Camera Pack for skiing

[Prins Umulius]

Hi all,
Winter is comming anc I am looking for back pack to use for skiing. I ski quite a bit both on and off pist, and jump off of things that looks inviting.

From reading reviews and forum posts, it looks like the Kata 3-in-1 20 is my best bet. Are there any other suggestions or concerns I should take into consideration before buying this?

My "Skiing Kit":
Eos 400d
17-40L
70-200 L f4 (NON IS) (to be procured together with back pack)

My concerns:
1. Sturdiness of the back pack.
I don't want to worry about breaking my gear if I fall while skiing. Originally I was looking for something that could both take a beating AND give me easy access, but I have been unable to find anything like that. I have been toying with the idea of creating my own top loading hard case to use with a "normal" back pack, but haven't come round to it.

2. Fit and size of the bag vs size of the equipment.
Skiing with a large bulky back pack is not such a good idea. I do however want to be able to pull out the 70-200 and start shooting as soon as possible. (Will this be possible with the Kata 3n1-20 or do i need to go for the 3n1-30 ?).

3. smartness of solutions.
"not having to take it of getting on the lift'iveness" provided by the sling packs is very compelling.

4. versatility. Being able to use the pack for other purposes would also be a bonus.

Any experiences, tips and other input is greatly appreciated.

-Umulius

[stax]

For easy access, I would consider the Think Tank Change Up. It can be worn as a waist pack, a harness chest pack or a shoulder bag.

It will hold a 400D with the 17-40 mounted and the 70-200 alongside.

Here is a good review written by a skier: http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/2009/06/26/think-tank-change-up-review-photos/

[Al_at_MMO]

You might also want to look at the Primus backpack from Lowepro. Pricey, but it has a couple of features that might be important to you.

First, it is very well padded on all sides of the camera compartment, but I doubt anything less than a hard case is going to prevent damage in a hard fall. Second, it does allow you to get a camera out relatively quickly via a side access panel. Your 40d should work fine without a grip and the bag will accommodate the other lens you listed, but not much more in the camera compartment in the way of an extra lens, maybe a small one. It is also rear opening, so the back pads will stay dry if you need to take it off to access gear. Third, the pack has several straps that allow you to compress the bag to your body and adjust the load so it carries nicely. Two on the shoulders, to on the waist, two on the middle of the pack to compress the load.

It is small yet roomy and can carry extra gear as needed. The camera compartment can also be removed and you can then use it as a day hiking pack. There is a sleeve in the outer compartment that will also hold a bladder for water should that be a need at some point, along with a mesh water bottle pocket on one side. Slip lock accessories are on the waist belt and shoulder straps for additional gear. Tripod holder on the back as well and an all weather cover comes with the bag.

Most of all, the bag carries very well even loaded. It conforms to your body and you almost forget it is there. I cross country ski and I think it is going to work well this winter for that.

If you have any specific questions or would like to see something on the bag give a shout and I will be more than happy to snap a few photos.

There are a ton of bags out there, I hope you find one that fits the bill for you.

Al

[Jon]

Check out some of Ben Jacobsen's threads (jacobsen1), for instance, this one (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=603282&highlight=Burton).

[20DNewbie]

When I used to live out in Colorado I used to ski/board(mainly) with an old Alice pack all the time. I'm thinking maybe you could stow gear under a shoulder bag that way when you open the top flap to the Alice pack you could just flip open the camera bag.

Lol, now I'm gonna have to find that thing and give it a go this season.

[jacobsen1]

Here is a good review written by a skier: http://dancarrphotography.com/blog/2009/06/26/think-tank-change-up-review-photos/

notice he's wearing it on shoulder straps in his pic. ;)

Check out some of Ben Jacobsen's threads (jacobsen1), for instance, this one (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=603282&highlight=Burton).

yep, thanks for the linkage Jon. That's still what I use. I've picked up a cotton carrier to possibly try this season as well but my issue with it is the camera would be exposed unless it's under my coat. Depending on the conditions/situation this could be a great thing or asking for trouble. Sure you could get a neoprene camera "boot"/cover but at that point a chest bag is easier anyway IMHO.

