What foam for a camera backpack
Discussion
I want to store my camera and accessories in a backpack. I will only infrequently take the whole lot with me for a shoot. I will normally pick what I want and put my choice in one of my smaller bags.
I want to have separate slots for each bit and as time goes on, introduce other items. I will pad out the back, sides and front with some sort of foam for knock protection. I then want to be able to cut bespoke holes in the bit in the middle.
What type of foam is best? I won’t mind mixing and matching, say one type for the outer protective bit and something else for the bit to cut. Whilst I would not say money is not a factor, this is to look after my camera.
Or, of course, alternatives to foam.
I want to have separate slots for each bit and as time goes on, introduce other items. I will pad out the back, sides and front with some sort of foam for knock protection. I then want to be able to cut bespoke holes in the bit in the middle.
What type of foam is best? I won’t mind mixing and matching, say one type for the outer protective bit and something else for the bit to cut. Whilst I would not say money is not a factor, this is to look after my camera.
Or, of course, alternatives to foam.
eltawater said:
What's wrong with the different types of dedicated camera backpack already on the market which come with detachable compartment walls to give you the flexibility to adjust and resize slots based on your requirements?
That’s what I thought too. Amazon basics camera backpacks are cheap, perfectly suited options for this. I’ve had mine 5 years and it’s still perfect. I tried the cutting foam the shape thing several times...it's a faff and doesn't really work IME. Much better to get something designed for the purpose.
If you're doing proper hiking, even some of the better photo bags aren't ideal. Too bulky, too heavy, not enough room for hiking essentials etc. Unless you look at F-stop Gear (which is pricey as hell.)
I've wrestled with this for ages and ended up with this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/CADeN-Waterproof-N...
They're not waterproof, but for my needs it's perfect. Similar levels of padding to my Lowepro camera bags, a couple of internal dividers. Day to day it sits in a shoulder bag and looks no different to any other camera bag.
If I'm off somewhere more rugged or a multi-day hike, I can chuck it into my day pack (Osprey or Lowe Alpine, depending on the circumstances.)
When I bought it, F-Stop ICU's weren't easily available in the UK but at £52 I'd have a look at this - the principle of taking the insert that fits your gear, and chuck it in a rucksack that already agrees with you makes a lot more sense for more 'serious' walking:
https://www.photospecialist.co.uk/f-stop-icu-shall...
If you're doing proper hiking, even some of the better photo bags aren't ideal. Too bulky, too heavy, not enough room for hiking essentials etc. Unless you look at F-stop Gear (which is pricey as hell.)
I've wrestled with this for ages and ended up with this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/CADeN-Waterproof-N...
They're not waterproof, but for my needs it's perfect. Similar levels of padding to my Lowepro camera bags, a couple of internal dividers. Day to day it sits in a shoulder bag and looks no different to any other camera bag.
If I'm off somewhere more rugged or a multi-day hike, I can chuck it into my day pack (Osprey or Lowe Alpine, depending on the circumstances.)
When I bought it, F-Stop ICU's weren't easily available in the UK but at £52 I'd have a look at this - the principle of taking the insert that fits your gear, and chuck it in a rucksack that already agrees with you makes a lot more sense for more 'serious' walking:
https://www.photospecialist.co.uk/f-stop-icu-shall...
Edited by tenohfive on Sunday 14th January 12:41
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