Tried a few different backpacks including a Flipside 400, but none really suited. They didn't hold the right combination of gear and not comfortable enough after a few hours.

Ended up buying a proper walking daysack with a mesh frame that kept the pack off my back, it also has room for a water bladder.
For camera gear you can buy a dedicated insert for camera/lenses and a tripod can be carried in a side pocket secured with the fitted straps.
In the end I bought a secondhand Lowepro 100 Slingshot to use as an insert, butchered it just leaving the camera section and fits perectly

I have recently seen something like the above from Lowepro and F-Stop also make similar bags, all at a premium price.

Have tried a few different tripods and can honestly say I don't regret paying out on a Gitzo.

I have the 3540LS, no centre column, light and stable plus folds down to 55cm so easy to carry..

A tripod is only any good if you actually take it with you and mine gets carted here, there and everywhere.

One other factor is make sure you get a good quality head otherwise you have just wasted money buying a decent tripod

Yes it may cost the price of a decent lens, but a good tripod/head will improve the quality of photos from all your lenses

My wife has a Panasonic bridge camera, the batteries are chipped to prevent use of third party ones

Affordable and relatively compact FF model is what's needed, that seems to be the current best seller for the two companies mentioned.

Not sure a higher standard of weatherproofing is that much of a draw

Thanks all for your comments, reads like that it won't be too much of a problem especially for my particular favoured subjects

Off to have a look at K-5IIs prices and see what deals are on offer

Cheers
Rich

Bit of help required please from any K-5IIs owners

Looking to change my other make full frame camera for something a bit lighter and K-5IIs looks like it could be the answer

Realise landscapes won't cause much of a moire effect, but would like to know how much of a problem it is in real life situations

Particularly enjoy steam railway photography, can't see much of a problem there either, but would really like user opinions

My most recent Pentax purchase was a K10D or perhaps the K200D and realise things have come on rather a lot since then

Thanks
Rich

Same here, I use the screw up type clamp, not keen on the lever version

Gitzo 3540LS systematic (no centre column) with Markins M10 ballhead

Both solid as a rock, but set-up still remains portable with the tripod measuring 55cm when closed

Maybe because they are not really comparable, I owned a Giottos ballhead (MH1312-652)and it suffered from creep.

I have since bought an admittedly more expensive Markins head which holds the camera rock solid.

You would not expect to see a review of luxury cars with a random budget family car included.

Not sure why you mentioned pro photographers, everyone should want a tripod/head combo that is stable

Richmond Park is very pleasant as is Epping Forest