ergonomic hiking backpacks for photographers

see also:

• photography and camping main index page
• backpacks and bags for photographic gear
• options on how to carry your camera - harnesses, belt mounts, etc
• ultralight bushwalking

• choosing a backpack is quite difficult as it needs to cater for your variable needs including:
  • ergonomics to reduce risk of neck, back, shoulder injury and distribute load to reduce exhaustion and local weight issues
  • protection for valuable gear such as your cameras - from drops, bumps, rain
  • good access to items you need - camera gear, phone, maps, water, snacks, etc
  • general waterproofing as you should assume you will get caught in the rain
  • security from pickpockets if traveling in tourist destinations
  • carry volume eg. 20L may be fine for day packs, 40L for overnight packs and 60L for long treks for a week or more
  • can you take it as cabin luggage on air planes?

• ensure pack is sized correctly for your needs
• pack the bag so heavy objects are close to body yet padded from the body
• for children, final weight of pack should be no more than 10% body weight, for hikers, aim for less than 15% body weight
• select packs with wide padded shoulder straps and WEAR pack on BOTH shoulders and NOT slung over one shoulder
• USE the sternal strap to reduce neck strain
• USE the waist strap as this takes weight from the shoulders and neck and this should be 2“ above your waist and sitting on the top of your pelvis bone
• choose a pack which allows ventilation otherwise you will be tempted to sling it over one shoulder
• ensure it is fitted correctly
• it should not be wider than your torso and should not hand more than 4” below your waistline
• ensure weight is distributed equally and preferably front and back and loaded mainly on the hips
• keep weight down to a minimum and make hike more enjoyable and less injury prone
  • ultralight bushwalking
  • Micro Four Thirds camera system for perhaps the best compromise on image quality, kit size and weight for hikers

• NeoTrekk Stackpack
  • 1kg, 66L (3x22L waterproof shiny black triple-layer racing sail fabric barrel bags with full width velcro openings), telescoping Easton Aluminum external frame uses no screws or bolts; opt. slide-out seat pad makes a highback camp chair;
  • can mount your internal frame backpack; opt. PCT FrontPack;
  • entire pack… frame, belt, 3 collapsed bags will fit into a 16“ pizza box. Made in Texas;
  • $US489

• see Aarn backpacks / bodypacks for photographers for perhaps the best ergonomics thanks to the bodypack weight distribution and weight borne mainly by the hips