Anybody use a waist pak/belt system?

treeman

treeman

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Mark
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I think I may have once said I'd never wear one, but my mind maybe changing. I've just started doing a bit of sport shooting, and it would be quite handy to have a couple of other lenses with me, without the hassle of lugging around my backpack.

Any recommendations please?
 
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No recommendations as I've never tried one, but Lowepro do belts and bags to hang from them.
 
Hello Mark,

I have just got myself a Lowepro Outback 200 Modular Beltpack:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-lowepro-outback-200-modular-beltpack/p1518517

Whilst I have only used it a couple of times I am very pleased with it so far as it allows me to fit my 40D with a 100-400mm lens attached into the main compartment, with space for two smaller lens (or something else) in the two side pockets. The two side pockets can also be removed should you wish.

The bag gives you the option of using a shoulder strap (removable), or using it around your waist, or both which helps if your kit is on the weighty side. The only slight downside is the belt part of the strap is attached to the bag, so if you did only wish to use it over your shoulder the belt part would be flapping about, but so far I have buckled it around the bag and that seems to work.

So all in all I would certainly recommend that bag as it does everything I was looking for, something which I felt was impossible!!!
 
I've been looking for one as well. I'm liking the look of the Kata w-92 or the slightly larger w-94
 
I use a Think Tank Skin Set, which is a set of pouches you can mix and match to load up a belt with exactly the configuration you need. On a Pro Speed Belt, which I use, the pouches can be locked into position or allowed to freely swivel around the belt. When heavily loaded I have a Pixel Racing Harness, which is basically a set of braces to even out the load between hips and shoulders and to stop the whole lot ending up round my ankles. As belt systems go it gets a thumbs up from me. Not cheap though.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/skin-set-belt-packs.aspx

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/pro-speed-belt-v2-m-l.aspx

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/pixel-racing-harness-v2.aspx
 
These things are basically a set of webbing just the same concept as the military have been using for about 100 years.

Ok, so these are more akin to the more modern versions (alice and friends).

LowePro do a similar thing for their Street and Field range but the ThinkTank stuff Tim is talking about is perceived to be better than LowePro, or more likely is the brand Americans buy ;-)

Is a webbing set better than the photographer's (assault) vest? Guess it depends on how much stuff you want to carry and in what kinda of environment - probably more dictated by what you can get away with fashion wise than anything else.

Looking like a Spetsnaz commando might not be right for a wedding but on the other hand a Alpinestars motorsport tog vest also might look out of place at your child's christening too :D
 
I've got a Lowepro system. I looked at ThinkTank as well, but liked the robustness and relative weather resistance of the Lowepro stuff better, though the lens carriers are bigger due to the extra padding.

I've found it very useful when doing events or some sports where I'll typically take a backpack full of kit, check the venue, then pick out the individual items I want and load up the belt kit. Typically I might have a 300 and 70-200 on the cameras, and then a couple of shorter lenses, an extender or two, a flash or two, cleaning cloth and other sundry bits in the belt kit.

It's much less hassle to carry stuff that way compared to in a bag hung over your shoulder (or worse a backpack that you have to put down on the floor to get into), and all your bits are within easy reach.

The only problem I can think of is that it will make you rather "wide" when squeezing through crowds.

Recommended if you're out and about a lot doing events type stuff.
 
Think Tank do also have a padded option for a belt pouch system but I didn't see a need for such protection and prefered to keep bulk down.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/modular-set-component.aspx

Back to the Skin Set, I don't know how weatherproof the bare pouches are, but each pouch has its own weatherproof cover in a zippered compartment beneath each pouch. Some of the pouches can also be extended by unzipping a "pop-down" section to further increase versatility.

I don't know how the Lowepro belt system compares, but I do like Lowepro backpacks (Flipside 400 AW is my current favourite), so brand snobbery was not a factor in my choice.
 
I'm attempting to use a Lowpro street and field belt, so far it is hurting my hips. And it's annoying with my coat. I got it for summer. When summer arrives, hopefully it will come into its own. My criticism so far is that the lens pouches are enormous vs the lenses. It's ok for medium things like a 135mm f2, but for longer telephotos it is ridiculous, the pouches are like bazookas. I reckon it could be a great set up for macro though. Have the macro on the camera, and then the accessories like extenders, teleconverters, flash etc on the belt.
 
The Lowepro bag for a 70/200 or 300 f4 is quite big - I'd not want to stick it on a belt as it would get in the way much like an e-tool does!

I do use that bag though but slung across my shoulder/body on a long strap - keeps it out the way when i don't need it.

The bigger lenses are always a problem though - what on earth do you do with a 300/400/500/600 when you aren't using it? Ok, the HUGE ones are a silly question, but a 300 2.8 is probably not that silly/uncommon - so what do you do with it?
 
I've got a strap on my 300 and sling it over my shoulder. There's strap attachments on the big lenses for this reason.
 
tdodd said:
I use a Think Tank Skin Set, which is a set of pouches you can mix and match to load up a belt with exactly the configuration you need. On a Pro Speed Belt, which I use, the pouches can be locked into position or allowed to freely swivel around the belt. When heavily loaded I have a Pixel Racing Harness, which is basically a set of braces to even out the load between hips and shoulders and to stop the whole lot ending up round my ankles. As belt systems go it gets a thumbs up from me. Not cheap though.
Click to expand...

