Has anyone discovered a DSLR camera bag for trails/hiking/skiing etc?

So I’m looking for a camera bag that I can take out and about whilst riding/hiking/skiing.
Has anyone got one that works well and can take enough stuff but still protect their equipment if you come off?

I have come across the Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW. But, I’m concerned about the 14l capacity for your lunch/stuff/kit. Is there anyone with any experience with one or similar?
Are there any other bags out there that do the same thing for around the same price. I have heard of F-Stop bags, but they seem rather overpriced!

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I need something for the alps this summer.

Cheers

this is something i too am often contemplating.

This question has cropped up a few times recently. There was some chest mounted harness/bags recommended which looked decent, and probably one of the best options when riding. Then you have your backpack free for your usual stuff and easy access to camera.

Nothing short of a pelicase is going to 100% protect your kit it you land on it! Problem is a pelicase big enough to fit a dslr is quite big. Mine fits my 35l Lowe Alpine rucksack, but it’s a pain to get the camera out, okay for taking somewhere to set up a shot, nit so good for off the cuff photos.

LowPro Nova mini AW, can be clipped to the straps of your rucksack, so your camera is always at the front.

Hi,

I started this thread asking a similar question then went trawing round camera shops.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/do-you-ride-with-a-slr-camera

I tried a big ish rucksack with a padded bag inside it- Didn’t like it.

I’ve gone for the photosport bag you’ve listed and I’m very happy. Paid £110 off ebay.

It is much bigger than my camelback but does the job well. Camera seems well protected, stuff is easy to find, bag seems well made, fits well, doesn’t move about much. Its easy and quick ish to get the camera out of the camera pocket.

If i had a serious fall it might not provide perfect protection, but something to provide that much protection is going to weigh a ton. You can fit more protection around the camera if you wanted. For my normal falls I’m confident the camera will be fine- dslrs are pretty tough.

If you have any questions just ask.

+1 for the Photo Sport 200

How big exactly is 13.9l though? Whats the most you have fitted in there?
My main concern is not getting enough in, If im heading to the alps this summer id be taking it as hand luggage, and trying fit everything in it is the main concern.

If you have the money consider a Compact System Camera. With prime lenses they are very small compared to a DSLR and in most scenarios the IQ/usability is nearly as good. Much more manageable when biking/climbing IMO.

When I have a camera in my bag on my back it limits the amount of times I use it quite a lot.

Lowepro make decent cases, I generally carry my S95 about in one and its survived a fair few bumps and falls on it! Not quite as bulky as a DSLR though..

Check out the Clik Elite bags, especially the Compact Sport and the Probody Sport:

http://www.clikelite.com/products/compact-sport/

They are a US brand, not sure of availability in the UK, I got mine in the US. They have room for a 3 litre hydration bladder plus camera plus other stuff. I get a LOT into my Compact Sport on my bikepacking expeditions, but it is not a large bag. Trouble with too much space is it tends to get filled up. The Compact Sport plus 3 litres of water plus camera plus spare top plus toolkit is heavy enough for longer days IMHO.

And yes, Micro Four Thirds camera plus lenses are smaller and easier to manage, quality is great, video quality is industry leading.

Lowepro orion2
Cheap simple easy acess perfect day size
linky

My main concern with the 200AW is that I’d be probably using it as hand luggage for a trip to the alps.
How big is 13.9L? and what exactly can you get in there?

13.9L is loads.
Any more and you’d be carrying too much weight for normal riding imo.
Most standard trail packs are approx that (a camelbak mule NV or Agent is 11L for example, a HAWG is 16L)

I have a nice crumpler rucksack that I used to keep my DSLR stuff in, its around the size of a normal 25-30l bag. I kept my DSLR body, 2 lenses, panoramic tripod head and a set of cokin filters in it with room to spare. It also had a laptop sleave that fitted into it.

If I ever get my arse into gear it’ll be featuring in the classifieds as I no longer have a DSLR and its just in a wardrobe getting in my way!

Gonna go for the 200AW next pay cheque I reckon. I’ll let you know how it goes…

Lowepro Quick Case

Is good, but will be rattling around rather as you do stuff…

Turtleheading have you gone for the 200AW yet?

Still debating if i need one or just take the bag I have with the little camera bag inside it…