Ive been shooting with my D850 for a few years now and usually I just throw it in an old rucksack with some padding but I just picked up the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II and man it is a beast. My current setup is way too cramped and honestly my back is starting to kill me after an hour of hiking.
Im planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest next month and really need something that can handle the weight of the body plus a couple of primes without feeling like a lead brick. Looking to spend maybe $250-300 tops. What are you guys using for these bigger full frame bodies? Need something that doesnt scream steal me too lol...
Honestly, i used to carry my old D810 in a basic rucksack and ended up with a pinched nerve after a week in Glacier. The D850 is a tank, and adding that 70-200mm glass makes weight distribution critical. For hiking in the PNW, you need a proper suspension system that shifts the load to your hips instead of your spine. Ive been using the MindShift Gear FirstLight 30L Backpack for my heavier kits and it handles the bulk well.
Try these reliable options:
TL;DR: Invest in a mountain-focused pack with an internal modular system from a brand like Shimoda Designs or F-Stop Gear. When youre dealing with a heavy setup like the D850 and a 70-200mm, the harness system is the most important technical detail. A standard rucksack wont have the internal frame needed to transfer that weight to your hips. Look into packs that use removable inserts. This allows you to scale the gear you carry based on the hike. Also, consider the PNW weather. Most modular mountain bags are built with weather-resistant fabrics that handle mist and light rain better than generic bags. They also dont scream camera gear since they look like standard outdoor gear. If those are too pricey, an alternative is buying a quality technical trekking pack and adding a separate padded insert. Its less convenient for quick swaps, but your back will feel the difference. Just make sure the pack has an adjustable torso... makes a huge difference.
Same here!