Camera Backpack for Mountain Biking

Does any one have any suggestions for a rucksack/backpack style camera bag that would primarily be used for mountain biking. I don't do anything too extreme so don't anticipate any heavy falls; I just need a rucksack style bag for a K7 c/w lens and maybe one other lens. Obviously I also need space for a few personal bits and bobs and nothing too heavy. I was looking at the Lowepro Trekkers and wondered if anyone had any experience as to whether these are suitable?

Try a Lowepro Slingshot 100 or 200. It is one of those things you have to look at and decide.

The Photomonk

LowePro Fastpack 100. Its two straps make it more comfortable than the 1-strap Slingshot.

I have a Slingshot 200 and while I love it for the quick access I don't know if it would be very comfortable for mountain biking. I find the strap makes my right shoulder ache after walking for an hour or so. I also don't think it's doing my back any favours.

I've used the small one of these (ng5159) successfully on a motorbike, and for hillwalking etc.

nat geo backpack

Plenty of room, the shower-cap cover even kept it dry in a flood-causing torrential downpour in southern spain last year

straps are well designed for activities

I would look at tamrac adventure series or something of the same design philosophy.
It seems you aren't planning to carry much gear, but buy above your needs, it is very common to require more space latter on. Nonetheless, besides gear you'll probably want so space for other stuff. The Lowepro slings have a very limited compartment for personal items.
Definately get soemthing with a rain cover or consider a separate good WP cover. Even if you are not considering going out in the rain, mud might be an issue...

I have a lowepro trekker AW - 2 shoulder straps, chest strap and waist strap, so a very stable carry on a bike. Also mesh back, handy as I guess you may get warm! And an integral waterproof cover for when the weather decides not to cooperate..

Paul

I use both the Orion Trekker and a Slingshot 200 AW, although the slingshot is easy to access I think the Trekker would be better for your needs. Hope this is of some help. Good luck.

Regards John.

Would never advise carrying a backpack on a bike, with especially something solid like a camera in it. If you carry your kit properly on the bike at least it would minimise damage to your body. Bar bag would help with shock protection. Just imagine landing flat on your back with a K7 lumping you in the spine.

Cedric (cyclist in remission)

Otrlieb do a camera bag for on the handlebars, and also one with optional harness that you carry on your chest. They are 100% waterproof.
Kettler also do a handlebar camera bag, but I don't think it is up to the Ortlieb ones.
I would rather have the camera against my chest than on my back in case I fell. The camera could do you serious damage, and you could do the camera damage.

I would agree except that off-road mountain biking can be so vigarous in the vertical direction that luggage on the bike can get extremely shaken up. Extreme handling of the bike is also improved when the weight of the luggage is on your person rather than on the bike. Mountain bikers tend to do things a bit differently from roadies....

I'm also a cyclists myself, though mostly of the road variety. I generally prefer to put luggage on the bike, though sometimes use my Fastpack 100 as well for convenience and extra protection of the camera. There's enough dense padding to protect my back in the event of a fall.

Oh, re-reading the original post, I see Steve doesn't "do anything too extreme", so perhaps a bag on the bike would be better after all.

I'm using a Tamrac Expedition 7 for that purpose - and I ride hard ... but not when i carry my gear Anyway, I'm a roadie and would never mount anything on my lightweight carbon-everything bike But seriously, it could be what you need and it's of good quality with lots of small pockets. Good thing is, it also works as off the bike.

I miss some straps to carry a tripod underneath, but that can be had I think.

Joe S, that`s what a top tube is for. Couple of old toe straps would do nicely.

Seriously though keeping the COG as low as possible assists with handling so anything tagged on the rider is high up and compromises handling.

Cedric

cedric, never thought of using the top tube. It might work! I just bought and received a proper touring bike with plenty of bags that will carry all my gear. In fact I'm all set to do a world tour - just need a sponsor