Just thought you may be interested in some thoughts about this system. I should point out that I have no connection with either company, other than being a very satisfied cusomer.
When I first started taking my landscape photography seriously the problem of how to carry my camera gear was solved by buying various padded bags from my local supermarket, packing my camera gear in them, and dropping the whole lot into my trusty Karrimor expedition rucksack. This system performed brilliantly in all the key areas with the exception of access, as the rucksack was a top loader.
Then, in 2001, I bought a Lowepro Super Trekker. The problem of access was solved but lack of room for non-photo related gear was a problem. Over the years the Lowepro performed well, but the biggest problem was the harness system. I could never get it adjusted correctly and after only a few hours walking I would develop a dull ache in my shoulders and neck. The final straw came in 2008 when packing for a flight to Eire. I was shocked to find that the Lowepro weighed 5.5kg (12 pounds) empty!
On my return I started looking for an alternative, ‘though the first thing I did was go back to the Karrimor with padded bags. I’d forgotten just how comfortable this was but the problem of access remained. It was whilst looking around for a panel opening rucksack that I learned of the Kelty P2/RTP Lightgear system.
I won’t go into the system in great detail here (have a look at the website at http://www.photobackpacker.com) but in essence it’s an improved version of my Karrimor system i.e. padded bags for the individual items (from Lightgear) fitted into an expedition rucksack (Kelty). At the time of writing I’ve been using the system for 18 months and can honestly say that in all but one area the system is a huge improvement over other offerings on the market, including Lowepro. It’s infinitely more comfortable, the harness system being superbly designed, and the detailed instructions on how to tailor it were particularly helpful. I defy anyone to say that they never have aches after an extended spell carrying a heavy rucksack, but the Kelty has never become uncomfortable, even after 12 plus hours out in the landscape. There aren’t any pressure points or neck aches and the ‘sack sits comfortably on my hips without sagging or swinging.
The other key area well catered for by the Kelty is provision for carrying non-photographic items (clothing, food etc). The secondary compartment is large enough to carry most of this gear and is fitted out with plenty of compartments/pockets. I ordered the two side pockets and these are very spacious, and also have internal pockets. Additionally there are two mesh pockets in the back of the opening panel. As my gear doesn’t occupy the all the main compartment there’s always some space available in here as well. Overall, the capacity of the rucksack is more than adequate for extended spells out with a LF system.
Load sagging was always a problem with my Karrimor so I bought the Lightgear backboard for the Kelty. This velcro covered board is fitted inside the rucksack allowing you to fix the padded cases in place. One small gripe here is the method of attaching the backboard to the ‘sack interior. The means of doing this isn’t clear and there aren’t any specific fixings so a little ingenuity and dexterity is required. Maybe Kelty and Lightgear could get their heads together and arrange for some specific fixing details.
As for the Lightgear cases, they’re beautifully designed and made. A nice touch is having both Velcro and zipped fastenings, the former being more convenient for repeated access, the latter for final closure before heading off. The cases can be fitted with Velcro to the bottom (for fixing to the backboard) and/or the sides (for fixing to other cases). The camera case is tailored to suit your specific camera so there’s no slack space, and the multiple lens cases come complete with removable/adjustable padded dividers. Be careful though as the lens cases are very tight on the internal dimensions. For example, I couldn’t fit three lenses in the triple lens case if I used the dividers. (This was due to the size of my 90mm lens.) It’s not a serious problem but you may want to bear it in mind if you have some larger lenses.
Now for the major gripe. The first time I used the system in persistent rain I was dismayed to find that after only 30 minutes the rucksack was wet on the inside, with water already making headway into the cases. Out of habit I didn’t use the rain cover (I’d never used it with the Lowepro). Lesson learned I used the rain cover from then on, but even this has failed in persistent rain. In addition the external rain cover is not big enough to cover the side pockets. I’ve now fitted a zipped waterproof liner (actually a dry-cleaning suit case) which seems to work well.
The one positive point about the Lowepro is that it offered very good protection from the elements, even without using the rain cover. Perhaps Kelty could take a look at the materials/zips/covers that they use and offer something a little more weatherproof. This may add a little to the weight and/or price of the sack, but it’s worth exploring. Failing this a zipped, waterproof liner tailored to the ‘sack would be a good alternative.
Waterproofing aside, I’m more than happy with the Kelty/Lightgear combination. Its versatility allows the components to be easily configured, and allows quick and easy access to all my gear. At round 3kgs (6.5 pounds) empty it’s just over half the weight of the Lowepro offering, making it better for flights. The real star of the system though is the harness system, which is, quite simply, the best I’ve ever used.
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), but current rucksack tripod-carrying systems are totally inadequate.
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