I use the lowepro still. I've been toying with the idea of using my boda bag is it could hold 2 lenses easily (or 3 even) and is only slightly wider (but not as thick off my chest). I've got yet ANOTHER option that I've been enjoying lately:
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/tenba-insert/img_0224.jpg

http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/tenba-insert/img_0226.jpg

that's a tenba messenger insert you can get for ~$25 shipped from B&H/adorama. It goes into any bag you own basically including my burton AK pack shown in the second pic. I prefer that to the DaKine or Burton photo specific bags because they're all back access, but also because their packs are all MUCH too deep to sit on a lift with them on.

But for me packs are only for crap you don't mind banging around on the lift. I use a pack for my BC gear (shovel, probe, lunch, etc) and the camera still rides up front. Doing so also helps balance everything. :)

[stax]

notice he's wearing it on shoulder straps in his pic. ;)

yeah, so? That is the harness system. Not sure I get your point.

[JohnJ80]

Hi all,
Winter is comming anc I am looking for back pack to use for skiing. I ski quite a bit both on and off pist, and jump off of things that looks inviting.

From reading reviews and forum posts, it looks like the Kata 3-in-1 20 is my best bet. Are there any other suggestions or concerns I should take into consideration before buying this?

My "Skiing Kit":
Eos 400d
17-40L
70-200 L f4 (NON IS) (to be procured together with back pack)

My concerns:
1. Sturdiness of the back pack.
I don't want to worry about breaking my gear if I fall while skiing. Originally I was looking for something that could both take a beating AND give me easy access, but I have been unable to find anything like that. I have been toying with the idea of creating my own top loading hard case to use with a "normal" back pack, but haven't come round to it.

2. Fit and size of the bag vs size of the equipment.
Skiing with a large bulky back pack is not such a good idea. I do however want to be able to pull out the 70-200 and start shooting as soon as possible. (Will this be possible with the Kata 3n1-20 or do i need to go for the 3n1-30 ?).

3. smartness of solutions.
"not having to take it of getting on the lift'iveness" provided by the sling packs is very compelling.

4. versatility. Being able to use the pack for other purposes would also be a bonus.

Any experiences, tips and other input is greatly appreciated.

-Umulius

There really are no good skiing photo backpacks. I've been trying to figure this out for years. The one that has my eye right now, however, is this one:

http://www.fstopgear.com/now/product/mountain-series/tilopa

I shoot a lot of alpine racing. My plan this year is to go with a decent backpack and put my lens and body into it in Think Tank modules. I also bought a cotton carrier:

http://www.cottoncarrier.com/

Which so far is proving out to be ideal. Watch the video.

I keep the camera in the backpack until I need to shoot. Then it goes on the Cotton Carrier until done shooting.

J.

[dandig]

Hi there,

I shoot skiing for a living and I use the F-Stop Tilopa and the F-stop Satori.

They stand up incredibly well to wet conditions and my gear never gets wet because of the seam sealed zippers.

It also has plenty of straps for carrying your skis or board when you need to hike somewhere.

I see that Stax has also posted a review of mine for the Think Tank Change up and that might be a good consideration too as you have limited gear. If you did eventually acquire more gear though you might want to look at one of the packs I mentioned too.

[JohnJ80]

Is the Tilopa even remotely compatible with chairlifts?

J.

[SuzyView]

I think the Kata torso bag is wonderful and can be carried in the front or the back. The opening is easy to get to as well.

http://www.kata-bags.com/productFRM2HS.asp?p_Id=324&Version=Photo

This bag is pretty big, but can take my 5D2 with 24-70 or 17-40 attached and 2 other lenses, or 70-200 f4 and a flash. It's very sturdy. I carry it exclusively when I plan on walking long distances in the city.

[DisrupTer911]

http://www.truenorthgear.com/product_listing.php?path=0_1 + insert = rugged camera bag

[dinanm3atl]

I really wanted to take my camera out last season but the risk reward was just not worth it. As said anything short of a hard case and you may damage/break the camera/lens/etc

I used to ski and could easily go a full day without falling but now I am on a board and it is simply not worth it. More fun to be out there and enjoying myself ;)

Good Luck!

[dandig]

Is the Tilopa even remotely compatible with chairlifts?

J.

I'm not sue I follow you entirely John. I just un clip it and swing it round to the side if the chair is full. If the chair is not full you can easily sit at a slight angle and that is fine.

