Hiking camera case or carrier???

[kevinfromwebb]

I can imagine this has been asked many times... I do a bit of hiking and usually wear a camelbak or backpack... With my little p&s I hook a small case on the front of the shoulder strap and it's easily available when I want to take a pic... Any ideas or experience with some kind of holder to use while hiking,etc for a dslr??? I'd like to keep my hands free to use my hiking sticks, etc and using the neck strap seems like a good way to bruise my chest... What kind of experiences have yall had with holders or small bags that would attach to my shoulder straps or belt???

Thanks, Kevin

[venchka]

There are such contraptions made to keep the camera close to you and not swinging around. That said, I have backpacked with a Pentax 6x7 and a normal strap. I'm still alive and nothing on me got broke.

Personally, nothing beats a proper backpack for hiking. Look into the Mountainsmith Lumbar Day pack for toting cameras, lenses, lunch, etc.

http://www.mountainsmith.com/product...bCategory2Id=0

REI sells them. Osprey is another brand I like. My Osprey backpack is my favorite camera toting backpack.

Photobackpacker is another source of backcountry camera gear.

[kevinfromwebb]

Thanks Wayne... I've got a good camelbak and back pack... I"m not looking for a pack just something to keep the camera close for shots while hiking... I could use my camelbak or one of my backpacks to carry camera or accessories but was looking for something to keep it closer so I could use it 'on the run' so to speak... Sorry for not being a bit more specific...

Thanks, Kevin

[PIC]

Ansel Adams as an old guy was know to hike Yosemite with an 8x10 view on a tripod over his shoulder with a suitcase in hand.
Kinda makes the current bumper crop of photographers a bit whimpy.

[jeffkohn]

I prefer a 'split' camera backpack that can hold both camera equipment and other stuff. The ones with laptop compartments are good for holding a hydration bladder. My pack of choice for hiking these days is the LowePro CompuPrimus AW, which I can also strap a tripod to when hiking with trekking poles. This worked out really well for me in Oregon and the Sierra Nevada this year.

The other option would be some sort of belt-system or fanny pack. I don't think any sort of neck-strap would be a good idea. I've seen straps that allow you to hang a camera from the harness straps of a regular backpack, but I have to think it would still be flopping around quite a bit. Kinesis and Think-Tank both make modular belt systems that might work for you depending on how much gear you want to carry. That would probably be a good approach for a small SLR with one or two small lenses. For a pro-sized SLR (or smaller one with battery grip) and multiple lenses, I think the backpack is the best choice for serious hiking.

[venchka]

OpTech, etc., etc. etc. make beaucoup wrap around straps to hold the camera close to your chest. GOOGLE or Arlington Camera will know.

[KenJulio]

cottoncarrier.com has a vestlike and side holster available, not sure if you're into something like that, but thought I'd bring it up since it caught my eye last month.

[venchka]

There is a mega-strap discussion somewhere at this forum. I don't recall exactly where. Search.

[kevinfromwebb]

Thanks Guys... That comment about Ansel Adams, makes ya feel like a wimp... ;) I'll probably look at some of the small cases and see if they would not be too bulky to attack to the shoulder strap of my camel bak etc... If not I'll look at the strap systems... The cotton carrier looks like a cool idea, but since I've already got a back pack on it might be a bit much... Just have to try a few things... I'll go up to Arlington Camera one day after work and look around...
I'll probably just be carrying my Canon Rebel with the kit 18-55 lens... If I do have my other longer lens (or anything else) I'd have them in my pack...

Thanks again for the ideas...

Kevin

[venchka]

Does your Camelback have a sternum strap connecting the shoulder straps? There used to be camera cases with belt loops to slip the sternum stap through. You need to be careful taking the pack off. disconnect the strap and the case is free to.............

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by venchka

OpTech, etc., etc. etc. make beaucoup wrap around straps to hold the camera close to your chest. GOOGLE or Arlington Camera will know.

I tried one of those, back when I was shooting with a D70 and kit lens. I think it was called the Dewitte Strap (I can't remember the exact name, it was named after some photographer). It's wasn't terribly comfortable, and when it was hot the camera ended up soaked in your sweat.

[venchka]

A belt style top loading, shaped for a body and lens bag is probably the best compromise for ease of access and protecting the camera from you and the elements.

Something like this sized accordingly.

[MHampton]

I just did a week hiking around the Tetons and used the CottonCarrier system and a backpack. Worked great. Always had my two cameras at the ready, one wide (5Dii w/24-105) and one tele (40D w/100-400). I highly recommend the CottonCarrier setup.

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by jeffkohn

It's wasn't terribly comfortable, and when it was hot the camera ended up soaked in your sweat.

agreed. i sweat a lot and when hiking the smokies a couple of years ago i wanted to keep my camera close. well, when i put it up to my eye, everything was fogged...i'm afraid something from cotton carrier would do the same for me, as i sweat a ton!!!!! never tried the cotton carrier though....maybe mike could comment...

[MHampton]

I sweated plenty in the Tetons but the camera never had a problem. We went from mornings in the 40s to afternoons in the 80s. Now, my shirt was wet from my sweat, but the cameras were always ready to take another picture.

My wife took a picture of me "loaded down". I'll post later once I get everything loaded here at home to give you an idea.