I sure have done a number of posts about packing. However, since I consider myself a professional packer as much as a professional photographer it is not surprising. I am off to India in a few weeks but I have this pesky broken neck. So, how I am going to carry my camera gear has become more intriguing than usual. (Update: My back is 100% thanks to Rolfing, Acupuncture, Electromagnetic Therapy and Satanic Rituals. My C2 neck break is happily healing well, ensconced in a fashionable brace wrapped with all those scarves I buy in Asia that I finally get a chance to wear. Have Brace Will Travel…off I go!)
Originally I was going to try Lowepro’s Slingshot 302AW (since my trusted Orion AW has been discontinued… curses!). But….. I really can’t carry my usual 20-25lbs of gear around all day. I am going to take it all with me but only walk around with a lens or two at a time. I have a number of small shoulder bags but even minimal weight on my shoulder is not a great idea. Luckily Lowepro just came out with a update Street and Field Series. Brilliant! I will use a padded waist-belt that can attach a collapsible (perfect for travel) lens pocket for an extra lens, if I want, and pouches for my flash and accessories. It was a cinch to figure out what pouches I needed (and there are lots of choices!). And, the BlackRapid RS-W1 (yes, they now also have designed one for women) camera strap is so much more comfortable than the usual strap that hangs down on the neck.
And, I thought I should bring a photo vest in case I wanted to use that instead of or in tandem with the belt system. This is where I came grinding to a halt, and hours have been spent online. I have a Domke Photo Vest that was “the standard” for years, but even though I have a small size, it is long, huge, and heavy with outdated Khaki fabric. I also have a Royal Robbins Field Guide Vest, (on sale now for $58) which is fine, but too heavy for India. So I started searching and searching and searching online. I looked at Vested Interest: no way was I going to wear a vest with padded pockets, definitely a guy thing. I checked out Humvee Safari Vest but it looks too big and hot (and there was also the Humvee Combat Tactical Vest Khaki Multi Pack!!!!). It became very clear that vests are made primarily for men (not surprising) and they are large, heavy, with a zillion pockets (I begin to lose things when I have too many choices). Actually I thought the BigPockets Tropical Vest ($89) looked the best of all of them; even though it is for birders I think it would also be great for photographers. But it might be more than I really need if I am using the S&F belt.
So I thought “Okay, forget about Photo Vests, look at Travel Vests. It may not be able to hold a lens but it can carry money, accessories, sunglasses, etc. That would be good with the Street & Field belt.” So back online for a few more hours. Last year I tried a ScotteVest Travel Vest for Women (a real nifty$100 vest with all kinds of pockets for electronics); but it became clear on the plane that it was going to be too hot for Thailand and India. I couldn’t even wear it in the airports; I was roasting, especially with fleece around the collar. I used to have a great TravelSmith travel vest but I lost it in Laos years ago and of course they don’t make it any longer. The Tilleys Different Drummer Legends Women’s Traveller/Carry-On Vest looks good but it is a $150 and I can’t tell how lightweight it is by the description online (it does say it dries overnight). Yet it is GUARANTEED FOR LIFE NOT TO WEAR OUT. You have to love Tilley products. The TravelSmith Women’s Voyager Vest ($69) looks okay and is a contender at 12 oz (but not sure I need “hand warmer pockets”). Then I saw Magellans Travel Vest for $52 that had the magic word “ultralight” (8oz), doesn’t have a collar, and seems to have all the pockets I would need for access and security. Sot that is what I ordered.
After the vest and the Lowepro S&F arrives I’ll give you a thumbs up or down about my choice.
And, if you ladies out there have any other suggestions. I’m listening! After what I learned, I want to design my own vest. Someday I’ll get that WierGear rolling!
15 comments
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November 16, 2010 at 10:58 am
Kim Karpeles
I have an unused Orion AW sitting in my closet. If you have interest in it, let me know.
Safe travels!
October 26, 2010 at 10:13 am
Doug Plummer
Curious how the Magellan vest is working out. I got one based on your entry here. Really lightweight, that’s for sure. Pockets are too small for much other than a cell phone, CF wallet or a field recorder. No room for a microphone or an extra lens. I think the dorky birder’s vests might be the way to go.
November 2, 2010 at 5:04 pm
nevada wier
Yeah, it will not work as a full on photo vest; but I really only want it to hold accessories and other travel stuff. It will work fine for that. As far as photo vest goes… there just isn’t a good one. Yeah, perhaps the dorky birders vest!
October 19, 2010 at 10:32 am
Sheilah Bright
Ouch! No more night hunting for you, girl.
Did you see that Alex was a finalist in the NG photo competition? I think it was the same photo of the camel herder that you featured in our book.
Sending healing thoughts your way.
October 19, 2010 at 11:09 am
nevada wier
Rats! I’ll miss that night hunting!
No, I didn’t see the photo of Alex’s. I’ll check it out. nv
October 17, 2010 at 7:14 pm
R Thomas Berner
I want to hear more about satanic rituals, but in a serious vein, but not a vest vein, have you looked at Cotton Carrier? I carry two cameras in my Cotton Carrier and wear a lightweight vest on top. I have Cotton Carrier grips on the cameras, not shoulder straps. http://www.cottoncarrier.com
October 17, 2010 at 8:57 pm
nevada wier
Thomas: I almost mentioned the Cotton Carrier.. but it isn’t really a vest … and I didn’t want to carry lens around my waist and a camera around my chest. I have seen them in action and they are “serious” and brilliant. People who use them love them so if I was doing an extensive review they would be mentioned. But for me.. not a contender for this trip. PS: Satanic rituals are quite effective but they tickle. .
October 17, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Nancy Van House
I just yesterday bought a Humvee vest – the only one available locally. I wanted one I could try on. After the Balloon Fiesta, I decided I had to risk looking like a dork (does anyone still use that word?) rather than have stuff fall out of my pockets when I got down on the ground (as all of your students do, often).
Black looked better than khaki but I was afraid it would be hot. This one has too many pockets — too many places to look for things — including *2* pockets in the small of the back, one inside and one outside. I look like I should have a rifle and a hunting dog. Am anxious to hear how the Magellan’s works out.
October 17, 2010 at 8:59 pm
nevada wier
I love the word dork but I have been known to say groovy … so I’m no judge. I think you needed the Humvee Combat Tactical Vest Khaki Multi Pack. Then if people get in your way you can lob grenades!
October 17, 2010 at 5:10 pm
cathyscholl
Glad you are doing so well. I am also heading off to India in a few weeks. Will our paths cross?
I’ve heard you mention designing a vest. Sounds great. I’ve thought of doing it myself. There are lots of “fashionable” jackets out there with pockets but not much in the way of vests. Hope this one works for you! Thanks for sharing the search with us.
October 17, 2010 at 9:00 pm
nevada wier
I’m off to Rajasthan with National Geographic Expeditions! Always great fun. And, then to Orisha and Chattisgarh. Will I see you at Puskkar? nv
October 18, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Paul Sivley
I’m in India Dec 6-18, Agra, Delhi (which i’ve seen), but also 3 of the national parks for wildlife. So no Puskkar, unfortunately. If you are interested in traveling to Western and Northern Burma remote areas, let’s talk! Going in Jan.
October 17, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Erin Wilson
WierGear, yes please!
October 17, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Paul Sivley
Where in India will you go this time? NE? A couple weeks? Have an inspirational trip.
October 17, 2010 at 9:01 pm
nevada wier
Nope, not to the far Northeast. First Rajasthan and then to the Central Eastern tribal areas of Odisha and Chattisgarh. nv