Bike-safe camera bag?
#1
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 26
Bikes: Electra Amsterdam Royal 8i, a custom Nashbar touring bike...custom for somebody else, but I love him anyway, and a Surly Cross-Check frameset waiting to be built.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bike-safe camera bag?
Hi--
I've got a digital SLR and some lenses that I'd like to carry around on my bike (since I don't have a car).
Any recommendations for a case that would protect the camera equipment if I happen to crash (knock on wood)? It seems like a hard case would be best, but potentially kind of heavy. I have panniers and a rack, so there are options, but I was carrying it the other day and nervous about even a minor incident crunching the camera.
Thanks!
I've got a digital SLR and some lenses that I'd like to carry around on my bike (since I don't have a car).
Any recommendations for a case that would protect the camera equipment if I happen to crash (knock on wood)? It seems like a hard case would be best, but potentially kind of heavy. I have panniers and a rack, so there are options, but I was carrying it the other day and nervous about even a minor incident crunching the camera.
Thanks!
#2
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
I used to use a padded/insulated rear rack bag and then the individual camera components were in their own little padded cases. Never had a problem with them. The cases came in different sizes, got them from my local backpacking store but can't remember the brand.
Aaron
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dallas Suburbpopolis
Posts: 1,502
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
5 Posts
a plastic hardcase (i.e. Pelican) would suit you well and aren't all that heavy.
work uses them to ship aorund delicate instruments and those things are indestructible.
Plus my uncle is CFO for Pelican so if you go that route, all the better
work uses them to ship aorund delicate instruments and those things are indestructible.
Plus my uncle is CFO for Pelican so if you go that route, all the better
#4
Biker
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DC
Posts: 1,917
Bikes: one Recumbent and one Utility Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I got a stiff foam case when I bought my camera and it seems to work. I bike around with it often. I've dropped the camera from the moving bike once or twice with no problem so far. We have had a couple photographers post here so lets hope they'll give their two cents worth.
#5
Dubito ergo sum.
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Posts: 1,735
Bikes: Bessie.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For the past three years I have used a Lowepro backpack most of the time. Well padded, but no rigid sides. I carry 1 or 2 dSLR bodies, 2-5 lenses, flash, flash battery, and whatever accessories I need. (If I remember I also carry my press pass ).
That has survived one minor bike crash, being tossed around meeting rooms and job sites, train and bus rides out of town, etc . More than once I have just dumped the whole off my shoulders onto the ground at the end of a long, hard day - only THEN to remember this was my camera back-back, and not just other crap on my back!
When I need the whole studio kit, that is also tossed into padded cases and gets carted around town on my Wike trailer. I've had a few set screws work loose on light stands and such, but none of the camera equipment has ever suffered.
I know dSLRs are expensive, but they're not as fragile as you would think. A backpack allows your body to absorb the harsher road shocks, and is probably much more gentle than putting anything on a rack. When working several near-by sites in one day, I use a gear-belt with lens cases, and the camera just stays on its neck-strap around my neck. I'll bike a flew blocks that way, no problem.
That has survived one minor bike crash, being tossed around meeting rooms and job sites, train and bus rides out of town, etc . More than once I have just dumped the whole off my shoulders onto the ground at the end of a long, hard day - only THEN to remember this was my camera back-back, and not just other crap on my back!
When I need the whole studio kit, that is also tossed into padded cases and gets carted around town on my Wike trailer. I've had a few set screws work loose on light stands and such, but none of the camera equipment has ever suffered.
I know dSLRs are expensive, but they're not as fragile as you would think. A backpack allows your body to absorb the harsher road shocks, and is probably much more gentle than putting anything on a rack. When working several near-by sites in one day, I use a gear-belt with lens cases, and the camera just stays on its neck-strap around my neck. I'll bike a flew blocks that way, no problem.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,697
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
9 Posts
I've carried a pelican case on a trailer with success, but found it too heavy for the rack. I realized if I did take a spill it was guaranteed to snap off and go skidding along the road. The trailer is more likely to stay upright and my gear is less likely to have to deal with a shock.
I used Ortlieb small parts to connect it to the rack, same as with the Osprey bag.
For day to day use I've modified an Osprey bag into a pannier and love it. The Osprey bag has simi-ridgid sides, it'll stay open for you but won't be much good as protection in a wreck. But constantly dragging the trailer around can be just that, so I take my chances when I don't kneed a full kit.
click either image for info on how I modded the bag.
Hope it's of some help,
--A
I used Ortlieb small parts to connect it to the rack, same as with the Osprey bag.
For day to day use I've modified an Osprey bag into a pannier and love it. The Osprey bag has simi-ridgid sides, it'll stay open for you but won't be much good as protection in a wreck. But constantly dragging the trailer around can be just that, so I take my chances when I don't kneed a full kit.
click either image for info on how I modded the bag.
Hope it's of some help,
--A
Last edited by Allen; 07-05-07 at 11:02 PM.
#7
In media luce erro
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 61
Bikes: Fun/Hack bike: 2008 Giant Rincon - Commuter: 2008 Trek Soho 2.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can't ride with a backpack on - believe me, I've tried several - my shoulders are just the wrong shape for it. I ride with a Crumpler courier bag (designed for the bike) with an insert specifically made to turn it into a camera gear bag. Of course, I don't carry a camera in it, but the sectioning and padding is really handy for carring all the things I do carry in it, and I reckon it'd be great for a camera and all the bits that go along with it. Hella stylish, to boot. Yup.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 250
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by acroy
a plastic hardcase (i.e. Pelican) would suit you well and aren't all that heavy.
work uses them to ship aorund delicate instruments and those things are indestructible.
