Backpack for Leica + Hiking?

[M8X2]

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Hi All,

we're going on half-day to full-day hiking trips more and more in the alps. So far, I haven't found a good solution for taking the M and one or two lenses with me which is a pity. The regular shoulder bags (I have a ThinkTank) are not suitable and the camera backpacks (Wandrd and fstop) are not perfect for hiking either. All of those options are not super ergonomic. I am looking into Peak Design, which seems to bridge the gap but I have no practical experience with their gear. The backpack should be capable of storing the body and maybe an extra lens safely together with hydration and some clothing. Quick access to the camera would be great.

Any recommendations from your side?

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[Carlos cruz]

I usually carry regular ruck sack, camera hung on the shoulder, extra lenses packed with some padding in backpack. I am not a fan of dedicated camera backpacks, as usually they’re extra heavy, and you still need some space for rain gear, food, water etc. So just a regular hiking backpack with lenses in camera bag insert. Keeping camera in the bag will make it so much harder to take photos on the way.

[poli]

maybe not in your line of interest, but I do quite a bit of hiking with my M. I personally don't like bag packs. Cumbersome, no quick acces. Certainly with hot weather. I prefer things on my hip, quick acces, back free  (for air...). So I have decided to use the Billingham Avea. (I think I have model 8). and put my M in there with one lens attached and wrist strap. I attach the small bag to my hip and I am quick to take the camera. For half day or one day hikes I often don't need a lot of gear (depending what type of hike you do). But water and layers of clothing mostly is fine and some small bites. So if you have two hip bags, trousers with large pockets, you might be fine as well. It is all personal of course. 

https://billingham.co.uk/collections/accessories/products/avea-8-end-pockets?variant=47914041180397

[darylgo]

I like using inserts and fitting them into a pack.  The insert can go at the bottom of the pack or stacked on top.  It's a bit tricky to keep the pack as small as possible and get the insert to fit, but once you have the setup it’s really versatile. 

Here’s an example I might try:
 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1772931-REG/moment_106_190_everything_camera_insert.html

[pgk]

23 minutes ago, Carlos cruz said:

So just a regular hiking backpack with lenses in camera bag insert.

Tenba make a range of suitable inserts and this is what I use. An M camera, 3~4 lenses, spare batteries and cards (+ an essential drybag which will take the Tenba insert) will fit happily in a smallish insert and you have the choice of leaving camera in the bag or carrying it externally. I've carried cameras this way for years. Purpose built 'camera' bags are ok ad suitable for some set ups, but rarely as usable as ordinary rucksacks in my experience.

[kkm]

For hiking I can recommend the Clik Elite Compact Sport:

https://www.naturescapes.net/articles/reviews/clik-elite-compact-sport-backpack-review/

[FDS]

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I use a Filson Journeyman backpack with Billingham Hadley or Hadley Small insert.  Sufficient padding, rainproof, and comfortable when hiking.  Room for other items. Access not as quick or easy as a shoulder bag but usually not a problem.

[cwcltd]

+1 for a proper walking rucksac and separate camera bag; I put my M11 in a Billingham Hadley which I carry on my front or side. Allows quick access to the camera and also caters for all hill gear.

[pgh]

It’s not the most elegant solution, but if we’re talking day trips in like the 15 mile or less range, I’ll often just use cheap ripstop packable backpacks, then my M in a domke wrap. Whatever backpack I use, it just has to have the space for crumpled up rain gear and maybe another merino layer, snacks/food and water. This doesn’t take up all that much space.  

If I bring another lens I tend to just use the lens case that Leica provides, or another Domke wrap. But I usually don’t. Then again, hiking is not where I focus on photography - most of the places I hike have been photographed already in a way I won’t improve upon or am not interested in trying, and I’d rather just be out there. Pretty rare I need my own picture, if that makes sense. 

I do not tend to use photo backpacks, they are too heavy and not efficient for the other stuff you need for hiking, and one of the benefits of the M system isn’t that you really do not need “camera” bags at all. If the hiking is not all that technical I will just wear the M around my neck. If it’s technical and balance becomes more important it goes in the bag wrapped up. 

Fact is at some point nothing is all that comfortable, every solution could be more efficient or whatever but making do with what I’ve got means I can just get out the door. Just spent 5 days in the UK in the Lake District with this set up doing some longer days and this worked just fine - same general set up for about 2 decades now. 

[Rupert Greenwell]

I enjoy a day's  hill walking . I use a standard back pack, I take a digital M and a X Pan. One camera is wrapped up in the pack whilst the other is worn across my chest. I often carry a pair of binos around my neck.  Spare clothing, food and water etc are in the pack . I use  waterproof Exped  bags for storage in the pack. Handy too if it rains.

