Backpacking with a 1D III

[merzperson]

I've been researching camera bags for sometime now, and I've also been poking around through the reviews on this site looking for a solution to my camera bag problem. So far haven't come across any appropriate info.

My dilemma is that I just got a 1D III and don't have a bag/pack for it yet. However, my needs are a little more specific. This summer I am planning on bringing the camera with me on a 3-4 week long backpacking trip through the Sierras. This rules out photo backpacks.

Can anyone think of a solution for this type of thing? I'm imagining some type of sturdy shoulder sling-bag or possibly one that fits on the front of the body. All the bag really needs to fit is the camera with a 24-105 f/4L attached, I can store the other stuff in my backpack.

Thanks in advance!

[tdodd]

How about something like a Think Tank Digital Holster....?

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_DgtlHlstr.php

to be worn on the front with a harness system or on a belt at the waist?

[merzperson]

Those look like they might just work, I'll have to check them out. Thanks!

I'm still open for suggestions.

[rowan57]

I think the Tamrac line of holsters is a better looking line than the TT stuff, im specifically looking at the Pro Digital Zoom 7 or 9 (Cant link directly) (http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm) for when i am working and want to carry the camera.

Cheers
Rowan

[merzperson]

Thanks Rowan, that gave me some ideas.

I was thinking about a front-mounted harness system, and it wouldn't really work for backpacking long distances because it would block your view of the ground in front of you, increasing the likeliness of tripping or twisting an ankle.

I'm going to go for the Tamrac Pro Digital Zoom 9. I am hoping the belt loop will let me attach the bag to my backpack's belt somehow, and then use the shoulder strap also.

[argyle]

I assume that you already have a "real" backpack? Also, will this be camping for 3-4 weeks straight, or is it a series of day hikes over the course of 3-4 weeks?

I'd recommend a Lowepro Toploader AW, either the 65 or the 70. You'll need to check the dimensions of the 1DIII to see which bag will fit the camera. The advantage of the 70 is that it also includes a chest harness. You can wear the Toploader on the front to help balance the load while you have the main pack on your back. I believe that it also includes a shoulder strap as well, plus a loop to attach to a belt.

[jacobsen1]

yeah, holsters/chest packs are the answer for sure:
http://www.benjacobsen.com/wp-content/gallery/stowe-12-15-2007/IMG_3917.jpg

that's a lowe pro top load zoom (find the size that fits what you want) on it's own chest harness. If you're backpacking, get some webbing and snaps/clips and make yourself your own harness so it works like/with your sternum strap. You can wear the normal harness under you pack's harness, but making your own makes it much nicer/easier to get into/out of everything when you want a break.

Also, tinktankphoto.com has some good holsters and the boda bag can actually be used as one if you wanted. Just giving you more options (the lowe pro will be the least expensive IMHO).

[jeromego]

I've been researching camera bags for sometime now, and I've also been poking around through the reviews on this site looking for a solution to my camera bag problem. So far haven't come across any appropriate info.

My dilemma is that I just got a 1D III and don't have a bag/pack for it yet. However, my needs are a little more specific. This summer I am planning on bringing the camera with me on a 3-4 week long backpacking trip through the Sierras. This rules out photo backpacks.

Can anyone think of a solution for this type of thing? I'm imagining some type of sturdy shoulder sling-bag or possibly one that fits on the front of the body. All the bag really needs to fit is the camera with a 24-105 f/4L attached, I can store the other stuff in my backpack.

Thanks in advance!

im also backpacking grand canyon in oct. just wondering what you ended up getting. would like to hear about it.

EDIT: im taking my 5D2 with the 24-105L and an xtra lens 17-40L. i wonder if this would all fit in the TT digital holster 40 http://www.thinktankphoto.com/feature_cat_slide_pop.php?ftr=DgtlHlstr_DH40_17

[Jeff81]

I recently bought a lowepro 65 AW pro with harness for a 5 day Whitney trip. Fits my 40D and a 24-105 fine. Not sure about a larger camera though. I just bought a 5D2 and I'm hoping it will fit.

[jeromego]

I recently bought a lowepro 65 AW pro with harness for a 5 day Whitney trip. Fits my 40D and a 24-105 fine. Not sure about a larger camera though. I just bought a 5D2 and I'm hoping it will fit.

pls let me know if it does. i might just get one. btw, mine has a grip.

