Back Pack

[swiftflo]

Hi everyone.
I had a major, complex and serious spinal operation on Nov.30th last , not fully recovered yet, I am told it will be 18mths to 2 years for full recovery. Now thinking I am getting ready for using the camera again(if I can still remember how). So thinking of changing my backpack, I have a slingshot 350 (I think that is the number), I am thinking about the LowePro Protactic 350, anyone with views good or bad about this bag.

Thanks.

 

[tijuana taxi]

Without knowing what your condition prohibits would putting on and taking off a regular rucksack be ok?

Maybe a sling or messenger type bag would be easier to manage especially earlier in your recovery.

I know when my shoulder and back are playing up getting in and out of a rucksack isn't much fun, just a thought?

 

[swiftflo]

You could be right, perhaps I would have a problem putting a regular rucksack on and off. At the moment my body is in a right old state, as a plumber (now retired) I have always been quite strong from lifting cast iron baths and boilers but at the moment most of my strength has left me, although the consultant tells me it will come back. The op has given me a frozen type right shoulder and quite weak legs, I am using an excersise bike to try and build my strength up again, cannot believe I was once a semi pro road racing cyclist.

This is something I must admit I hadn't thought about.

 

[tijuana taxi]

You could be right, perhaps I would have a problem putting a regular rucksack on and off. At the moment my body is in a right old state, as a plumber (now retired) I have always been quite strong from lifting cast iron baths and boilers but at the moment most of my strength has left me, although the consultant tells me it will come back. The op has given me a frozen type right shoulder and quite weak legs, I am using an excersise bike to try and build my strength up again, cannot believe I was once a semi pro road racing cyclist.

This is something I must admit I hadn't thought about.

Does sound like the twisting involved could be at best uncomfortable or at worst harm your recovery. I injured my back and shoulder in an accident at work and after eleven months off, had to rethink how I went about certain actions
Now use a rucksack albeit a light one and swapped all my heavy FF gear to a mirrorless set up, heavy camera hanging from my neck was very painful. Now use either a sling strap or a chest harness, maybe something else to consider.

 

[swiftflo]

Does sound like the twisting involved could be at best uncomfortable or at worst harm your recovery. I injured my back and shoulder in an accident at work and after eleven months off, had to rethink how I went about certain actions
Now use a rucksack albeit a light one and swapped all my heavy FF gear to a mirrorless set up, heavy camera hanging from my neck was very painful. Now use either a sling strap or a chest harness, maybe something else to consider.

Thanks

 

[johnf3f]

What about a Holster for you camera?

I sometimes use a Lowepro top loader TLZ AW with a Lowepro wide belt (or Bat Belt as I call it!) and a couple of accessory lens pouches. The TLZ came with a shoulder strap and with the Bat Belt this spreads the load very nicely, also there is no bending or twisting to get at you gear.

With this setup I can carry any non 1 Series camera and a 100-400, 70 - 200 F2.8, 24-70 F2.8 and 16-35 + a few odds and ends like batteries and cards. The great thing is that it puts the bulk of the load on the hips rather than your back. The shoulder strap only takes a small part of the load and stabilises the belt pack so that it doesn't try to swing about.

Unfortunately, for me, my problem is an arthritic hip and dodgy knees - so it doesn't help me! However with a damaged back it might well be just the job?

Just a thought?

 

[swiftflo]

What about a Holster for you camera?

I sometimes use a Lowepro top loader TLZ AW with a Lowepro wide belt (or Bat Belt as I call it!) and a couple of accessory lens pouches. The TLZ came with a shoulder strap and with the Bat Belt this spreads the load very nicely, also there is no bending or twisting to get at you gear.

With this setup I can carry any non 1 Series camera and a 100-400, 70 - 200 F2.8, 24-70 F2.8 and 16-35 + a few odds and ends like batteries and cards. The great thing is that it puts the bulk of the load on the hips rather than your back. The shoulder strap only takes a small part of the load and stabilises the belt pack so that it doesn't try to swing about.

Unfortunately, for me, my problem is an arthritic hip and dodgy knees - so it doesn't help me! However with a damaged back it might well be just the job?

Just a thought?

thanks for your thoughts.