I'd like to carry my camera on the bike and be able to get to it easily.
I have a handlebar bag I was given but it doesn't attach very well and shifts around too much. I also have a sling bag I use off the bike that would suit if I can attach it. It has some belt loops on the back and I've tried bodging it on with a luggage strap but don't trust it to hold.
It's a smallish mirrorless camera and the bike has drop bars, what's the easiest way for me to either attach the bag I have or suggestions for something cheap that would suit?
Watching with interest. Was thinking of picking up a second hand mirrorless to take out on the gravel bike
This might be ok although could be a little on the small side - Topeak Handlebar Bag
Also this one - Another Topeak Handlebar Bag
This is a bar bag with a shoulder strap. It's a great bit of kit
Can’t comment on it being any good but saw a photographer talking about it on his YT channel and buying it for bike rides when he doesn’t want all his kit with him.
He didn’t go into depth, as if I recall it’s a recent purchase.
Could be of interest although doesn’t meet your handlebar criteria…
https://www.evocsports.com/HIP-PACK-CAPTURE-7/502501117
Video in question if interested…
I have the Outer Shell bar bag with camera insert for exactly this purpose. It’s fitted every type of bike I’ve ever tried it on, and it’s super easy to remove if you want to pop into a cafe or whatever. It’s not ideal on big rocky descents, it gets a bit bouncy then, but it does stay on. Not cheap, but well designed in my opinion and hand made not mass produced. For really wet weather I’d add a dry bag, but it does offer reasonable waterproofing if you leave it closed - it’s putting your hand in and out that transfers the wetness inside.
https://outershell.com/shop/handlebar-bag
https://outershell.com/shop/camera-padding-insert-drawcord-handlebar-bag
I use the Evoc hip pack to carry a Fuji X-H1 with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. It works well and is well made.
Not cheap but a decent reduction (although it doesn't come with a mounting kit)
https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/ortlieb/e-glow-bar-bag-7-litres-917895
Warning: Stealth Ad
I've one of these for sale:
https://www.ortlieb.com/uk_en/ultimate-six-compact-free+F3323
Ortlieb quality, but it is smaller than it looks. You could could fit two standard water bottles in at a push.
I use a Topeak barloader for this. Camera, sandwich, snacks, warm layer can all squeeze in there
FYI, it's a Canon G16 in a LowePro dash point case
Good suggestions, thanks. That Ortlieb bag looks good for the price.
Ortlieb Ultimate 6 (I have one) are excellent and rock solid if fitted correctly. Completely waterproof, though you may need some internal padding as it's just one open space
The Topeak tour guide is also good, a friend has one, it has more pockets and dividers and some padding built in, but needs a separate cover for waterproofing.
both can be easily removed from the mounting and carried on a (removable) shoulder strap
Alpkit Stem Cell might do the job.
Thread here that may also be of interest:
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/356851/
I have a Tenba BYOB 9 insert https://uk.tenba.com/tenba-byob-9-camera-insert-black/
Fits a DSLR + a couple of lenses (50mm + a small zoom) and the camera basically lives in that bag, being transferred to whatever bag I'm using that day.
You'd probably get away with the smaller one with your camera.
It goes in a Restrap bar bag when I'm out and about on the bike and you can fit loads more in if you need to.
We've Kik-fix Altura bar bags - ideal for what you describe.
I can't find what model we are, but like this mount with waterproof bag:
I went for the Ortlieb Glow, seemed like a good deal for £30. Bought the bar bracket without paying attention and got the wrong size, but the bag is good.
It fits my camera bag with a bit of room to spare, and seems big enough to be generally useful for carrying stuff on the bike. It’s also e-bike optimised so it will still work if I ever get an e-bike (I assume regular unpowered bags won’t).
Just be a bit careful using barbags - I used a Restrap barbag to carry my compact mirrorless for a few gravel rides and it loosened several of the tiny weeny screws to the extent that the foldable screen dropped off. The vibration on the handlebars is quite extensive compared to say a hippack or camelbak I think. Anyway have always carried the camera on my body since then.
some might find this useful
https://off.road.cc/content/buying/the-10-best-bar-bags-for-off-road-riding-9707