Backpacking with camera gear…

QUESTION:   sawtoothphoto    says:

Something I have never figured out how to do: Carry camera gear backpacking in a way you can actually get to and use. How do you pack? I pretty much have given up the quick shot trailside with anything but a compact digicam carried in my pocket. I currently have a camera bag with my Pentax 67II, Xpan,lenses,filters,film,etc. stuffed in my backpack. This means “serious” shooting is usually reserved for evenings and mornings when I am unpacked at an overnight spot. Tripod rides strapped to the side of the pack. How are you all carrying photo gear on extended pack trips?

RESPONSE:  Canadian Freebird    says:

It all depends on how long your hike is, and what you are shooting I
think.
First things first..One of our members in the local camera club designed a camera strap called “EZEE STRAP”. It is seriously worth getting since it has a criss-cross design that goes around your shoulders instead of your neck. The great part is that the camera feels much lighter and is easy to use without the camera swinging all over the place when you bend down or move about. I wear this strap even mountain biking.
And before you ask, no…I don’t get commission..it’s just something that works well for me and I thought I would pass it on.
For single day hikes, I use a single strap camera knap sack that can easily rotate to my front with easy access to the camera without even taking
the pack off. I usually store a ziplock back with dried fruits and nuts to get me through the day, and wear a belt that hold my water canisters.
Longer hike of several days in rugged terrain, I wear the camera with the ezee strap and the smaller 17-85 mm lens, and then pack a couple of lenses, batteries etc near the top of the pack for easy access if I need to change them. Make sure you have a light tripod if you must. The one I took last time might as well been made out of concrete.
Last but certainly not least, leave the non-photographer at home….trust me on that one!