Harness for hiking?

[Ladybird]

Hi all,

I'm going hiking in a few months and it will be my first decent walk since getting my SLR (slack I know). I'm just wondering what I should buy to carry my equipment.

The equipment I would be taking is my Nikon D70 body with kit lens, 90mm macro lens and SB800 plus extra batteries and cards.

I am thinking of the Lowepro S&F Shoulder harness and getting the all-weather slip-lock cases to fit my equipment. This would also allow me to buy extra cases when I get more lens, etc. And everything is on my front in easy reach. However, I was wondering how the cases on the harness affect movement and gait?

Manta suggested the Lowepro Slingshot but I'm not sure if that is suitable. Basically, I carry a 3L all day Camelbak which is quite bulky with all the emergeny gear, food, etc on my back and I don't know if the Slingshot would sit properly. Also, with only one shoulder strap, I thought that this may become quite weighty on one shoulder with all the camera gear.

Furthermore, the Camera Armor that I read about on the forum sounds like a good idea, any further comments on this since the last thread?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. As for budget, I'm prepared to pay several hundred for something decent that suits my needs.

Cheers,
L

[foonji]

i'd say it would be just like army webbing.... if its setup right you won't have a problem at all and will be very comfortable... if not, then it will be a pain and uncomfortable...

in the near future im gonna make up a belt kit to attach to my webbing when out field. will be much easier than adding my existing bag to everything else.

[losfp]

I have two walkaround solutions - one is a photo vest from The Vested Interest. Very comfy and everything is within reach. You do end up looking like a bit of a commando though Also any vest or shoulder harness system might get in the way if you like to wear a camelbak as well.

The other system I used quite a bit recently in Alaska and Canada is the modulus system from Think Tank. I prefer it to the Lowepro belt system for a couple of reasons. The cases have less padding so they are more flexible and less bulky while still offering plenty of protection, and you can set it so that the cases can rotate around your waist - the Lowepro belt system has the pouches locked to certain positions on the belt.

I used it on 3-5 hour hikes in the Rockies. A little bit heavy and not super comfortable, but quite bearable, and means that I have all my gear on hand. As a comparison, I lugged around a D200 with grip, Tokina 12-24, 1.7x teleconverter, 70-200VR and SB-800!! Think Tank have a shoulder harness that you can use with their belt system, but I prefer to have just the belt.

If you get a shoulder harness or wear a backpack, I would suggest clipping your camera strap to D-rings on the shoulder straps, to get the camera weight off your neck!!

[Manta]

Some good points there LB, especially Des' comment regarding the shoulder straps of the harness system conflicting with your camelback. I've only ever worn one or the other, not both. I've emailed you regarding lending you my S&F for a tryout.

[sirhc55]

Ladybird - am I missing something here Get hold of a strapping QLD man and strap everything onto him, and off you go - no worries

[big pix]

Ladybird - am I missing something here Get hold of a strapping QLD man and strap everything onto him, and off you go - no worries

......... now Chris, that is a strapping idea for ladybird...... and free to take pix's

[Ladybird]

Thanks for the comments so far.

Foonji, that's a mighty fine idea about attaching a belt to existing gear. I wonder if I can fit a camera belt (such as the Lowepro Deluxe or other brands) to my camelbak?.....

I have two walkaround solutions - one is a photo vest from The Vested Interest.

Wow, that vest is damn huge. I think I could use it as a tent and save some room in my car. Seriously though, we usually do 8-10 hour all day hikes of up to 30km so comfort is something I definitely need to look into.

The Think Tank option looks promising, as long as I can get a clip across the chest for extra support.

Manta, a loan would be great and I've emailed you a response.

As for the strapping man.....I already load him up with a whole heap of gear in his camelbak. And don't worry, if the camera gear gets to heavy I'll be tossing it onto him half way through the day. [/quote]