+markp99 Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 I'm looking for a nice-sized day-pack to carry my Digital SLR, PDA, cache swag, etc. I don't typically carry extra lenses or much other camera equipment (besides a couple filters). My caching trips are usually limited to ~1/2-day jaunts. I've been loading my pockets with suff and leaving the camera behind lately - not a good arrangement - I missed some great photo-ops last time out. I've looked at a few "camera backpacks". They mostly seemed to be too big/bulky, too small or just plain fugly. I am looking for something light but functional. Padding for my camera is only mildly important (I have padding segments from other camera bags I can reuse here). Do you use a daypack? How do you carry your STUFF? Do you carry an SLR-sized camera? Suggestions? Quote Link to comment
+Jhwk Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 take a look at camelbaks. A lot of them have decent storage for your goodies and have a hydration system for the upcoming summer days. Never go caching wiithout mine... good place to start. Quote Link to comment
+Team SAR-Dogs Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 My wife and I use Mountainsmith packs, the same ones we used for wilderness Search and Rescue. She uses the "Tour" (488 cu/in) and I use the "Day" (854 cu/in) and we like them both. They can be used with or without a shoulder harness, hold two water bottles and have 2 nice size compartments. They also have lumbar support. Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 (edited) I use a Mountainsmith Approach II, but I think it might be a bit large for your planned use. Mountainsmith makes other very good packs. They have nice pack made specifically for camera equipment (the detachable SLR case is a cool feature). The Mountainsmith Chute is not camera specific, but is a good smaller pack with some great features. Gregory also makes some well thought out, solidly built packs. Edited March 31, 2006 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
+Marcie/Eric Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 http://www.caselogic.com/ Maybe too small for what you want, but I have one perfect for my Merigold, extra AAs and some small swag. Quote Link to comment
+caderoux Posted March 31, 2006 Share Posted March 31, 2006 I like the Camelbak M.U.L.E. - looks like they just revised it. Quote Link to comment
+Woodbutcher68 Posted March 31, 2006 Share Posted March 31, 2006 I like the Camelbak M.U.L.E. - looks like they just revised it. I use one too. Plenty of room for a daypack and plenty to drink. Quote Link to comment
+JohnnyVegas Posted March 31, 2006 Share Posted March 31, 2006 A Camel back can be a great way to go, but there are several companies making packs now with hydration systems included, or that have a space included for a Hydration cell. One approach may be to take the gear you want to carry to your local outdoor equipment shop and try out several packs to see which one suits your needs the best. I own several day packs and I find myself using differants ones depending on how long I am going out for, some times I just carry a fanny pack. I did buy a Nikon D-50 last December but I have not used it much for geocacing. It has been raining to much and I am not to crazy about taking it out in the rain, besides I went back to work That will cut into your cache time, what was I thinking. Quote Link to comment
+markp99 Posted March 31, 2006 Author Share Posted March 31, 2006 Yes, working is way over-rated! I was unemployed for 6 month last year, but this was before I was bitten by the geocaching bug! I didn't bring my Nikon D70 out last weekend and I am sorry. I came upon a nice pond area with lots recent of beaver activity. It would have made for a few great shots! Iplan to get back out there thi weekend, but the weather may not cooperate. Quote Link to comment
+Team Wildebeest Posted March 31, 2006 Share Posted March 31, 2006 (edited) I've got a camelbak too. Not very big, but enough room for my camera, extra batts, 2 liters of water, swag, some snacks, first aid kit and a raincoat in a stuff sack. I picked it up at Eastern Mountain Sports on clearance 2 years ago. Any outdoor store should carry them or something similar. Make sure you try it on in the store with some weight in it befor you buy. Edited March 31, 2006 by Team Wildebeest Quote Link to comment
