Looking for the perfect day hike backpack.

[Andrewdjacobson]

I have 2 peak designs inserts (m-l) that I use in an osprey pack. I’ve tried a few osprey bags and really haven’t found one that works perfect but almost ok. I have a shimoda that I’ve learned to despise. The shimoda is more convenient but it is heavy, I hate the roll top, the front pocket is all but useless, it lacks some basic hiking features like pockets on the waist strap, ive used it in cool weather and my back sweats like I’m in a sauna. I don't really understand why companies insist on a laptop sleeve in a hiking pack? Does anyone really hike with a 5-6 lb laptop
I’ve got very few requirements
body/2-3 lenses holds a tripod and trekking poles water bladder against my back not the front a very well ventilated back and a well organized pocket system for random accessories and filters.
so far its looking like I need to start a bag business because my perfect bag does not exist..

anyone know of such a bag?

 

[slclick]

It's a lifelong pursuit. You just have to give in to having a collection.

 

[Tim Mayo]

I've been through a ton of bags but right now I'm quite happy with the MindShift Backlight 18L for my daypack and if I need to carry more gear I also have the MindShift Backlight 36L. I know https://atlaspacks.com/ receive a lot of praise and I'd probably consider one but for now I'm very happy with my MindShift setup.

 

[slclick]

B&H has a deal on Manfrootto bags right now, not sue if that's your thing. I'm mostly a Lowepr
o guy myself.

 

[Hali]

I've been through a ton of bags but right now I'm quite happy with the MindShift Backlight 18L for my daypack and if I need to carry more gear I also have the MindShift Backlight 36L. I know https://atlaspacks.com/ receive a lot of praise and I'd probably consider one but for now I'm very happy with my MindShift setup.

I will second that for the Mindshift Backlight, the only thing is it has no space for a bladder for water which is a big problem for me on long hikes. I should look at the Peak Design inserts for my Osprey as I like to travel light and my Osprey pack is as light as they come but it has no protection for a camera so if I'm doing any serious hiking, I often wrap my camera in my extra clothing in the pack

 

[PhotoJim58]

I've been through a ton of bags but right now I'm quite happy with the MindShift Backlight 18L for my daypack and if I need to carry more gear I also have the MindShift Backlight 36L. I know https://atlaspacks.com/ receive a lot of praise and I'd probably consider one but for now I'm very happy with my MindShift setup.

I agree, very happy with mindshgift. I am currently using the 18L for most of the time.

 

[jstrothe]

I'm currently using this https://evocsports.us/collections/camera-backpacks/products/cp-26l
Yes it still has a laptop sleeve and the water bladder is in a weird position but it's easy to get to and I haven't noticed it when hiking.

 

[lostnomore]

I know this is an "old" thread, but I'm new here and just wanting to add my $0.025 for the benefit of anyone interested. I recently settled on the Wandrd Prvke 31L (pronounced "Provoke" in their videos) after a very, VERY long search for the best backpack for my needs. I didn't want to spend as much as I did, but the other offerings were pretty hurtin'! Always something annoying that I couldn't seem to find a workaround for.

I had also seriously considered the MindShift BackLight - I came within seconds of buying it - but the last-minute deal-breaker that I wouldn't have been able to do without was no side access. I also don't like a waist belt that is non-detachable, especially beefy ones like on the BackLight. The Prvke has not only side access (and full, open-back access), but an optional waistbelt. The Prvke also has weather-resistance built in to the material - and weather-resistance zips - so finding space for a rain cover is not needed unless one wants to be really cautious and buy the optional one.

There's no perfect camera bag, but the Prvke has come closer than any other bag I've ever owned.

 

[Andrewdjacobson]

I guess i started this thread a while ago so I may as well update my bags.
Back in September my storage unit was broken into and all of my backpacks, $1000 plus are gone plus 5k worth of other stuff. My camera gear is always with me so that was safe.

I have since purchased an atlas adventure pack for a long hiking bag. This thing is capable of carrying everything you own. It is big and it fits me well. Fitting is difficult for me 6’3 260 and i carry my overweightness all over, big shoulders waist etc. The atlas carries the weigh evenly and pretty comfortably. There are things that need to be changed but overall it’s a good bag. The major thing i would change which wont happen, i don’t particularly care for the sewn in oragami camera cube. I personally much prefer a removable insert. The reason i like it removable, hiking packs dont store well so i like to be able to easily remove my gear and then store the bag separately for when i need it. Unfortunately I didn’t know this until i used it for a bit.

My everyday backpack i just bought is a peak 30l travel backpack. This is a great bag for short day hikes with only a little bit of weight. You can jam a LOT of gear in this bag but this bag has a weight limit for comfort. Its not an uncomfortable bag by any stretch but id find your limit and stick to it. Only thing id change on this one it the top front pocket. I wish it stretched outward because if you load up that pocket it intrudes on interior space and since its the only other pocket, you will use it.