Looking for some input on backpacks............

I'm curious to see if anyone uses backpacks when they go birding? I did about 10 miles today. I had both my cameras and binocolors(I know it's not spelled right). You know those things you hold up to your eyes and look through. LOL They got cumbersome and a pain in the butt at times. Sometimes I'll also carry other things like snacks, water and/or beer, etc. If you use a backpack or something else, is it worth it and does it make your birding easier? Inquiring mind wants to know. Thanks! :)


(pic from amazon.com)

Just one opinion here.

I have a backpack almost identical to the one you're showing. Personally, I find it to be a pain in the butt. By the time I have it loaded with my camera gear, it is so heavy that my back aches if I wear it. It is great for holding everything nice and neat in the trunk of my car when I go out birding; but not for trekking through the woods while I'm actually birding.

I would love to have a backpack for my camera equipment for traveling on a plane but otherwise the weight would be too much for me.

There is a nice selection here at B&H Video and like this first one by Canon. I think Dellrose may have this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Backpacks-Daypacks/ci/176/N/4294539828

Pelle is right...I have the Canon backback. The only time I used it was for traveling on a plane and it was wonderful for that. The only problem I had was it was so roomy that I also loaded it with reading materials which weighed it down..but with just the camera gear it was perfect for what I bought it for and it went thru security easily.

Believe it or not when I go birding I have my camera and lens in an insulated six-pack holder which I carry in a 5 gallon bucket along with water and a length of camo material and a few bungee straps. I carry the tripod in my other hand. When I get to a spot I like I set up the camera on the tripod, attached the camo material if I need a blind and turn the bucket upside down and sit on it!! For me this is the easiest
way to carry what I want and have a place to sit.

I didn't think about the weight alone Jane. Very good point. I was thinking more about the convience factor. Like having at least one hand free. I had my binoculars around my neck yesterday, my camera in one hand, tripod in the other. Needless to say when I went to step over a log, the binoculars got hung and down I went. It wasn't pretty! LOL

Thank you for the link Pelle, I appreciate it. As for me ever getting on a plane again, I don't EVER see that happening again! I don't fly anymore and if I can't get there by car, then it wasn't meant to be. :) However, I MIGHT think about going up in a small plane one day?

Very cool idea about the five gallon bucket dellrose. I have plenty of them lying around. Why I don't know? I even have one that has a seat that spins. I was thinking backpack because of the way I go birding. I'm constantly on the move, walking and looking. When I see movement or a spot that looks good, then I stop and wait. If I don't get any shots within an hour, I start moving again. Thanks ya'll. I have learned so much on this forum! :)

I like the bucket Idea too. I go walkabout on our farm, and there are times I get tired, and if I have the cammy cloth, it's real easy to rig a blind, the best part is the bucket to sit on. Easily portable. I like it a lot. I recycle cat litter containers, but they work the same as the buckets. LOL!
WIB,
SW

LowePro has a nice selection of camera bags, backpacks, etc.

http://www.lowepro.com/

When I first bought my 500mm lens and new tripod, I was concerned as to how I was going to carry it around. So, I bought a bag/backpack that would hold the lens, camera and numerous accessories. I never used it because it was too big and bulky. I looked like I was going on an expedition up Mt. Everest.

If I was younger I might consider venturing deeper into the forest or away from civilization. However, there are so many good spots around that I am seldom more than 10-15 minutes from my car. I don't plan to visit the Amazon region or the Andes mountain range anytime soon. When I start to photograph Bald Eagles in the Fall, I basically get out of my car and set up my tripod. I seldom go birding for more than 3 hours at one time. So, for 3 hours (early morning), I can go without liquids or without sitting down. If I could sit down, that means the action is too slow.

One day, I met a gentleman photographer who had his camera, long lens and tripod all in a single jogging stroller. It was an ideal setup where you can stay on a decent path. It was the type that had two larger than normal wheels on the back and one large wheel in the front. I think the one that he had even had shock-absorbers. I venture around several lakes that may have 1 to 2 miles of paved path. That would be ideal and sure beats carrying it.

Anyway, whatever works for the specific individual ..........

Thanks for the link linthicum, I appreciate it! I like the idea of being that close to the car. When I go birding I have a bad habit of losing track of time. I'm always curious to make just one more curve on a trail or I'll see what's on the other side of that hill. Before I know it, I have a three hour hike back to the car. *rolls eyes* I'm starting to like the idea of the five gallon bucket. :)

I got this backpack last year for my birthday.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017RYVH8

It's good for traveling because it has a place for a laptop. All of the lens dividers come out so it can convert to just a backpack.

When birding I mostly only use it for transporting the gear to the site. Lots of pockets for batteries, SD cards, bandaids, and now — poison ivy wash! LOL.

If I were to take it with on a hike, it's nice because it also has water bottle pouches and straps for my monopod. on the shoulder straps are two hooks where I can actually hook my camera strap.

However, since I only have the one SLR and use mostly one lens, I don't find the need to take it with me while hiking. Pretty much like Jane said above. It gets heavy. I'd like to probably have a little pouch just for my smaller lens (and the poison iv wash).

Very nice Mrs_Ed, thank you! I can relate to the poison ivy. I can almost look at it and get it. :(

I'm pretty sure I am always going to get it badly now. Had a bad case this year and so now I'm carrying Tecnu wash with me all the time.

If I get a really bad case of it, I'll drive down to the beach for the day and spend a lot of time in the water. It seems that the salt water really helps to clear it up?

H!. I'd have to drive quite a while for some sea salt water!

I guess that makes sense though, but when it starts weeping, I can't imagine salt in it! I finally went and got the cortisone shot and cream.

And my husband now makes me repeat the mantra… The scooter is not an all-terrain vehicle.*giggle*

I guess I'm the odd ball here. I have the Lowepro 400 and 300 flipside and use them. I mainly use the 400 when going on longer hikes that way I have all my equipment with me (i.e. flash, flash extender, extension tubes etc.). I carry both the 1D3 and 50D. the D3 has the 400 5.6 on it and mounted on the tripod while the 300 is on the 50D. I set up the 400 and tripod and keep the 300 in my hand for quick nearby shots. Then there's time when I will have the 400 in hand, 300 and 50D in backpack and mount the tripod on the backpack and walk for miles.

I now use the Lowepro 300 when I go to the zoos, weddings etc. (holds smaller lens 70-200, 50mm, 85mm etc) when I don't need to carry the larger lens. Lately, I've been interested in photographing landscapes and waterfalls, getting into some macros etc. Here's my cheap plug.

www.methodical.zenfolio.com

No doubt Al, if I had more than one camera and lots more gear, I'd take the backpack while walking.

Thanks for sharing that info Al, I appreciate it. Your pics are outstanding, thanks for sharing those as well! :)

No problem and thank you

he he, I just wish I had your problem! LOL. My point and shoot sits next to me or around my neck...you maka me yellow with envy!