woorob Posted February 23, 2013 Share #1 Posted February 23, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with a waist pack that would accommodate an M9 with no more than two or three lenses to use when cross-country skiing? I'd really like to use my M-9 when skiing but find regular camera bags unusable for that purpose and a backpack-type bag too bulky. Light weight and unobtrusiveness are key to me. Any experiences or recommendations? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 23, 2013 Posted February 23, 2013 Hi woorob, Take a look here Suggestions for an M9 waist pack for X-C skiing?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
rramesh Posted February 23, 2013 Share #2 Posted February 23, 2013 ThinkTank or Lowepro. They have a few options. You will really need to try it out with your gear to see which will work. ThinkTank's option of a sling bag with a belt could be interesting for your sport and it's modular as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted February 23, 2013 Share #3 Posted February 23, 2013 I have been using a LowePro Orion Mini for many years for exactly this purpose. It is the right size, does not get in my way when skiing, be it cross-country or downhill, and protects the gear well. Sometimes when i want to carry a lens more than it will take I hook one or two side pockets from the Billingham Leica M bag to its sidestraps. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted February 23, 2013 Share #4 Posted February 23, 2013 The Think Tank 'Change Up' bag may be the one you are looking for. It can be either a waist pack, a shoulder bag, or a chest bag (perhaps better for skiing?). I use one for mountain biking with a camera, or as a small day bag. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDFlood Posted February 23, 2013 Share #5 Posted February 23, 2013 I use a variety of Think Tank fanny packs with add on lens pockets, or just a belt with camera and lens pouches. Their stuff is wonderful, flexible, incredibly well thought out, and well made. Also there is a company that makes packs for this purpose. i'll get back with the name. i have one. has internal padded interior with access without removing pack. JD Check out Clik Elite Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woorob Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share #6 Posted February 26, 2013 This is quite helpful, thanks! I'm going to the Gunflint Trail (on the Minnesota/Canada border) in two weeks for x-c skiing and hope to get some great shots with the M-9. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woorob Posted March 2, 2013 Author Share #7 Posted March 2, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) I ended up buying a Mountainsmith Swift FX R waist pack from REI. It's the smallest waist pack I could find that's designed specifically for camera use. It accepts my M-9 fitted with a 35 along with two other lenses (16-18-21 Tri-Elmar and 90mm f/2.8), but just barely. The zipper runs along the middle of the opening, making it somewhat cumbersome to remove the camera with lens, so it's not ideal. Seems well constructed with quality materials, however, and was reasonably priced ($54). Size was the most important factor for me, otherwise I would have purchased one of the other brands recommended here as their layout seems a bit better. I'll give it a try in a couple of weeks and report back if I come across any issues. Thakns again for the helpful tips! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woorob Posted March 7, 2013 Author Share #8 Posted March 7, 2013 Just a quick update -- I've gone out on the x-c skis twice now with this Mountainsmith waist pack and will be returning it. As one skis, the waist straps on the pack tend to loosen a bit, so after a while it droops down on your bum, rather uncomfortably. It's also a bit hard to remove the camera from the pack because it does not have a "U"-shaped channel from which to remove the camera. I have a Patagonia ultra-light backpack that I'll try tomorrow. Hopefully it will fit the bill a bit better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted March 7, 2013 Share #9 Posted March 7, 2013 The Think Tank Change Up bag can be used in its waist bag configuration along with the shoulder strap used across the body, like a military Sam Browne belt. This stops it riding down even if you do burn off some calories on a long run! Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woorob Posted March 16, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted March 16, 2013 I've returned the Mountainsmith waist pack and replaced it with a Lowepro Photo Sport 100 AW Sling instead. I've never liked the asymmetry of sling bags, but this one has a cinch strap that goes across the chest to keep the bag in place. The chamber in which the camera is stored can also be cinched, to keep it from moving around when one is active. I wasn't able to get to the Gunflint Trail this weekend as my daughter caught the flu just before we were scheduled to leave, but we had a bit of snow in the Twin Cities yesterday and I was able to ski this afternoon on the trail just behind my house and try out the new bag. It really works well indeed. The camera compartment securely holds my M9-P with two Tri-Elmars, and a 90 mm can be placed in the exterior pocket on the opposite side of the bag. Due to the “sling” design, it is fairly easy to stop, swing the bag around, remove the camera, take a picture or two, and then move on. I’ve attached a few photos as well of my wife on the trail and the new pack. I think this one’s a keeper! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/198896-suggestions-for-an-m9-waist-pack-for-x-c-skiing/?do=findComment&comment=2273652'>More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted March 17, 2013 Share #11 Posted March 17, 2013 I did cross-country skiing a few years ago but up a mountain not on the flat. I discovered all kinds of muscles I never knew I had! Lowe Pro is a good brand. I'd use a camera pouch for the M with one lens mounted slung diagonally across my chest and a separate waist pouch for a couple of extra lenses. I'm also a fan of made in Montana Red Oxx - Quality Soft Sided Luggage for your Spirit of Adventure. Really rugged. The day pack is good, and the Rock Hopper also looks good for hiking or excursions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woorob Posted March 17, 2013 Author Share #12 Posted March 17, 2013 You are a lucky man to live in Christchurch! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted March 17, 2013 Share #13 Posted March 17, 2013 Except for the earthquakes! It will take decades to rebuild. Always good to escape to the mountains or beach. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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