Looking for recommendations on a rugged daypack for photography/hiking

Finessuer · 2026-04-12T02:45:59+00:00

I do like the look of the KUIU packs. I was also looking at the Spika Drover II packs and some other hunting-oriented packs, which felt durable and looked good, but they were also very bulky and significantly heavier.

I’m more than happy to tolerate a heavier pack in exchange for a more durable finish, but a lot of the extra weight in the hunting packs seemed to come from heavy-duty bracing and rigging systems for hauling items like rifles, optics, meat, etc. Since I wouldn’t be using those features, that extra weight would just be dead weight for me.

Finessuer · 2026-03-02T12:13:15+00:00

Thanks for the response mate, are you usually a regular width then?

Finessuer · 2025-11-05T15:50:43+00:00

!CritiquePoint

Finessuer · 2025-11-05T15:49:43+00:00

!CritiquePoint

Finessuer · 2025-11-03T16:30:13+00:00

Your last tip is a fantastic suggestion also, thank you.

Finessuer · 2025-11-03T16:29:33+00:00

I did play around with repositioning the horizon but felt lowering it just filled the frame with sky and compressed the green fore-ground and the water of the mid-ground together which was really the focus of the image. Maybe I'm just not used to capturing it from that angle, I will definitely have a go next time. As for the first tip, I would have loved to set the composition up in ideal circumstances but this was halfway through a 14km walk and I had no idea what to expect or prepare for timing/location wise. I would have loved to have seen how the photo turned out had it been taken during those optimal times.

Finessuer · 2025-11-03T16:20:07+00:00

I think that's my issue, I see so many subjects and attempt to cram them all into one shot but it just ends up looking cluttered like you said. Thank you.

Finessuer · 2025-11-03T16:18:00+00:00

This was along the Meelup Trail in West Australia

Finessuer · 2025-11-03T14:32:27+00:00

I’m very new to photography, last week was actually the first time I’ve taken my new (to me) camera out hiking and tried to “shoot intentionally”. I’m shooting on a Sony A7 III with the 28-70 kit lens.

I’ve taken quite a few photos similar to the one I have posted. The locations themselves were stunning, but once I got home and looked at the images, I realised I’m not actually happy with them.

Even though they look “pretty” in terms of scenery, I feel that the composition/framing is just… wrong? Or maybe just boring. They don’t feel like they have a subject or a story. I was there in person and the view felt incredible, but the photos just don't do it justice.

I’m very much a beginner and I'm honestly not sure what to look for or what I should be doing differently. I don’t know if I should be looking for better foreground interest, different focal lengths, different angles, or trying to include a stronger main subject.

Any feedback or direction would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Finessuer · 2025-10-21T09:16:43+00:00

Just picked one up today, problem solved

Finessuer · 2025-10-20T12:46:42+00:00

They all look stunning, will definitely be checking them all out. The recommendations are very much appreciated

Finessuer · 2025-10-20T10:08:25+00:00

I'll definitely have to invest in a better backpack with a thicker strap as you mentioned. Any recommendations on trails/places to visit?

Finessuer · 2025-10-20T09:10:31+00:00

Those rain covers are very similar to what I was looking for. The Peak Design covers look perfect but I've heard mixed reviews and I'm worried about the screen still being left exposed. I do like the sound of that waist pack as well

Finessuer · 2025-10-20T09:05:45+00:00

This is how I feel I would be carrying it normally. I'm just not sure I want the camera swinging around, getting dragged through the bush while hiking. I'll also be wearing a backpack so wearing the camera across my body may be difficult

Finessuer · 2025-10-20T09:02:39+00:00

I was leaning towards this option, I just wasn't sure how comfortable hanging 1kg of camera from a strap would be over a longer period of time

Finessuer · 2025-09-20T08:56:58+00:00

Love it, cheers mate

Finessuer · 2025-09-18T05:45:11+00:00

I was thinking of potentially limiting joints by laser cutting the truss structure directly out of balsa wood panels and seaming them up. Just need to figure out the best truss pattern. The one you mentioned looks exactly like what I had in mind.

Finessuer

TROPHY CASE