Gear for day trekking in the Swiss Alps

[Peter_Gulbinat]

Dan,
I'd go with the Lowepro: http://www.lowepro.com/Product....AW.aspx
I've used it extensively for day trips in the alps. It is great - waterproof, with additional rain cover, enough room for lenses and a camera (even a 1ds), it has a tripod strap on the front and can accomodate additional pouches on the belt if you wish. The lower lens compartment can be left open while carrying the bag, so you can access the lenses WITHOUT taking it off. The upper compartment leaves room for food or even overnight change of clothes. And the compartment separator can be removed (even partially) to allow you to carry an occasional big lens (I use it for a 400mm 5.6).  In addition it has two lateral netted pouches for small lenses, food or drinks. great pack !! Highly recommended :-)
Cheers Peter

[dandill]

Thanks for this recommendation, Peter.

For my trip we were mostly doing stenuous trekking, I was carrying "for two," and so the bulk of the pack was other than camera gear. That was the reason I went with the Osprey.

The pack you recommend, though, looks really good for more dedicated camera trekking, where the camera/other gear ratio is tilted toward camera.

Dan