Traveling with gear

[Thompsunshine]

I wasn't sure where to post this question, and I am sure this is a relatively odd question, at best.

I would imagine there are photographers out there who have to travel to remote places to take their photographs. During their journey, I would bet that they have had to travel on donkeys, mules, horses, etc.

My question is this. If I want to travel on horseback to take photographs, how would I protect my gear? And, is there also a way to keep at least your camera handy while on horseback so you can get the occasional great photo but still have it be protected when not in use?

[Spearin]

Horseback eh?

Well, I suppose if you are travelling by horseback, you would have your kit strapped to it? What I would do is (never ride a horse) have most of my kit, assuming that I'm taking a lot of it, packed away in the rest of my gear, but still have another camera bag ready with the essentials (body, plus 2 lenses, etc).

The most I've done is travel living off of my back for days, and never on horseback, so I'm not too sure how much kit overall you would be carrying (food, water, clothes, etc).

[Thompsunshine]

This time around I am planning only on a day trip. I want to be able to take most of my gear along for the just in case factor. But I would like to keep my camera handy but safe while I ride.

If this goes well, I would like to take it to the next level, say a weekend, then, perhaps...who knows! :-D

[Floriantrojer.com]

Make sure your entire gear is insured and then just travel with the body + lens around your neck or in your hand (assuming you need it handy).

If something breaks, you'd better have a 2nd body or an almost equal lens ;)

Other than that.... travel light. Forget things similar to a battery grip... too much wight with too little use.

[frenchdub]

Hi there
I've never carried gear on horseback but have covered the 'Tour de France' cycle race on the back of a motorcycle...
I found that a shooting vest was useful as you can keep, lenses, clothes, (film in those days) and say a flash in the pockets...

Also I used to use waist pouches made by Domke... I've a large Domke belt with two pouches, one long for a tele lens and one short for a flash or short lens... Lowepro do like holsters for the camera that you can strap around your waist or wear over your shoulder.. these are nice and keep you camera handy while protecting it well.
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Toploading/designed_digital/Rezo_TLZ_20.aspx
http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Toploading/classic/Topload_Zoom_Mini.aspx

Not sure about horses or whether you'll want to shoot while riding...(is this possible?) or do you need both hands to drive...

If you can't shoot from the horse a small backpack say Lowepro or similiar would probably be a good choice.
As the previous guy said travel light...

Regards
Gareth