the only person I could watch discuss backpacks for 40 minutes.

@simonheereman1616

Жыл бұрын

And … we did

@MGMKT

Жыл бұрын

You are right, we did.

@jeremias.lindner

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you

I actually love these Videos because you‘re the only person who I truly believe not to be influenced by sponsorships etc. and you‘re also the only person I could listen to talk about backpacks even so I’m not looking for one for over 40 minutes, so just thank you for all that.

@MortenHilmer

Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot Lukas. I really appreciate 👍

I've been saying it for years. Camera specific backpacks are about perceived function and looks instead of raw carrying comfort and pure field usage utility. I gave up years ago thinking any of the manufacturers would offer something that bailed on the "cool" factor for prioritizing function. I use hiking bags and have "made my own" based on comfort and use needs and have been much happier and less frustrated. It's nice to know I'm not the only one whose had these experiences and feelings.

It’s funny… For the past week I’ve been looking for a new backpack that could fit my camera gear and other supplies for outdoor trips - and I just couldn’t find any “camerabags” that could hold up to the quality of a good outdoor backpack. The exact same problem you’re describing here. Such a coincident that you would make a video about that exact problem - thank you!

Transparency with Goodness, simplicity blended with experience , knowledge ripened with Humility...this man is truly a legend of sorts...wonderful video ....thanks for sharing.

After looking at camera backpacks, I also came to the conclusion that it's better to buy a dedicated backpack that suits your needs and is comfortable, and then just get some general purpose padded liners to fit inside it. Much cheaper, more flexible and all round better solution.

@Byrkster

4 ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. I have spent so much time looking for the best "camera bag" when I have the backpack I enjoy... This video was great.

You may want to check Mystery Ranch with overload feature and with full zip-off front. Overload is great for atypical load, like peli case - or another pack, a saw or a carcass. Newer model is upgraded with better hip belt with molle, easier frontal access (previously you'd need to open more side compression straps). They added a waterproof double-lid as option. What I miss are expandable side pockets like in fjallraven kajka. But, it's not as big as norrona and bergans. 80L isn't as spacious. There are ways around with super-long lid and overload though. I.e. with tent you can fold everything flat into overload part. Similarly with sleeping bag, folded inside waterproof bivi. It's a matter of different habits in packing. One advantage is you can remove the bag from frame (like in firefighter frame) and either use the lid as small backpack or fit huge side pockets onto it (norrona-style). No pulk loop in the belt, needs a modification. One heck of a pack.

Morgen I totally agree with you. I have had a number of bags, but the most comfortable packs I have ever carried have been designed for hiking not photography. I think comfort and carrying ability are far more important than anything else. I now use a Mammut 50ltr with a ICU from an old pack, saved loads of money and it’s very comfortable, when I can I may by a 30ltr for shorter trips, maybe after watching your video that will be a military pack. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

@patricksmith2553

Жыл бұрын

To each their own, I prefer Gura Gear 35L or ThinkTank Airport Accelerator, Lowepro Lens Trekker AW II/III for just my flagship D6 and 500mm FL.

@francoissavioz1531

Жыл бұрын

Same for me: an old Mammut Trion Pro 50 + ICU F-Stop.👌🏻access to the photo gear is identical to the F-Stop bags

@BrianNorthmorePhotography

Жыл бұрын

@@francoissavioz1531 Im now looking at the smaller Trion I think maybe its the 30 or 35 so I can have smaller pack for shorter hikes when I don’t need so much outdoor gear.

