This post is part two in the series of “Hiking with a Camera“.
I have a Tamrac 5577 Expedition 7 Professional Camera Backpack that I use for storing and carrying my Nikon D810 DSLR, all my Nikon Lenses, a single Nikon SB 910 Speedlight, Manfrotto 190 Carbon Fiber Four-Section Tripod and the accessories I use most often. I can essentially grab my backpack and I’m ready to photograph just about anything. For smaller events I use a Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Daypack. Both packs are great for carrying my camera gear but aren’t meant for carrying hiking gear.
On the other side of the equation I have an Osprey Talon 33L Backpack that is great for one or two day hikes but is not ideal for stowing and protecting camera gear. That brings me to the subject of this page. I need a backpack that is a hybrid that is suited to carrying camera gear and hiking necessities, fortunately there are a few such products that exist. This post will chronicle my journey to selecting the best backpack for camera gear for my needs.
THINK TANK MINDSHIFT GEAR ROTATION180 PROFESSIONAL 38L DELUXE EDITION CAMERA BACKPACK
MINDSHIFT GEAR ROTATION180 PROFESSIONAL 38L DELUXE EDITION CAMERA BACKPACK
First up on my top candidate is the Think Tank Mindshift Gear Rotation180 38L Deluxe Edition Camera Backpack. In all honesty it already appears to be exactly what I am looking for in a backpack. The way the padded camera bag rotates out is absolutely genius and the rest of the backpack is configurable to hold as much or as little hiking or camera gear as necessary. I would guess that this pack has been designed by photographers who are hikers and backpackers. The 38 liter capacity is just about perfect for my needs.
Mindshift Gear Rotation180 38L Deluxe Edition Camera Backpack Description
Have you ever missed a great nature photo because you couldn’t access your camera? The rotation180° backpack’s rotating beltpack will help you get “The Shot” by allowing instant access to your primary photo equipment.
With ample room for clothing layers and a hydration reservoir*, these backpacks will help you maintain your creative momentum in any environment. The rotation180° series offers the most innovative backpack for photographers on the market.
The rotation180° backpack’s rotating belt pack gives you instant access to your primary photo gear.
With ample room for clothing layers and a hydration reservoir, this pack will help you maintain your creative momentum in any environment. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love shooting in the great outdoors, rotation180° technology can help you get “The Shot.”
Key Features:
- Top Pocket adds 200c cubic inches of volume
- Attachment Straps expand capacity by attaching items to outside of pack
- Padded Photo Insert more than doubles camera gear carrying capacity
- Tripod Suspension Kit allows hands free mobility, instant accessibility to tripod
- Removable sling for easy tripod attachment
- Hydration reservoir pocket (bladder not included)
- Fully adjustable shoulder straps
- Front pleated stash pocket
- Mesh side pocket
- Rail on waist belt for attaching modular components
- Back panel allows convenient access to upper compartment
- Fully adjustable shoulder straps
- Memory Foam back panel with air mesh channel
- Side compression
- Internal aluminum frame
- Selection of additional accessories to expand capacity and functionality
- Adjustable ice axe/ski carry loops
Specifications:
Exterior dimensions with outside pockets empty:
13.5″ W x 22.5″ H x 10.5″ D (34 x 57 x 27 cm)
Interior dimension of only the upper compartment:
12″ W x 14″ H x 8″ D (30.5 x 35.5 x 20.3 cm)
Exterior dimension of the belt pack only:
13″ W x 7″ H x 7.5″ D (33 x 17.8 x 19 cm)
Interior dimension of the belt pack only:
12.5″ W x 7″ H x 7″ D (31.7 x 17.8 x 17.8 cm
Weight:
Combined weight of both the belt pack and the backpack:
5.3 lbs (2.5 kg)
Belt pack weight:
1.8 lbs (0.8 kg)
Backpack weight:
3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) Generally used with the belt pack in place
Volume:
Total:
2287 cubic inches or 37.5 liters (without the accessories)
Belt Pack volume:
480″ (7.87 liters)
Backpack volume:
1807″ (29.63 liters)
Materials:
Exterior:
For superior water resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water repellent coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has YKK® zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 420D high density nylon, 210D velocity nylon, Ultra-Stretch fabric, 350G air-mesh, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Interior:
200D polyester lining, belly-o mesh pockets, closed-cell antilon foam, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Mind Gear Rotation180° Professional 38L Instructions
How to Attach the Tripod Cup and Secure a Tripod
How to Attach the Clip-in Strap to Secure Belt Pack
How to Rotate the r180° Pro Belt Pack
Stay Tuned for the Next Candidate, hint, Manfrotto
HIKING with a CAMERA PART TWO - BACKPACKS for CAMERA GEAR
Summary
This post is part two in the series of “Hiking with a Camera”. I have a Tamrac 5577 Expedition 7 Professional Camera Backpack that I use for storing and carrying my Nikon D810 DSLR, all my Nikon Lenses, a single Nikon SB 910 Speedlight, Manfrotto 190 Carbon Fiber Four-Section Tripod and the accessories I use most often. I can essentially grab my backpack and I’m ready to photograph just about anything. For smaller events I use a Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW Daypack. Both packs are great for carrying my camera gear but aren’t meant for carrying hiking gear.
