UKC

Hi folks, just wondering what systems other people use to carry their DSLR, lenses and accessories in the mountains? I'm currently using a lowe pro dry rover rucksack, which is bombproof but very heavy, akward to open and close because of the t zip and. Also with seemingly all photography "rucksacks" that I can find the top compartment for personal item storage is tiny! any bright ideas?

Rob

I've tried many, many packs/carrying systems and I've finally settled on this combo:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/digital-holster-20-v2.aspx

+

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/beltstrapharness/belts/pro-speed-b...

Carrying an SLR is a pain in the ass and whilst this isn't 100% perfect it is better than anything else I've tried and it works well, I climb and hike with this combination and it works well for me.

In reply to robhowell:

I like the CCS brand cases. I used loose CCS cases stashed in various parts of my rucksack. I think the key is to travel with minimal kit though.

I also had a Kata R-103 pack which was perfect for days out/scambling. REALLY tough packs.

In reply to robhowell: Yes, it's a good idea to bring your dslr to the mountains if you want to take good photos. And yes it's a very good idea to think about how to carry it. If you put it down in your backpack you will not take many photos because it’s too big a hassle to get it out. And then it's not worth carrying such a heavy camera! I use a homemade belt setup where I attach my pistol-holder-kind-of-camera-bag to. It’s a ThinkTank Digital Holster. I can then slide the bag around both to be in front, on the back or on the sides of me. The belt is above my harness when climbing and its fine to climb with. Of course it is better not to climb with a heavy camera on you and it take up some space, but I think it works well and usually forget about when not using it.

In reply to robhowell:


I have been using this system.

http://brad-jackson.info/climbing-with-clik/

I use a Lowepro Toploader bag.

I wrote a review of it here, if you're interested.
http://www.colinhenderson.co.uk/wordpress/2011/12/05/lowepro-toploader-pro-...

I find it's good for walking and even carrying up easy winter climbs -
http://www.colinhenderson.co.uk/dorsal_arete.html

In reply to robhowell: personally a Lowe Pro Slingshot http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-100-AW,2034,4.htm

you kinda slide the bag round from your back to in front of you to access the camera, but opens such that nothing else should fall out when getting your camera

In reply to robhowell:
I use the lowepro zoom top loader 50 AW on a shoulder step and clip it to the rear gear loop on my harness . Don't even notice its there when i'm climbing and its easy access for when i'm shooting . I tend to stick either with a 17-40 or 24-105 and rarely change lenses when climbing . I think the dedicated camera rucksacks have a limited use in the hills IMHO.

In reply to robhowell:

Hey folks thanks for the replys, think im going to try the lowe pro modular system.

Rob

In reply to Nadir khan:

Likewise; with spare lenses in little Lowepro modular cases distributed around me! I'll also clip a spare wiregate between the case strap and the camera strap for added security.

If walking, then the same setup, but cases strapped through pack waistbelt rather than to harness.

In reply to David Ponting: I have some CCS cases form about 26 years ago which still do the job for carrying lenses and flashes etc

In reply to robhowell:

Have a look at f-stop Available online via shipment out of Amsterdam or from the Paramo shop in Covent Garden. Rucksacks that work.

http://fstopgear.com/

In reply to robhowell: i carry my film slr in a karrimor R.F.A. (ready for anything) case (with inserted drybag if weather foul) . It's 20 years old and still going strong. It easily attaches to my sac shoulder straps or hip belt.

In reply to robhowell:

The other option is ClikElite kit, really well made stuff designed for adventure photographers. Tricky to get in the UK at the moment, but it might be on amazon?

yep, here it is: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=a9_sc_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aclik+elite&keywo...

In reply to Henry Iddon: I use an f-stop Loki for carrying full gear into the mountains. I shoot a lot of mtn biking and this pack stabilises much better than some of theore traditional backpacks I've tried.

For a day out or on route I use a no brand hip case which I mount with two gear binders as a chest pack. Instant access means more use and so better image opportunities.

In reply to Andy Nelson: I should point out that the chest pack includes a fully waterproof roll top liner, which is why I use that over the Lowe pro toploaders