Camera back packs do one thing and one thing only carry lenses and bodies. There are few that have provisions or room for anything else. And even fewer that can accommodate big glass (500 f4 size). That number decreases even more when you add big glass, with lens hood attached in the shooting position, and living out of that pack for days. Hiking packs have the room but are often brightly colored, lightly constructed, usually top loading ect. Like Morten I reverted to a military pack for the basis of my build. Modularity is a must, one pack that does it all! (So to speak.) Adding or deleting mission specific gear as needed, sometimes hourly, meant MOLLE was also a must. Ex. a Molle handcuff case is great for screw on filters. Or hang a solar panel and charge on the go from the Molle. No one wants to stuff a wet and muddy rain coat into the same fleece lined compartment as tens of thousands of dollars of cameras/lenses. On a $700 back pack, because there is no where else to put it. With Molle you can put essentials in a smaller day type pack and attach that to the Mother pack. Within seconds you have downsized 80%, the possibilities are endless. LowePro or F Stop never has or will make anything like that. Both mfj's would wonder why you would need to carry an axe and your camera gear. So if your wanting to cary more than just your camera gear stop looking at gear reviews and shopping for commercial photography packs. Go military with an ICU type body/lens case. Then build out from there for YOUR needs. You can buy high end mil packs for what mid range photo packs cost!

Hi Morten, i don't have big photo equipment like you but after buying several photo bags and finding them not confortable when hicking . I finally switch to a Osprey Kamber 42l hicking pack and i put ICU for my camera gear. NO more shoulder and back pain. Out door bags are the winner.

@Tuomimaki

Жыл бұрын

I did the same with Osprey Kestrel 68. Love it!

@TheWillRogers

Жыл бұрын

I've been using an Osprey Aether. Opening is a little small but it's fine. I think I liked my Decathlon Forclaz Trek 900 pack better for access, but the Aether is more comfy.

I completely agree that those f-stop bags are very much over priced. The fact that the clips are so loud on a bag at that price is a joke. I use the Shimoda which is half the price of those f-stops and just as good. But what a genuine and honest review. You could easily be affiliated but have chosen to remain neutral for the benefit of your photography and what is important to you. Props to you Morten.

Even as this was not a review it was the best overview I have seen. I am guilty of following the advice from other ‘influencers’ and have about the same collection (lowpro/f-stop) and unfortunately with the same conclusions. The prices are ridiculous, functionality sub-par. Great advice, would like to have seen this 3 years ago 😊

i have the same issue with photo backpacks, so i got separate ICU and put in hiking backpack with front big zipper from Gregory. So i can easily access gear from top rather digging from buttom through all my stuff. I am happy with this combination, so i can understand your struggle, Morten :)

Hi Morten, thank you for the video! Here's one more option: Some years ago, I've put the completely loaded LowePro PhotoTrecker AW II as "ICU" into my Bergans PowerFrame. It fits (leaving lots of space for other gear), because the Bergans ist so insanely huge. Then, the PowerFrame Monster acted as "mothership" from where I've ben able to pull out the complete PhotoTrecker as a "shuttle" from the bay, and the Bergans could stay in the biwak. Heavy & somehow bizarre (if not to say awkward) - but it was well worth the try. ;-) Greetings, Stephan

I haven't seen the entire video yet and i can already tell it is going to be good

I love when he said stay to the camera 🤣🤣. That sincere feel whenever you share about anything it give me a nice feeling

Thank you for your insights and experience about backpacks! Appreciate the honesty and that you’re not trying to sell something.

Excellent advice! Like you and many others, I've concluded that camera backpacks just don't work or me. Adapting military gear to my uses works so much better. I would add that if I'm going to be on/in/near water, I like military drybags to protect my cameras and lenses. Watershed Drybags makes a range of military drybags that I like as backpacks and have adapted as slings. They are even submersible up to about 100 meters! Again excellent advice! Thank you.

Love your attitude towards quality and price. Great video and very useful recommendations. Another possible modification to carry tripods: Add a magazine pouch (I use a Tasmanian Tiger G36 pouch) for two magazines to the front of the backpack. The pouch holds the legs of my tripod while added straps hold the top. I like that better than having excess weight on one side of the backpack. I bought a smaller Savotta (Jääkäri L) to be able to add a camel bag / water bladder, food and rain gear along camera gear. I really like its durability and options to add pockets. What I dislike is squeaking of straps/the top of the backpack sometimes, the fact that the straps will loosen, eg at the bottom and the top of the backpack, and camera gear / the ICU is only accessible from the top. I am not sure an ICU for the 400 f2.8 fits into the backpack - so this video came just in time. Thank you

@cristibaluta

Жыл бұрын

The best carrying system i had was on a lowepro, it had straps at the buttom of the bag. Putting the tripod on the front of the bag is a lot of weight detached from your body moving around... On the side is not bad, you can counter balance the weight

Hello Morton! Thank you for the wonderful video!

