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Camera choice for hiking, where to store

There are plenty of small, big, great or lousy cameras out there but I have found it hard to juggle the needs of a typical hike with a great small camera. I have had a sony mavica (writes to a mini cd) for about 6 years and considered a small camera that would fit in my pocket, be waterproof and also take amazing shots. Well after researching my options I ended up getting a Canon Rebel XT (8MP) for a deal I could not pass up (299). The shots are amazing and are the quality I have been wanting to take those shots I imagine taking while outdoors. I feel like I did when I first got a digital camera, I can count legs on centipedes with these shots! anyhow...

What I am curious to hear about from others is just how you carry your camera while hiking. I keep a hydration pack on so the occasional drip from the mouthpiece and sweating tend to worry me about keeping it around my neck bouncing on my chest. If I keep it in my backpack I know that some of the wildlife shots will get missed by either the noise created startling the animal or just missing the opportunity. I thought about maybe a fanny pack of some sort, but I just dont know if it would fit well as my backpack has the hip strap and is quite thick already.

Help!

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centipede.jpg, 1.8 MB

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Permalink Reply by Wahoo on June 30, 2009 at 4:12pm: I've had the same problem. On the backpack that I use most often (ULA Relay), I can fit my camera in between the hipbelt and the hipbelt pocket. Found this out purely by accident.

If you want a real solution, check out Clik Elite. These guys make awesome gear, and are super cool to boot. I've tried out several of their products (the Chestpack is great) with great success. The packs run a little on the heavy side, but are made well and will protect your camera gear perfectly. Check 'em out here: http://www.clikelite.com/

Hope this helps!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jason on July 1, 2009 at 11:02am: Wahoo, thanks for the link. Interesting idea and yeah they are pricey. I got a kick out of the action shot of the guy in snow, it almost looks as if the bags are so heavy he is falling over. Action Shot Pic

Unless I can find another solution it will either remain in hand or in my backpack, can't justify the cost of a $100 camera bag right now.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wahoo on July 3, 2009 at 9:12pm: They are a little pricey, you are right! I guess if I had a lot of really expensive camera gear I could justify the purchase, but the DIY method works just fine for me too. I do like that chest pack though....!

jason said:
Wahoo, thanks for the link. Interesting idea and yeah they are pricey. I got a kick out of the action shot of the guy in snow, it almost looks as if the bags are so heavy he is falling over. Action Shot Pic

Unless I can find another solution it will either remain in hand or in my backpack, can't justify the cost of a $100 camera bag right now.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bricky Way on July 5, 2009 at 7:33am: I haven't made one yet, but this is an interesting (and very cheap) design I found on a website I like:
http://purebound.com/homemade/cameracase/

Until very recently I had a smaller point-and-shoot that I just kept in my left back pocket. I just bought a new Canon Powershot SX110 SI, which is still a point-and-shoot but is a lot bulkier. It takes much better photos though. I'm still trying to figure out how/where to carry it, I haven't been outside nearly as much as normal due to work/weather/sinus infection. I'll let you know in a few weeks maybe...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wahoo on July 5, 2009 at 9:58pm: Ooh, that's pretty cool! Now I have another thing to make out of Tyvek. Thanks!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Troy Day on July 5, 2009 at 11:16pm: Wahoo my camera bag is like Clik Elites accessory pouch and is waterproof made by Samsonite. Any hiker on this site can be creative and use a carabiner, accessory bag, etc; and it's a done deal. I personally attach my camera bag to the waist belt on my day bag, weekend, or extended packs. It is out of the way and always ready for a pic or two.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Danny Cunniff on July 7, 2009 at 11:32pm: I have been running to the same issue. I haven't resolved it yet but I am thinking that a shoulder harness mounted pocket with a velcro top flap is the way to go. I use a Camelback for short trios and a large chinese knockoff backpack for longer over nights and a handy place for phone, GPS, Camera etc, just doesn't exist. I guess I have to make the thing. One on each side should do it, maybe two. Nice idea with the tyvek, hadn't concidered that for a material.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa Myers on July 9, 2009 at 12:11pm: I have a Canon Supershot A580..nothing fancy, but it fits in the pocket of any of the convertible pants I wear hiking so that is fine with me. I'm sure there are better, fancier cameras out there, but for a novice like me, who just enjoys landscape photography, it's perfect for me, and again, fits in my pockets.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike Umbarger on July 11, 2009 at 9:13am: I go Big & Bulky. I carry a Cannon EOS 40D mounted on a tripod. It's heavy, not waterproof and I keep it in my hand for the entire hike, because I know as soon as I put it away I'll see a great shot. I brought my wife's camera (Cannon SD 1000, 7.1 MP) which fit in my pocket once when my camera lens was being repaired, but there was such a huge difference in the picture quality that I went back to the Anchor when it was back in service. I bought a Sea to Summit waterproof bag that I drap over the top of it if it's not raining too bad, but I'll seal it up during heavier rains.; ▶ Reply to This