Is that what you mean? Or are you talking about straps getting hung up on the lift etc. when you get off?

[JohnJ80]

No, that's what I mean. A lot of the camera backpacks are so bulky (depth) and stiff that they are hard to manage during lift served skiing.

J.

[Prins Umulius]

Thanks alot guys!
I see that i am not the only one who has come across this problem!

To me it seems like (as with life in general) you can't have it all...
I am really exited both of the Kata & F-stop type bags (and others) who seem to be really smart backbacks which combine alot of the things into one, but also about the lowe pro and think tanks that are more stripped down skiing packs.

With me being more of a photographing skier than a skiing protographer as Jacobsen1 puts it, I'll have to find the best skiing solution enabling photography. Either way, I greatly appreciate all your input and will look into all the options menitoned here before making my desicion.

- Umulius

[jacobsen1]

yeah, so? That is the harness system. Not sure I get your point.

just that chest packs/options work the best IMHO, nothing more. ;)

you can see it.
it can't be an issue with the chairlift (IBbars,whatbars!)
easier/faster access
better balance
less likely to fall on if you do fall.

Is the Tilopa even remotely compatible with chairlifts?

just swing it around front. But that's why I prefer chest bags for in bounds skiing.

I really wanted to take my camera out last season but the risk reward was just not worth it. As said anything short of a hard case and you may damage/break the camera/lens/etc

yeah, it all comes down to your ability as a rider. I've skied since I was 2.5 and ridden since I was ~16 (I'm 31 now). I will ski with my camera w/o a second thought because I'm that surefooted. Not to say I don't push myself, just that I can turn that on/off when the camera bag. But regardless of how well you can ski/ride, there will ALWAYS be a difference when you ride with your gear. Subconsiously you're always a bit worried about it. So it's always nice to ditch it every now and again, but in the same regard, ride with it enough (~100+ days) and it becomes less of an issue.

[dtsang]

Hey Ben,

I just went thru your TLZ review. It's nice that you note the whole balance issue. I'm not an advanced snowboarder, but I've worked w/ instructors that stress the importance of balance regardless of whatever you ride. I've actually steered clear of bringing my camera with me for that reason.

This year I feel I'm comfortable enough to try, but I wanted your opinion as to what's been working better for you. I don't need the instant access, so I don't mind taking a few moments to setup. I happen to like your new backpack setup a little more than the chest pack option. Is it really slim enough that it doesn't interfere w/ the chair?

[JohnJ80]

just that chest packs/options work the best IMHO, nothing more. ;)

you can see it.
it can't be an issue with the chairlift (IBbars,whatbars!)
easier/faster access
better balance
less likely to fall on if you do fall.



just swing it around front. But that's why I prefer chest bags for in bounds skiing.



yeah, it all comes down to your ability as a rider. I've skied since I was 2.5 and ridden since I was ~16 (I'm 31 now). I will ski with my camera w/o a second thought because I'm that surefooted. Not to say I don't push myself, just that I can turn that on/off when the camera bag. But regardless of how well you can ski/ride, there will ALWAYS be a difference when you ride with your gear. Subconsiously you're always a bit worried about it. So it's always nice to ditch it every now and again, but in the same regard, ride with it enough (~100+ days) and it becomes less of an issue.

I hear you. I'm the same way. In normal skiing, I don't fall. That, however, probably puts us in the top level of skiers so this might not work for others.

Funny too - I bought a cotton carrier for exactly the same reasons. My thinking was to keep the camera in a backpack taking it out for when i needed it. The CC is there for lens changes and when I move from spot to spot on the race course.

J.

[jacobsen1]

Hey Ben,

I just went thru your TLZ review. It's nice that you note the whole balance issue. I'm not an advanced snowboarder, but I've worked w/ instructors that stress the importance of balance regardless of whatever you ride. I've actually steered clear of bringing my camera with me for that reason.