Hi Morten! I totally agree with your message, "find good quality staff that suits your needs." However, the problem I often had (and still sometimes have) is that when you are a newbie, you don't know your needs and end up buying something based on someone else's experience. To make wise choices, one first needs to gain wisdom. So thank you for a lovely video where I can learn from your knowledge and hopefully make fewer mistakes))

Nice video Morten. I almost did the same thing, but switched not to "military", but hiking backpacks (osprey). Feels much more comfortable and cheaper too.

14:10 Very important feature for me. I live in the desert so it's cactus needles, not mud that I don't want on the side that goes against my back. I have had to eliminate lots of potential bp's just because this is feature #1 for me. I ended up a with really cheap Amazon pack for $35. But it does work for me. If I ever get a 400mm (I'll never afford a 600) I will have to maybe upgrade. A Frankenstein, that was funny.

@AliasJimWirth

Жыл бұрын

Which pack did you get from Amazon, if you don't mind saying?

Thank you for all of the experienced advice.

Great video! Thanks for speaking up for small businesses.

Found your video very interesting I use camping/outdoor bags on my wheelchair always adapting it. Gave up on Camera bags long time ago as they did not last as you said to expensive, Enjoy your time in the photo blind.

Another great video Morten really interesting

Brilliant! Thanks Morten.

Thank you. Lots of good advice to think on. All the very best. 👍📷😎

Thank you for sharing your knowledge or experience

Oh yes we got the point, thanks for all these advices.

Hi Morten! Thanks a lot for your advices about the backpacks!!

totaly agree..thanks for the fine video.

Great video Mr. Hilmer! How I always deal with the "click' sound of those fasteners is how you place your thumb and index finger and squeeze to open, when closing the fastener, place your thumb and index finger on the same location to catch the little ears before they snap open to lock. Then gently release them. Absolutely silent. Thank you again for your wonderful videos and for bringing all of along on your adventures! Best wishes, Steve

@zenphotojourney

Жыл бұрын

I was going to suggest something like that but you put it very well so no need for me to repeat it. I've done the same and it works good.

Thank you Morten! I hope f-stop and Lowepro are paying attention.

Thank you, Morten! Your advice is always practical and based on the experience of really being "out in it". That's hugely valuable. )

Thanks a lot, very interesting to hear about your expeareances. 😃👍

I love these videos! Very helpful for beginning wildlife photographers!

Morton is just the best. Everything comes from the heart with the wisdom from experience. I can't remember ever watching an equipment video over 30 minutes until now.

Great stuff Morten! I love thinking outside the box. Thanks brother! Doug 🇨🇦

Learned so much from this practical video. Thank you.

Outstanding advice Morten, your honesty and straight forward approach to this subject is great 👍 thank you 🙏🏿

Hi Morten, I'm using the Bergans together with the ICU-Alternative from Flyht Pro (Flyht Pro Flex Inlay WP Safe Box 7 fits well into the Bergans (approx 35€)) for two years now to carry my stuff around at the Swiss alps. To "close" the ICU I just put a small piece of a sleeping pad on top of it. I have no quality comparison to the f-stop ones, but they work fine for me.

@Luke-dk4ei

Жыл бұрын

If only I had seen this earlier. This seems to be a steal compared to the F-Stop one

That's some very interesting thoughts! I'm not entirely happy with my bags either, so thank you so much for the inspiration!

Thanks for sharing your opinion! I have a few hiking backpack and a lowpro flip side trek 350 but found it hard to find the perfect match for both hiking and photography

thank you ! i also go with custom backpack, but this video is great and gave me new ideas!

