I’m lucky enough to live in a part of Northern California where there’s plenty of open space for overnight hiking trips. Until recently, I used a standard issue backpack. But with the release of the Photo Sport Pro 30L, I can now transport my photo and camping gear in the same bag, and be very comfortable while doing so.

30 liters might not seem like a lot of space, but on my last outing I was able to pack:

• Pentax K-5 DSLR, two zoom lenses and a Canon PowerShot S90
• Down sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping pad, and tent.
• JetBoil stove, 2-day supply of water, and meals
• Down vest, jacket, and extra clothes
• 10 essentials and emergency gear

The bag is designed to accommodate plenty of extra gear in the top compartment. Meanwhile, my cameras are protected in the lower camera box (that’s removable if I need more room for camping gear or want to stow the cameras in a safe place at night). Plus there are straps and buckles for attaching additional items on the outside of the bag. I typically strap my tent or sleeping pad to the bottom of the pack.

The 30 liter storage limit turns out to be a blessing on the trail because my overall weight, including food and water, was only 32 pounds for an overnight trip. And the pack is so comfortable, that I didn’t even remove it while taking breaks on the trail. (I’m usually the first guy to drop his pack.)

And what do I do once I’m on the trail? Here’s a short movie that chronicles my last overnighter with the Photo Sport Pro 30L.

Where will you explore with your Photo Sport?

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

We have a tantalizing combo for one lucky Free Bag Friday winner this week.

Start with the versatile Photo Hatchback 16L that is perfect for on-the-go photography. Then, thanks to our friends at Liquid Image, we’re also offering an Ego + WiFi action cam, underwater housing, and a vented helmet mount… yes, those would be the plus.

Here’s how to participate.

Rules:

• Tweet @Lowepro and @Liquidimage
• Write a few words about how the #PhotoHatchback and #EgoWiFi are a fun tandem.
• Use those hashtags!

Not on Twitter? No problem.

• Share a photo of your current camera bag and why you need the Photo Hatchback 16L AW to carry your new Ego + WiFi camera on Instagram.
• Use hashtags #Lowepro and #PhotoHatchback.

Not on Twitter or Instagram? Just add a comment to this blog about how you’d use the bag and Ego+WiFi camera if you won. We’ll randomly select a winner on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. The winning comment, tweet, or photo will be posted here and on our Facebook Fan Page.

Open internationally, but void where prohibited. One winner will be chosen randomly.

Good luck!

With so many current Lowepro bags featuring hydration-ready pockets, have you considered using a reservoir instead of a water bottle when on the trail? Each has their advantages. But here’s the way it often works out for me.

• For longer hikes, I typically pack the CamelBak UnBottle Insulated Reservoir (100 fl. oz.) because it provides me with enough H2O for two days of exploring. I enjoy the convenience of having water available without having to do anything more than bite on the mouthpiece that’s looped through my shoulder strap. This is a fairly big hydration unit, so I use it with overnight packs such as the Rover Pro.
• On overnight trips, I may carry an additional water bottle that I use for meals. By dividing my drinking water from my cooking water, I can better manage my assets on the trail.
• If I’m sharing water with others during a day hike, a squeeze water bottle is often a simpler way to go.

For day hikes, I use the Flipside Sport 15L AW and the Photo Sport 200 AW. Longer trips require more storage, such as with the Rover Pro 45L AW. All of these are hydration ready.

So what do you prefer? Bladder, bottle, or both? And if so, what types do you use in your Lowepro bags?

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

One of my favorite bang-around backpacks is the Photo Hatchback 16L AW. It holds my camera gear in a removable protective case, looks stylish, and is very comfortable. Another reason why I love this bag is that it will protect both of my iPads: the iPad 3 (full size) and iPad mini.

The front padded sleeve has a thin divider panel inside. I place my full size iPad in the sleeve behind the panel, and the mini in front of the panel. I can get to either device quickly, yet they are stowed securely and not banging against one another.

Just another reason why the Photo Hatchback is a great everyday backpack for all of my gear.

Derrick Story is the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro.

Lowepro is excited to participate in WPPI 2013. And to celebrate the event, we’re giving away a big prize package each day of the Expo, March 11, 12, and 13, 2013. The Ultimate Prize Package includes (worth over $750):

• 1 Pro Roller Lite 250 AW
• 1 Pro Messenger 180 AW
• 1 Focus Tripod + Ballhead X

To participate: Share a photo on Instagram of your current camera bag and tell us why you should win. Use #Lowepro and #WPPI2013 in your post.

Or, Tweet @Lowepro; tell us why you should win. Use #WPPI2013

You may choose to post on either Twitter or Instagram. Open internationally, but void where prohibited. One daily winner will be chosen randomly.

Daily winners will be announced here and on Twitter and Facebook.

The new Nikon D7100 DSLR is an exciting camera that features a 24MP CMOS sensor, sans an optical low-pass filter. Along with a 51-point autofocus system (15 of them cross sensors) and 6 fps burst mode, the D7100 with a Nikkor 18-105mm VR lens will sell for around $1,600.

If you plan on adding a D7100 to your kit, then Lowepro has five bags to consider for protecting your investment.

• Pro Messenger 180 AW – D7100 DSLR and attached 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens, plus two extra lenses and a flash in main compartment OR pro DSLR with grip (body only) in front pocket, plus three lenses and a flash in main compartment.
• Photo Sport 200 AW – D7100 DSLR with a kit lens attached, flash, hydration reservoir (not included); toploading compartment with up to 13.9 liters of volume fits personal items such as a hat, light jacket, snack, cell phone, keys, etc.
• DSLR Video Fastpack 250 AW – D7100 with attached zoom; 2 extra lenses; 1 pro flash or LED light; headphones; microphone; audio transmitter/receiver set; voice recorder; sound mixer; cables and cords; up to a 15″ laptop; tripod or DSLR video rig; extra accessories.
• Urban Photo Sling 250 – Nikon D7100 with attached 70-200mm lens, 2 extra lenses or a flash OR a flash and 1 lens, tablet, side pocket fits small tripod or water bottle, accessories and personal items.
• Photo Hatchback 22L AW – D7100 with attached lens (up to 18-105mm zoom), 2-3 extra lenses, flash or other accessories, tablet or MacBook Air® 11″, water bottle, extra gear and personal items.

The Lowepro Flipside Sport 15L AW is for the photographer who loves exploring the great outdoors and wants to be comfortable while doing so.

We’re offering one Flipside Sport 15L AW as this week’s Free Bag Friday. Here’s how to participate:

Rules:

• Tweet @Lowepro
• Mention why you’d love to get this bag in the same tweet
• Use hashtag #FlipsideSport

Not on Twitter? No problem.

• Share a photo of your current camera bag and why you need the Flipside Sport 15L AW on Instagram.
• Use hashtags #Lowepro and #FlipsideSport.

We’ll randomly select a winner on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. The winning comment will be posted here and on our Facebook Fan Page.

Open internationally, but void where prohibited. One winner will be chosen randomly.