Hiking with equipment

[Mitch_Miller]

For the hikers out there, wondering what you guys do with your gear (one body and maybe two lenses) while hiking so that it's not swinging off your shoulder banging into trees and kids, etc. We'd like to do some limited hiking this summer, but I don't think I want a full camera backpack.

-- Mitch

[MikeA]

I know exactly what you mean.

Choices are either a slingshot-style backpack or a belt system.

I mostly use a belt system from Kinesis Kinesis Photo Gear homepage [Built for People -- On the Move]™ just the B107 belt and the C380 holster case, along with a lens pouch if required (or to carry water)

Lowepro has good slingshot backpacks. Look for AW100 AW 200 and AW300

Michael

[DickOLeary]

I use a small chest vest. See newswear.com

[David Barry]

ThinkTankPhoto has a really well thought out belt system and a complete range of packs for photographers. You might take a look at their Rotation 360 (http://www.rotation360.com/) which combines a belt and a backpack, that looks like it might be great for hiking.

David.

[williamjordan]

I have been using a vest from www.vestedinterest.com for years now, and I cannnot think of a better way to carry all my gear.

[Gup]

I just checked out the link William provided and I love the way the camera straps connect to the shoulders of the vest, as opposed to hanging around the photographer's neck. I hate my D2x swinging from my neck.

Now to answer the original question, I rely on Lowepro equipment for my landscape work. I have their second to largest model for serious trekking with much equipment, and it is superb in every way. I also use it for a regular bag when doing weddings because of its capacity. But when only a body and three lenses are required I use their Off Trail 2 model. It has a shoulder strap and a waist belt and is designed to wear on your hip. The two lens cases are modular and removable and the centre case accepts the body and lens attached in a face down position for easy access in a hurry. It's deep enough for a Nikon D2x with 80-200 f/2.8 zoom attached and zippered closed, well padded and comfortable to carry. It goes everywhere with me, the front seat beside me in my van, or the crossbar in front of me in my canoe.

Keep Smiling!

Gup.

[Raul_Sanchez]

I also use a vest from The Vested Interest
They are tough and very well design. You can carry a lot of gear or less gear and clothing, food, etc.