Thanks Morten for your tips. With these tips I ended up with a Fstop Cine ICU and a Tasmanian Tiger Mill Ops 80+24. I put the ICU upside down in the bag and in that way I have good front access. I normally used the Lowepro bags you started with and I had the same issues as you with them regarding the carrying system and the stress on the neck and shoulder muscles.

You should start your own range of backpacks. I was looking for such product and still not able to find it. I am glad you made this video, it was very much needed.

Hey Morten, I miss your Photographers Friday, but I understand that you can't do everything. A great informative video with lots of helpful tips. I would love you to share with us your trips from this year and the up and coming ones that you are going on. Take care and keep up the fantastic work you are doing.

Very interesting to hear long term reviews. I'm looking for a very day bag that'll work for a day or two hike also. I'm thinking the fernweh from wander but it's nice to see a lot of bags that someone used in field a long time

So recognizable, I went for the eberlestock model halftrack. Full front opening, big side pockets, great carry system and it does fit in the carry-on lockers on the plane. 👍

Thanks very much. You did a hell of a job. Very nicely put together, with a ton of info. I have the 450 Lowepro and like it, but having something with a rucksack frame gives a foundation to support and carry your load with.

Thank you Morton for such detailed insights. I love it. It’s very inspiring thinking out of the box from the commercial offers. Improve the versatility. The best is as always with Morton, the honesty. I just love the down to earth comments. No tricks ever.

An excellent video thanks Morten and I totally agree with your comments about a lot of photographic backpacks attracting premium prices which are not reflected in the finished product!

I would love to watch you pack up your loadout into the bags. Adding the bushcraft element into a camera bag is fascinating to me.

A true and honest perspective on bags, The Bergans Powerframe 130 you settled on still has the straps in the mud when you set it down. These wont, take a serious look at Shimoda ACTION X70, Osprey KAMBER, Gregory TARGHEE , Mystery Ranch. or look for larger bags with those companies....Enjoy all your Expeditions/Outings, stay safe my friend.

I bought one of the LowPro bags because of watching your videos. Perfect for me. Thanks!

Thank you for all the insights and experience, it was very interesting to watch. I liked the mods you did to Bergans pack. If you ever get a chance to try Mystery Ranch backpacks, have a go at those. They are little costly but the versatility is great, many offer really good access inside and some of them have an Overload feature that allows carrying a lot of stuff. Their hunting backpacks range might really be something that you will like.

Hey Morten, Great bag video and so many thoughts that are similar to my own, having experienced many many many camera bags and other bags, only a few ever hit the spot for what I need. Lowepro do some internal divider ICU units however they are mostly the smaller size for max a 300mm 2.8 etc, but I hope we will see more of these soon, the F stop stuff I agree seems overpriced for what is largely a slightly padded cube! Great video with some top class take homes...I might have to talk people through some of the...maybe 30+ bags I have, because there is certainly value for the community here! As well as the designers watching!

Another great video Morten and I love your openess and honesty. I fully agree about the importance of trying bags on before buying them as it's also really important to make sure the bag is correctly fitted. A good sales assistant at a physical shop should have the knowledge to make sure it's fitted and adjusted properly, as a top quality bag fitted poorly will feel really uncomfortable. Thanks Morten.

Great Video, specially the recommendation for trying out and buying at the local dealers!!!!!

So satisfying to see an anti-gear review, kind of. Use what you have and don't fall for the "THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED" products. perfect.

Thank you for a great video Morten, as always. You really gave us a lot of valuable tips and information. 12 l molle compatible side pouches from Savotta maybe might fit your Savotta backpack 🇫🇮 Tack för inspirationen 🙌

Top knotch information, very much appreciated

I've got a bunch of packs -- purely high country hiking and some purely photography bags. So when the two are combined it's usually two bags for me. The Bergen would be a grand addition to combine both needs. Of course you reviewed it and it's sold out everywhere LOL Thanks for this; one of the best gear reviews I've seen, period! Cheers!

