Carrying equipment

[mudEmudskipper]

I'd like some input on what others are using to carry their equipment around. I mostly do nature photography and right now I'm using a Nikon D3100 with a 150-500mm zoom telephoto, and a D3100 with the standard lens. I have an older Bogen tripod with two quick connect shoes; most times I just leave the body with the telephoto lens on the tripod and sling it over my shoulder, and either connect the other body to the side shoe or carry it in my Tamrac shoulder bag. I'm getting older and the rig is getting heavier. I'm curious to know how other photographers are carrying their gear while "on safari." Thanks.

 

[pic_chick]

I have been seeing letting my dog carry my crappy cheapo tripod on hikes to lighten my load after all I feed the bugger he should help. on very long hikes say over night I use my husband....ok not really..maybe a little ..I also have a wagon and pulling harness for both my dogs they love. It wears them out and saves my back together my dogs can on flat smooth trail pull about 150 lbs all day long. the harder the going the lighter the dogs load will be but still they can carry all my gear plus some camping gear easily.

For around town I ride my bike and load my gear on to it my camera bag a manfrotto sling bag med size holds my three lens, flash, tripod and body with a lot of room to spare fits in the front basket I ride free of gear and have one bag to grab once I get there or when I want to pop in a shop.

 

[kundalini]

The Prime Bag - Lowpro Sling Shot

The Zoom Bag - Lowpro Flipside

I'm getting older and the rig is getting heavier.

Me too. That's why I invested in the Micro Four Thirds also with the Olympus E-P3. I take a week each year in October to take the trails full of color in the NC Mountains along the BRP, 12 years now. I took the Oly last year and it was a welcomed relief. Due to some back issues, this year the Nikon gear stays at home.

 

[Big Mike]

When mobile, I have a Lowepro backpack with most of my gear. One camera (usually with telephoto) on a long strap so that it crosses my chest and hangs down near my hip (tripod foot tucks into side pocket to reduce weight on the strap). And my tripod is in it's own bag, over the other shoulder.

When I'm just scouting around one area, I too will sling the tripod over my shoulder with the camera/lens attached. I know this is not recommended at all, but for safety, I connect the short camera strap ends directly around the tripod. I've seen Art Wolfe walk around like this...so it must be OK.
http://blog.artwolfe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/004_TS-1-004_JLG0606260089_500px.jpg