DSLR Pack for Skiing

[BeanoNYC]

Any suggestions? I wan't to be be able to access it quickly but keep it safe when I'm not using it.

 

[thetrailboss]

I use a Lowe Pro TLZ Bag with a converter harness kit to allow me to put it on my chest. No problems yet, but I look interesting...

 

[wa-loaf]

Any suggestions? I wan't to be be able to access it quickly but keep it safe when I'm not using it.

Skiing with Philpug last year he had a case that went over one shoulder and he could slide it easily from front to back to access his camera or stow it for skiing. You might want to ping him and ask what he was using.

 

[bvibert]

I use a Lowe Pro TLZ Bag with a converter harness kit to allow me to put it on my chest. No problems yet, but I look interesting...

The thing I worry about skiing with a case like that is falling on it and breaking your ribs...

 

[thetrailboss]

The thing I worry about skiing with a case like that is falling on it and breaking your ribs...

True, which is a big reason why I don't use it very often.

 

[conwayeast]

Burton & Dakine have come out with a line of bags specifically make to carry DSLR's

 

[bvibert]

Skiing with Philpug last year he had a case that went over one shoulder and he could slide it easily from front to back to access his camera or stow it for skiing. You might want to ping him and ask what he was using.

I have a bag like that. I've only used it skiing once, but it worked really well (aside from being bulky).

This is the one I have:

http://www.kata-bags.com/3n1-22-for-dslr-w-mid-range-zoom-lens-3-4-lenses-flash?tab=description

They have a smaller version that would probably work even better for my applications, but I'm quite happy with mine.

It swings around to the front easily and has a one handed opening flap that I can operate with my gloves on. With a little practice I was able to stop and have the camera out and shooting within a few seconds.

The straps are also configurable to be used as a regular backpack too. There's a small waist belt that helped keep the pack still while skiing.

 

[bvibert]

Burton & Dakine have come out with a line of bags specifically make to carry DSLR's

I'm not familiar with Burton's packs, but the Dakine DSLR packs that I've seen all require removal of the pack to access the camera (the access is through the part of the pack that goes against the user's pack). Not exactly quick access if you ask me.

 

[thetrailboss]

I have a bag like that. I've only used it skiing once, but it worked really well (aside from being bulky).

This is the one I have:

http://www.kata-bags.com/3n1-22-for-dslr-w-mid-range-zoom-lens-3-4-lenses-flash?tab=description

They have a smaller version that would probably work even better for my applications, but I'm quite happy with mine.

It swings around to the front easily and has a one handed opening flap that I can operate with my gloves on. With a little practice I was able to stop and have the camera out and shooting within a few seconds.

The straps are also configurable to be used as a regular backpack too. There's a small waist belt that helped keep the pack still while skiing.

That looks cool!

 

[Cheese]

Do you really need high quality pictures while skiing? I mean, the bag will probably cost almost as much as a slim point and shoot digital camera that can fit in a coat pocket. If a crash goes poorly, you're only out about $130 for the camera and hopefully your ribs are still intact.

 

[conwayeast]

I'm not familiar with Burton's packs, but the Dakine DSLR packs that I've seen all require removal of the pack to access the camera (the access is through the part of the pack that goes against the user's pack). Not exactly quick access if you ask me.

Good point. I did not realize the OP was looking for "quick access". If that is the case then Dakine is not the way to go. Burton has 5 different bags in their current line specifically designed for carrying cameras. As far as quick access is concerned I cannot attest to that.

 

[riverc0il]

I have a small Clik Elite that works well for a chest pack with my M43 kit lens when earning turns. They have a variety of sizes depending on lens. Though I just pocket my pancake lens when I riding the lifts. Also have a Tamrac for my telephoto but that needs either something to hook it to backpack straps or another type of harness.

 

[severine]

Do you really need high quality pictures while skiing? I mean, the bag will probably cost almost as much as a slim point and shoot digital camera that can fit in a coat pocket. If a crash goes poorly, you're only out about $130 for the camera and hopefully your ribs are still intact.

Depends on what you're doing with the camera. I have skied with my prosumer DSLR stuffed in a Dakine pack, padded with clothing, so I could shoot the mogul competitions. I would have been very disatisfied using a point-and-shoot for that. But I also didn't ski whole days with it, either. Just to get from point A to point B, C, D...and then the bottom.

 

[ski stef]

Yeah, I rarely take our Canon out on the hill or hikes because I don't have a comfortable and reliable place to put it and I'm pretty sure every hike with the views and the mountains we say shi!, we wish we had our "nice " camera with us. I agree that if you are taking movement shots or if you want something specific out of the picture having that DSLR can make all the difference..

thanks for the info on those packs, something i will definitely look into.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Thanks everyone! I'm not so sure if I want to bring the Canon out on the slopes but if I can find a pack that works for me, then I'll do it. Maybe ski a few runs and if the lighting and conditions are good I'll head to the car to grab it for a few. Not planning on skiing with it all day.

 

[bvibert]

I have a small Clik Elite that works well for a chest pack with my M43 kit lens when earning turns. They have a variety of sizes depending on lens. Though I just pocket my pancake lens when I riding the lifts. Also have a Tamrac for my telephoto but that needs either something to hook it to backpack straps or another type of harness.

Clik Elite products get some good press around the internet, especially from people participating in sporting activities while carrying their cameras. I'd definitely be checking out their products if I was in the market for another camera pack/bag.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Clik Elite products get some good press around the internet, especially from people participating in sporting activities while carrying their cameras. I'd definitely be checking out their products if I was in the market for another camera pack/bag.

Wow...nice stuff, Brian. Thanks.

 

[bvibert]

Do you really need high quality pictures while skiing? I mean, the bag will probably cost almost as much as a slim point and shoot digital camera that can fit in a coat pocket. If a crash goes poorly, you're only out about $130 for the camera and hopefully your ribs are still intact.

Like Severine said, it depends on what you're trying to get out of it. I took mine out during the last AZ summit and was able to get some shots that I personally wouldn't have been able to get with a cheap point and shoot.

A couple of examples:

IMG_7253 by Brian Vibert, on Flickr


IMG_7251 by Brian Vibert, on Flickr

More

I'm just a hack, but I feel like the results were well worth the effort.

My DSLR is several years old, so it won't be the end of the world if I fall on it and break it. Of course the body is made out of magnesium alloy, so it's more likely to break me.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Nice pics. I like the one of Greg with the blurred background.

 

[bvibert]

Nice pics. I like the one of Greg with the blurred background.

Thanks! That's one of my wife's favorites from that set. I like the one of DHS looking out in the distance with Bracket Basin in the background better though.