+briansnat Posted March 31, 2006 Share Posted March 31, 2006 (edited) One thought. If you are carrying expensive camera equipment, you might want to avoid packs that have internal hydration bladders, or remove the bladder when you have your camera equipment in the bag. Though the chance is small, the possibility exists that the bladder can be punctured by something in the pack, or ruptured during a fall (the latter happened to me once), which could ruin your equipment. I personally like packs that give me the option of carrying my water in an internal hydration bladder, or in external water bottle pockets. The Mountainsmith Chute that I linked to above is a good example of that kind of pack. Edited March 31, 2006 by briansnat Quote Link to comment
+ranger-rob Posted March 31, 2006 Share Posted March 31, 2006 As evidenced in several of my previous posts I'm a huge fan of Camelbak and all that, but Maxpedition may have gear better suited to what you what. For that matter, they might have a pack exactly suited to your needs. http://www.maxpedition.com/product_catalog.htm Quote Link to comment
+Savoy 6 Posted April 1, 2006 Share Posted April 1, 2006 Brilliant minds think alike. My wife always asks, "how many packs do you need?"- Women, can't live.... Camelbak HAWG is my favorite, i seem to have one for 3 of 4 seasons. A MOUNTAINSMITH butt pack that's going on 10 years was great in the beginning, but I needed more room. My all time favorite for lots of gear and water is a BLACKHAWK PHOENIX. I've got an issued first generation GI pack that took the place of the old ALICE large ruck, has a detachable daypack. Great concept, most uncomftable day pack. Not for geocaching unless you have a cache on K2. Something I learned years ago on a hiking trip with my Uncle Sam, big packs are great, but the more room, the more gear. The more gear, the more weight.The more weight... So, unless you're invading Normandy, remember what you carry in, you gotta carry out. Size does matter, but also look at the straps, padding and adjustment. You can't just walk in and take it off the shelf, try it on. I've seen guys with packs that look cool, but at the end of the day their arms and back are sore and they looked like old men with hunched backs. Quote Link to comment
+belair56 Posted April 1, 2006 Share Posted April 1, 2006 I'm going to Sedona, Arizona in April I'm taking my Camelback "Mule" seems to fit everything ok. Quote Link to comment
+Baxter-MD Posted April 1, 2006 Share Posted April 1, 2006 I have a couple of packs, including the Mountainsmith Apporach II, but my favorite for a single day hike / tourist travel / geocaching excursion is my Jansport Solstice 33. It is very light, has a nice comparment for a hydration system, side pockets for water bottles, a main compartment with two smaller compartments that are great for gadgets and often needed items, a small copartment at the very top which is great for a CD player/I-pod and ice axe loop that I use to carry my hiking staff. Quote Link to comment
+stahlpower Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 I also have a Camelbak M.U.L.E that gets the most use. I have quite a few others but this is perfect for 95% of the time.. Just purchased the redesigned model and their has been a lot of improvements over the older style.. I am keeping my older one but the newer style is Highly recommended!! Quote Link to comment
+ranger-rob Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 My wife always asks, "how many packs do you need?"- Answer: As many packs as she needs shoes/purses. (Serve this cup of "shut-up" juice at your own peril! ) Quote Link to comment
+wandersfar Posted April 2, 2006 Share Posted April 2, 2006 for everyday caching i use the mountainsmith tour... great med size lumber pack with waistbelt but also use it slung over my shoulder sometimes ... if I need more gear for weather or conditions I use a north face ascent daypack very comfortable..... Quote Link to comment
+Team Yarber Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 I've used the same Mountainsmith Day for over 10 years . Great size, 2 compartments with water bottle holders & convertible from waist to shoulder bag to day pack (with proper webbing). One of the best packs I've ever used. http://www.mountainsmith.com/ Quote Link to comment
+JohnAengus Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 I like the Camelbacks. I have the Mule with a 3 liter bladder that keeps me well hydrated and has space for all the things I like to bring along. Besides the GPS, I think a pack with a hydration system is the most important addition to your Geocaching gear. Quote Link to comment
+Team Halm05 Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 I would second http://www.maxpedition.com/product_catalog.htm .They make an outstanding product. Quote Link to comment
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