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PhotogEC
climber
Pasadena, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jun 26, 2009 - 01:41pm PT
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From some of the threads here, I know that there are some amazing photographers hanging out here, and I suspect that there are some great ideas on managing your photo gear while climbing.
I have tried numerous "photography backpacks" and have been dissatisfied with all of them, as they all seem to make very poor compromises between the camera equipment and everything else you need. I typically just improvise with a normal pack and pad the photo gear as necessary, for example stuffing a lens in a sock, or using lens cases clipped to the outside.
And that's just for the hike in. I really don't have a good solution for the gear while climbing to keep it under control--the damage to my lens hoods bear silent witness to this fact.
To help put my situation in perspective, I have stripped down my rig and typically carry the following:
DSLR Camera body (D200)
18-55mm zoom
80-200mm zoom
Polarizing filter
So, for the shutterbugs out there, how do you manage your gear, both for "transport" and while climbing?
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Nefarius
Big Wall climber
Fresno
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Jun 26, 2009 - 02:55pm PT
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For transport, I use a number of things, and it all depends on the type of shoot, location, etc. I do have a mountainsmith pack that I use, and I have been very happy with it. I think you'll find, however, that with any camera pack, you're going to have to make a choice: either you carry camera gear, and not much else, or you don't carry a camera pack and improvise, as you have.
When climbing, my system varies, as well. Sometimes I use a belt setup. I have a Kenesis system I got from Eppie that I really like. Sometimes I use a small haulbag. This protects my gear and I also change lenses inside of it, especially if super windy. Although, since I carry two bodies, I usually don't have to change lenses much.
I would recommend a harness system of some sort while you're on a while tho. I've never been comfortable with a regular camera strap once I get off the ground. Also, the harness system I use helps prevent the camera from swinging into the rock and dinging the hell out of my lenses all of the time.
Not sure if that helped any. Really, again, it all depends on the shoot. Each shoot requires something different.
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Double D
climber
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Jun 26, 2009 - 03:38pm PT
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I use a LowePro fanny-pack and it's great. It will hold the lenses you mentioned (assuming one is on the camera), plus a fill-in flash and extra batteries, etc. What I really like about it is that it completely operates with one hand and is very secure and won't "tip" like a pack, plus you can climb with it on your rear and shoot from with it from your belly. Lens caps can just be stowed inside the camera pocket, etc.
Mine is a much older version but I think they still have the same basic functions.
http://products.lowepro.com/product/Inverse-200-AW,2101,7.htm
Let's make this thread a little more interesting...
Living on the Edge, Snow Canyon UT
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PhotogEC
climber
Pasadena, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2009 - 04:30pm PT
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Thanks for the replies so far.
Nefarious - I have a Mountainsmith pack that I frequently use, too. I find that it doesn't quite sit right when I have a climbing harness on. What kind of harness do you use on the camera body? I've rigged a light cord from my harness through a ring on the camera, but am open to suggestions here, too.
Dave - Righteous photo. I was wondering if my post would entice a few pics out of the group. With the fanny-pack, do you strap it on over or above your harness (or a bit of both)?
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Nefarius
Big Wall climber
Fresno
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Jun 26, 2009 - 05:22pm PT
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Pretty much the only time I use my pack with a harness is when jugging, and I don't do it all that often anymore. Mostly I use the harness system now, if I take stuff on route with me. I've also rigged modules (pouches) of the belt system to attach to my harness. I used to use a mountainsmith fanny, as DoubleD uses. Of course, it was heavily modified with padding, separators, etc.
This setup from Kinesis works well:
I use this a lot if I'm going to moving up and down on a rope a lot, over longer distances.
Mostly, however, I simply use this:
Mine is rigged so that I can attach another pouch (or two) to carry another body and lens when jugging, etc. I use this for most of my work now. Even work that is not on a rock. I can also carry two bodies on it, one on each side.
I would also mention that all of my gear is covered with gaffer's tape, which leaves no residue, whatsoever. When I've sold bodies or lenses, in the past, they look like brand new when the tape is removed.
edit: images borrowed from Kinesis. :)
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Double D
climber
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Jun 26, 2009 - 05:44pm PT
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"With the fanny-pack, do you strap it on over or above your harness (or a bit of both)?"
Above. It has side-compression straps that enable you to quickly put enough slack in the system to rotate it around your body from the back to the front. You hardly notice it while climbing but if I were just doing a long route with a camera, vs out to get a shot, I would just use a mini camera in the pocket. In that regard I don't take it out much cause of the bulk and weight.
Climb on!
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Sebastopol, CA
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Jun 27, 2009 - 12:00am PT
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Backpacks don't work for me. I'm too often working in places where you can't take it off and set it down. Plus, its faster getting your gear out if you can just whip it around. I've been using an OrionAW waist pack from LowePro for two years and like it pretty well. It converts from back pack to waist pack and is a secure ride for your gear. I have an older PhotoFlex chest pouch that works great for one camera/short lens on shorter shoots on a wall. I sometimes use a small haul bucket/bag as Nef suggests. I hate jugging with all kinds of weight on me, so will tie it to the rope, jug up, and haul the line. You gotta get the rope up out of the shot anyway, and the bag can double as a rope bucket.
edit: buckle the strap behind the belay loop on your harness. Rides great there and doesn't interfere with the harness, pinch or pull on your stomach.
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PhotogEC
climber
Pasadena, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 30, 2009 - 03:34pm PT
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I appreciate the thoughts on this. Will be hitting the local camera shop this weekend to see if I can test drive the LowePro packs.
Looks like they might fit the bill.
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Wes Allen
Boulder climber
KY
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Jun 30, 2009 - 10:29pm PT
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First, I mostly just shoot single pitch stuff or bouldering.
I use a thank tank glass taxi most of the time. Lets me carry a couple bodies/lenses and I can wear it in front, with my usual climbing back in back. When I get to the cliff, I get to where I am shooting (more or less) then haul it up, usually with just one body and lens or two, though sometimes more.
If I am bring more stuff, I also use a mountainsmith back, and wear it in front, though it isn't as easy to deal with if there is anything more then just trails on the way in.
Now that I am playing with the built in video on the 5d II, I am bringing way more crap to the cliff, just so I can experiment a bit, etc. Glad the hikes in the red are mostly mellow, because it is hella hot and muggy here!
A few images from this week...
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