my wife and i are going into the yosemite backcountry at the end of the month for a 5 day hike. what i was hoping to do was to wear both my full pack as well as my thinktank speed fanny pack, with possibly a couple more lenses in the pack. we did a training hike sunday and this combination just won't work, and i'm stumped on how to carry my d300 with a small lens attached (sigma 10-20mm). ideally i'd like to be able to access is easily, so i was thinking if there is a small bag that i could carry on my chest perhaps, strapped to the backpack somehow. the pack has tons of places to attach stuff.

are there any good and not too expensive chest carriers that can handle a d300 with lens attached? if this isn't a good idea, i'm very open to hearing suggestions on how to carry the camera while i'm wearing a full pack. thanks!!

looks like lowepro and think tank have setups..can you wear a full backpack along with either of these?

How about something like this if it is just for the camera and small lens, http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=452&cat=82&page=1

Jim

Something like this?


Kinesis has all kinds of solutions, but I'm not sure they can be considered "not too expensive." http://www.kgear.com

I have been eyeing the Think Tank Digital holsters myself for a similar setup. I think they look great for this type of application. Camera & primary lense on chest with additional gear (less used) in backpack. It seems that it should be relativly easy to rig up some straps/carabiners to connect the holster to the sholder straps. For added stability it would also be possible to add a strap from the bottom holster attachment points around the back or to the waist strap of the belt.

If/when you get the setup complete I would enjoy seeing some pictures.

Why not use the Op/Tech Pro Loop camera strap with their D-Ring clips. I keep a set of the clips on the D-rings on my Osprey pack (as well as on my TT Streetwalker Pro) and clip my camera to it. If it rains, take the camera off and stick it in pack. I've done 14ers like that.

Peace,

Todd

Kinesis, Optech, UPstrap and Think Tank Photo all make tails that work with backpack harnesses and either a camera or holster hanging on them. The most general purpose or the Think Tank ones.

JohnJ80 wrote:
The most general purpose or the Think Tank ones.

as a mtn biker i certainly understand your advice on the descents! what i'm thinking is combining the think thank straps with something like a lowepro zoom1. i want the smallest pouch that will fit my d300 with sigma 10-20mm..that way the camera will have some protection without being too huge on my chest, and if i have room (my pack is decent size) and am tired of having the camera on my chest i can just stuff it in the bottom of the pack for a few mins. the thinktank holster 10 might work as well, probably nicer than than the lowepro (but more expensive as well). i'm going to ask thinktank about the combo. today they suggested the holster 20 and the full chest harness. this (camera support straps plus holster 10 or zoom 1) sounds good...

Lok at http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocular-accessories/eagle-optics/eagle-optics-bino-system-harness-strap

arthurh--i'm leaning towards the think tank or other generic strap solution attached to the backpack as i'm hesitant to put another full harness on my body when i'm already wearing a large backpack filled with clothing and other stuff. looks nice though for day hikes, birding, etc.