SLR snowboarding

andysmee · 08-10-2008, 09:43

Last easter I took my old D100 out on the slopes in a relatively un-padded rucksack. I chose to snowboard off a small cliff into some powder but landed on my back foot and fell backwards which ripped the rucksack clean off my back breaking a strap and hurt my neck a bit. It was a tiny incident but made me think a bit (not about snowboarding off cliffs, just to get a better rucksack

)

So this year, I have a nice new D300 which is both bigger, fatter and more valuable to me and I would like to take some pictures for stock and some action shots of my friends on the slopes. Can anyone recommend a rucksack which will stay put, provide enough padding for a D300 with 16-85 VR lens, and provide easy access - preferably without having to remove my gloves. On top of that I want to store a water carrier in there.

I'm thinking Slingshot but I reckon that might keep migrating round to my front when I am on the move. Any ideas?

Cheers

Andy

Whipspeed · 08-10-2008, 09:48

Slingshot is ok, but I find that as you can only use it on one shoulder, it tends to ache a bit by the end of the day. It would have been useful if they had made it to fit either shoulder. It doesn't slip round though as there is another strap from the bag to the shoulder strap that you can clip in to keep it straight.

M1ke A · 08-10-2008, 10:11

Have a look through the Crumpler range. I have a ' pyjama pride' (

) which is my stock holiday bag.

It opens in the opposite direction to many other rucksacks and I think most of the Crumpler range do this. You put it on its back and open the straps section, if that makes sense?

Well made, comfortable and quite water proof.

andysmee · 08-10-2008, 10:39

Thanks for your replies. I'm impatient so I just ordered a slingshot. It is the only bag I've seen which allows me to have it on my back one minute and open the next without taking it off. Believe me, taking a rucksack off whilst boarding is a mission, what with a hood, helmet, goggles and gloves on, so I think the Slingshot will be OK and glad to hear it has a strap to secure it on my back. Lowepro are the dogs, what with an all-weather cover built-in too.

I have a large Lowepro bag going spare as my laptop is too big for it. Might list it later.

Cheers

Andy

P.S. I have a Crumpler "Pretty Boy" XXXL

for when I'm a tourist

M1ke A · 08-10-2008, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by andysmee

Believe me, taking a rucksack off whilst boarding is a mission, what with a hood, helmet, goggles and gloves on,

I know what a ballache this can be and despite my carp skiing ability, I've quite often skied along with my 1D2n & 70-200 in my hand

I know it's a moot point for you now, but what about a belt mounted top loader?

andysmee · 08-10-2008, 15:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by M1ke A

I know it's a moot point for you now, but what about a belt mounted top loader?

I considered it, but I'd look gay

No seriously, apart from the dodgy fashion statement that a snowboarder with a belt pack would make, it would also be difficult as my belt is covered by my jacket, and the pants are zipped to the jacket too. Personally I find a rucksack is nicer to carry than a belt pack (I did used to have one when I was young - inflicted on my by my folks for my first SLR camera)

Obviously I don't think everyone who wears a beltpack looks gay, or that looking gay isn't to be aspired to, but it's not for me