I am planning a month long trip to Taiwan in August, and I want to do alot of filming (if I can), especially in the mountains. I having been searching high and low for a good backpack that will hold the A1, firestore, extra battery, water bottle, and other misc things, as well as have a tripod strap either on the back, side, or bottom. I would like to keep it under 7lbs (empty bag), and not have to risk breaking the eyepiece to get it in. Biggest problem so far has been no bags are wide enough for the A1 (needs about 12.75 inches), so putting the camera in a bottom compartment doesn`t seem possible. I have found 2 so far that seem OK

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487266-REG/Lowepro_35019_Vertex_200_AW_Backpack.html
Doesn`t mention dividers, no waist belt, not sure how the rubber would do in 90 degree direct sun (may cook the camera), not sure if its good for hiking, seems more for transport, but fits the camera.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487266-REG/Lowepro_35019_Vertex_200_AW_Backpack.html
7 dividers, waist belt, not so good review by one user

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/301645-REG/Lowepro_3448010_Rover_Plus_AW_Camera.html
no dividers, wide enough bottom compartment, no exterior dimensions(carry-on safe?) , 5.5 lbs, seems to be the best choice so far?

Any feedback, other models, suggestions, would all be appreciated. The only local camera shop here doesn`t carry much so trying it out first really isn`t an option unless they have that particular bag in stock.

Thanks :)

Nathan,

I just got a Camelbak Outlite (discontinued) that I am using for mountain biking. It is a day pack that has a 3l internal bag and 2 external holders. For my HC7 (smaller by a little), I put it in a photo case inside the backpack (but you won't have it also wrapped in the bubble wrap ;) "dress for the slide, not the ride" ) The Camelbak Honcho is similar.

So tackle it from the standpoint of a good backpacking pack, and then create the "compartments" by putting a case inside. That might give you more options.

The Kata bags are nice but a bit more pricey but really well made heres one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/422742-REG/Kata_KTHB205_HB_205_GDC_Hiker_Backpack.html

and Petrol. Saw this one in the store. Pretty nice.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/471041-REG/Petrol_PMLCB2_PMLCB_2_Backpack.html

I'm using the LowePro Nature Trekker. It's a bit bulky but very comfortable. I originally got it for taking my XL2 on international flights, but now I can get the A1 and Steadicam Merlin inside with no problem, plus spare batteries and tapes.

Richard

Tip 1. Mountaineers are walking and climbing for a long time and they know what bag fits them during the walk. So take a look at normal bags in a mountaineering shop/ campingshop with belt and sidetop opening. Build your own interior padding!

Tip 2. Remove tripodhead from legs and use the iceaxe binders to attach the legs.

Tip 3. Buy a separate polyester/nylon rain coat for the exterior. That keeps water out, dont rely on 'waterclosed' bags.

Tip 2. Remove tripodhead from legs and use the iceaxe binders to attach the legs.

Tip 3. Buy a separate polyester/nylon rain coat for the exterior. That keeps water out, dont rely on 'waterclosed' bags.
Funny... On tip 2. I used the pole binders for my monopod. Stuck up just enough to catch a grapevine and 2 trees. Need to replace those elastics :D

Tip 3 is a must. You want to make sure you don't get caught out in the open with your gear. That was the final selling point on what I got. It has the rain cover in a side compartment.

So, get a good pack and make it a photo bag. Sorry, repeating myself and Raymond.

I got this bag last year for a trip to Congo, Africa. Worked great. It held my VX2000 (and now it holds my A1)...a canon rebel xt....about 7 batteries...20 tapes...rain cover...4 ft reflector...battery charger...shotgun (a mic shotgun that is)...hardback book...water bottle and small tripod on the outside..

after a good hike it got a little heavy...but not heavier than one would expect on a hike...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/399839-REG/Petrol_PCBP_1_Mini_DV_Hiker.html

Ogio makes a good bag for video but it would be nice to have extra space for hiking needs etc. check it out...

http://www.ogio.com/product.php?product=57

EH

And consider something like this if you want to go fully waterproof. No kidding.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/492310-REG/Ewa_Marine_VXA_VXA_Underwater_Housing.html

I am curious how does XH-A1 fit in the backpack? Its interior height is listed as 5.3" at B&H. The reason I ask is that I can't find a backpack for XH-A1 and most of them had height around 6.5".

I got this bag last year for a trip to Congo, Africa. Worked great. It held my VX2000 (and now it holds my A1)...a canon rebel xt....about 7 batteries...20 tapes...rain cover...4 ft reflector...battery charger...shotgun (a mic shotgun that is)...hardback book...water bottle and small tripod on the outside..

after a good hike it got a little heavy...but not heavier than one would expect on a hike...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/399839-REG/Petrol_PCBP_1_Mini_DV_Hiker.html