Lugging a decent camera to the summit means you’re paying the price for quality shots. Not only are you putting duress on expensive gear, but you’re also adding weight to your pack. Designated camera packs solve these two problems by distributing weight while protecting and organizing your beloved equipment. On exhibit today: snapshots of three camera packs Active Junky photographers tested, approved and reviewed.
Mountainsmith Descent Starting at: $78.40
Sling it over the shoulder and go. For quick trail objectives or lightweight DSLR packages, Active Junky testers love the value in this Mountainsmith bargain bag. Basic zips, a padded main pocket and a comfortable shoulder strap add utility to an Andy Mann-designed solid slinger that’s yours for under $100.
Best For: Self-supported sessions or using as a dedicated photo pack on longer trips.
Active Junky shooters hunted for a versatile camera pack and the Panorama 180 was their trophy find. Testers road tripped with Pano as their sole bag, one stuffed with an extra lens, spare t-shirts and bare essentials. Most notable was the innovative rotation technology that spins a camera-toting fanny pack out around the hips. This easy access design deploys more quickly than you can change lenses, doubling your output of on-the-move snaps.
Best For: True adventure photography, day trips and travelling with peace of mind
Mountainsmith Borealis Camera Pack
Amateurs best steer clear of this beast. Huge carrying capacity is met by organization that pros require: a bottom compartment with adjustable dividers for camera bodies and lenses, a laminated pocket for SD cards and batteries, a laptop compartment along with a few welcome surprises. Testers employing the compression straps to lock down skis in the backcountry appreciated Borealis’ ample padding.
Best For: Serious photographers, long trips or even home storage