Camera Pack and Tripod Recs

[CantDog]

I'm looking at purchasing a camera bag for an upcoming trip to Africa. Ideally it would be large enough to carry a D90, extra batteries/filters, one additional lense, and then some rolls of film and a Holga. I have never used a dedicated camera pack, so I have no idea what's out there, what's good, etc.

Also, any recommendations for a tripod to bring with me? Something that collapses down really small? We will be doing a night time safari, so a tripod would be really helpful.

[hop]

Some of the backpack options from F-stop seem to be quite nice. I have the "bard" (more of a messenger bag style) and it's alright, but I would have designed a few things differently.

As far as tripods go, the REI Ultrapod II is the shit, but it's not going to do much for your D90 with a big lens. They kill with p&s though.

[dipstik]

ThinkTank makes killer stuff. http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_products.html

I've been using their belt system lately and love it. It's nice not having to carry anything on your back or shoulders all the time.

[kidwoo]

I'm still very happy with my dakine sequence. Seems a little burlier than most packs that come from the strictly camera world.

[Tippster]

I have a Carbon Fiber Gitzo you can borrow, Z, but it's not a small travel-friendly one. Let me know.

[truth]

f-stop Satori.

For a Safari a mono pod might be better suited. I'd just enjoy the ride at night. I doubt it'll be a very productive time to shoot pics with the moving targets or deer in headlight scenes.

[7cs]

I went ghetto and got a Burton Zoom Pro pack, they are somewhat cheap right now. I can't speak for how well it's going to hold up, but in my research I read about a guy who used it daily on a 6 month trip through the South American jungles. I do like the fact that it has extra room compared to something like the Dakine pack. At least enough for a lunch and some extra clothes. The camera block is accessed from the rear so it's harder to get dirt and stuff in your gear ala Mountainsmith packs. I wish it had hydration, but I got an OR bottle holder to stick on the outside for extra water. so I could carry 2 litres at least. It's got tons of padding but I felt the need to stuff things into the unused camera block compartments to make it more stable. It does have a metal rod frame around the back so it maintains form and stands up when you set it down. Also has a compartment to sneak in the top and get your camera out without opening the back.
It's pretty much on sale everywhere they still have it, for about $120 bucks. You can get it cheaper but they are ugly as hell, I paid more to get a black one.

[Wes Mantooth]

I got a cheap Dakine mission and i'm happy with it for now, the camera block seems excessively large but it holds everything I need and there's a decent amount of space in the front of the pack as well. I've been shooting soccer recently and I've fit in there an XSi, 70-200, 50mm, 17-50, extra battery, extra cards, filters, etc as well as cleats, socks, a change of clothes, and a water bottle in the front with plenty of room left over