Packing inserts for regular backpacks

[rjsphd]

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I have a great small bag for in town and short walks, but I am going to Scotland and plan a few steep day hikes.  Rather than a camera-specific backpack, which I have, I am considering using some padded insert for my Pacsafe 25L--it will give me lots of room for clothing water bottle, etc.  I know about the Tenba BYOB 10, but would welcome suggestions of preferred alternatives.  I plan to bring my 240 body and the following lenses: 21 3.4, 35 Lux, 90 Cron, and perhaps a 50 or 75 Lux if there is room.

As always, thanks for sharing your wisdom.

 

[LocalHero1953]

I use one of what F-Stop call their ICUs (internal camera unit): https://fstopgear.com/products/icu

It works fine in my F-stop Loka, but you'll have to pick the size for your bag.

But for travelling I'll often use as an insert either a Fogg b-minor or a Domke FX5B, so they can be used for local walkabout at the destination. The F-Stop ICUs come with a shoulder strap, but it is not a suitable design for walkabout use (unzips and flaps open at the front, not the top!)

Edited February 8, 2019 by LocalHero1953

[DickieT]

I am doing a fair amount of hiking in Ireland and certainly one of the similarities with Scotland  is the weather   In my experience a waterproof (water resistent does not mean anything in hours of pooring rain) backpack is crucial. I carry my gear in small Pelican cases that you can buy on Amazon. Shock resistent and waterproof too. Just a thought..

[rjsphd]

1 hour ago, DickieT said:

I am doing a fair amount of hiking in Ireland and certainly one of the similarities with Scotland  is the weather   In my experience a waterproof (water resistent does not mean anything in hours of pooring rain) backpack is crucial. I carry my gear in small Pelican cases that you can buy on Amazon. Shock resistent and waterproof too. Just a thought..

Good point.  My pack has a waterproof cover.  Wouldn't hike without one, especially in Scotland.

[Peter Kilmister]

If in doubt, remove the battery from the camera and stuff it into an inside pocket of your waterproof coat.

I have used my M-P 240 in the rain with no ill effects. No CaNikons visible as soon as any rain starts.

But on a day like today, with Storm Erik rushing through, you need to protect everything. Neoprene pouches are good for lenses. Cotton towels are a good, environmentally-safe, cover for the camera body. You might laugh but towels soak up moisture and hate to give it away. That's why we have used them for centuries.

 

[jaapv]

I know hat the OP wants to carry the camera in his regular backpack, but I would advise against doing that. It is no fun fumbling through dirty socks, underwear and water bottles when needing your camera, and bottles can leak over your gear as well.

I would use the day pack of your choice for your hiking needs and put the camera in a Lowepro Orion Mini to wear either in front or below your backpack. Whilst formally  "only" weather-resistant, not100% watertight,  I found that it keeps my camera dry in  anything that will not force me indoors. And in completely extreme weather you can alway slip a shower cap over it.

[LocalHero1953]

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The reason I use the F-Stop Loka is that access is via a full length panel in the back of the pack (as well as from the top), so it is easy to get at the camera insert, even if you have stuffed your dirty underwear on top. And I don't carry water bottles in my pack - I use the side net pocket..

[bocaburger]

The problem with using an insert like a Hadley in a backpack is the same as using a photo backpack: you are forced to take the pack off every time you want to change a lens.  Yes Ik there are ones with side-entry zips but unless you are double-jointed and have eyes in back of your head they aren't really that convenient.   Having a small, light bag inside your backpack is the best of both worlds, however when wearing a backpack it becomes problematic to simultaneously wear a shoulder bag.   Domke now makes their redoubtable F5XB in a very lightweight nylon, which might be perfect for the job, as it can be worn as a waist pack also.  This assumes your daypack does not have a stiff padded waistbelt.     Also, there are completely waterproof roll-top dry bags (like used for river rafting) configured with backpack straps.  I have 2 sizes of them, and have used them for hiking where down pours are expectable.

