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03/19/2012 12:25:44 PM · #1 |
Looking for help – any recommendations on a backpack or sling bag to use when biking? I’m looking for a simple/small bag that is big enough to hold a 5DMkII+24-70 lens, but small/comfortable enough to enjoy biking. I am finding a lot of bags that are ok for the smaller DSLRs (like the Rebels, 50D’s, etc.), but comments indicate these bags don’t seem to handle the larger DLSRs too well. I have a large backpack that holds the DLSR and several lenses, but I’m looking for something smaller, lighter and easier to use when mountain biking, or biking along the coast, etc. I don’t need to hold a tripod or long lens, just looking to comfortably take the 5DMkII and 1-2 lenses. I have already looked the Case Logic SLRC-205 SLR Sling (which seems “close”), but would rather have something like the Lowepro Photo Sport Sling 100 AW, which seems to be too small (and the 200 gets you back into the large backpack range, which I am trying to avoid).
Any recommendations?
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03/19/2012 12:45:54 PM · #2 |
| I use one of the larger Camelbak bags without the bladder. With separate lenses you do have to put them in some sort of padding as the bag itself had none. I just like the narrow size and it is comfortable. |
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03/19/2012 12:49:37 PM · #3 |
I presume you mean bicycle and not motorcycle.
I researched the Lowepro photo sport sling recently and found it would be too small for my 50D, so it would be too small for your 5D as well.
Here's my solution to toting a DSLR on the bike. I have a padded rack trunk on my mountain bike, which is what I take when the main objective of an outing is photography:
 
On the road bike, I use a Powershot G11, which fits nicely in a jersey pocket.
I have also been trying to find a convenient way of toting the 50D on the road bike once in a while. Bought a Topeak beam rackover the weekend, but my bike didn't like it and it would not clamp to the seatpost securely. Thinking perhaps something like this Jannd Mountain Wedge III, but I'm not sure I have enough saddle to tire clearance for it.
Another possibility: Topeak Dynapack 4 liter Topeak Dynapack 9.7 liter
What type of bicycle are you riding? Is a rear rack a possibility?
Message edited by author 2012-03-19 12:57:06.
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03/19/2012 12:57:34 PM · #4 |
Personally, I've stopped carrying slings while biking. What happens if you go over the handlebars? Or other accident? Not even considering what will happen to your camera/lens, what will those hard metal objects do to your body?
I thought about that when I had an accident (went over an embankment) into a tree, with my sling bag. Fortunately, I only got cuts and scrapes, but I started thinking about the potential damage of a camera pressing into my body (e.g., my spleen).
I don't have a lot of accidents, maybe once every two years, but I wouldn't want to take the chance with either my equipment or my body.
I put my camera in a rack bag in the back, or one in the front. Seems to me (not scientific) like it would absorb less shock on the bike and won't be adding to my personal hurts. I do worry about the extra vibrations on the camera, so I 1) pad it heavily, and 2) if I'm not out for as "serious of shoot", I carry a non-SLR like my LX5.
ETA: My rack back works similarly to  Yo_Spiff's example (he was doing his post as I was so didn't see it until afterwards).
Message edited by author 2012-03-19 13:35:27. |
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03/19/2012 08:17:43 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Melethia:
I use one of the larger Camelbak bags without the bladder. With separate lenses you do have to put them in some sort of padding as the bag itself had none. I just like the narrow size and it is comfortable. |
Great idea! Those bags are very comfortable and very lightweight. Even when loaded with 3 litres of water. So with a lighter camera onboard, it would be even better. Maybe go to the local pro bike shops. I'm sure they will have numerous styles of bags. Just get some foam and wrap the camera up. Have a few garbage bags, incase your in a downpour. Simple, but may be the most comfortable/light weight option. Plus camelbaks are such a useful item themselves. Especially on Canada Day, when your arms are to tired to lift. Just bite that little straw and oh yeah! Of course, you can use it for just biking. It is amazing how much you drink, when it's convenient. Mounting to the bike wise, I would not bother. Such little weight is not worth the vibrations.
