]

So my Mountainsmith Borealis AT stated having some issues so I returned it and put those funds towards the purchase of a Clik Elite Hiker. Should be here soon along my my new camera ...
I was unable to find the pack anywhere locally so I went ahead and purchased it sight unseen.





http://www.clikelite.com/shop/large-hiker/

[ibenick]

That looks like a sweet pack but pricey. Would love to know how it works out for you, I need to get one before I leave for Alaska next month. Just curious, what camera are you upgrading to?

[asdf]

I got that pack for $214 and considering I just got a $150 refund for my old pack it feels like I only paid 70 bucks for it.
Just picked up a 7D

[apcronnelly]

Nice!

[ibenick]

7D... very nice! That sweet pack got me thinking. How do all of you SLR-toting Bogleyites prefer to carry those big cameras while you're actually hiking down a trail? I've seen those chest packs and some similar things but never tried them. I hate not having mine ready right away. Lately I've been using a Black Rapid strap. Works great but I have to rig a little piece of velcro to secure the camera to my backpack waste strap when I don't want it swinging around. It's also made using trekking poles less convenient. And last, no dirt/weather protection but I do throw it in a Zing cover if it gets nasty.

Link: http://www.blackrapid.com/

[asdf]

I use a holster bag.
In the middle on the back of the bag is belt loop where I attach a biner long ways, then I attach it to the main should/arm strap of my pack. Because the belt loop is in the middle of the bag I can slide it down near my hip and there is no sway or swing at all. To get the camera out of the bag I just slide it up the strap to my chest to pull it out... then I let go and its slides down to my hip.
Seriously simplistic, works very well and keeps the camera protected.


I have really been thinking about this guy due to it fitting the camera with a grip. http://www.clikelite.com/shop/large-chest-pack/
There is no belt loop but I think I could rig it up to work in a similar manner as I mentioned above.

[ibenick]

I wonder how that Clik chest pack would feel with that big back pad compressed under a 30-40 pound backpack...

[brookiekiller]

I use the Optech USA Backpack/Reporter connectors hooked up to some longer straps - the camera hangs from the frame of the backpack - not the neck, and is always at the ready. If bad weather looks like it is coming, I put a couple of bags around it and stuff it in my pack. I pack my extra lens in a lowe-pro padded lens case and just have it in the pack. This system is the best by far that I have found as my camera is always at the ready and I can use my big expedition pack and not worry about the camera. I have had a long zoom attached as I hike, and even then there isn't that much sway to the camera, I just strap it a little different.

http://www.optechusa.com/product/det...ATEGORY_ID=11#

[asdf]

testing 123

[mhambi]

Nice. What's all that weigh in at?

[ibenick]

I didn't realize that pack was for backpacking until now. Very nice. Also curious about weight... do you have enough room for a tent in there too? Looks like it could be small for a mixed weather trip but perfect for a desert/nice weather trip.

[mhambi]

I didn't realize that pack was for backpacking until now. Very nice. Also curious about weight... do you have enough room for a tent in there too? Looks like it could be small for a mixed weather trip but perfect for a desert/nice weather trip.

I could be wrong, but it looks like the 'tarp' it's all sitting on is a bivy bag and the black stuff sack an ultralight down bag maybe? All and all it's a pretty sweet setup!

[asdf]

I didn't realize that pack was for backpacking until now.

Really its my general camera bag and day hiker but I figured due to its size why not. I don't own a scale so I am not 100% of the weight. I would guess around 25-30lb.

6lb tripod
6lb pack
3lb bag
2lb camera
2lb in lenses
ect....

Changed the game plan up a bit.
I am going to replace the gear loops on the bottom of the pack so once I get 6 more inches I can strap on a compression sack with my bivy and sleeping bag then move the sleeping pad to the top. This will free up a lot of space inside the main compartment

[ibenick]

So how is the new pack? Big enough for backpacking? I really need to find something and get it this week but I don't think I need it to be quite as big... looking into some of Clik's smaller options.

[ibenick]

One more question Summit, what didn't you like about that Mountainsmith Borealis AT?

[asdf]

One more question Summit, what didn't you like about that Mountainsmith Borealis AT?

It was a great camera back just not really a hiking bag. The lack of support/frame and water bottle pockets were the major issues and kept my hiking distances with this pack under 3miles. Also, I am a bigger guy at 6'2" 250lb and it always felt a little small on me.


As for the Clik ... I am not ready to use it for backpacking, maybe once I get a smaller sleeping bag I can give it a go.
I have been packing for timp this weekend and I can stuff everything in the clik (its a really tight fit) or fill the extra room in my 5200ci pack with beer and a hammock... obviously I am going with the latter.

[ibenick]

That sounds like the Mountainsmith wouldn't be good for me either then, I'm about 6'4" and 270. So is the Clik Hiker you bought possibly too large/heavy for short day hikes? For my immediate need I want to be able to pack my camera, a couple lenses, small tripod, 13" laptop and some personal things, water, jacket, etc. I doubt I ever would want to use the same pack to backpack but it would be nice to double it as a day hiker. It sucks no one sells these things locally, I hate having to judge by online pics and descriptions and I can't find a lot of reviews on the Clik bags.

[asdf]

So far I have day hiked 20+ miles with the Clik elite and love it. I am able to pack my camera, two lenses, batteries, cleaning supplies, tripod, 3 light weight jackets, extra clothes for the kids, snacks, water bottle, and water filter with a bit of room to spare. I am not afraid to carry a heavy load and tend to over pack on every outing... its a gift really. If you want to meet up sometime we can hike and shoot so you can take it for a test drive.

[ibenick]

So I dropped by REI on 33rd south tonight and what do I find? One Clik Elite Hiker in-stock and on clearance for $214. SWEET BAG! Before I saw it I was a little worried about it being too big but now I think it's perfect, especially for the upcoming week I'll be spending in Alaska. But man I would still love to go shoot with you sometime, I have much to learn!

[asdf]

Score!