[Richardgb]

My Billingham L2 bag fits into my normal Osprey Quasar backpack, which also serves to disguise what's inside.

As the Osprey bag is several years old and no longer waterproof (well, no rucksack is, at least enough to risk a camera), the Billingham is a good fit inside a reusable supermarket carrier bag for protection against the wet.

Now, I can hear mutterings of having to rummage through the backpack to get to the camera etc., but the fully-enclosed combination is only used for the less (photographically) interesting part of the journey. When the camera is in use, it hangs around my neck and slips under my waterproof jacket if the weather turns inclement or I simply need to be more incognito about my intentions. Likewise, a jacket pocket will hold an SF58...

[Peter Kilmister]

So many people are scared about rain and a digital Leica. If it is wet, remove the battery. Replace it to take a shot and then remove it again. Keep the battery away in a safe inside pocket.

The M240 and its variants are built to resist rain. They are not waterproof but I have used my M-P 240 in the pouring rain and have at least one shot that was published by LFI.Gallery of a 1961 Jaguar 3.4 litre saloon on a day when no other person with a camera could be bothered to view a classic car meeting because it was wet.

Some of the best photos are taken in wet weather. Henri Cartier Bresson used his Leica in the wet. OK, his camera wasn't electronic but sealing of electronics is something that Leica has taken to heart. Insure your camera. If it gets zapped by rain then you are usually covered against loss if you have taken precautions.

[algrove]

OP

You might want to look at the Matador series-either the 24 or smaller 18. They weigh less than 250 grams. Also smaller Mindshift backpacks (18L) open like f-stop bags now and have rain jackets.

Edited March 5, 2019 by algrove

[Einst_Stein]

I do that too. I like the hiking backpack that has thick comfortable waist belt that can balance the weight to the waist and shoulder.  

I use the UNDFIND small shoulder bag ($29) as the insert in the backpack, it takes about half of the space. I managed to put in the M240, 135mm, 90mm, 50mm, 35mm 25mm, R35-70mm , EVF, Contax flash, battery, charger, spinning brush and misc cleaning kit in it. You can see the attached pictures. You can also get the UNDFIND medium size bag that is about 2 inches wider (same size in the other dimensions), but I find I don't want to put in any more weight. The small one is about the right size. 

Be warned, you are likely to have problems to access the gears quickly. 

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[dabrez]

A quick check on Amazon using this search gives a few decent choices as well. Nothing fancy, just practical.

"camera bag insert for backpack"

[algrove]

The "Artisan and Artist" red foldable 3 lens divider (it folds flat) is what I like for a light day pack setup. It even fits in the bottom of the Matador 16 Freely 6oz foldable backpack which resists rain with two zippered areas.

I was trying to find the model #. IN2 is what I found. I have 2 sizes one is just under 10" wide (IN2-1000) and the other one is around 11" wide (IN2-1100). Bought them at Adorama.

Edited March 19, 2019 by algrove

[algrove]

OP

Are you reading your own thread?

[Nick_S]

For foul weather conditions in the mountains (having lived in Scotland for 8 years a while back)  I would suggest a CCS bag. These are no longer made, but RK Photo Ltd bought the last stock and still have them available for less than the cost of a Leica lens cap. For example, the CCS A102 Kobrahead Medium/Large blue padded camera case. CCS were the bag of choice for many mountaineers in the 80s and 90s. The bag will slip on the hip belt of a day- or back-pack or it can be carried by a detachable strap. It will fit the Leica body with your favourite lens for instant access and the rest can go snug in the pack.

Edited April 15, 2019 by Nick_S

[goatsby]

I use a Tom Bihn Synapse 25 backpack with a Billingham Hadley insert. The TB is tough as nails and very water resistant, not to mention extremely well organized so that my camera is not buried under everything and easily accessible.

[loughtonsmith]

I looked on Amazon and picked up an Ape Case Cubeze 37.  Enough space for a body and a few lenses.  It might have cost $14 and fits in a variety of other bags.  I think B&H carries them as well.