Carrying a dSLR for while on the go...LowePro toploaders w/ chest harness

System

After some trial and error using various backpacks and hip belts I finally forked over the $15 and bought the chest harness for my LowePro OffTrail2 Toploader. it's not a very discreet method of transport but if you're on the move (I primarily got it for skiing) it's a very nice rig. It gives me very quick access to the camera, decent weather protection and a very comfortable and balanced way to carry my gear. With the optional side mount lens pods I can carry the body with the 70-200 mounted and two other lenses along with CF cards and a filter. It also allows me to not have to set the bag down on the snow the way a backpack did as well as not having to remove to sit down.

ian408

These are good for activities like skiing, backpacking or other where space
is not a concern.

Van Isle

and when you bail? what sort of protection does that rig offer the kit, and how harmful would it be to you? Like almost all motorcycle riders I'm trying to figure out a system that allows me quick access to the dslr but won't damage (within reason, I don't baby my kit) ME or the CAMERA in a get off. Thoughts?

ian408

Van Isle wrote:

and when you bail? what sort of protection does that rig offer the kit, and how harmful would it be to you? Like almost all motorcycle riders I'm trying to figure out a system that allows me quick access to the dslr but won't damage (within reason, I don't baby my kit) ME or the CAMERA in a get off. Thoughts?

I have a sd600 on a lanyard with a quick clip. I keep the camera in a pocket
and I can shoot while I ride--given my new ride has cruise, I think I'm golden.
For the dSLR though, I carry that in my tank bag with a towel or something to
keep it somewhat isolated from the vibration.

System

Van Isle wrote:

and when you bail? what sort of protection does that rig offer the kit, and how harmful would it be to you? Like almost all motorcycle riders I'm trying to figure out a system that allows me quick access to the dslr but won't damage (within reason, I don't baby my kit) ME or the CAMERA in a get off. Thoughts?

If I bail I bail. It's gonna be bad no matter where it's at. In front I feel more able to protect it than if it's on my back. Will it hurt me? Perhaps, but not nearly as bad as I can hurt myself. If I'm wearing it I'm out to shoot, not ski. I'd never have it on me "just in case". It would be worn with a purpose. At that point the skiing is only transportation and I'm reasonably comfortable knowing that a fall would be very rare.

Art Scott

Van Isle wrote:

and when you bail? what sort of protection does that rig offer the kit, and how harmful would it be to you? Like almost all motorcycle riders I'm trying to figure out a system that allows me quick access to the dslr but won't damage (within reason, I don't baby my kit) ME or the CAMERA in a get off. Thoughts?

I like the 75aw's but to tell the truth, there isn't anything going to help a camera in abag if you leave a cycle at any speed....unless it is in something like a Pelican case.....I do not use the chest harness for mine it is just damned uncomfortable....In comparison to my LowePro Super Trekker AW backpack...I think the 75Aw's are almost as much protection for their size....also if it is attached to your body that is going to make your body get wrenched where ever any type of camera, or camera in a bag is....and who really cares about the camera if you're on a bike..SAVE THE BIKE has always been my motto....last time I left a bike unwillingly and with it NOT being my decision...first thing I said when I picked my self up off the asphalt was..does my bike still run.......:D

truth wrote:

After some trial and error using various backpacks and hip belts I finally forked over the $15 and bought the chest harness for my LowePro OffTrail2 Toploader. it's not a very discreet method of transport but if you're on the move (I primarily got it for skiing) it's a very nice rig. It gives me very quick access to the camera, decent weather protection and a very comfortable and balanced way to carry my gear. With the optional side mount lens pods I can carry the body with the 70-200 mounted and two other lenses along with CF cards and a filter. It also allows me to not have to set the bag down on the snow the way a backpack did as well as not having to remove to sit down.

Can it be disasembled and only use the camera bag by it self or is it all peramanetly hooked together?
Your 200mm is it a f2.8 or a slower lens?

I need a 2nd topload style bag to pretty much complete what I need to carry my 7D with 70-210 2.8 and second 7D with 24-70 f2.8 on a military 3" accessory belt...actually have been thinking of getting the LowePro belt so I don't have to make changes to that HUUuuGE belt loop on the back of the 75aw.

What do you do with the belt when you use the chest harness....btw the 75aw comes with both shoulder strap and chest harness.

I am also waiting to see what the LowePro 300AW Slingbag looks...the 200 is just to dang small...but if I can fit both cameras with lenses attached and some other smaller gear, that would be awesome.

System

Art Scott wrote:

Can it be disasembled and only use the camera bag by it self or is it all peramanetly hooked together?
Your 200mm is it a f2.8 or a slower lens?

I need a 2nd topload style bag to pretty much complete what I need to carry my 7D with 70-210 2.8 and second 7D with 24-70 f2.8 on a military 3" accessory belt...actually have been thinking of getting the LowePro belt so I don't have to make changes to that HUUuuGE belt loop on the back of the 75aw.

What do you do with the belt when you use the chest harness....btw the 75aw comes with both shoulder strap and chest harness.

I am also waiting to see what the LowePro 300AW Slingbag looks...the 200 is just to dang small...but if I can fit both cameras with lenses attached and some other smaller gear, that would be awesome.

The 70-200 is f/2.8, the lens pods come right off and I'll wear the belt with it buckled in back to disperse some of the weight to my hips and add stability. I had the OffTrail2 so I ordered the harness for $15. I'll be shooting with that set-up from Wed-Sun and I'll post again once I get back from Utah.

Van Isle

truth wrote:

If I bail I bail. It's gonna be bad no matter where it's at. In front I feel more able to protect it than if it's on my back. Will it hurt me? Perhaps, but not nearly as bad as I can hurt myself. If I'm wearing it I'm out to shoot, not ski. I'd never have it on me "just in case". It would be worn with a purpose. At that point the skiing is only transportation and I'm reasonably comfortable knowing that a fall would be very rare.

That's sort of the way I've been figuring it, just wanted to know your thoughts, sort of play a bit of the devil's advocate. Thanks for the response. I'll be looking at this sort of set up for some of the shooting (off bike) that I plan to do: hiking, adventure race coverage, rock climbing (all kinds). Sounds pretty practical and well thought out.

VI

largelylivin

The Measure of a Truly Dedicated Photographer.......
....


one that continues to take pictures while bailing off his motorcycle and flying through the air

Van Isle

largelylivin wrote:

....


one that continues to take pictures while bailing off his motorcycle and flying through the air

How's this?........:D

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207380&highlight=dear

Yeah, me.

VI

claudermilk

Van Isle wrote:

How's this?........:D

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207380&highlight=dear

Yeah, me.

VI

Your're nuts, BTW.