Backpack for rangefinder

[tribal.snake]

In my travels, I have been using a Blackhawk military pack with a Billingham Hadley small stuff inside to carry the RF stuff. I shoot mainly with a M6 and a M8, so the Hadley suffice. This config is rather troublesome, esp if I have to reach in to grab something and I have had piled something else on top of it.

Hence, I am looking for a more intelligent solution to this. Does any bros here carry a backpack in their travels for their RF equip? Care to share?

I been given suggestions so far:

• use a ThinkTank Shape Shifter, for its internal pouches and expansion; but I am not convince.
• continue with the existing config as that is the way to go; use a backpack to carry and take out the Hadley for the walkabout; I will buy things as such I need a backpack.

 

[mykelism]

Not a lot of experience, but just to share: I use a Kata Sensitivity V for most of my trips, packing a lot of stuff in as I fly. Once at the hotel, it gets repacked for walkabouts.

Pros:

Low profile (stays close to body and spreads weight evenly for long treks)
Neoprene material for stretchability and impact protection
Decent storage space (I usually bring a Hasselblad, light meter, 1 M body with 50mm lens, 1 digital compact, thermos flask + sandwich, 2 guidebooks, gloves + headgear, netbook, lots of film)


Cons:

You have to put the bag down to retrieve gear
Screams laptop/camera bag (theft attraction + not very pretty)
Neoprene material can be very hot for tropical climates
Plastic ends of the zipper attachment not very robust (busted one before, but Kata will replace for you)

 

[hjbyeo]

ThinkTank Shapeshifter is way too big for RF. It's an excellent bag, but seriously way too big.

I think Adventure 6 is a good one. Cheap and good. Better still if you managed to get the camo one that's no longer in production. But you'll also have to put the bag down to retrieve gear. you can also attach a tripod at the side.

Clikelite has got a Compact Sport which I think fits most rangefinders, it's small, and you can swing it in front for quick access - check it out http://www.clikelite.com/products/compact-sport/

 

[astroboy888]

Tribal. Snake, maybe you can be more specific to the kind of travels you do and why you leave your Hadley inside your backpack when you are in an area where photo opportunities arise.

I have left my traveling days with a backpack behind for a easier suitcase with wheels. My camera bag depends on the kind of trip I'm going on. If I will be out for the whole day and the weather is slightly cooler/colder, I will use my Hadley large as it allows me to pack my RF gear plus leave space for refreshments and a handy hip flask of whisky (purely to keep me warm) Sometimes I will also pack a sandwich and fruit if I'm in Europe. I also carry a foldable tote bag made of light weight ripstop material, in case I end up buying something small.

If I know that I will venture somewhere for a overnight journey while still maintaining my original hotel room or accommodation, I usually pack a little backpack in my suitcase and just use the backpack filled with an extra set of clothes for the short trip while still carrying my camera bag.

I will always keep my cameras in my dedicated camera bag which is by my side with at least one of my cameras out so that I can minimize loosing a photo opportunity.

On the other hand if I'm traveling in Asia or the tropics where it is warm, I will carry my Hadley original or AA 1000. It's big enough for my RF needs with my extra lenses and stuff. If I'm going for a casual trek off the beaten path, I again carry a very small light weight backpack and pop my camera bag into it with what ever is inside at the bottom of the pack. My cameras will be around my neck and not in the backpack.