Description of Mountainsmith Borealis AT Camera Pack:
When you need to get a lot of camera gear a long way from the trailhead, load up the Mountainsmith Borealis AT Camera Pack and find the images you want. This comfortable pack holds a mid-size to pro SLR body and a variety of lenses in the adjustable internal dividers. Mountainsmith also added a dedicated laptop sleeve for on-site editing during in-town photo missions. Of course, the Borealis AT Camera Pack also has a large main compartment with enough space for extra layers and food. After all, you're in the wilderness too.
Bottom Line: Amazing landscapes don't come to you. You have to go get them. So fill the Mountainsmith Borealis AT Camera Pack with your gear and get outside.
I had been looking for a good pack with a vertical tripod carrier for some time, and this seemed the closest match to what I had in mind. Didn't need a laptop sleeve for my hikes, but figured it wouldn't hurt for travel. It seems like a well-made, comfortable pack... but it also seems like there's a bit of unnecessary extra padding and material which adds to its weight. For me (5'5" female) it's also HUGE -- for what it holds, it's much, much bigger than I would like. If I were a 200-lb man it might be fine, but as it was, I had to return it. I searched some more and found my perfect fit with a Lowepro pack.
I found this bag to have many positive features. There is significant room for a laptop, lots of pockets and numerous straps for attaching items. I also liked the tripod carrying system. However, I have decided to return the items because the camera and equipment carrying section is inadequate to accommodate a dSLR of any size. After shoe horning in the camera, there is little room for lenses or other equipment. This poor design is the reason for the return. The bag is also much heavier than expected.
I've had the Borealis AT for a year now, and it wears well, holds all that I need, and, has been very functional. I do not hesitate to take it out fully loaded, and have not had difficulty with debris and moisture. I really like the size, as I often carry a single pack for a day long hike for my wife and I. The top section is a good size for extra food and clothes. The pack is well padded and I've had no trouble carrying it onto airplanes.
On the negative side, it is a bit heavier than I would like, and the tripod carrying arrangements are clearly for a larger tripod than I like to take.
I have done quite a bit of backpacking, and while this pack is not suited for that, it is easy to tell that Mountainsmith is well experienced in making very functional, comfortable packs.