This year I feel I'm comfortable enough to try, but I wanted your opinion as to what's been working better for you. I don't need the instant access, so I don't mind taking a few moments to setup. I happen to like your new backpack setup a little more than the chest pack option. Is it really slim enough that it doesn't interfere w/ the chair?

the backpack IS NOT FOR IN BOUNDS RIDING for me. It's a BC backpack for hiking with my skis on it. In that situation I'll put the insert with SOME camera gear in it (and avi gear/lunch) and then also where the front pack. It's just the perfect size pack for just the insert so I've been using it for landscape shooting recently, but I DO NOT plan on riding any lifts with it. It's "only" ~5" thick (I use gripless bodies) so you could MAYBE sit on the chair, but that back of the chair is hitting your lenses. If the liftie isn't serving it up right on a fixed gripper it could cause damage..... ;) (I always bump it myself with a hand by a knee just in case)

Also, if you're a bit worried on your ability, start with a rugged P&S or a P&S in a pelican case. That way it should take the hit, and if it doesn't it won't cost as much or hurt you as bad. ;)

I hear you. I'm the same way. In normal skiing, I don't fall. That, however, probably puts us in the top level of skiers so this might not work for others.

Funny too - I bought a cotton carrier for exactly the same reasons. My thinking was to keep the camera in a backpack taking it out for when i needed it. The CC is there for lens changes and when I move from spot to spot on the race course.

J.

yep. The CC has been amazing for lens changes. Lens swaps are the only reason I use straps and even then it's only when I'm worried about dropping something (up a mast, on a lift). Now I can leave them off completely. I'm thinking for this winter I'll try the carrier on my belt for the cam when in use, then the chest bag otherwise. If I were to be shooting all day on course like you're doing I might then bring a backpack since you're only riding the lift a few times then standing all day, but either way the bags coming off. I hotlap a LOT when I ski, so all that on/off gets old fast. Plus it's much easier to shoot from the chair (or chimp) if the bags there all the time anyway.

[stax]

just that chest packs/options work the best IMHO, nothing more. ;)

you can see it.
it can't be an issue with the chairlift (IBbars,whatbars!)
easier/faster access
better balance
less likely to fall on if you do fall.



Ah, gotcha. ;) I totally agree. That is why I like the Change Up so much.

[jacobsen1]

Yeah, I've actually been toying with the idea of a UD30 rigged with chest straps... or my boda. I've actually waited on the boda to see what they changed in the V3 version....

[JohnJ80]

I have a UD35 sitting under my desk right now - can't decide if I'm going to keep it. It does have D-rings at the four corners. I'm thinking that with either the LP or TT harnesses for the top loaders it could either be worn on the back or the front depending.

J.

[dtsang]

the backpack IS NOT FOR IN BOUNDS RIDING for me. It's a BC backpack for hiking with my skis on it. In that situation I'll put the insert with SOME camera gear in it (and avi gear/lunch) and then also where the front pack. It's just the perfect size pack for just the insert so I've been using it for landscape shooting recently, but I DO NOT plan on riding any lifts with it. It's "only" ~5" thick (I use gripless bodies) so you could MAYBE sit on the chair, but that back of the chair is hitting your lenses. If the liftie isn't serving it up right on a fixed gripper it could cause damage..... ;) (I always bump it myself with a hand by a knee just in case)

Also, if you're a bit worried on your ability, start with a rugged P&S or a P&S in a pelican case. That way it should take the hit, and if it doesn't it won't cost as much or hurt you as bad. ;)
.

chest pack it is then.

[Prins Umulius]

Agree on the chest pack!

Spent the last two weekends hiking and hunting with my trusted small Lowe snout bag (horrible Norwegian translation I'm sure) strapped to my chest or back pack waist band, which gave me alot of shots I would otherwise not have gone for (we got caught in a blizzard while on a glacier).

I can definately see my self skiing with a chest pack as well. Thanks a lot for pointing this out to me! It will be better both for protection as well as balance I'm sure.

(of course, now I need a bigger chest pack as well as a back pack... and I kinda need a large "normal bag" as well..)


oh and I can't resist: I'f you never fall, you aren't pushing yourselves enough :P

[20DNewbie]

oh and I can't resist: I'f you never fall, you aren't pushing yourselves enough :P

Yeah I used to think that also when I was in my teens and early twenties. Now that I'm thirty eight it's a different story, it sucks waking up everyday hurting. Both knees, lower back, one shoulder, both ankles and wrists, and a wonky elbow changes that tune fast enough.

Would I change any of my lifes experiences if I had the opportunity to go back knowing what I do now? Probably not, I've had a lot of fun up until this point. I'm just hoping to be able to get around on my own once I tick sixty+ on the ol' odometer.