 I have tried numerous shoulder bags, hip bags etc but now only use a back pack . It is the least annoying option !

[Robert Blanko]

For me it is most comfortable and practical to use a dedicated good hiking backpack. To accomodate for camera equipment I either have several lenses in small lens pouches stored in the backpack or carry them on a robust tactical belt - ready for easy access. The camera belt hung over my shoulder an secured with a small hook or the camera mounted on the belt of the backpack with a Peak Design Clip.

The pouches are lowepro dashpoint 10 or 20(?).

[FrozenInTime]

Similarly I’m in camp for picking the right backpack for the hike, rather than for camera gear.

Over the years, I’ve mainly used pouches looped on to the hip belt; this is still not perfect as when you stop walking and take the pack off it is all too easy for the pouched camera to swing to the ground. With a hip belt method, the pouch can also move along, even slip off the belt, so a tie on cord is a must.

These days I use two small sling bags - one for the camera in active use, worn across the chest ; the other, with either more lenses or a second camera, stowed inside the top of the backpack.

One thing never to do is wear a camera under a waterproof jacket - all the effort of climbing up hills will result in a good deal of perspiration, which can easily damage the camera.

[Rupert Greenwell]

I meant to add that when wearing a back pack in hot weather I wear a lightweight T shirt . On top of the T shirt to give my back some protection I by chance found a Fjallraven reporter type waistcoat which is made of cotton but with a breathable panel in the back helps a lot. It also has two large breast pockets which are designed to be accesible when wearing a pack.

 Quite right about not wearing a camera under a jacket. I tend to wear a very lightweight Barbour jacket which is notorious for condensation but a much loved and silent companion. I can adjust my camera strap which allows my camera to nestle under the large coat  pocket flap with just the end of the lens poking out. Fine for a shower of rain but  anything worse the camera goes into the pack !

 

 

[ravinj]

5 hours ago, darylgo said:

I like using inserts and fitting them into a pack.  The insert can go at the bottom of the pack or stacked on top.  It's a bit tricky to keep the pack as small as possible and get the insert to fit, but once you have the setup it’s really versatile. 

Here’s an example I might try:
 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1772931-REG/moment_106_190_everything_camera_insert.html

This is the solution that works very well for me. Insert - one or two in  my "standard" backpack that accompanies me on all hikes - the Mystery Ranch Coulee. All gear, water, food, powerbank, light jacket etc goes in it. I love its three zip design, giving easy access to things from the front, as opposed to backpacks that open from top. 

The pack itself is not heavy, is very comfortable, built to last and has taken a lot of abuse in Alaska, Montana, Santorini, Iceland, Grand Canyon and a dozen other places on full day hikes. 

Edited June 14 by ravinj

[didier]

I hiked and climbed a lot with my M6 and 2 lenses (‘cron 2/28 and elmar 2.8/50) in the 2000s. 

I wanted to have the camera handy, quickly ready. So I had a very small Loewepro shoulder bag I also fixed to the belt of my backpack in front of me.

As the combo was light, it worked perfectly.

I even did it on easier routes (pure hiking, such as in Corsica) add a second pouch (also attached to the backpack belt) to have 2 M6 with me each with one Lens, one on the right, the other on the left.

[rcusick]

Tried many.  Love this one -

lowepro BP 24l awiii.  

[LocalHero1953]

I have a fstop Loka which the OP says they don't like, but I like it for large format photography with two of fstops own inserts. It is comfortable for long distance walking with 10kg (my design limit), and the back panel opening is great for laying on the ground for gear access while setting up with tripod etc.

For non-large format, I have a Tenba insert for a smaller top opening Patagonia backpack. It allows me access to Q3 43 and a film M conveniently from the top. 

Edited June 14 by LocalHero1953

[costa43]

I hike a lot, I have a bag from Shimoda and another from a brand called Nest. Both have separate camera compartments. The Nest has side access and the Shimoda back access. Good space on both for other bits too. 

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[M8X2]

Thanks for the good suggestions, everyone. I like the idea of using a hiking-first backpack together with an insert or a belt attachment.

vor 3 Stunden schrieb LocalHero1953:

I have a fstop Loka which the OP says they don't like, but I like it for large format photography with two of fstops own inserts.

Paul, I have a Dyota which is really cool but not great for hiking in terms of ergonomics and access.

[250swb]

I think you should have a regular day rucksack for all the other stuff you carry and a bum bag/fanny pack for the camera that you can have in front on your tummy ready for action. Camera specific rucksacks, or any, require you to take it off your shoulders whichever design you choose, but a bum bag can just sit in front of you or quickly be rotated from the side or the back. It is never worth making getting a camera out of a bag a big deal, it stops photograph happening.