Safely Carrying Your Gear.
So, I am pretty terrible at snowboarding. I stack it most of the time on blue runs as I am still pushing myself to learn. But I would like to carry around my DSLR and take some shots while I am in Japan and next season at Perisher. I love my crumpler, but I don’t think it would protect the camera from a small stack, let alone a bigger one.
Are there any bags you would recommend to protect my gear (Canon 1D, so full frame) or am I better off to bring it to the snow, throw it in a locker then carry it and walk to the pipe/park or to a run?
There is some companies like Burton who make professional camera bags for riding.
http://stmonline.com.au/Burton-Zoom-Pack-Blotto-Gray
Dakine also make one
http://www.dakine.com/w/packs/photo-packs
Not sure where to find them in Australia but from experience they are worth it. My mate lost a $1500 lens on a small slam on the way down after a day of shooting.
I know they have them in Australia, and if you’re in Hakuba, Japan this winter, you can test them.
I use the Loka for everything.
I got one from f-stop that I won off BW last yr and it is an awesome bag that will definitely protect your gear.
That F Stop Gear isn’t cheap.
Price: Matrix Pricing - See Below for complete Info. Shell Only (No ICU) - $195 // Shell + 1 ICU - $245 // Shell + 2 ICU’s $295 // Shell + 3 ICU’s $340
Suppose if you want the best you have to be prepared to pay for it and your camera gear is usually worth a lot more.
I’ve been using the Burton Zoom pack. It’s a sick bag and I’ve been very happy with it.
Check out the Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack AW series. Heaps of space for camera gear and also carries a laptop and has an external tripod holder. I have this bag and have used it snowboarding. Goes well. It’s not 100% waterproof but it does come with a removable waterproof cover which does the job.
Hey teggeh
I use my lowepro fastpac 350. great camera bag, good padding, plenty of room for my Canon 5dmk2 with a few lenses plus its got another pocket good to put the extra layer, and a laptop pocket. Ive travelled everywhere with this pack for a while and hasnt let me down. Only thing its missing is a decent tripod carrying mount but with some webbing and climbing caribena’s made a handle that clips my tripod and monopod onto the side nicely. Also another nifty thing found out that the flap on the front to cover up the zips can extend to the size of my snowboard, so no awkward carrying of the board on backcountry hikes.
Otherwise burton and dakine, both make some really nice camera bags that are extremely padded.
so, how do you carry the board with the fastpack 350 : sled carry, right?
anyways, let me sum up the bags listed in this thread for you:
1) Burton camera bags (there’s a bunch ie zoom, f-stop etc), Dakine sequence
Solid bags designed for carrying your photo/video gear in the snow. For backcountry, the dakine is better. In the past, Burton’s haven’t been really well thought out in spots, and that goes for across their whole bag line. Some bags are better than others, so it’s best to check them out. If you’re just staying in resort though, Burton’s are fine. Also, Burton and Dakine straps are just okay. The waist belt won’t support you very well when carrying heavy loads. I started out with a Burton zoom and loved it. When I started doing backcountry though, I realized that it wasn’t good enough and got the sequence.
2) F-Stop bags
These bags have been designed for the extreme sports/adventure photographers. The toughest materials are used, the bags have an internal frame, they stay tight to your bag and have little swing weight, and the straps are awesome. I can ride normally with this pack. With the zoom and the sequence, I had to ride carefully. You won’t need 3 icu’s for it, just get a medium if you have a bunch of stuff, or just get the small if you only have a body with a couple of lenses. If you want to use the bag for just straight up hiking or travelling, no problem, just slide the icu out. I recently took my loka to europe and it was perfect. I use this bag for everything from going to product shoots in shops to shooting big lines in the backcountry after hiking for 6 hours.
3) Lowe Pro or other ‘regular’ camera bag
Regular, as in, not designed for snow sports or extreme activities. You would get this pack for regular life ie city travel and for that one time a year take it to the mountains. The carry straps aren’t designed for boards but will work in a jiffy. These bags may not be waterproof and definitely won’t let you ride normally.
4) Cheapest option
Find any old backpack in your house. Buy a padded compartment from your local camera shop or ebay. put the comparment in your bag. Done deal!