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03/19/2012 11:25:47 PM · #6 |
| Like Deb, I use a Camelbak. It's an old one, 11 years or so, and not as spacious as some current models. I don't have zooms, and I take one lens, so plenty of space for my 5DII with a small prime. That 24-70 f/2.8L is a beast. BTW, long, hot ride. . . water and a Canon S95. |
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03/19/2012 11:28:44 PM · #7 |
| Hiking/beach, I use my small backpack and take along whatever I may need, including a tripod strapped to the pack. |
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03/20/2012 12:06:20 AM · #8 |
This is just copied from this thread.
I recently purchased the Lowepro Sport 200 AW bag that you linked to and it is a sweet bag. It is essentially a day pack with a padded compartment that can be cinched tight to secure your camera equipment inside. I can fit a D300s with a Sigma 10-20, and two lenses inside the protected area. It has an aluminum frame which means that it is rigid on the back and doesn't bounce around and has padded waist straps, adjustable chest straps, and adjustable straps that attach from the top of the bag, to the shoulder straps so you can pull it tight to prevent bouncing around. If I don't carry a tripod, I could wear it all day long, or at least on long day hikes. I have taken it mountain biking with gear and a hydration pack and it was very comfortable. I carried my tripod, in the side pocket where a water bottle usually goes and cinched it down with the straps. It stuck up a little high and when I was mountain biking on a few rough bumps it hit my helmet, not hard, but I was glad the helmet was on. You can also strap a tripod to the bottom of the bag, I just haven't tried that yet. The only other downside is that I can not attach my 70-200 2.8 lens attached to the camera and have it fit in the protected compartment. It would fit attached in the larger open compartment, but if I fell, it would not be protected. But I can fit it in the protected compartment,unattached, but it is very snug. I imagine if you purchased one and just tried it on, you would probably keep it. If you have more questions about it let me know. I am happy with mine.
A couple other notes.
-The main compartment has one small zippered pocket inside, and the rest is just empty space. I use the pouch from one of lenses to hold all of my photo odds and ends. Other wise it would just sink to the bottom if not in the pocket.
-The separate bag compartment for hydration pack is large enough to fit a 15 inch macbook. I don't have a laptop, but that may be useful.
-It looks like a regular backpack and not a camera bag. If you covered the lowepro sticker you would think it is a regular day pack. Except for the side zipper for the camera.
I like this bag more every time I use it. I am not sure how big a 5D II is versus a D300s but if you are around Oakland I can let you see if it fits your gear. I haven't used my old larger bag since I got this one.
Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW on B&H |
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03/20/2012 01:09:44 AM · #9 |
| i love my kata backpack, i really do. the most ive ever spent on a bag (still extremely reasonable - i am just a thrift store shopper so rarely get these types of things new) and ive never regretted a cent of it. i got one of the models that fits a laptop also and it goes almost everywhere with me. |
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03/20/2012 01:41:17 PM · #10 |
Thanks everyone for the input! We have an REI close by, so I will have to check out some of the Camelbak bags. Thanks for the input on the 200AW jdannels, I have seen one before and it is a great bag, but I was trying to find something just a little be smaller (and feedback on the 100 is that it's too small for the 5DMkII).
Thanks again for all the input - I have some more items to research!
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03/21/2012 08:02:21 AM · #11 |
What type of cycling do you do? I do cycle touring with up to 10 hours on the bicycle per day. I found backpacks too warm in hot weather so I tried the following:
- Kata 211 torso bag (link)
- front handlebar bag
- rear pannier
Kata 211 is great for short rides and it will fit 550D with 70-200 f4 lens (it should fit 5D with a shorter lens) but I found it uncomfortable on full day rides. I use it also for skiing as it avoids taking it off on the chair lifts (problem with backpacks).
Front handlebar bag was too small for 550D. I think it is possible to get bigger bags but I was worried about the weight so I did not go on that path.
I carry the camera now in a Crumpler bag (link) and inside the side back pannier. It fits 550D with 24-105 f4 lens and gives it protection from shock while the pannier is waterproof. I can carry the Crumpler on the short rides but it is not very comfortable as it can swing around the back.
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