Ultralight or DIY Camera Padding?

[koilife]

I'm walking with a "prosumer," travel-sized, "weather-sealed" camera with interchangable lenses (although likely only taking one 14-150mm "utility" lens). Most times it will be clipped to my shoulder strap as I walk for instant access or to my hip when about town (see Peak Design for very innovative solution).

However, there will be times I'd like to stow it in my pack and keep it protected, without having to carry the bulk and weight of a full-fledged camera bag.

Primary Need --- I'm looking for insights into a lightweight DIY way of protecting it, or some commercial solution that is thoughtfully designed for lightweight protection.

Bonus Want --- I'm working out a means of locking it and fastening it inside the pack at night in such a way as to slow down a thief and make noise. I have several fairly viable notions on that already, but I'd love more ideas.

Not Needed --- The debate on whether a cell phone or pocket camera is sufficient.

 

[Introibo]

Aye Aye Koilife

When I'm sailing I put my camera into a dry bag. Exped are my favourites but other brands are available
As well as being waterproof you can pad them out with bits of soft clothing for a little protection. You can also use the locking clasp to anchor the bag and contents to you belt etc. Finally, when going ashore on a tender, I trap a s much air as possible for a litle buoyancy. Of little use on your average Camino I'll grant you.

So, a permant bag to keep woolies dry which can double as a camera bag. Sorted!

Buen Camino

 

[gschmidl]

I used the Peak Design small camera cube, which mounts to the inside of the PD backpack with multiple clips.

 

[koilife]

@gschmidl, thanks for the suggestion on the cube. I would end up needing only about 35% of the small given that my base is smaller than a normal DSLR and my one lens is mid-length at best. But, I have more than enough room to spare in my pack, so it's quite possible. I'll check w/ them on weight and locking/mounting options for my current pack.

 

[koilife]

@Introibo, my first thought was similar --- a Dyneema/cuban fiber stuff sack with an Amsteel Blue draw string that I pass through the interior of the pack to the outside to be attached to the bed frame. These are strong enough to delay or confound a casual knife/scissors for someone trying to be discreet.

But, rather than wrap it in cloth, I was thinking of a form-fit, rigid foam surround, or a taped-and-shaped bubble wrap surround.

 

[koilife]

I just found the two pieces that solve my padding. A made-to-purpose lens case and a wrap for the base, both by Tenba. There are other, similar items out there, but these appear to be particularly well recommended.

 

[gschmidl]

@gschmidl, thanks for the suggestion on the cube. I would end up needing only about 35% of the small given that my base is smaller than a normal DSLR and my one lens is mid-length at best. But, I have more than enough room to spare in my pack, so it's quite possible. I'll check w/ them on weight and locking/mounting options for my current pack.

There are certainly smaller solutions, but I also put in other fragile items, like lunch

 

[Molly Cassidy]

There are certainly smaller solutions, but I also put in other fragile items, like lunch

I don't think I'd want my lunch in the same bag as my camera! Could lead to accidents.

 

[gschmidl]

I don't think I'd want my lunch in the same bag as my camera! Could lead to accidents.

It comes with a divider to prevent just such accidents! I'm probably starting to sound like a paid shill here...

 

[Molly Cassidy]

It comes with a divider to prevent just such accidents! I'm probably starting to sound like a paid shill here...

No worries! I have just accepted that my camera (including bag, spare battery and charger) weighs 1.8kg. My whole pack is still less than 8kg, though.

 

[Stivandrer]

This is one of the reason that I leave my camera stuff at home: I have to take care that this is drier than I am !!

 

[koilife]

This is one of the reason that I leave my camera stuff at home: I have to take care that this is drier than I am !!

Sure, but different strokes for different folks. A cell phone or pocket camera doesn't have the quality I'm seeking.

My camera system is effectively weatherproof (my first criteria before ever considering any other options) and already proven to be so under extended rain, sleet, and mist conditions on backpacking trips in my local mountains. I'll bail long before it's bad enough that my kit would have an issue.