Bag/Case for safari?

[Mrs.Purdue]

We're heading to Africa next month to catch a few World Cup games and also go on a safari in Botswana. Since we can't take suitcases on the small safari planes, we're backpacking it, which means that I can't really take my Tamrac Speed Pack 75 (it's too big to wear as a front pack and I haven't quite mastered how to wear 2 packs on my back yet). Any advice for another bag that won't let all the dust in, hold a 7D + 100-400 attached, speedlight, 24-70, XTi, and probably 1-2 more lenses? If it could hold a laptop, even better.

I was tossing around the idea of a pelican and then stuffing my Tracey Joy in my backpack so that I can take the camera with me to games or sightseeing.

any other options that sound good? Would any of the shoulder bags (maybe a crumpler?) be able to protect from dust?

[linque]

Ever heard of Gura Gear? They're actually in Houston. I don't own one, and have never seen one, but it looks like an awesome bag. No laptop compartment though, and they are pricey ($400.00).

[WarrenG]

You might look at the Think Tank Speed Racer, and add on what you need component wise. I have used mine around the world from Costa Rica to Africa without fail. I would not bring my laptop though, I would do a digital Foci or something of that nature.... but then I like to travel light.

I like that you can carry it over the shoulder, or as a "fanny pack", carries a ton, and does not look like a "camera bag".

Have fun on the trip...

[d2creative]

Also look at KATA.
If i still had my kata bag, i'd go up on my roof right now with it full of gear and toss it off onto the driveway without worry.


Ok, maybe a little worry.

[dminton]

Though a lot of people are put off by the design of it, you should check out the Newswear Foul Weather Chestvest.

It's made of a waterproof nylon and has sleeves within the pouches which add another layer of material around what you have in the pouches to keep things out. They make a women's version of the other types of Chestvests but not the foul weather one.

The reason I suggest this is because it can hold a lot more gear that it looks like it could It can easily hold everything you have and then some. The straps cross flat over your back and then a waist strap clips behind your lower back to keep it tight to your body and can be adjusted so that a padded belt strap for a large hiking backpack can be worn with it.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Tiffany,

I don't know if this is going to be important... but be VERY careful. It's Africa and there will be thousands and thousands of people around. Don't put yourselves in any dangerous situations! I'm just saying. David Minton's suggestion for a bag also would add to your security level I believe.

- Wil

[dmora]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

Tiffany,

I don't know if this is going to be important... but be VERY careful. It's Africa and there will be thousands and thousands of people around. Don't put yourselves in any dangerous situations! I'm just saying. David Minton's suggestion for a bag also would add to your security level I believe.

- Wil

S.Africa is one of the most crime ridden places on the planet. You're safer walking around Iran or Afghanistan actually.

Dont carry your gear in JoBerg. Out in the bush isnt as bad as you're with an organized group / park rangers.

I plan on going to S.Africa as well some day. After the hub-bub from futbol has died tho and air fare goes down.

[Mrs.Purdue]

thanks for the tips, guys... we definitely understand the dangers of South Africa (Joburg, specifically, Cape Town is closer to any large city in terms of crime) and will be extremely careful while we're there. We've traveled quite extensively and always have our wits about us, but it's true that this will be one of the more dangerous places we've visited. Just another reason to have a camera bag that doesn't scream "steal me! expensive stuff inside!"

[Dobick]

here is my suggestion --

Why not get a bag that is only big enough for the 100-400 and 7d, and maybe the 24-70. Then keep the other stuff in your backpack.

That way, if you are taking the second body, and additional lenses as back ups, they will be safely tucked away in the luggage, and you can manage a smaller external bag.

Only add in the stuff you intend on shooting with at the time -- I have a hard time imagining scenarios where the 7d, 100-400 and 24-70 don't cover most of. Maybe a wide as well, but not much more than that.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by Dobick

here is my suggestion --

Why not get a bag that is only big enough for the 100-400 and 7d, and maybe the 24-70. Then keep the other stuff in your backpack.

That way, if you are taking the second body, and additional lenses as back ups, they will be safely tucked away in the luggage, and you can manage a smaller external bag.

Only add in the stuff you intend on shooting with at the time -- I have a hard time imagining scenarios where the 7d, 100-400 and 24-70 don't cover most of. Maybe a wide as well, but not much more than that.

This is good advice. I never walk around with more than two lenses at a time when on trips. Of course they are regular sightseeing vacation type trips, you might have different plans for your particular trip.

But what I really think you should do is bring an M9 and two lenses. That's it. Leave all that other bulk at home! Keep it light and simple.
But that's a whole other thread.

[Mrs.Purdue]

hehe - good advice on the packing light. husband will have the XTi w/ a wide(ish) lens and then i'll have the 7d w/ the 100-400 attached and probably the 24-70 in the bag while shooting. he'll have his own backpack though, so maybe i'll let him worry about packing the backup. ;-)

so let's say i only need a 7D + 100-400 & 24-70, plus my speedlite (can't imagine leaving it home). maybe a crumpler? 6mil? i can always pack the laptop in my main backpack (which would be a lot harder to steal off of my back)

[snidow]

I went last May and we had the same restrictions, a limit of 33lbs for every thing. Cameras, clothes, shoes etc. I used a Crumpler five million dollar bag and it suited me well. Carried 1DMK3, 100-400, 1.4X, a wide angle lens, batteries and other things. Although if I remember right the 100-400 standing up was too tall. But I still use the bag and it really doesn't scream camera bag. I'll probably upgrade to the seven million dollar bag .

[Mrs.Purdue]

excellent review, Laurie - I was just looking at the 7 mil, but so glad to hear that your 5 mil suited you well!!

[utdbear]

I would check out Karl Grobl Photojournalist Humanitarian Photojournalist Humanitarian Photojournalism Humanitarian Photography Humanitarian Photography . He is an international photojournalist that has some good advice on how to travel light internationally(mostly in the far corners of the world).

[venchka]

Plastic bags. Double, even triple. Keeps out dust and rain. Ziplock for small stuff. Hefty Bags Large & Extra Large. Clothes. Cameras. Lenses. Everything goes in plastic bags first. Woven fabric is not waterproof.

Be safe. Keep your head down. Stay under the radar.