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Archive 2015 · Camera bag for biking?

pjheller
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Camera bag for biking?

I'm searching for a bag -- sling, backpack or ?? -- that I can use to carry a camera-lens when biking around town. I'd like it to fit a Nikon D3s with 24-70 attached.

I've looked at a lot of bags . . . most are too big and/or heavy without the camera. Don't like the backpacks that open from the back; seems like it would be a pain if you just wanted to stp grab your camera and shoot.

One option is the Think Tank TurnStyle 20 . . . kind of a tight fit but it might work. I'm also a big Domke fan and am considering the F3-X, which is could carry with the strap across my chest or add the optional backpack strap attachment.

Anybody have experience with either of those, or any suggestions on a compact bag for biking that would fit the Nikon/24-70 (or maybe I'll just lighten my load and buy a Sony a6000 :-) )

Nov 26, 2015 at 09:31 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Camera bag for biking?

You might try the Timbuk2 Snoop in size small or medium. It's made for bikers/photogs and has a cross strap to keep from slipping off your shoulder. Works well for hiking and running for the train! Black friday sale too:

http://www.timbuk2.com/snoop-slr-camera-case-messenger-bag/144.html?dwvar_144_size=5&dwvar_144_color=6061

Nov 27, 2015 at 02:47 AM

BenV
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Camera bag for biking?

I have the sling type bags, I only use them for storage now. After 30 mins or so they get annoying and uncomfortable to me. IMO 2 strap backpacks are the way to go.

Nov 27, 2015 at 09:28 AM

Savas K
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Camera bag for biking?

Bike mounted bags keep the center of gravity low. If waterproof, so much the better.

Nov 27, 2015 at 09:59 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Camera bag for biking?

BenV wrote:
I have the sling type bags, I only use them for storage now. After 30 mins or so they get annoying and uncomfortable to me. IMO 2 strap backpacks are the way to go.

It depends on how you shoot and ride. I often see something on the street, and pull my camera without dismounting the bike. A messenger bag is a lot faster on the draw. When I used a backpack the shot was often gone by the time I got my camera out. If you only draw your camera after arriving at your destination, a backpack is nice to work from as it just lies there like a bucket of gear.

Nov 28, 2015 at 07:19 PM

pjheller
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Camera bag for biking?

I'm with Gochugogi . . . I want something that I can quickly pull my camera from to shoot (whether I'm on my bike or dismounted). Still thinking about the F3-X. Not sure if the Timbuku 2 Snoop would be large enough (although the photos of the guy/girl wearing it makes it look pretty large, at least on the outside... Didn't see any actual measurements for it but should be able to find them somewhere on the web).

Nov 28, 2015 at 07:31 PM

iazybandit
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Camera bag for biking?

Its a bit pricey but take a look at the Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag - http://www.1kindphotography.com/2015/11/review-peak-design-everyday-messenger-bag.html

It has a waist strap or you can convert it to a cross body strap. It has a quick access zipper on the flap.

There's also the ThinkTank Speed line - http://www.1kindphotography.com/2011/10/review-thinktank-speed-freak-v20-waist.html

Or the ThinkTank Sling-O-Matic line - http://www.1kindphotography.com/2013/08/review-thinktank-sling-o-matic-camera-bag.html

Nov 29, 2015 at 12:03 AM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Camera bag for biking?

Timbuk2 Snoop Dimensions:

http://www.timbuk2.com/snoop-slr-camera-case-messenger-bag/144.html?dwvar_144_size=5&dwvar_144_color=6061

Nov 29, 2015 at 04:02 AM

Savas K
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Camera bag for biking?

A chest mount holster bag is good for a ten speed. It gets you balance and fast access.

Dec 01, 2015 at 10:35 PM

mitchel674
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Camera bag for biking?

I bike with a Lowepro AW70. This is a toploader bag that I wear with the included chest mounted harness. Easy access while biking. It can fit a pro sized body but I prefer to shoot with an ungripped D800e which is easier to remove. The 24-70mm fits with room to spare with the shade reversed.

