Ultralight or DIY Camera Padding?

koilife

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF '13; CF/Salvador/Ingles '16; Portugues '22

• Feb 10, 2020

• #1

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

Active Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances ( March 2015 )
Camino Portugues ( September 2015 )

• Feb 10, 2020

• #2

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

sator arepo tenet opera rotas

Time of past OR future Camino

Kumano Kodo (11/2018), Camino Sanabres (4/2019)

• Feb 10, 2020

• #3

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

 

koilife

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF '13; CF/Salvador/Ingles '16; Portugues '22

• Feb 10, 2020

• #4

@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

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF '13; CF/Salvador/Ingles '16; Portugues '22

• Feb 10, 2020

• #5

@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

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF '13; CF/Salvador/Ingles '16; Portugues '22

• Feb 11, 2020

• #6

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

sator arepo tenet opera rotas

Time of past OR future Camino

Kumano Kodo (11/2018), Camino Sanabres (4/2019)

• Feb 11, 2020

• #7

koilife said:

@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.

Click to expand...

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

 

M

Molly Cassidy

Travelling light

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Starting May 2023 from St Jean Pied de Port

• Feb 11, 2020

• #8

gschmidl said:

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

Click to expand...

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

 

gschmidl

sator arepo tenet opera rotas

Time of past OR future Camino

Kumano Kodo (11/2018), Camino Sanabres (4/2019)

• Feb 11, 2020

• #9

Molly Cassidy said:

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

Click to expand...

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

 

M

Molly Cassidy

Travelling light

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Starting May 2023 from St Jean Pied de Port

• Feb 11, 2020

• #10

gschmidl said:

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

Click to expand...

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

Perambulating & Curious. Rep stravaiging offender

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

I´ve got Camino plans until 2042,
- or till I fall flat on my face, whichever comes first !!

• Feb 11, 2020

• #11

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

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

CF '13; CF/Salvador/Ingles '16; Portugues '22

• Feb 11, 2020

• #12

Stivandrer said:

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 !!

Click to expand...

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.