Wow, thank u. Great reviews.

A fine video with some really good advice. I try to shop my local camera stores, too. I too do not want to see them disappear. I value the in person information and help you can't get remotely, and as you say, you can see the items and try them out to get the right one for you. Thank you.

I love the interesting video about the backpack’s. You take the time to tell the in’s and out’s of all the backpack’s and that’s great info. I self have the lowepro 450AW and i love it, but that’s what’s all about the person. Gr. Jan

Really awesome video! I'm a product design student doing research for my senior thesis project and this is exactly the type of user background I have needed. Thank you for all of the insight!!

Thank you for your very good advice. There are so many things one needs to consider before buying a photobag that will not suit your body and needs in the end.

Just received a British Army 90L bergen, that will do nicely. Super rugged. Plus already have a couple of inserts I can use. Great advice, thank you.

I'm pretty satisfied with my bags but Morten, i really can watch every video from you just talking about whatever you want because you are such a calming dude. really love your videos and work. and can't wait for your upcoming (gear) videos :)

very thorough thank you I need something that won't fall apart when i am halfway round the world. Lots of good ideas here.

Hi Morten, Thank you for making this video. It is very refreshing to watch a You Tube presenter who is talking about products but not actually trying to sell you anything. I agree with your advice to try prospective products when possible. Unfortunately, here in Yukon, I live a thousand kilometres from the closest full-service camera shop, and that has forced me to rely to a great extent on reviewers on-line. This means that despite my best efforts, I have wound up with crappy bags more often than not. Fortunately, about a year ago, I elected to try a Shimoda bag, and it has proven both comfortable, and reasonably versatile. Still, watching your discussion about the limitations of the f-stop bag, highlighted some issues that I have also noted with the Shimoda such as the constricted access to the sides of the ICU when its packed full. I also worry about its durability, especially where the shoulder straps are fixed to the bag at the top. Another camera specific bag that I've heard some good things about is the Atlas Pack, but again, without being able to try something in advance, you have to rely on the experiences of others. Anyway, the Shimoda is working pretty well for me for now. Anyway, I agree with your thoughts on cost--add the word "camera" to almost anything and it feels like a license to double the price. Perhaps the military bag option is worth trying out one day. Thanks again for what really felt like an honest look at backpacks. I wish more reviewers would provide constructive critiques rather than simply pointing out the good points. Thanks again.

After hesitating with lowepro I finally opted for the Gitzo Adventury 45L, it is just perfect!

Muy buen video, muchas gracias Morten! se agradece!! Saludos desde Chile!

Thanks Morten for your videos. Very inspiring!!! I myself have been using the large Shimoda Action X70 backpack for the past few years. With aluminum frame, interchangeable shoulder straps and 77 liter interior. Not advertising, just very satisfied!

I've had similar problems trying to find a pack to carry camera and tripod along with batteries for trailcams and camera trapping equipment. Then add water emergency kit, extra clothes etc and I just haven't found a good solution yet. I like the idea of the ICU units. I'd been looking at tactical bags but didn't know how I'd make those work for camera gear. Now I may have a solution. Thanks Morton. Your content is always good. Even my daughter who isn't a photographer enjoys your videos.

For day trips i used Deuter storm backpack with hard back. And sewed myself a divider system for photogear.

I also have not used a ‘camera specific’ bag for a long time… you could not be more correct about the carrying system being super important! Even just commuting or anything in life a good bag with a sturdy back and good shoulder straps makes life just better! I also love your ethics on supporting a local shop over ebay or Amazon, so refreshing to hear

great video and also recommandation that a backpack is very individual. I fully agree with your opinion on F-Stop that they are on the top of the range on price and they have a few drawbacks but they are the one that fits best my body (shoulders and back) when I take it down an alpine ski world cup after 30 years of different brands

I always carry my 600 f4 in one sidepocket and a 400 2.8 in the other. That leaves enough room in the back for my backup 600 f4 (you cannot be too prepared), 69 cameras, a circus tent, and a bed. And guys: dont forget to bring your well - stay hydrated! Just joking. Amazing video!

as Morten says : Think for yourself and by yourself ;) 2 cents should be enough ;) again a very good video based from field experience, thanks man.

