Is there a Place for Minimalism in Photography?

[RustBeltRaw]

It is starting to wear out and I will be looking for a replacement by next summer.

Take a look at Think Tank when you go shopping. Their strap pads alone are worth the extra money. When I bought the Shape Shifter, I was at a camera store in Indianapolis. Had a close look at the build and features, and suddenly it was impossible to walk away. Superb pack!

One of the local commercial landscape / nature photographers I know uses a regular full-frame backwoods hiking backpack to carry his gear and when he fully packs it, he is certainly into the 22kg / 50lb range. He claims he has cut down, but I find, his gear still weighs a lot.

The pack alone is probably about 15% of that weight. But if you have a lot to tote, the support from a real hiking pack would be invaluable. In a way, landscape photogs with their wide-angles are lucky - wildlife guys have to get their 600mm f4s up mountains.

[Manfred M]

Thanks for the advice Lex; looks like I will have to do that with a trip to the US. Think Tank has very limited distribution in this part of Canada; the main retailer that handles their product carries their computer bag line only right now.

[RustBeltRaw]

...the main retailer that handles their product carries their computer bag line only right now.

It seems like only dedicated photography stores stock a decent selection of Think Tank gear. Picky as I am about my packs, I wasn't going to buy without trying it in-person. Got lucky when I stopped by Roberts Camera in Indianapolis to get my flash repaired.

There are exactly two brands I am unconditionally dedicated to. Think Tank, and Utilikilts.

[Manfred M]

It seems like only dedicated photography stores stock a decent selection of Think Tank gear. Picky as I am about my packs, I wasn't going to buy without trying it in-person. Got lucky when I stopped by Roberts Camera in Indianapolis to get my flash repaired.

There are exactly two brands I am unconditionally dedicated to. Think Tank, and Utilikilts.

;
Actually the retailer I was looking at is the largest photo retailer in Canada; Henry's. The problem we tend to have is that a lot of the importers do not bring the whole product line into Canada. I've been buying things from the B&H and Adorama websites for years because there are certain products that one can't buy in the Great White North.

Some items i will buy this way, but pieces like camera cases or backpacks, I want to try for fit before buying.