This is a review of the Mountainsmith Day FX Photo Bag. This is not your typical backpack style bag, as it uses a Lumber (Waist) belt for primary support when carrying. I typically use this bag when shooting Mountain Bike Races (either XC or DH) and need to be fully supported for long stretches at a time (1~5 hours) and mobile (occasionally dodging bikes) over varying terrain (both up and down trails). This bag is designed to be a hiking photo bag, not a bag for supported events (weddings).
I have attached the optional shoulder straps to aid in on-the-go equipment change outs. The primary means of support is the belt and the straps are used only occasionally for lens / battery change-outs.
I have a bad shoulder and cannot carry a lot of weight for any amount of time on my shoulders without discomfort. This is why I have been exploring non-traditional type bags. I have tried sling type bags with some success, but my shoulders would start being painful after a couple of hours.
This bag will hold a considerable amount of stuff. It is quite deep and I use a padded divider to act a false bottom for part of the bag. I was wasting space without the bottom divider. The following is a photo of bag fully loaded.
It took a while to figure out the false bottom divider to use more of the space. The bag can take a 40D with an attached 70-200 2.8 standing vertically in the bag. It has a full 12 inches of top to bottom space, I have carried both a 300 4.0 and 400 5.6 vertically in the bag (not attached to a camera). Without using a horizontal divider, it was too deep for my equipment.
The bag is loaded with the following camera equipment: 40D body with grip, 70-200 f2.8 w/hood, 17-40 f4.0 w/hood, two MK1D Batteries, two CPM-E3 Battery Packs, 580 EX Flash, small case with 12 AA batteries, spare 40D battery, CF and SD Card holders, small microfiber cloth and lens / body caps. I also carry a small bike multi-tool, pump, couple power bars and water / gator-aid bottle. While I probably carry too much stuff, I have used all of this equipment shooting a race.
Additionally, I will carry a 1D MkII body and 580EX with a 24-105 lens on my shoulder outside of the bag (primary camera and lens). Fully loaded this weighs in at about 17 pounds and is very manageable give the lumbar design of the bag. This load in a backpack or sling bag would be uncomfortable to me after time.
Here is a photo of all the stuff it will carry minus the water bottle.
The bag has nice wide hip belts to carry the load and over 99% of the time I will carry the bag in this manner. I will use the shoulder straps to change out lens / batteries while moving by unhooking the belt and swinging the bag around to the side for access. Here is a photo of the belt and straps.
I have found that I can carry this bag for many hours fully loaded without shoulder or back pain. This is very important to me, I think the more comfortable you are; the easier it is to carry the equipment and you can think more about the photo rather than the pain you are experiencing. Once on and the belt tightened, the bag rides low keeps your center of gravity low. It is quite easy to walk either up or down hills without feeling like you are out of balance. It does not wobble or slip from side to side and is very secure in the small of your back.
The fit and finish of the bag is excellent. All of the outside zippers are weather-resistant (not waterproof). This bag has been out in the rain for at least an hour without the insides getting damp. It does come with a built-in rain cover, but I never felt the need to use it as the insides were dry. All of the zipper pulls have little cord extensions to make finding and using them easier.
The bag has two zippered pockets, on the top and outside for small items. The top pocket is available while walking; the outside back pocket is only available with the bag swung around to the side.
The bag has straps on the bottom of the bag to attach a small tripod horizontally (have not tried this feature) and a shock cord attachment on the back for carrying light jacket rain / wind coats (used most of the time without problem).
I would recommend this type (Lumbar / Waist Belt) of bag for people that carry only their camera equipment and a small amount of hiking stuff (snacks / water / raincoat) and do not want the weight on their shoulders. It will allow you to walk a considerable distance with your stuff in reasonable comfort. I have hiked over 15 miles in varied terrain, and the bag preformed as expected (my feet were not so lucky).
While you are the only judge of what works for your style and needs, this bag could allow you to carry your equipment in a much easier fashion than a normal style backpack. I have gone through both the regular style and sling type of bags and this bag exactly suits my needs.
Any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Regards
Rick
