Hiking with equipment

[AKPhotos]

I use the Large backpack, Airline Addict I think it is, from Thinktank. A buddy of mine use the belt system they have for hiking and his motorsports and loves it. They quality is excellent with Thinktank! Check them out. Maker of pro photography equipment - camera bags, digital camera cases: Think Tank Photo

[Douglas Nicholson]

I've found that regular hiking packs work best for me. I have one that has a large inner compartment and a smaller detached outer compartment. I have two photo equipment backpacks that have tripod straps, dividers, pockets, etc. They're great for holding gear but I find them very uncomfortable in the backcountry. I usually put the camera with a lens attached in a small carry bag along with a small bag containing filters and place this into a hiking pack. I've even used bubble wrap for extra lenses. For the tripod, since it has a tilting center column, I adjust it to a "T" configuration and place it upside down in the space between the inner and outer compartments of the backpack. The pack has compression straps to keep the tripod secure. This may not be the optimal configuration for fast setup but I'm usually hiking for miles before I need the equipment.