I used this pack to bike through the tetons, yellowstone and zion with good results. It also comes with a shoulder strap if you want to convert to a shoulder bag from the chest harness.

Dec 02, 2015 at 02:10 PM

Pavel
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Camera bag for biking?

Gochugogi wrote:
It depends on how you shoot and ride. I often see something on the street, and pull my camera without dismounting the bike. A messenger bag is a lot faster on the draw. When I used a backpack the shot was often gone by the time I got my camera out. If you only draw your camera after arriving at your destination, a backpack is nice to work from as it just lies there like a bucket of gear.

I'd second that idea, that it really is very much how you shoot and ride. I do a lot of long distance multi day or multi week cycling. I like to be able to shoot from the bike while in motion, sometimes but also when I stop to be able to grab stuff for either security or in order to shoot with it away a ways from the bike. Towards that I have a click fix setup on my handlebar mounted Carradice Super C front bag. I keep a camera divider in it made for an ortlieb handle bar bag (which I despise in use) and it just fits. in It I have my phone, my sunglasses and my camera and three lenses.
I plan to change that to two bodies and three lenses in the future, changing lenses while on the go is an exhilarating but unwise practice.

and I find having a 35mm and a 90 about perfect. ( you can look at the setup from a trip my 12 year old and I took at http://way-word-way.com)

I've found backpacks to be a horrid way to go on a bike even though it sounds so good at first blush. I can't take the heat and sweat and soaked bag. It is uncomfortable and I feel unbalanced while on the bike and of course I can't reach in a grab any gear while on the go. So I'm not a fan.

http://way-word-way.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/0A6160DA-9800-401C-A76C-A9CE3F477B5A18.jpg

http://way-word-way.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/F46B027E-716D-403B-80BA-C318E1ED504912.jpg

http://way-word-way.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/64A3F6B3-1C67-4C70-B047-F8980126BD2918.jpg

http://way-word-way.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/534340B8-D7F1-48A6-A0E8-77542230E5C322.jpg

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&product_id=18

Dec 04, 2015 at 02:05 PM

OregonSun
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Camera bag for biking?

If you want quick access get a Cotton Carrier. If you also need extra space for more lenses, etc. pair it with any small backpack.

Heron

Dec 08, 2015 at 01:44 AM

TMaG82
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Camera bag for biking?

The Mindshift Trail bag is a good bag if you don't have that much gear.

Dec 08, 2015 at 08:46 AM

_Rob_S_
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Camera bag for biking?

I've been on a similar quest for years, there is no great solution! I'm using a Lowepro AW200 now as it carries pretty well. Camera space is tight, won't take a gripped body. The access sounds clever but in reality you pretty much still have to take the pack off (after setting the bike down). It can be done while straddling the bike and slung around on one shoulder but I just don't find that conducive to my photography.

I have an F-Stop Kenti which will hold more camera but it's way too short to be comfortable. I have an Ajna on order to replace it (if they ever decide to produce them). I'm looking forward to that pack as it should carry more like the Lowepro with better camera capacity. I've previously tried various "traditional style" packs from Tamrac and others. Most are just camera bags with straps added as an afterthought.

Good luck in your search and let us all know what you discover!

Rob

Edit: I should also add that I tried a sling style bag once (don't remember which one). It went back right away. I prefer the security of a full pack suspension system when I'm on the bike, the sling bag just felt too floppy.

Dec 08, 2015 at 09:06 AM

leftcoastlefty
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Camera bag for biking?

I needed a large capacity cycling backpack a couple years ago and bought a Osprey Radial 34 Cycling Pack. I've been very happy with it. A key feature of the backpack is a rigid frame with tensioned mesh that keeps the pack off your back and allows good air flow between you and the pack. The shoulder pads are also very light and minimize sweating. The Osprey Radial 34 isn't specifically for photography, but it would work.

Dec 08, 2015 at 09:32 AM


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