Tough camera bags

CaveDweller

CaveDweller

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Paul
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I'm after a new camera bag for while I'm out on my mountain bike. Mainly something to use at bike parks where there is good technical downhill sections, so minor falls may come often. I'm not bothered about holding too much kit, maybe just my 70-200 and 18-55 lenses with 550D body and perhaps a bit extra space for a cleaning kit or a drink.

I use the Lowepro fastpack 350 normally, but that doesn't offer much padding if I come off the back of the bike, but I do find it has the space I need whilst I'm out riding. Obviously I won't be going as stupid on my bike with the camera as I do with out it, but a bit of extra protection wouldn't harm.

Cheers.
 
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I have the lowepro flipside 400 aw. It has a pullover waterproof thing that stretches over it and is well padded.

It has literally been around the world with me. Survived some awful conditions with no damage to anything inside, be it camera bodies, lenses, ipads, laptops etc. The only thing that ever got damaged was a lens hood I'd attached to the outside of the bag when a flight attendant decided to rearrange the overhead lockers.

Used to use it when out on the motorbike too, even with a tripod strapped to the side. That said, I never fell off of it onto my back; I'm not sure any rucksack would give great protection if you fell on it with all your weight. The bag has taken a fair few knocks and bumps though with absolutely no incidents.

I've cycled with it and found it well balanced due to the dividers etc inside being customisable to distrubute weight as you like (apart from tripods), combined with the solid straps at both nipple and waist height. Comfortable riding even with 10kg plus on your back.

I find it the perfect bag. I will never replace it unless I get a lens too big to fit in it. If that day ever comes, then I'll just buy the next bag size up. I have a slightly smaller bag I use for a single body and something like a 70-200, but whenever I'm out for more than an hours shooting, the 400AW is with me.
 
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I would use a small Peli case on a rack with a suitably sized rucksack to carry the Peli when not bungied onto the rack.
 
The one thing I can say for sure is that there is no perfect bag. I have a lowpro as well, I think its a 400 but what I did was use the padding out of some of my other bags to line my lowpro. I'm not kidding when I say you can drop my pack fully loaded on the cement and It won't hurt a thing. So my suggestion is, if you have another bag you are not using take some of the padding out of it and line your lowpro. Works like a champ!:banana:

:canon:
 
Nod said:
I would use a small Peli case on a rack with a suitably sized rucksack to carry the Peli when not bungied onto the rack.
Click to expand...

As a photographer and a cyclist, I say *never* carry photo gear on the bike! Carry the delicate stiff on your back or be prepared for a repair bill...
 
Oh wow I missed the part about you carrying it on your bike. I have to agree with the other comment and say I think that I a really bad idea. IMO I think your back is the safest place.


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I've known people have their backs broken by wearing backpacks when they've been knocked off bikes. Personally, I'd rather walk away from a broken camera than use a camera from a wheelchair...
 
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