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Post by vanderloo on Jan 17, 2016 10:53:37 GMT -8
Hi All,
I'm new to the forum and really looking forward to meeting some like minded people and getting some solid advice.
I'm in N. Cal and would appreciate some great location recommends for weekend and day trips to satisfy my outdoor cravings between my longer travels.
I'm looking at the Gregory Baltoro 75 pack but wondering if there are better alternatives for 1-4 day trips carrying a fair amount of photo gear.
Probably taking 2 or 3 lenses, tripod, extra camera body, etc., sleeping bag, tent and all of the other needs. Want to be sure my gear is protected.
Thank You and Happy 16!
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jan 17, 2016 11:09:27 GMT -8
Packs are like shoes and boots. It is all about the fit. That said, Gregory has a god reputation for sturdily built packs and customer service. 75L seems about right for your camera load, but take it all to a store and see how it fits inside, on shoulder straps, or however you want it to carry. The most important thing is how your gear fits in the pack, and how it fits on you. Wear it around the store for 30 minutes, with your gear loaded up. See if hot spots show up.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 17, 2016 11:16:13 GMT -8
Other than the extra body, which would make sense to pack to me, I'd suggest you consider a top loader if some sort for the camera and lenses that would keep them safe but more accessible. Depending on the size if your gear, DX or FX for example the case doesn't have to be very intrusive. I tend to stick the tripod down into one of the side pockets held in place by the side compression straps so it's also not "in" my pack. LowePro makes a variety of cases so whatever the size if you gear you should find a suitable case. I use the same system as for my uncased camera: I clip the bag to my pack harness so the weight is carried by my pack not my neck. I use OpTech accessory straps that are compatible with the same OpTech lug straps that fit my basic camera strap. www.lowepro.comI use one for my d800 with a 28-300 variable aperture plus usually at least a 20mm, 50 mm and the occasional 200 mm macro. When it's a day hike and I'm carrying a 2.8 80-200 along side a 24-120 I go with a daypack for the load while my Gitzo 1349 cf tripod (I'm tall dontgecextra kength keeps me from backaches) and Kirk ballhead I just use the Gitzo shoulder strap while working as it's faster to deploy. ETA: even when I "pack" everything else I still hang the camera uncased off the harness. The theory being I don't get shots when my camera to stored away "in the trunk". Until I got this top loader as a freebie with my dSLR that was my standard: camera on my chest, lenses in side or top pockets in padded cases. Works just a bit less access to those alternate lenses. Overall it's your gear and your body the pack has to fit. And that means no theoretical suggestion will work. Brands are a different story. For such loads as camera gear adds plus the extra reliability so you don't drop that delicate gear onto the granite. People can remark on brand quality. But this is very much like a suit of clothing. It has to fit you. |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 17, 2016 11:19:30 GMT -8
Are you talking SF-style N. Cal, or Echo's version, the real way-north CA?
Around the Bay Area, there are so many open space areas to choose from for dayhiking that you never run out. From Pt. Reyes to Big Basin Redwoods, all accessible and cool. There are overnight options at some: Pt. Reyes, Mt. Tam (limited, but I think some are still there), Big Basin, Castle Rock, and Butano State Parks, and on south to Henry Coe St. Park.
One of these days we're going to camp at Mt. Diablo, though I think that's only car-camping, no trail camps. Only lived in the area for 21 (me) and 27 (my spouse) years!
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jan 17, 2016 11:26:35 GMT -8
HSF has a good point about the other option for the camera. My spouse uses a chest-mounted case (I tried that way back in our SLR days. Yeah, nope). He rests the camera atop the case, so it's supported but at hand. He finds it comfortable. In this photo the camera is probably inside, since we were mostly just pounding down the trail. It would have room for a couple of substantial lenses, or for the camera with a lens mounted. Smaller pockets handle spare batteries, etc.  |
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Post by vanderloo on Jan 17, 2016 11:27:23 GMT -8
I'm in Fair Oaks Rebecca. Just east of Sacramento. Easy shot from Auburn, the Sierra. The North Coast is one of my favorite places but I'm not real familiar with any good hiking spots there. I really appreciate your input. I'll be checking into these spots.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Jan 17, 2016 11:54:56 GMT -8
For hiking choices in California I can't think of any better resource than Wilderness Press guide series. They've been doing great ones since the sixties. www.wildernesspress.com/home.php |
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Post by vanderloo on Jan 17, 2016 13:10:25 GMT -8
Bookmarked it. Thank You
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toejam
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Post by toejam on Jan 18, 2016 8:10:15 GMT -8
The Gregory is a big pack - more than most people ever need. No matter what you buy you will most likely want something different after a few trips. It would be nice to find something cheap & simple until you know better. But don't buy anything you can't try on, preferably with some gear in it.
Ask your destination question in the California destination forum. It doesn't get enough traffic and we love to discuss destinations this time of year. You live in backpackers' paradise.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2016 19:26:32 GMT -8
Resurrecting an old thread (well not THAT old!) because we have similar interests. I also carry a bit of camera gear, on body two or three lenses, tripod, filters etc. All micro 4/3 format because its lighter.
For about 3 years I used a Dueter ActLite 65+10 It was fine, but I prefer having pockets to sort the stuff, so I just bought a Baltoro 65. Just started using it, very comfortable, but a bit heavier than I really like. The advantage is the pockets, and in the winter I know it will handle the extra gear in addition to the camera stuff well.
Just a tip on buying any pack. You'll find stuff to fill it up with. Get a bigger pack, you'll carry more stuff, a smaller pack will force you to choose the rest of your gear wisely. My 3 season kit doesn't even come close to filling a 65L pack. But the additional winter stuff does!
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