Hi forum members! First, I need to say I’m shocked about DPReview. What a loss. Thanks for setting up this place.
I’m going to Ecuador—Mindo, then the Amazon—and am trying to sort out my gear and how to carry it. Here’s what I’ll have:
• Gossamer Gear G4-20 backpack (this will have all my travel stuff in it for 2 weeks. I’m taking only carry-on luggage, which is important to me)
•. Canon R6
•. Canon rf 100-500mm L lens (I’m hiring this)
•. Canon rf 50mm lens (I may leave this behind)
•. Canon GX-7 mkiii
•. Gorillapod 500
•. Rode Wireless Go mics
•. Extra batteries, cards etc
•. Bank cards, cash, hotel key, etc
First, I used to be a pro photographer. I had health issues and injuries, and until recently couldn’t carry much weight. Just yesterday, I traded in my old 5D mk ii for the R6 and rf 50mm lens.
In recent years, I’ve focused on YouTube videos with the GX-7. To carry that, both with and without my backpack, I use a Cotopaxi hip pack: easy access, and it doubles as a bag for bank cards, keys etc.
In Ecuador, I’ll have my backpack with me a lot of the time. It’s ultralight—as light as a daypack—and ideal for carrying water, snacks, etc. But I may sometimes leave it behind and take only the cameras, cash, etc.
I also want a solution for when I’m back home, with the same gear but not the hired 100-500mm.
I can’t get my head around what sort of camera bag/pack/customised alternative might work best for me. I’m open to ideas, however inventive they might be!
Chest packs appeal to me because I know I’ll want quick access, and they may help with any lingering neck pain, but they either provide no storage, or do provide storage but are bulky and get in the way of seeing the floor! Waist packs also appeal to me, for similar reasons, but many wouldn’t fit when I’m wearing the backpack.
Last, I’d ideally find a solution that doesn’t look too much like a camera bag. Many of the holsters basically advertise that you’re carrying a camera. I’m a bit cautious of this because of the theft risk. One reason my Cotopaxi bag for the GX-7 has been great is because it doesn’t look like a camera bag.
I’ll be super grateful for any ideas you may have!
Also a thanks, again, to everyone here in light of the old forum. It was crucial in helping me with my decision to get the R6, as well as countless times in the past.
