Camera Labs

Hi Guys,

I'm thinking of buying a new bag. I've currently got a regular backpapck, that i can put my SLR in, as well as lunch and whatever else we need. its a bit too small and difficult to get things in and out of with a camera on top.

the new Lowepro Sport 200 AW caught my eye, and the review I saw here ( http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27769 ) looked pretty good. However after checking the specs, I found it was about the same size as what i currently have.

I've decided to buy this ..... http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/sky-30.html

it has side access to the main compartment, but no dedicated camera support.

I have however found this product .... http://www.crumpler.com/AU/Camera-Bags/ ... ageCode=EN

its a crumpler Haven, and its basically a compartment I can put in any bag, and use it hold an slr. Its just what I'm looking for.

Unfortunatly, they wont supply in the UK, or Europe I think, very annoying.

Anyone know of a similar product to the crumpler haven? or the salomon backpack?

Hi Adz,

Ive had the chance this past summer to field test over a dozen hiking backpacks for photography outings and 6 of the best photography backpacks for something I am putting together and it really confirmed what I had thought in the past... that none of the photography backpacks made really stand up to hiking backpacks for all day comfort, carrying the extra non-photography items needed on long outings, weather sealing and ruggedness.

Please keep in mind I am a wildlife photographer who spends days hiking and in the field so this may not be the best setup for urban street photographers.

That being said none of the hiking backpacks had what I thought was a secure enough compartment for my camera gear so I did as u did and looked for something to put the cameras in.

A freind of mine who owns an ecotour company which specialises in guilded zodiac tours on the ocean and who is also an avid photographer has used dry bags forever to hold his cameras and camera gear.

The pack I have now has a side access lower compartment and what I have done is bought 2 dry bags, lined them with a sheet of foam padding 1/2 inch thick and I keep my cameras in there. On nice days with no threat of rain I just leave the drybags open in the backpack so its fast access by just opening the zippered backpack compartment and pulling out the camera as quickly as any photography based backpack. When on the water or on rainy days I close the dry bags and even if I fall in the water or get caught in a down pour I know my gear is completely safe and will stay dry no matter what.

I've also adapted 2 black rapid camera straps and attached one to each of the backpack shoulder straps so when hiking on nice days 1 or both of my cameras are at the ready at my hips for instant shooting. I am really surprised none of the big photography backpack companies have included this idea on their packs as it completely changes your photography outing and how fast you take your pictures. No more diving into bags to get your camera for a fast shot... the camera is always at the ready.

Here is a link to one type of dry bag/dry sack but there are many varieties out there.

http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline

Just some ideas to consider but they are not for everyone.

_________________
Canon 7D + 50D + EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM + EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Pelican // Black Rapid // Think Tank // Manfrotto // Garmin

Reflections On Canadian Wildlife
My Flickr

Hi Wolfsong

Thanks for the response, I dont think I need anything as 'extreme' as nwhat you haev described.

But I have bought a Hiking backpack with a side access pocket and will be trying to find some inserts, or make my own so I can safely carry my camera and gear at the same time as carrying all my other stuff.

Will post some photos when complete if anyone is interested.