Carrying camera gear into the woods on a mountain bike....

[Destin]

Alright guys, I'm going to be shooting ALOT of mountain bike racing this summer. Probably in the neighborhood of 20-25 races. I want to get my camera gear out to parts of the trail that other photographers are to lazy to go to, so that I can get unique shots. I've been racing this circuit myself for 5 years, so I know all the good spots on the trails to take photos.

Here is what I plan on bringing (note- I don't have all of it yet, but I will):
-D7000 body
-D80 body
-Sigma 70-200 2.8
-17-50/55 2.8
-tokina 11-16 2.8
-minimum of 3 flashes, preferably 4 or 5.
-radio triggers
-Filters, batteries, etc.

I've got a bike (cannondale badboy) with racks on it for pannier bags, so I'm trying to find pannier bags made for camera gear. Thus far I've been unsuccessful in doing so.

I've got a backpack (burton zoom) that will carry most of it, but it's going to be heavy. And make my center of gravity way too high to get through the trails. I really don't wanna go that route.

could also get a small cargo trailer that would carry it all in hard cases and bags, which may be good for smooth trails, but most of the trails you'll never get through with a trailer, they are just too narrow.

I'm looking at getting 4-15 miles into the woods, so walking isn't a good option.

Any ideas or advice here would be great!! Final note: I'm not afraid to spend a little bit of money on the solution if there is one, because last year I made about $400 per race, which isn't bad for the time I put in.

 

[Stradawhovious]

Any ideas or advice here would be great!!

Don't fall.

 

[Destin]

Haha I won't. I don't plan on going fast or getting stupid with it like I would if I was still racing. As long as I take it easy I'll be fine lol.

 

[tirediron]

How about a rear rack with a Pelican case for the heavy stuff, and backpack for the lighter stuff?

 

[Destin]

How about a rear rack with a Pelican case for the heavy stuff, and backpack for the lighter stuff?

Thats not a bad idea. Hmm... how would I hook the pelican case to the rack securely? Not sure I'd trust bungee cords to hold My cameras and lenses on over rough terrain...

I like the idea alot though, just gotta work out how to do it...

 

[tirediron]

How about a rear rack with a Pelican case for the heavy stuff, and backpack for the lighter stuff?

Thats not a bad idea. Hmm... how would I hook the pelican case to the rack securely? Not sure I'd trust bungee cords to hold My cameras and lenses on over rough terrain...

I'd think a few heavy-duty bungees would do fine, but if you're really conferned, drill a couple of holes through the case and actually bolt to the rear rack.

 

[Big Mike]

Yes, rather than trying to find a pre-made bag/case to meet your needs, why not use what you have/can get and customize it yourself, to hold your photo gear. One way would be to use a customizable robust case like something from Pelican. Or you could just use foam in any bag/case to create a 'camera' bag.

I'm not a hard core mtn. biker, but I'm sure you could carry a fair bit in a backpack. Yes, it would alter your COG, but I'm sure you could just take it easy while transporting your gear. It would still be a lot better than a trailer.

 

[Destin]

Alright guys, after browsing pelicans site, and some custom bike rack manufacturers and stuff here is what I think I'm going to do:

Get a pelican/other brand of hard case with pull and pluck foam big enough to hold the three lenses, and possibly the D7000 body, depending on how it fits. Strap that case to a rear rack on the bike using bungees, and if needed, a small ratchet strap that I have in my toolbox already.

The flashes/batteries/whatever else I might decide to bring will go in a small backpack.

If ya'll have any more ideas, I'd love to hear them. Maybe there is still a better way to do this?

(I wish the event organizers would just allow me to use my four wheeler. Man that would make life easier)

 

[ClickAddict]

My pelican fits camera body (T2i) and all three lenses (70-300mm, 18-55mm, 50mm) easily with padding in between. The best part for what you're looking for is that it comes with holes on either side of the handle for passing locks and such so you could easily use those to latch it to you bike without having to drill holes. I'm pretty sure most mid size-large models are the same. Mine's the 1400 in case you wanted to get an idea for size. Considering you have more gear you might want the next size up. I wanted as small as posible as I take it out on the kayak with it on my lap so I can get to the camera easily.

 

[gian133]

i would probably not go with the bungies and straps. hard case on hard rack is bound to become loose

if i were you, i would go old school and use some milk crates or something similar.....basically a box that you BOLT to the rack and that you set your pelican case inside. fast. easy. secure.

tell us how many times you have to stop and adjust if you use bungies!!

good luck

 

[Joves]

You say you have panniers. I would find someone who does alterations and have them modify them with a wrap around zipper to make them clamshells. Then you could get some foam from a craft store or a car upolstery shop and make them to fit inside. You will have to make your own cutouts and split the foam in half so you center the equipment. Or see if someone makes clamshell panniers.

 

[reedshots]

have you thought about saddle bags. might work better.


bicycle saddle bags - Google Search

 

[Destin]

have you thought about saddle bags. might work better.


bicycle saddle bags - Google Search

Same thing as panniers :thumbup:

 

[flameshots]

Destin,
I have a little insight on this subject. I am currently a member of a bicycle mounted rescue squad. We carry large amounts of equipment both in to the woods and on the roads for special events like road races or mountain bike races. With all that said, the number one thing we found through experience is that the more weight you place on your bike the worse it handles. It may sound like more work but keeping the gear on your person will allow for better bike control and balance. After reading your equipment list it's obvious that you would be carrying a pretty large bag. I guess my best suggestion would be to place as much as possible on your person either in a backpack or vests/pockets. If you must put things on your bike keep a lower center of gravity in mind. Panniers are nice for keeping a low center of gravity but suck for actually carrying gear. Anyway, I'm rambling. If you can cut your equipment list and carry it in one backpack you will be much happier. Oh and don't crash, no matter how you carry your gear it won't be happy!

 

[Destin]

Destin,
I have a little insight on this subject. I am currently a member of a bicycle mounted rescue squad. We carry large amounts of equipment both in to the woods and on the roads for special events like road races or mountain bike races. With all that said, the number one thing we found through experience is that the more weight you place on your bike the worse it handles. It may sound like more work but keeping the gear on your person will allow for better bike control and balance. After reading your equipment list it's obvious that you would be carrying a pretty large bag. I guess my best suggestion would be to place as much as possible on your person either in a backpack or vests/pockets. If you must put things on your bike keep a lower center of gravity in mind. Panniers are nice for keeping a low center of gravity but suck for actually carrying gear. Anyway, I'm rambling. If you can cut your equipment list and carry it in one backpack you will be much happier. Oh and don't crash, no matter how you carry your gear it won't be happy!

Thanks man! I'm pretty sure I'm going to try taking just the 2 bodies, with a lens on each, and 3 flashes. I can fit them in a small camera backpack and keep it fairly light The more I think about it, the less gear I really think I need. I have a bad tendency to take too much gear with me everywhere. And I just found out that my friend is going to be shooting them with me, and he's just bringing a t2i, and one lens to shoot video. So I can make him carry some of my gear too! Haha, sucker doesn't know what he's in for