Really informative Morten! Based on your recommendation and others comments, I think the hiking bag with a hybrid of the ICU's might be a good alternative. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Thank you Morten. I always look forward to and love your videos. I also find the F-Stop side pockets frustrating. I end up using mine for tent poles and pegs, mini iPhone tripod, pack out rubbish bag. They don't suit a drink bottle. I have been looking to see if I can add a stretchy water bottle pocket somehow. Perhaps in the future, I will purchase a hiking backpack and use my ICUs or F-Stop Navin and lens case on the front of my pack.

Superb points and logic. I made my own, a Thule Stir hiking backpack and a messenger bag padded insert that I cut seams and re-sewed to work vertically, carries my 200-500, two other lenses, camera with another lens sits on top, then there are pockets for batteries, memory card cases etc

Another great video. Done the same but on a smaller scale. Started with a Norton’s Recon but could only access through the lid. Traded for a Tasmanian Tiger Mission pack. As you say military build quality built to last.

Thank you my friend for your excellent experiences with backpacks! Great food for thought!👍👍👍

@marvinspates924

Жыл бұрын

I think you are a scam my friend! Morten would not send a message like this!!!🤔🤔🤔

Great ideas!!

what a video Morten! please do an in-depth review of the Savotta Jaakari backpack. I wonder if it makes any sense for hiking a bit and shooting from blinds and jeeps.

Have a look at some of the Mystery Ranch packs. My experience is with the military packs where molle is available and they are all designed to carry heavier loads. Bombproof and the access systems available lend themselves to good integration with camera cubes/ICU’s etc.

Thank you so much! I didnÄt find any other good source with advice abouot options with which I would be able to hike and do wildlife photography. I tried different options, beeing disappointed with each and every one of them. And I always asked myself how to make customize my own without knowing needlework. But this gave me some great inspirations!

Greetings from Austria! Wow Morten! So you did it, the very best backpack video for serious ones out there! Always have had the same thoughts about this overpriced overhyped products, compared what we've got at the military! Thanks to you no need to try them out. Thank you so much!

@wolfganglueger1691

13 күн бұрын

Btw: the "click" noise is very important!

Great video love it I’ve used a few bags over the years. Currently using shimoda action x50 and love it don’t think I’ll be changing anytime soon. Perfect size for my gear plus enough space for any non camera gear. Also fits as carry on for most airlines

I agree to your recommendations. I´ve got several backpacks from different brands, even the old LoweProTrekker, which is still in use and often customize normal backpacks for my special needs, for example Ortlieb with inserts, when it has to be absolutely water-and even saltwater-proof, but its not comfortable to carry for long time. Most times I don't carry camping equipment, so I'm happy with 15-20 kg on my back.

i´m very happy with the Snigeldesign 100l from Sweden, an absolute beast when it comes to carry heavy loads.

Love your recommendation. That's exactly how I do. Inform via the internet and then go to a local dealer, test it live and purchase there.

Dear Morten,I watched the whole video and i enjoyed your tips,I live in the middle east,In the desert,So my needs are a medium bag and strong bag that can withstand hot and desert weather. Thank you for the tips!

I muddle along with a second hand lowepro it's not perfect but it does the job. Mine is very similar to your lilac bag. Fantastic advice to shop local. Good for you.

Great advise, thank you. I spend a lot of time on Dartmoor in the south west of England. The weather can change very quickly and you need to carry the correct gear. I have been looking for a camera bag which will carry my all weather gear and my 200 to 600mm, but as you say, they are expensive and I know from my current bag, not that good in poor weather conditions. Will definitely be trying out my local military surplus stores :)