Bag recommendations for single camera while doings sports

kdog

Hey folks, I'd like to get a small camera case to carry my camera with a single lens while I'm hiking, skiing, and bicycling. So my criteria boil down to this:

1) Holds SLR camera with single attached lens which may be up to 7.5". Doesn't need to be any larger. Although, if it had space for a small jacket or water bottle, that might be a plus.

2) Well padded.

3) Won't shift around on your body while biking or skiing.

I'm thinking a small backpack might work. However, I'm not ruling out other designs either.

Recommendations? :ear

Thanks,
-joel

wxwax

Backpack (with chest strap) or fanny pack, for sure. Don't want that sucker sliding around.

kdog

Thanks, waxy. The problem is most backpacks are huge. I want something just large enough for the camera with attached lens. A fanny pack might work. I'm a bit worried about landing on a hard camera on my lumber region if I crash though.

-joel

Terrence

Take a look at the Tamrac Model 514, 515, 517. They are holster-style bags. Very well padded. You can add their S-500 strap to make it a chest bag.

Tamrac also has a lot of nice backpacks on the small side for your need.

Art Scott

LOWE PRO topload 75 aw...can used as a belt pack or a shoulder bag or a chect/backpack (straps included for shoulder & check/backpack)...runs around $70 At sell N send on ebay...they are in colarado.

kdog

Thanks, Terrence and Art. Both of your suggestions are very similar solutions from two different manufacturers.

Tamrac


Lowepro


Also, Kinesis has a really good looking setup.


I really like the looks of the optional strap system on the Kinesis. I may end up going this route.

-joel

ian408

I've got the lowepro model. Works well. Even in the tank bag.

I usually carry a 24-105 on my Canon 5D. Couple of little goodies and we're
good to go. By goodies, I mean an extra card, a small cloth and maybe a
brush.

kdog

ian408 wrote:

I've got the lowepro model. Works well. Even in the tank bag.

I usually carry a 24-105 on my Canon 5D. Couple of little goodies and we're
good to go. By goodies, I mean an extra card, a small cloth and maybe a
brush.

Very cool. I'd love to be able to carry my SLR on my tank. Hadn't really thought about that, although I'm afraid of tempting myself to shoot while riding. :wow :giggle

I wonder if the Lowepro would work with the Kinesis strap. Can you tell me if it appears to have the D rings in the right places?

Thanks,
-joel

Jeffro

kdog wrote:

Tamrac

I have this one, and I love it. I carry my 20D with 70-200L f/2.8 IS in at the track. I keep all my CF cards and a couple of spare batteries in it as well.

ian408

kdog wrote:

Can you tell me if it appears to have the D rings in the right places?

It does.

Terrence

I own the big and small Tamrac holster bag I mentioned. Looking at my bag, it looks like you could use the Kinesis strap to make it a backpack. I pimped mine out with an Optech strap that works really nice slung across my body. Easy access to the camera and easy to wear. Incidentally, I carry a Rebel XT with a Canon 100-400 (hood reverses) in the large size and there's still a little room left. The front pouch carries everything I need for a day in the field.

System

For skiing you probably want a bag that sits on your chest. Not only is it much faster to get the camera in and out of but if most of your skiing is done via lift access then it's much less of a PITA to deal with. I also think that you can protect the camera better in the event of a fall. In front you have the chance to get you arms and elbows in between the gear and the the snow.

kdog

ian408 wrote:

It does.

Thanks, Ian.

Thanks, Jeffro and Terrance as well.

regards,
-joel

kdog

truth wrote:

For skiing you probably want a bag that sits on your chest. Not only is it much faster to get the camera in and out of but if most of your skiing is done via lift access then it's much less of a PITA to deal with. I also think that you can protect the camera better in the event of a fall. In front you have the chance to get you arms and elbows in between the gear and the the snow.

There's some "truth" in what you're saying here. Although I'm not sure on the dynamics of crashing. In some cases you're correct in that you can protect the camera better if it's on your chest. However, the hardest impacts in skiing and biking are probably face plants, and you risk broken ribs with a camera on your chest. I can't think of too many scenarios where you take a hard hit to the back. Most of the time you're rolling over and the impact isn't that great. I do agree with the convenience aspect though.

It would be nice to get a harness that's convertible between a backpack and chest harness, although I doubt such a thing exists. The nice thing about these holster bags is that you can use them in a variety of ways. I might end up getting both styles and see which I prefer.

Thanks for your input.
-joel

largelylivin

Just received Kinesis H717 X Strap
I just received this X strap system from Kinesis, while it is my first, I can't imagine any system better designed, more flexible, or better made. Once you see the product you will also know that it is a very very good value. However, I could imagine better instructions. WHen I first opened the box and pulled out this interconnected web of straps n' things I could only say "Huh?"

Now, with regard to your thread here, it can be used with/as:]
1. a backpack
2. a front holster bag
3. to "hang" your camera but prevent it from flopping around on the chop (or Mogules in your case)
4. with a normal or heavy duty accessory belt

Highly recommended. Hope this helps.

kdog

That does help a lot. I think I'll go this route as well.

Thanks,
-joel

Ric Grupe

kdog wrote:

That does help a lot. I think I'll go this route as well.

Thanks,
-joel

So?

I found this thread via google!

I get my harness this week. That 400 is way too heavy for a neck strap for any prolonged period.

Just the harness...you have to provide your own model!