I am searching for a backpack for ski slopes. I am only planning to bring 5D2 + 24-105 or maybe another short prime like 35, 85 or 100.
Nothing else, more important I don't want it to get in my way with skiing. So compact size is a must. I am considering lowepro fastpack 100 or flipside 200, what do you think?
Currently I have the flipside400 and I like it, but too big for my purpose.
I think you're ballsy as hell bringing that kind of equipment up the slopes and risk damaging them. But then again odds are you're a way better skiier than I am and won't wreck it in a yard sale.
lol I usual go easy on a slope when carrying equipments. I think with some proper protection, they should be fine. But that brings up a good point, cushion should also be a point for consideration.
I am leaning towards sling bags, since it let you switch the bag the front easily without taking off your shoulder.
And did some more research, now my decision is either on Velocity 6 and 7 for ultimate portability or Kata 3in1-10 for some spare capcity and maybe better cushion?
I tried a Velocity a couple of years ago and really didn't like it for that use. For me an easy to slip on and off backpack works best - easier to ski with, not much more hassle to get into, and better protection in the standard fall.
I cross-country ski regularly with the Lowepro Micro Trekker 200. It works great for cross-country skiing, but I've never gone downhill skiing with it. It can be "mounted" on you very securely, and it has a small profile.
sunpole wrote:
lol I usual go easy on a slope when carrying equipments.
Same here. I never fall.
I just tuck mine inside my powder jacket though. Strap around the neck, no extra lenses. That way I can get it out fast when someone awesome is in the 1/2 pipe or speeding over the moguls. If I had it in a bag or pack I would pretty much be limited to lift shots and shooting trees. I've found that even a lens cap is slow and difficult to deal with on the slopes - let alone a bag or pack.
yea but I use 5D2, it is not weather proof. While I don't really fall, but I don't like get my gear scratched for whatever reason. I usually shoot staged shots or sceneries. But i'd be nice to snap whenever there is some nice actions.
Micor trekker 100 looks like a good fit to me. Wonder how long does it take you to get your gear out of that bag, and do you find it is a hassle to take off your bag "snap" put it back in, etc?
My issues with the Velocity were partly due to the design itself. I found that the radiused design made it somewhat less efficient for a given size than other slings, so the Velocity I ended up with had a significantly larger external shape than the slings I have from other makers. That made it a bit less convienent and bit heavier. Plus, when I rotated it, it always seemed too high and tight on my body to comfortably use. OTOH, riding high like that made it pretty easy to use while actually skiing as it rode on my back without much movement. Still, adding it all together I realized that it was only marginally quicker to get into than a well designed pack, less stable and less efficient, and so I switched back to a pack.
sunpole wrote:
yea but I use 5D2, it is not weather proof. While I don't really fall, but I don't like get my gear scratched for whatever reason. I usually shoot staged shots or sceneries. But i'd be nice to snap whenever there is some nice actions.
Micor trekker 100 looks like a good fit to me. Wonder how long does it take you to get your gear out of that bag, and do you find it is a hassle to take off your bag "snap" put it back in, etc?
Well, i've brought good equipment up like that hundreds of times. Never any scratches and the (zipperless) powder-jacket stays cold so nothing fogs up. I used to work on the slopes once upon a time. In Utah (Park City and Snowbird) and in California (Snow Summit, and Goldmine).
Against my chest I have full control (with my pecks) to keep the camera in a solid position where it won't swing around and etc. It's as safe as a new-born baby in it's mother's arms.
The main problem with a bag/case is the gloves. You want to be able to get the camera to your face, half-press and snap all without taking off the gloves. Taking off the gloves has a strong tendency of fogging up the lens - breathing too much too.
With a powder jacket you just lift it up over the camera, grab the camera, and you're in business.
gfiksel wrote:
I don't care about the camera or the lens. It's what they could do with your ribs if you fall hard enough....
Not meant as a put-down but if someone is so lame that they still fall (even occasionally) then they should either go up and down on the lift/gondola or leave the camera down the hill - but shouldn't be skiing with their equipment. Even a great skier will have the good sense to take it really easy if they've got a camera with them.
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Anyway, sunpole, sure, try bags and stuff if you can work out a nice system and feel secure with it.
Bifurcator, what was your job at the resorts? I use to operate snowcats at Deer Valley for a while and one year doing the same thing at Alta. Best job I ever had.
I would look into the Dakine Mission pack for your ski stuff. It is built to hold a snowboard, but it hugs your body well enough to carry a lot of heavy photo gear and still be able to be maneuverable on the trails. I love it and it isn't that expensive. If you were going to get into the back country, the snowboard lashing would double as an avy shovel holder as well.
A few years ago I was looking for the same type bag. Eventually I went with a messenger bag and used a Billingham insert in it. The advantage I found with the messenger bag is it naturally made to swing onto your back/side. Real easy to rotate to the front and open. I was carrying a 20D, now 7D, and 1 or 2 lenses. When I get on the lift it just swings around to the front. Works quite well and the Billingham insert has sufficient padding
Jim Kelly
I ski a lot with camera gear, and have tried lots of different bags. What works by far the best for me is a LowePro Top Loader worn in front and clipped with carabiners to the D rings on the front of the shoulder straps of my small, ski specific back pack that I always wear. I have three Top Loaders (small 65, medium 70, and large 75). The 65 is too tight for a 1D size camera but works well with a 5D. My "go to" set up is Top Loader 70 with a 1D3 and a 70-200 F4. I will add a third carabiner to the bottom of the bag clipped to my back pack's waist belt when I am skiing aggressively and it keeps it from swinging out on the bumps.
Wearing the bag in front clipped to the straps creates a nice counter balance with the back pack carrying my usual back country gear. I have the camera bag with me lift skiing inbounds and back country skiing.
The beauty of the system is the TopLoader's top zips open away from you giving quick access to the camera. It even creates a bit of a shelf on your chest if you need to fuss with the gear. Good size pulls on the TopLoader allows me to open and close with large gloves on.
This really is a good system FOR ME! I have recommended it to everyone that skis. Some love it. Some hate it. Some think it is crazy to ski with gear on your chest. For me it is the most natural feeling, least restrictive set up I have found. I ski hard and fast in all conditions and on all terrain and I have the gear with me always and I love this system. But it might not be for everyone. YMMV.
