JanSport Carson Backpack - 4900cu in - 2008 BCS

Hey Michael,
I have also done nature photography and think this pack is perfect for it. In fact, I own this pack and have used it for that very purpose at the Channel Islands! I was able to fit my tripod, HD camera, lenses, etc, and all my camping equipment in/on it. It was perfect and better than an internal frame would have been. It's very light, so you don't have to worry about extra weight. It's also comfortable and rides pretty close to your body, for an external frame (still not as good as an internal frame in that area). I would highly recommend it for your uses.
However, I do have a friend who uses his internal frame for the same purpose and seems to be fine with that. I would just prefer a pack like this.

This pack has near-expedition cargo capacity (80 liters according to backcountry.com). For overnighters, this is overkill unless you have a ridiculous amount of camera gear. How many pounds of gear do you plan on hauling? What type of terrain do you think you will be visiting? This is an external frame pack which has a few benefits, but most packs these days are internal frame packs which ride much closer to your body, allow for more freedom of movement and work much better when off trail and dealing with non-level terrain. You could easily lash a camera tripod to an internal frame pack. It's really a matter of personal preference. A 50-60 liter size pack would likely work a lot better for you for single overnighters with excessive camera gear.

Hey Ken,I was in your shoes about 2 years ago when I was getting into overnight backpacking. If you are looking to eventually get a pack for a 5 day trip, I think you are in the ballpark of what size of a pack you should get. In 2007, I did several shorter weekend trips and then a "grand finale" trip to Glacier NP that lasted 7 days in the same pack that is 4400 cu in. Anything in the 4000 - 4800 cu in range should be good for your objectives. If you are not planning on going light as you said, I would hesitate on getting a pack below 3800 cu in. for a 5 day trip unless you are OK with strapping items on the outside of the pack (assuming you are packing a lot). A pack 5k cu in and above would probably be unnecessary unless if you wanted to pack a lot of stuff/go on an extended trip. I'd recommend something like the Gregory Baltoro... it's the size you are looking for, it's extremely sturdy, and very comfortable, and it can hold a heavy load. I used this pack for a year straight on many trips and I've been very happy with it.http://www.backcountry.com/store/GRE0059/Gregory-Baltoro-70-Backpack-4149-4638cu-in.htmlIf you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me directly... I'd be happy to assist you with anything else (ggoodson@backcountry.com) - Greg

My first inclination would be no.

I am assuming that your son has just joined Boy Scouts and you are looking for a pack that will last him a number of years. If that is the case, I would say go someplace like EMS or REI and get an employee to help you size out a pack for your son. Plus, you should also consider that he is 12 and will do alot of growing over the next few years, so it may be more appropriate to wait to buy him a pack for back packing especially since "High Adventure"/ Long Distance Backpacking treks such as what this pack is designed for are prohibited by the BSA until the scout is 14 years old (again if your son has just joined the Boy Scouts).

You would need to measure his torso to know for sure. Also, there are youth models (i.e. Jansport Scout) that would be a good option.

WTF?

I picked one of these up recently as a second pack, my other is an internal. The thing about internals is your back cooks (at least the ones I've wore). If you like having breathing room, 50# in this thing is way more comfortable than any internal. Seems to be build alright, time will tell. I have used this pack for about a year now and it has been great! No back sweat, and unbeatable for carrying heavy loads. You will not be dissapointed!