Plus my uncle is CFO for Pelican so if you go that route, all the better
work uses them to ship aorund delicate instruments and those things are indestructible.
Plus my uncle is CFO for Pelican so if you go that route, all the better
I carried a digital camera through a deployment in Afghanistan in one of these, it survived.
#10
Membership Not Required
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: On the road-USA
Posts: 16,855
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
14 Posts
Originally Posted by wirehead
Hm, not to threadjack, but while we're talking about this, what's the best way to carry a tripod on a bike?
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#11
Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 26
Bikes: Electra Amsterdam Royal 8i, a custom Nashbar touring bike...custom for somebody else, but I love him anyway, and a Surly Cross-Check frameset waiting to be built.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks, everyone, for the great answers. I'm going to head to a couple different stores and check out what they've got. It's good to know what has kept cameras safe, and I had NO idea that Ortlieb sold the bits you need to turn a bag into a pannier.
Once I've got myself equipped I'll post pics. Thanks again!
Once I've got myself equipped I'll post pics. Thanks again!
#12
BF Risk Manager
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Snohomish County, Washington USA
Posts: 906
Bikes: Road, mountain and folding
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Tamrac makes a very wide range of padded bags and backpacks. I own many of their fine products.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Centralia, WA
Posts: 552
Bikes: xtracycle
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Get yourself an xtracycle and your gear is safe in any decently padded bag
I truck mine all over town to shoots, with not a care in the world!
I truck mine all over town to shoots, with not a care in the world!
#14
Biker
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DC
Posts: 1,917
Bikes: one Recumbent and one Utility Bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by wirehead
Hm, not to threadjack, but while we're talking about this, what's the best way to carry a tripod on a bike?
#16
It's all about the Ort.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Western Queens
Posts: 269
Bikes: Centurion Trac; Carnielli; Ross Mt Hood; TREK 5200.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#17
I found a road bike.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 740
Bikes: K2 Attack 1.0sE
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lowepro Micro Trekker 200. Bought it for about $150, but its lower now.
Great bag, carry all my film stuff in it [15lb] and the bag actually saved my head when i fell and slid across a skate park, and no rips, or even evidence. It can also bring a tripod.
Great bag, carry all my film stuff in it [15lb] and the bag actually saved my head when i fell and slid across a skate park, and no rips, or even evidence. It can also bring a tripod.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: I'm in Helena Montana again.
Posts: 1,402
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I lost my $300.00 digital camera while riding my bike home from a concert on June 27th. It was in a padded cordura bag attached to my fanny pack. The loop holding it on was Velcro with a snap closure. Apparently it wasn’t sturdy enough for riding on any roads with bumps. I didn’t notice it falling off.
I’m sure it is in good working condition for whoever has it now. The case was thick enough to prevent damage to the camera.
My name and telephone number were in the case. I placed lost and found ads and filed reports with the local police agencies with no results.
Whatever case you buy be sure you put your name and telephone numbers on your stuff just in case the person who finds it is honest. Learn from my mistake and buy things with good mounting connections.
I’m sure it is in good working condition for whoever has it now. The case was thick enough to prevent damage to the camera.
My name and telephone number were in the case. I placed lost and found ads and filed reports with the local police agencies with no results.
Whatever case you buy be sure you put your name and telephone numbers on your stuff just in case the person who finds it is honest. Learn from my mistake and buy things with good mounting connections.
#19
Banned.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Anti Social Media-Land
Posts: 3,078
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
I lost my $300.00 digital camera while riding my bike home from a concert on June 27th. It was in a padded cordura bag attached to my fanny pack. The loop holding it on was Velcro with a snap closure. Apparently it wasn’t sturdy enough for riding on any roads with bumps. I didn’t notice it falling off.
I’m sure it is in good working condition for whoever has it now. The case was thick enough to prevent damage to the camera.
My name and telephone number were in the case. I placed lost and found ads and filed reports with the local police agencies with no results.
Whatever case you buy be sure you put your name and telephone numbers on your stuff just in case the person who finds it is honest. Learn from my mistake and buy things with good mounting connections.
I’m sure it is in good working condition for whoever has it now. The case was thick enough to prevent damage to the camera.
My name and telephone number were in the case. I placed lost and found ads and filed reports with the local police agencies with no results.
Whatever case you buy be sure you put your name and telephone numbers on your stuff just in case the person who finds it is honest. Learn from my mistake and buy things with good mounting connections.
#20
Senior Member
I got a hang on yur neck SLR bag with belt loops, I hang it on my neck and belt it to my waist right in front.
Camera cost more than the bike so gotta be careful.
I do wish I had a small digital that took reasonable shots that would fit in my pocket in Jersey.
I don't pack the camera very often.
Camera cost more than the bike so gotta be careful.
I do wish I had a small digital that took reasonable shots that would fit in my pocket in Jersey.
I don't pack the camera very often.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 357
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
carrying camera stuff
i've also modified a smallish pelican case with ortlieb hardware to connect to a rack...you can see the specifics here:
https://russroca.blogspot.com/2007/07...hat-could.html
on shoots when I carry more stuff, I'll bring out the xtracycle (with the camera still in the pelican case)...in which case my ride looks like this
https://russroca.blogspot.com/2007/07...ng-it-all.html
https://russroca.blogspot.com/2007/07...hat-could.html
on shoots when I carry more stuff, I'll bring out the xtracycle (with the camera still in the pelican case)...in which case my ride looks like this
https://russroca.blogspot.com/2007/07...ng-it-all.html