Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/06/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I use a little LowePro Orion Mini fanny pack (bum bag for those of the British persuasion). I used it almost every waking hour for two weeks in Italy, and never had any back or shoulder problems. The inserts are nylon covering a thin layer of foam (probably closed-cell). They are affixed inside with Velcro, and you can adjust the size of the compartments by moving the inserts around. Using this bag, I could easily fit my entire outfit: One M body, four lenses (24, 35, 50, 90), hoods for all of them, and a Luna Pro digital meter in the front pocket. Two polarizing filters in the mesh side pockets. One can of fresh film in my left pants pocket, exposed film in the right pocket. Slight cheat: Camera clamp/table tripod combo gadget and cable release went into the backpack which also held food, water, jackets and extra film. I took my 90 Elmar, but the Orion Mini can also hold the same outfit with an 85/2 instead of the 90 Elmar. For additional theft insurance, I used a thick rubber band (the kind used to fasten a bunch of bananas together), wrapped twice around the buckle. This foils the "squeeze buckle and run" With the bag to the rear, it's very comfortable. To the front, it takes a little getting used to and does accentuate middle-aged paunch a bit, but is still quite usable. The main compartment and front pocket have dual zippers, and the main cover opens away from you, making lens changes very convenient. The Kinesis belts look very attractive, as you can distribute the weight around the belt. However, they cost a bit. My Orion Mini cost all of $35. And I can even sling it over my shoulder for a while if I wish. - --Peter Klein Seattle Skip Williams says: >The best all-day, carry-around solution that I've come across is a belt >system such as the Lowe Orion or my favorite: the Kinesis system at >www.kinesisgear.com. The system is remarkably flexible and comfortable. >I've saved my back on all-day walk-abouts now. They offer wide belts >with/without suspenders and lots of bag and pouch options. Try it, you will >never go back to a bag for an extended walk.