That was what I was looking at though I might prefer the padded version. (I drop stuff, frequently!)

desantnik said:
Looking like a Spetsnaz commando might not be right....
Click to expand...

:lol: That's partly what I was concerned about!


Tobers said:
I've got a Lowepro system. I looked at ThinkTank as well, but liked the robustness and relative weather resistance of the Lowepro stuff better, though the lens carriers are bigger due to the extra padding.

I've found it very useful when doing events or some sports where I'll typically take a backpack full of kit, check the venue, then pick out the individual items I want and load up the belt kit. Typically I might have a 300 and 70-200 on the cameras, and then a couple of shorter lenses, an extender or two, a flash or two, cleaning cloth and other sundry bits in the belt kit.

It's much less hassle to carry stuff that way compared to in a bag hung over your shoulder (or worse a backpack that you have to put down on the floor to get into), and all your bits are within easy reach.

The only problem I can think of is that it will make you rather "wide" when squeezing through crowds.

Recommended if you're out and about a lot doing events type stuff.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I had in mind for using the belt system for. Decanting stuff after arriving with all my kit.

Trying to find a local dealer that's actually got the bags in stock, so I can look at them, is a nightmare :bang:
 
There's the Tamrac SAS/MAS items. I like those because I can either clip them on the side & straps of my Tamrac Backpack, or have them on my belt for when I'm going a bit lighter.
 
Bump: Fitzy, I'm thinking of getting the Outback 200. Any more comments after a few months of using it? Thanks!
 
I've actually just gone and bought the Thinktank system. Not quite so sure now I've put it on with kit in, I can here the SAS jokes now!
However it is probably the only way to keep kit with at hand when you need it especially if you need to move around.
I'm trailing it this weekend, so I'll report back!
 
treeman said:
I've actually just gone and bought the Thinktank system. Not quite so sure now I've put it on with kit in, I can here the SAS jokes now!
However it is probably the only way to keep kit with at hand when you need it especially if you need to move around.
I'm trailing it this weekend, so I'll report back!
Click to expand...

I also have just ordered the Thinktank system the skin set a harness and belt as i need something that i can use while i have a sixty litre rucksack on my back so this modular system fits my needs well i think i will be using this when i go to nepal in october where we will be treking for up to 12 hours a day. but also at the moment i am training in the hills and munroes of scotland so will report back as well.
 
I made my own. Purchased a 'Security' heavy duty belt off eBay then bought a variety of Lowepro lens cases from the shops and attached them myself. Does for me :)
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone - I'll be looking forward to other people's experiences. In any even, I saw that Ffordes are doing a Lowepro clearance with some decent prices, so I went for an Outback 200 to see how it goes.
 
I use a waist pack for when I'm out shooting street stuff, etc. It's not a photographers pack, just a waist pack I got off ebay for £9.99. It works well though and is good quality. It's called a "quadra pro waist pack" if you want to look them up on ebay.
 
I have used them before when i have hired lenses that don't fit in my bag and i actually prefer it now.

I have an assault belt left over from my airsoft days and just attach whatever lens pouches i need.

And because it's not got lowepro or the like stitched on it you don't have to pay the added photography tax. Bargain.

http://www.uktactical.com/acatalog/Duty_Belt.html

There is also quite a selection of various pouches available that are handy for accessories, though i'm yet to find anything that i can put in a mag pouch. :thinking:
 
Interesting, keeping an eye on this one..
 
I use my thinking modular belt system for weddings on occasion. It's good for quick changes on my main body when I need it, and I can keep a short prime on my secondary body for candies.
 
Sorry dude, just seen this on my catch up!

I use, and love the Think Tank Change up: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/change-up-belt-pack.aspx

It can be used in a variety of different combo's - belt, shoulder bag, simple carry bag or worn on the chest with the shoulder harness. Its very versatile.

You can also add a Skin chimp cage either side if you want for more capacity http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/skin-chimp-cage.aspx

In just the change up I can get D300, 70-200f2.8 and 17-55f 2.8, cleaning gear, filters, batteries and cards quite easily.

In one skin chimp I usually have the 300 f4 and Sb800 plus the accessories I need.

It's a really flexible system - Ive used in when I went backpacking and at the race track and it good. (No I dont work for Think Tank!!)

I considered the belt style arrangement, but then though, with all the gear hung off ya belt and round your waist it would be awkward climbing stairs, sitting down etc.

Go with the Change up.
 
I use the TT skin set on a pro speed belt, usually only have two pouches on me. Main reason is to stick the 70-200 somewhere so I can mount the 300 from off my shoulder. Thoroughly recommend them. They are expensive and you do look like a bit of a d#*$ but they are the only things which can get the job done at times. And to be fair, I probably already look daft with two camera's and a 300 2.8 hanging off my shoulder.
 
treeman said:
I've actually just gone and bought the Thinktank system. Not quite so sure now I've put it on with kit in, I can here the SAS jokes now!
However it is probably the only way to keep kit with at hand when you need it especially if you need to move around.
I'm trailing it this weekend, so I'll report back!
Click to expand...

So I was going to write a review, then I saw this, and it sums up my experience completely. :)

[YOUTUBE]5TRLGRDv7ik[/YOUTUBE]
 
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I use a Lowepro Inverse 200 AW beltpack. Carries a D300s with 16-85 attached and a 70-300, plus filters and a few bits and bobs very comfortably for a days walking and shooting.

If you just wanted to carry two or three lenses with the camera round your neck it should work well.
 
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