How do those with neck & shoulder injuries carry equipment?

Hi everyone,

Recently I had spinal fusion surgery in my neck and have now been told by my surgeon that I shouldn't carry a camera or bag around my neck or on the shoulder. I guess I'll use a hand strap for my Canon XT (350) (will order the POTN version when available) and it looks like I need to use either a belt system or backpack (which he said was ok) to carry my gear.

Leaning towards the belt option as I have a Lowepro Mini-Trekker backpack, and while its a great bag and carries lots of stuff in a small space, I'd like to lightern the load a bit for routine trips and have easier access to the equipment. Several years ago I ordered the Kinesis belt system which looked great, but was huge and I returned it. I'm an amateur and don't want to look like the Michelin man with huge camera bags wrapped around me, especially when with my wife on trips.

I have an older Lowepro Nova 3 (not AW) which I find to be a perfect size, in which I currently carry over the shoulder the XT, 10-22 EF-S, 18-55 EF-S (to be replaced by 17-85 EF-S), 75-300 IS USM, 380 EX Flash, assorted filters, batteries, cards, cleaners, etc. and thought I could just get a belt to carry this around my waist. Don't want to use the stabilizing harness unless I have to, so my question is, does anyone out there use a set-up like that, which belt and how comfortable and stable is it. I have a bit of a round belly and have visions of the belt and bag pulling down and taking my pants along with it or the bag twisting on the belt and dumping contents out.

I'll probably make a pilgramage to B & H soon to check out different systems, but would appreciate any wisdom here regarding this or any other suggestions.

Thanks to all.

Unless you are intent on carrying every item you own, on every outing....I've had and used the standard Lowepro Orion fanny-pack bags for years. I've used them with both DSLR's and other systems (nice, padded, customizable velcro dividers too). They are very comfortable, carry everything I need, keep everything in place, fit well (with and without my full-sized camping backpack) and are much more accessable than a camera-specific backpack system. I ususally keep it close to the front (or rear) of my right hip and find it easy to spin it to the front, open and have everything right there.

One of the best features is the reverse zippers that open the lid away from your body....(I store my memory cards in the mesh-zip pocket inside there). I can use it as a lightweight shelf, see everything in the bag and nobody can reach the zipper pulls without touching me!

Edit: As an aside...I also always keep my camera and lenses in this bag. I toss the bag into car seats and boats, have dropped them on the ground several times, but never had one electronic, mechanical or impact failure from the equipment inside. Although I have not taken it (uncovered, into driving rain), I have thrown in varous desiccant packs into the side partitions (for moisture control) and have never suffered a single moisture problem.

Thanks for your reply Doug. That looks like a really nice bag for my needs and I'll keep it in mind;similar size to the Nova3. Since I already have the Nova 3, I'd like to try and use that with a belt. Anybody have experience?

Thanks

Doug,

I stoppped in a local shop today and looked at the Orion bag and it really seems nice. Unfortunately, the shop is not well stocked & didn't have and separate belts I could check out. I didn't try it loaded, however, my plan is to carry the XT, 3 lenses, 380 EX Flash, assorted filters, charger, batteries, cards, cleaners, etc., so weight will only be about 10 Lb.

The concern I have is that my hips aren't much bigger than my waist. The attached belt seems to slip down when the bag is in front, so I'd be afraid of it winding up around my knees. Have you had any issues in that regard? Probably wouldn't use for hikes and would stick to my backpack for that. This would be used mostly for travel and vacations.

Still hoping for a belt solution to use with the Nova 3, but this looks like a good fallback.

Thanks,

Hi Rich,
I use the Tamrac Modular Accessory System for hiking, bicycling and when traveling on my motorcycle. I doesn't hold everything that I own but it carries enough to keep me going for quite awhile. You can mix and match various pieces to fit your needs. I find the belt comfortable and secure.
I believe that Lowepro also markets a similar system.

I use the Nature Trekker AWII and get constant steroid epidural injections.

Hmmmmm...never had a problem with it slipping down. Maybe you need more junk in your trunk...I suggest dougnuts, lol!

Haha,

Actually, my problem is too round a belly. That and gravity pushes everything in front down!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. They'll probably force me into a field trip to B & H next week & I'll have to replace that 18-55 with the 17-85 in addition to the belt/bag.

I use a fanny pack from Mountainsmith with padded dividers available from Domke. I find the packs from backpack manufacturers to be more comfortable and better built.

Check out the Kata system. http://www.kata-bags.com/index.asp

2 broken collarbones, 3 seperated shoulders and L4-L5 discectomy.

I use a back pack and a neck strap.

I saw a lady the other day pulling a golf bag cart into a park. In it, she had a full tripod, camera, lenses, and other gear. It didn't hurt her back, neck, or waist.

I was kind of surprised, and I stopped in my tracks. I was about to ask her if she wanted to play through.

---Bob Gross---

Actually, Lowepro is a division of the company that makes Lowe backpacks. They are equal in quality (along with having compression straps, padded belts, etc.) to my Mountainsmith fanny pack. (I use a Dana Design backpack...but we won't go there).

Rich, I have back trouble from an injury in '98 , I also find bulky backpacks etc a bit uncomfortable generally , anyway I just bought one of the safari vests with spreading the load in mind , and easier / faster access than my current backpack , amazing amount of storage / pockets in these things.
http://www.procamerage​ar.com …tn/images/POTNV​est2bx.jpg

I also have a Dana Design Bangtail fanny pack which is slightly smaller than my Mountainsmith and get used when appropriate. Curiously, I was at a photo expo and when I stopped at the LowePro booth and mentioned Lowe backpacks and the rep in the booth was very insistent that LowePro was a separate company with completely separate design and manufacturing facilities.