articles/Lens/jp-page11

For the Journey - Packing the gear - part 11 of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

by Mike McNamee Published 01/10/2014

Overall

This is an impressive bag, as indeed are the entire range of bags; the fact that they are designed by mountaineers stands out a mile. Nothing can solve the problem that DSLR gear is heavy, and if it also includes f2.8 optics, then things rapidly escalate to unmanageable proportions for all but the youngest and strongest. It is easy to see why people are so readily seduced by the new ranges of Compact System Cameras (CMCs) such as the Lumix GH4 and the Fujifilm X Pro-1 or McGillicuddy's love affair with the Olympus OMD. These cameras provide enough quality for most and if their light weight gets you up to places were DSLRs can't travel then go for it. DSLR or CSC, the f-stop bags can get you there and allow you a sleep over if needs be! They are not the cheapest but quality always comes with a premium on price.

EXPED Drybags

We mentioned drybags in the last issue of Imagemaker. In the intervening time we called into Cotswold and purchased the EXPED XXS 1 litre and XS 3 litre versions. These are featherweight, waterproof bags which work by folding the slightly stiff plastic top rimes over a few times and then clipping the little buckle together. They work a treat and can keep all sorts of gear dry at no significant weight penalty. The XXS just holds a Nikkor 14-24mm lens; the XS holds a 70-200 f2.8 Nikkor zoom. The smaller Drybag would hold an un-gripped DSLR body; the XS a pro-sized, body with grip.

At under £8 each the range of uses you might dream up are countless but if you have a spare piece of kit that is infrequently required, you can double protect it in your bag. We have also purchased some 3mm high-density foam which can be used to line the inside of the drybag and provide a bit of shock protection should the lens be placed into an uncompartmentalised climbing sack. A square yard was £9 so this too is inexpensive. For the ultimate protection you could place the pouch that many lenses come with inside the waterproof drybag - as we said, the uses are endless.

One obvious use if your camera kit has to share space with wet walking gear is to have a larger drybag to house the clothing and keep the inside of the bag pristine enough for cameras and electronic gear.

See www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

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