Need Ideas for Carrying Camera Gear While Biking

[ranchjp]

I'm biking the South Rim of the GC this summer on photo safari. Hiked it several times, but I've never carried enough camera gear for that mix of macro and wide angle on foor, and its tough to be in too many places at once on foot.

I can carry more on the bike, and I'll be more mobile. But I have not found a proper rack/case to carry the gear. I do not want to carry anything on my body, but I want it to be readily available when I stop to shoot.

My best current idea is to use a Pelican case, drill a couple of holes in it, and mount it to the pannier rack horizontally. This would provide shock resistance, weather resistance, and ease of storing and finding gear.

Any other ideas?

Thanks
Jerry

[SquirrelDip]

Sorry no answer but I've got same question (slightly different):

Motorcycling?

I've also got a Pelican case 1400 and 1510. 1400 is decent size for camera and a couple of medium sized lens (consumer) and the 1510 is great for car trips and flying (too big for a motorcycle).

So, as ranchjp is thinking, is the Pelican about the best option or does anyone have better suggestions?

[ranchjp]

I have an old Zero Haliburton aluminum case. It's 18" x 13"' x 6.5" (all outside measurements.. its close to business brief case size. Enough for my D80, 4 lenses, speedlight, light meter, filters and room to spare. No laptop needed. A case this size in a Pelican would have no problem fitting on the pannier rack.

Jerry

[ranchjp]

I'm thinking the Pelican 1500
Pelican™*Products*1500*Case
Jerry

[Robert]

IMHO, I would strongly advise to carry all the sensitive toys - body and lenses on you. All the batteries, chargers, mono pod, etc aren't so sensitive to vibration, I would put them into panniers or trailer. If I would spend more than two hours a day bicycling, I would go for bicycling back pack, on the long run small discomfort can turn your riding trip into hell. Have fun, and don't forget your helmet. Safety first!

I've used saddle bags when I did long distant trips but not with gear.
There may be camera saddle bags available (or use padded lens cases in a bag).The reason I'm suggesting this is because a Pelican case and gear could be a bit heavy on top of the rack.
It will cause weight/shift/balance issues if you have any technical spots on the trail.
Also the case will be more likely to snag trees.

[ranchjp]

A backpack would have an even higher center of gravity.
Please explain. Would it be that becuase it would be active (since its attached to me)? Rather than passive, as would be a pannier box.
Jerry

Originally Posted by ranchjp

A backpack would have an even higher center of gravity.
Please explain. Would it be that becuase it would be active (since its attached to me)? Rather than passive, as would be a pannier box.
Jerry

saddle bags not a back pack.

Either make foam core protction or use padde lens cases,would be much better ,then you can put something light on the rack also.

[ranchjp]

Jeez I can't read either, David
Thanks

[Imagesgranted]

Lowepro make a Off Trail Bag which i used when Downhill Mountain Biking http://products.lowepro.com/product/...-2,1981,7.html . This bag was great kept everything close to hand i could swing it rounfd from front to back whilst still keeping everything tight and secure. wicks away moisture when things get hot so it didnt feel uncomfortable during more challenging rides. had enough room to hold my 1ds mark 2 24-105 17-40 and 100mm macro. This might be of some use to you.

[DrJiveTurkey]

Originally Posted by ranchjp

I'm biking the South Rim of the GC this summer on photo safari. Hiked it several times, but I've never carried enough camera gear for that mix of macro and wide angle on foor, and its tough to be in too many places at once on foot.

I can carry more on the bike, and I'll be more mobile. But I have not found a proper rack/case to carry the gear. I do not want to carry anything on my body, but I want it to be readily available when I stop to shoot.

My best current idea is to use a Pelican case, drill a couple of holes in it, and mount it to the pannier rack horizontally. This would provide shock resistance, weather resistance, and ease of storing and finding gear.

Any other ideas?

Thanks
Jerry

Once you drill holes in the Pelican...is it still weather resisitant though?

[Imagesgranted]

Forgot to say i think the reason my setup works is because a lower centre of gravity had i used my lowepro backpack i would probably have came off the bike. Lowepro also do the s&f system that might distribute the weight as you want it you might want to have a look http://products.lowepro.com/product/...s,2028,32.html.

[ranchjp]

Nope it not. A big drawback I'd say.
But the holes would be in the bottom, and the pelican would only be used for this application. I would use rubber washers to seal the holes. I decided against this afterall. It'd bee too top-heavy
Instead I will use a sling pack from Tamrac. It suits me. I tried the Lowepro, but the Tamrac is better suited for me.

[Mr Mikey]

The Tamrac Velocity 9x is what i use, although I don't ride now, I still use it for hiking, the shoulder strap lets me swing it in front to get to my stuff, I carry a 70-200 2.8, 40D, flash, 18-70 2.8, and misc. blower, batteries, filters and cards. the belt keeps it in place so it does not swing around. you can adjust it ro ride high on your back or low on your back. Might be worth looking at.

[ranchjp]

I wound up getting the Velocity 9 as well. A friend had one, I tried it while riding the bike, and it works just fine. Now I need to find a way to bind the damn tripod to the bike.
Jerry

[Mr Mikey]

how about getting a couple of pump mounts that attach to your frame ? you could put one of the tripod legs in it then bungee or velcro strap the tripod in.

[ranchjp]

Not familiar with those. Send me a link to what you're referring to.
This is the bike I got for this tour, its a semi-recumbent.
Sun Bicycles EZ-Sunray SX (20/26) - Ken's Bike & Ski, Snowboards & More!
Where would I mount it?
I can't on the horizontal part of the frame as my legs would touch it. Perhaps at the point of the set and backwards?

And I got the Manfrotto NeoTec
Bogen / Manfrotto | 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod | 458B | B&H, so its a relative monster, but a joy to use and very stable

Jerry

[Mr Mikey]

take a look at this, it could mount under your main tube on your bike.
I have a small quantaray that i hang on the back of my bag with d ring type clips

TWO FISH BIKE BLOCK PUMP HOLDER at JensonUSA.com

[ranchjp]

Can't mount it under the main tube, as the tripod is too long.
In was thinking I needed a way to mount it as I have it drawn in blue on the enclosed image. The brackets you provided a link to might just do the job. Cheap enough to try for sure
Thnaks
Jerry

[ranchjp]

No one has these..everybody is out of stock. Date expected in mid-June.
I'll be gone.
Buggers
Jerry