Over time back pain creeps up after long days of schlepping those anvil Canon batteries around in a Domke bag. I believe this pain coincides with my receding hairline and the general progression towards “middle-aged.” Plus, my loveable Domke is basically coming apart thread by thread so it’s time to look for a replacement. The sad part is that several years ago I could haul everything and a sink around without trouble. Now, well, no more sink.
So I’m curious to know what kind (if at all) belt systems you use and if you would mind explaining why you like it. The ThinkTank and LowePro gear has piqued my interest. Are they a hassle to get on and off, and what is the smallest “bag” per se that can fit on a belt pack and not get in the way. Lastly, does your employer pick up the cost of a bag or do you just pad the mileage? Oh wait, no one does that.
Please write in, my back begs for mercy.
Comments 4
Hi Erik,
A coworker uses the ThinkTank belt system and apparently loves it. I went to Home Depot and bought one of those utility belts and tossed on a couple Newswear and Domke pouches and that seems to work fine for me. I did have to ditch the venerable Domke due to back pain as well… I do like the newswear chestvest though you tend to look like either an idiot or a terrorist! You can always sling it over the shoulder too.
I suppose it all depends on what you are carrying at any given time. The backseat of my truck is loaded with a variety of bags for different situations and as my wife will attest, a closet at home is filled with them. i guess i have a bag problem!
Posted 22 Jul 2008 at 5:02 am ¶When I transitioned out of the Domke F-2 bag I went for a smaller Domke bag like the F-3X which worked well for some time as long as I switched shoulders throughout the day. I also used a variety of Domke pouches on a belt. Then I tried the Newswear pouches, but my hips really started to bother me. When I went to my chiropractor once I took my belt and pouches and showed him how I carried stuff. It became clear that the belt was hurting my hips. He said that construction workers and police officers tend to have the same problems with heavy things on a belt. His suggestion was to get a pair of suspenders and add it to the belt. I bought the Newswear chestvest. The really helped, but you look strange in it.
Think Tank has a harness or the Belly Dancer http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_BllyDncr.php that would do the same things. I have heard that their Skins pouches have no padding, but it would be lighter. The harness will help distribute the weight.
Coming to grad school and not carrying everything I had to has helped, but my new chiropractor says I should only use a backpack and no belt bags.
The other option is to carry less and use a smaller bag.
Posted 22 Jul 2008 at 8:15 am ¶Good points Tom and Mike, thanks for writing. One of the most beneficial decisions I have made concerning my back was reducing the amount of gear on me at any given point. I used to haul around extra lenses and a backup body (I know, seriously) in my Domke satchel. Now only a pair of Canon batteries for my Mark I body (the one that eats through power), a reporter’s notebook, a 50mm (if a macro is needed), a flash (that one time you leave it out you’ll REALLY need it) and a variety of pens and AA batteries.
Anthony Souffle, one of my coworkers at the paper suggested this North Face belt pack:
http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10206&storeId=201&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11748
but it’s not padded, so there is the possibility that gear may be knocked around.
We have also explored the possibility of transitioning some of our older cameras into new Canon 5D (or the replacement to this camera) instead of heavier Mark II(series). I believe this is how the NY Times outfits their photographers — 2 5Ds and a Mark II.
I can’t find the link – could someone refresh me?
Posted 22 Jul 2008 at 11:05 am ¶Hi Erik,
I’ve used the domke pouch belt system for years:
http://www.robertsimaging.com/cmItemDetail.jsp?pid=1876
I use 2 medium pouches and 1 large pouch for my 70-200. A short lens, batteries, cards, phone, etc. go in the others. Everything is easily accessible and you can move the pouches around to balance the weight, so it doesn’t strain any part of your body too much. It is very easy to get on and off. The only problem is they only last 4-5 years before the belt is in strings and the pouches are falling apart. For traveling or when I need more space I also have a mountainsmith pack (order the backpack straps): http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___48396
Also, if you can get a 5D, get it! Only problem, it’s slow. I work with one 5D except for sports and news (then I have to bust out the Mark II) and I think it has helped the physical impact quite a bit.
Take care,
Posted 25 Jul 2008 at 10:25 am ¶Lisa
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