Does anyone make a backpack style that you wear on your Chest. In other words not on your back? I have a progressive issue with my spine and nerve damage that threatens to take me out of the photo passion alltogether. For some reason wearing my pack on the front seems to make a difference but it is not really made for this and i end up putting it back where it belongs i guess
I appreciate help with this and any links to ideas are welcome
I have also read (on FM, of course) of hooking up a lowepro TLZ or similar with carabiners to the D rings of a shoulder harness, or backpack straps. Weight is in front, but distributed over the belt system.
You could do it with just your camera straps if you wanted to forego the case.
I recently sold a Kata torso sling bag here, but just because I couldn't fit all my gear in it. Otherwise I would have kept it as it was super confortable and easy to use.
Isn't putting it on your chest worse for your spine? You're giving it more pressure, but that's just a dumb question because maybe that's what your doctor told you to do so don't mind me.
I'd use a Think Tank roller bag or lowepro. Love roller bags. Back problems here too. Problem solved!
Try this. Go to a good sporting goods store and get a day pack (For example I have a Kelty Redwing 3100) that has a good hip belt system. Big hip pads and a wide belt to tighten them on your hips. If you go to REI they'll have competent folks who can size you into one correctly.
Load up the gear with photo wraps (these are padded wraps with velcro on the corners if you haven't seen them). Most photo stores have them.
When properly adjusted, a pack with hip belts should have zero weight on your shoulders - the shoulder pads are just there for balance.
As such the weight will be on your pelvic bones, and there should not be any (or near any) on your spinal column.
I've been using this setup as my main bag for several years. Back feels great, bag is inconspicuous (as it is truly an ordinary backpack), the Kelty 3100 gets my 600 onto any airplane, etc. Lots of advantages.
If you need a bigger bag then just get one with a real hip belt system. Most photo bags don't really have this.
I got one of these http://www.redesupply.com/PACKS-True-North-Packs/c41_42/index.html - TRUE NORTH DOUBLE DIAMOND SAR much more comfy than normal packs needs slight modification for photography gear. This was recommended by someone on FM back in March/April this year, can't remember who. Although a backpack might be worth checking out.