[merzperson]

I ended up getting a Tamrac Pro Digital Zoom 9 (http://www.tamrac.com/5629.htm) and it fits my 1D MkIII with attached 24-105 f/4L IS plus reversed hood and a smaller lens below (my 50 f/1.4 fits with room to spare) with a foam divider between. In the front pocket I can squeeze together my cleaning kit (brush, cloth and cleaning fluid), 2 memory cards in their cases, a 77mm filter in a plastic case, and even a shutter release cable.

I am very satisfied with the quality and design of the bag. It is without a doubt more solidly built than my Lowepro Topload Zoom 2 for my 40D. The shoulder strap is very comfortable, and I especially like the buckle on the front for quick access to the main compartment.

We'll see how well it does on the month-long backpack. I tried putting it on with my backpack and it wasn't the ideal configuration, but it should certainly do. I would still be interested to try a front-harness, but again I think it wouldn't work very well for this application because of not being able to see the ground in front of you.

I hope this thread helps someone other than me, thanks again everyone for your help and suggestions!

[chink]

I went with the M-Rock Yellowstone to hold a 30D with a 28-135 while backpacking.

So far I have only taken it out on a weekend backpacking trip. It comes with straps so that you can wear it as a chest pack. That setup worked well for me. The camera was always right there when I needed it on the trail.

For the 1D you'll need to go bigger than Yellowstone.

[82NoMe]

LowePro Pro65 aw (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Toploader-Pro-65-AW,2129,8.htm)

[Jeff81]

pls let me know if it does. i might just get one. btw, mine has a grip.

Will do. 5D arrives tomorrow.

[Bkolowski111]

I would still be interested to try a front-harness, but again I think it wouldn't work very well for this application because of not being able to see the ground in front of you.

If you aren't going to where it as a front harness, then how do you plan on wearing it?

This interests me because I am going on a backpacking trip to New Mexico this summer and I want to take my D300 along. I have an old Tamrac bag similar to the Tamrac Tele-Zoom pack http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm (once again could not link directly). I too worry about not being able to see the ground in front of me if I would wear the camera bag on my chest.

[merzperson]

If you aren't going to where it as a front harness, then how do you plan on wearing it?

This interests me because I am going on a backpacking trip to New Mexico this summer and I want to take my D300 along. I have an old Tamrac bag similar to the Tamrac Tele-Zoom pack http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm (once again could not link directly). I too worry about not being able to see the ground in front of me if I would wear the camera bag on my chest.

I am planning on wearing the bag on my side over one shoulder (like a sling) and possibly attaching the bag to my backpack somehow so it doesn't bounce forward when I'm hiking.

The main reason I would be nervous about the front-harness style bag is because the size of my camera (or any cameras with vertical grips) would significantly decrease visibility in the front. If it was a smaller-sized camera (like a D300 w/o grip or a 40D, etc.) I wouldn't be so hesitant.

[Bkolowski111]

I am planning on wearing the bag on my side over one shoulder (like a sling) and possibly attaching the bag to my backpack somehow so it doesn't bounce forward when I'm hiking.

The main reason I would be nervous about the front-harness style bag is because the size of my camera (or any cameras with vertical grips) would significantly decrease visibility in the front. If it was a smaller-sized camera (like a D300 w/o grip or a 40D, etc.) I wouldn't be so hesitant.

I will remove the grip from my D300 to save weight so maybe the whole seeing the ground issue won't be that big of an issue for me.

[Jeff81]

Yesterday I hiked San Jacinto Peak in Socal with my Lowepro top loader 65AW pro. My 5D2 fit perfectly in it with a 24-105L attached (hood reversed). It looked like it could even fit a grip attached but I don't know for sure. There were absolutely no visibility problems while hiking. I could easily see in front of me and didn't feel that the harness limited me in any way. I was concerned at first about how comfortable it would be. When trying it on in the house I wanted it to fit more snuggly against me. However, when hiking, I didn't have any problems and felt that it was plenty comfy.

Hopefully that helps those of you considering your options. :)

[EOlsenPhoto]

Any chance anyone has a picture with there backpacking pack on with the camera bag? Just trying to see some interesting ways to get it all to work.

Thanks.
Erik