very carefully. sorry, I don't know name brands, just experience.

Sounds like you all ready answered your own question: Get a camera backpack…a camel back would be nice, too. Don't know if you can get that combo. I carry the least amount I can when backpacking. I don't want the weight, and sore back. I like to carry around my waist if possible…a fanny pack sort of thing. In fact, my camel back is a fanny pack. It holds my water and a few essentials, and then I carry a really small backpack for fire starting stuff, food, camera, etc.

I find your question a bit confusing but I do a fair bit of backpacking with camera kit so I'll try to help.

You need a large backpack, ideally with stuff sacks and compression sacks (to separate and organise your belongings) and side pouches. I also use a small day sack to carry such items as my camera gear, hat, suncream, jumper / waterproof jacket, and a camelback water hydration system.

The chances are you'll overpack… keep unnecessary items to a minimum and above all look after your back! Weighty items (even your day sack + camera gear) can fit at the TOP of your main sack, which keeps the weight over your shoulders. If you put your back out while backpacking you are in for a very difficult time!!

I'd skip on a shoulder bag and go for a backpack style – with some padding if you are carrying camera kit – you need to keep that weight distributed evenly, especially after you've been carrying a larger bag / bigger loads.

Definitely go with a camera styled backpack. I've always preferred the Tamrac bag systems as they have proven their versatility over and over again.

If I understand correctly, what you are asking is how do you carry your camera (preferrably in a location where it is easy to reach on the trail) when you are also carrying a full camping backpack with tent, sleeping bag, etc., yes?

I do a fair amount of multi-day backpacking trips and sometimes carry my Canon Digital Rebel SLR (and a large 35mm Minolta camera before that). What I have found is the best approach is to get one of those triangular-shaped camera cases (where the lens points down) and where (this is the important part), you can un-clip the shoulder strap. You then get a couple of carbiner clips and clip the camera case directly to your pack's front shoulder straps (with each shoulder strap linked to one corner of the case). The result is that the case is essentially strapped to your chest in front.

This works pretty well… a little weight in front actually balances out against the pack on your back and your camera is at the ready if you need it on the trail. You can stow the case's shoulder strap and any extra lens in your pack to switch around in camp as needed. The only drawback is that the case in front obscures your view of your feet somewhat which can seem a little weird at first and be a bit awkward if on a really rough trail with a lot of delicate footwork.

I have a Case Logic case that I use this way and I can fit either an SLR with a telephoto lens or a regular lens and an extra wide-angle ready in the bottom. There are other cases that would work just as well for this setup too.

Whatever you do, if you are carrying a full backpack, you do not want any more straps hanging around your neck and shoulders.