hiking: This question for the hiker-photographers. Last Sunday I went for a hike on very icy, snowy, muddy terrain. I thought I would bring my SLR and hoped I would get better picture...

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Mar 21, 2012 19:17:12 #

merouk Loc: White-Mountains of NH

This question for the hiker-photographers.

Last Sunday I went for a hike on very icy, snowy, muddy terrain. I thought I would bring my SLR and hoped I would get better picture than with my tiny Point&Shoot.

Got the pics alright, but I also got tired of getting the camera in and out of the backpack.
I do have a Black Rapid strap but I don't think it would be secure enough when I am scrambling around rock-faces or boulders.

Any suggestions,ideas, tricks-of-the-trade? thanks.

Mar 21, 2012 21:24:34 #

Sheila Loc: Arizona or New York

Similar problems when hiking. Saw a Lowepro pac that a nearby pro had. The backpack top held stuff like clothing, lunch, etc. The bottom had a zippered lower section that held camera body and lenses. This lower section could be opened without opening the entire rest of the pack. Thought I might look into this myself for day trips. Currently I have an older Tamarac backpack (can't stand) that does not hold everything I always want. It is heavy, cumbersome and a pain when I want to get at something quickly. I think the newer packs have better construction and lighter weight. I have a smaller waist, shoulder type pack from Kata that works fine for shorter trips when I don't have to take a lunch or extra clothing or a lot of extra equipment.

Mar 21, 2012 21:29:23 #

Aambertyme Loc: Farmersville, TX

merouk wrote:

This question for the hiker-photographers. br br ... (show quote)

You could try a poor man's way: put your camera around to your back, over one shoulder, (don't forget to put your lens cover on!), and bungie strap it around your front. That'll hold the camera behind you while you climb those rocks and boulders, and be easy to release so you can take pics when you want. I've often put my camera behind me, but I've never bungied it. Have it try it myself some time!

Mar 21, 2012 22:20:14 #

Hammster Loc: San Diego, CA

I go hiking, but don't scramble rocks or boulders so I'm no help in that regard. But, I recently replaced my Tamrac Adventure 9 with a ClikElite Venture 35 that is lighter than the Tamrac and holds more camera gear plus a larger top section that holds plenty of other things than what the Tamrac held.

http://www.clikelite.com/products/venture-35/

I like that bungee cord idea. Hmmmm.

Mar 22, 2012 06:28:09 #

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

i hike with the lowepro 300,easy to swing around and remove camera,they also make smaller ones like the 200 and 100

Mar 22, 2012 08:04:26 #

merouk Loc: White-Mountains of NH

thanks, Jimmy H

Mar 22, 2012 09:36:36 #

kevindunne

If you hike with a pack, try going to your local shoemaker and discuss fashioning straps that go from your backpack straps as they come across the front of your shoulders to the rings on your camera. The straps should be adjustable so you can tighten them when walking so your camera is snug to your chest...then loosen them to shoot. You can also use quick release clips to free the camera when shooting. This gear works also well when riding a bike.

Mar 22, 2012 10:03:51 #

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

A "sling" bag is handy for a one body setup, allows for quick access without removing the bag.

Mar 22, 2012 10:08:54 #

merouk Loc: White-Mountains of NH

That sounds very good. But now I have to find a shoemaker!!!

great idea...thanks.

Mar 22, 2012 13:21:36 #

Willy Loc: Alaska

I recommend a neoprene strap from Optech. The elasticity of the strap makes the weight seem lighter. On each side of the strap, nearest the camera there is a nylon length adjuster. I run the sternum strap of my day pack through this adjuster. The sternum strap then takes the weight of the camera off my neck and prevents the camera from swinging as I walk.

http://optechusa.com/Find-a-Strap?___store=optechusa

merouk wrote:

This question for the hiker-photographers. br br ... (show quote)

Mar 22, 2012 14:10:09 #

hiker60 Loc: Northern Idaho

I do alot of hiking whenever landscaping is an assignment. Over the years, I've learned to go light; very light. Take 1 lens & minimal support stuff. All fits in a small rainproof sidepack; tripod is strapped on back.

Mar 22, 2012 14:27:26 #

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Wow - how much do you need to take - Is your camera and primary lens not enough - Ok an extra lens and a polorizer lilter - stuff that will fit in a small day pack with your lunch & snacks. I use a camera/binocular harness that keeps my camera firm against my chest but the elastic straps make easy grab & shoot capability-
I keep my tripod extended but legs closed and use it as a walking staff - the quick release plate & built in levels makes tripod shooting a snap.
Harvey

hiker60 wrote:

Mar 22, 2012 14:32:20 #

merouk Loc: White-Mountains of NH

thanks a lot. But there are so many straps on that page, which one is the right one or it don't matter. Any of them would do?

Mar 22, 2012 14:45:13 #

merouk Loc: White-Mountains of NH

Just for fun...let's say you have ice-crampons on your feet, you have two hiking poles in your hand and you're in an area where the forest-rangers have warned you that there were avalanches the week before.
If you're not careful, you'll be taking a picture of your behind with your legs facing up.
now how would you carry your precious SLR?

Mar 22, 2012 14:59:25 #

HighDesertRose Loc: Tucson AZ

Hi hiker. I have a neat trick for hiking with your camera. I bought a strap at an audobon store which is made for binoculars. It works great for the camera. It straps around the shoulders and carries the camera (or binocs) close to the chest and doesn't swing or bounce around.

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