Good pack for photography ?

Anyone know of any packs that would work well for a photographer ?
I usually carry around 35-40lbs of camera gear (Including a tripod) and would also like enough space left over for extra fleece + socks + groves + hat and the usual stuff one takes along on a day hike (Will not be spending any nights out under the stars, So will not need space for tent and sleep bag !)
I have had a quick look at some day sacks (30-40 litres), But they are just not big enough, I think around 40-60 litres would be around the right size maybe ?
So any help would be appreciated !

P.S.
Lowepro make some specialist photo bags, But there is no (or little) space for extra clothing and such, And there is the fact that the one is was thinking of getting costs almost 300 uk pounds !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. (Again !!!)

I forgot to add that i have around 100-130 uk pounds to spend !

I'd have thought any decent pack in the size range you mention would do the job, though something with side-zip access to the main body compartment would make your life much easier than dragging things in and out of the top.

I wouldn't normally suggest a travel pack for real outdoor use, most are bastardised crosses between a suitcase and a rucksac, but there are a few out there which are closer to a pack than a case. I'm thinking particularly of the MacPac range, stuff like the Zambezi (from memory) which is pack-shaped and has a decent harness system which means it carries like a rucksac, but has a full zip-panel opening system. Lowe Alpine also do something similar.

Might be a little over your price range, but more sensible I think than constantly delving into the top opening of a conventional pack. Avoid the big, heavy suitcase-type numbers though.

Met a guy walking inot Everest who was carrying a LowePro stuffed with camera gear, weighed about what you're talking. He got his wife and a yak to carry the rest of his stuff. Unfortunately yaks don't function at altitudes under about 4000 metres I think, so that's not an option...

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OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

Maybe mark could ask his wife then?

I've always felt the lowpro stuff to be a bit overpriced for what you get, but maybe thats just me.

Agree on the zip opening thing though. Jon, didn't you have a look at some climbing packs that had zip front openings recently? Think it was in an article(s) on next seasons packs from some manufacturer or other.

Si(C)

Mark - I use Lowepro, but do not carry that amount of gear with me.
Here is my solution:

LowePro TopLoad Zoom Pro with the chest harness, so it is always accessable on my chest. I have Attachments to this to accommodate extra lenses, etc. I use a Canon SLR with 28 - 80 attached, stuff all my filters , etc, in the extra pockets and still have alot of room left.

I also use a Lowe Alpine Skyline backpack. This is filled with all usual stuff, and the tripod fits nicely to the side of it. ONLY problem is that it is a little awkward to dismount the tripod whilst the bag is on my back. Most of the time I end up taking it off to release the tripod. Can be a little annoying sometimes.......................

Osprey packs have a quite useful entry system. The whole back unzips allowing you access to everything you've got inside. Not being a photographer I have no idea how much space 35-40 lbs of camena kit takes up, the biggest osprey is the Eclipse 42 at around £100.

Osprey's site: http://www.ospreypacks.com/eclipse42.html

Rock and Run sell them:
http://www.rockrun.com/shop/prod.html?d=17&t=240&p=1709&sid=d08674e39bd5caf1e057b977dedd91d1

Erm, Osprey do a 110-litre pack... you could get a load of lenses in that.

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OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

True but they're top loaders I believe. Also I was trying to stay within the budget of £100-150.

No, they have main body side entry as well, but you're right about the price, so I supposed you win :-(

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OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

Hehehehe... I get no pleasure from winning.

I haven't got to play with the big packs yet. I like the look of them though.

Errrr I'd like to see someone do something meaningful while wearing a 110L pack...my big 60+15 is huuuuuge for me.

Walk along looking like a pack mule?

Wince at every uphill bit?

Fall over?

Seriously though, if you gotta carry LOADS of kit, a good pack makes all the difference.

Ask my scouts - they seem to take everything they own on overnight hikes, even though we supply a kitlist with the essentials on it.

Probably the best laugh we had was when one kid, who was quite diminutive and not very fit, complained his kit was too heavy. so we had a look, and in one of the side pockets was his rock collection. I ask you, what sort of fool takes a rock collection on an overnight hike?

Still, cheered us up.

Si(C)