How to bring DSLR backpacking?

[ajwillson624]

I am going on a 14-day backpacking trip this summer and would like to bring my DSLR, but don't know where to put it in my pack or if I should wear it the whole time. The following is what I will be bringing along for 14 days:
-Sleeping bag(in stuff sack)
-1 cotton tshirt
-1 pair of basketball shorts
-Sleeping pad
-Pair of gym shoes
-3 pairs of socks/3 pairs of sock liners
-3 pairs of underwear
-2 pairs of hiking shorts
-2 underarmour shirts
-1 long sleeve shirt
-1 polar fleece jacket
-stocking cap
-Rain jacket/pants
-Dining stuff(foldup bowl,utencils)
-4 water bottles
-Compass
-Tent(REI half dome 2+)
These fill my 4500 cu inch pack up fairly fast plus I need to carry food for half the trip AND 2 bottles of white gas with a stove. My pack is pretty full after I have everything in it but I also want to bring my DSLR (Canon T3i with 18-135mm lens). I have no idea how I am going to carry it. Some ideas would be great. Thanks! By the way the trip will be in Cimmaron, New Mexico.

 

[ande7824]

First thing, don't bring cotton on overnight trips. I'm not sure if you have heard the phrase but Cotton kills. It retains water and will take forever to dry vs man made materials.

Second, I always keep mine in the top of the main compartment under the top flap. Not sure what your terrain will be like but I think carrying it on your neck the whole tine will be both annoying and I think you will eventually damage it. YMMV

 

[Light Guru]

I would wrap it in a shirt and put it on top. But don't for get your going to want a tripod for any sunrise and sunset photos. You will also want extra batteries.

If out really want a challenge then do it with an 8x10 view camera. This is Ben Horne a large format photographer that documents his trips. This is day one on one of them his pack is around 90 lbs.

 

[Overread19 7]

I've seen some use a front bag/carrier which slings infront of your chest to carry additional quick access items (like camera). There are also some neck straps which allow you to buckle the camera to the connection loops on a rucksack shoulder strap so that its hanging off the pack instead of your neck.

Another idea is clothing with very deep front pockets - hunting jackets often have this as well as fishing vests and photography specific vests - again providing you with a quick access slot. I can tell you that if you put the camera in the backpack that is likely where its going to stay until you stop for a prolonged period. If you want it ready you've got to have it within easy access or out all the time.

Of course the nature of the terrain you're expecting to go over will depend - there might be some parts where you do have to sling it in the backpack even if you've shoulder clips or a large front pocket.

Also note if you go into photography mode you will slow down - keep that in mind if you've a set route and destinations to keep up with and factor in more lax time if you need to.

 

[ajwillson624]

I would wrap it in a shirt and put it on top. But don't for get your going to want a tripod for any sunrise and sunset photos. You will also want extra batteries.

If out really want a challenge then do it with an 8x10 view camera. This is Ben Horne a large format photographer that documents his trips. This is day one on one of them his pack is around 90 lbs.

I like the idea but I usually strap my tent in between the top part and the main part. Where else could I put the tent. I know you are not supposed to clip the tent to the bottom of an internal frame pack but is there any other choice?

 

[Light Guru]

I would wrap it in a shirt and put it on top. But don't for get your going to want a tripod for any sunrise and sunset photos. You will also want extra batteries.

If out really want a challenge then do it with an 8x10 view camera. This is Ben Horne a large format photographer that documents his trips. This is day one on one of them his pack is around 90 lbs.

I like the idea but I usually strap my tent in between the top part and the main part. Where else could I put the tent. I know you are not supposed to clip the tent to the bottom of an internal frame pack but is there any other choice?

I only recommended putting it on top so that it is easier to get to. If you want to dig to the bottom of middle of the pad then that is up to you .

 

[Village Idiot]

I would sell it and buy an OM-D with 20mm f/1.7 and super zoom. Much smaller and lighter.

 

[jrizal]

Personally, I'd rather bring a smaller camera but in this case you want to bring your dslr so like what ohers have metioned put it on the top of the bag for easier access. You won't be talking pictures all the time. Also some protection is highly recomended such as a camera sleeve or a camera bag insert. Should those be unavailable for any reason, wrap it in a shirt or towel. It also wise to have some waterproofing also though like what others said we don't know the terrain of your planned hike. But as the saying goes, better safe than sorry. The cheapest form of waterproofing that I know of is using a zip lock bag. Again, spare batteries are recommended and a tripod or monopod as well. Filters are optional. Happy backpacking!

 

[Robot_Devil]

If you actually want to take pictures don't put it in your pack. I know from experience that if the camera is in your pack you will will pass on taking pictures; as it is a pain you take off your pack, get your camera out, take the picture, and then put the pack back on. Plus it slows everyone in the group down.

I use a chestpack for my camera and have had good success with it this past year, including several multi-day 100+km trips and over a dozen scrambles up mountains. Having the camera right there makes taking pictures a breeze. I'm able to get the camera out and take a picture in seconds instead of minutes.

This is the chestpack I'm currently using. Clik Elite Performance packs for adventure photographers.
Once adjusted properly it fit quite nicely, and hardly ever gets in the way.

As for a tripod, I don't take one. Even the lightest ones still are too heavy for me to carry around for several days for the few shots they would be worth using them for.

 

[jrizal]

Tripods/monopods are always an recommended option for obvious reasons. But if a tripod/monopod will slow you down, then it's up to you to decide. And if taking out a dslr from its bag is cumbersome, a back up camera is also wise. I went on a brief hike during the recent MLK holiday and used my phone camera to take up some quick snapshots. When we stopped at the peak of the mountain then I took out my DSLR. Review the terrain first and see if it you would be better off packing your DSLR or not. Of course we are all blind guessing here and since you're going off for two weeks, I'm also guessing there would be time that you would be walking with full gear or with some gear left in your camp site. So it may depend on the situation. You assess yourself. Again happy backpacking.