Backpack for Bicycling with Pentax Equipment?

bdery · 03-03-2022, 08:43 AM

Good advice so far.

If you want to use a backpack, I'd recommend simply something with good hip support. My guess would be a Mindshift Gear rotation180 backpack:

Review of the new rotation180 34L backpack from Mindshift Gear - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

The Wandrd Prvke would also be a good choice:

https://www.lightandmatter.org/2021/equipment-reviews/prvke-backpack-review/

I love Peak Design's backpacks, but would not recommend them for long rides.

Mission Workshop had the Integer biking camera backpack but I'm not sure it's still being sold:

Review: The Integer Backpack from Mission Workshop - Review Announcements | PentaxForums.com

**bicycle** · 03-03-2022, 09:29 AM - **1 Like**

I haul my camera with me on virtually every ride. Can’t help with a backpack recommendation since I use panniers. I have made my own home brew arrangement which was pretty easy.

I sewed up a couple cloth bags with the same cross section as the inside of my Ortlieb bags. In the cloth bags I put a block of dense foam (from the local craft store, think they were supposed to be seat cushions). I cut the foam to the cross section of the panniers so it all fits nice and snug. In the foam I cut out shapes the same shape and size as the camera to make a top and bottom to fit around the camera. I made the blocks so the camera sits with the sensor horizontal to the ground. I made a second set for a lens. The foam block with camera goes in the cloth bag and into the pannier. The cloth bag makes it easy to whip the camera out of the pannier without worrying that something is going to flop out. This all fits nice and snug in the pannier, the bag is waterproof. The arrangement seems to work and I haven’t worried about the gear in the bag yet, even when the bike fell over on the camera side once. I have been using this arrangement for years between a K5 and K3m3. Short of an accident with a car (knock on wood) I don’t really see any risk to the camera. No problems yet over the last 10+ years.

swanlefitte · 03-03-2022, 09:38 AM

I bike with my camera around my head and shoulder everyday. Camera strap length is key. Too short and the camera won't raise. Too long and the camera swings. Perfect adjustment and the camera stays secure and will still raise up. 1 cm of strap can make the difference. A backpack would only be for extra lenses or a tripod.

**BWG** · 03-03-2022, 10:27 AM

The K-1 is kind of big and heavy for what I do so you may want to invest in a Kp (I love spending other peoples money). I have a Lowepro sling bag. When riding I attach the chest strap so it doesn’t swing around to the front. I use a Peak Design clip and put the camera with a pancake lens against my chest. I’ve even done it with the 55-300 plm, however; that can be uncomfortable after a while. In the sling I’ll carry the other pancakes and maybe the fisheye or 100 macro (depending on where I’m riding). My bike is an ebike and I sit fairly upright. I wouldn’t try it on a road bike. A mountain bike would probably be okay if you stay on a smooth surface.

Sidney Porter · 03-03-2022, 01:45 PM

Originally posted by JoelA

The nice thing is that I'll be using a classic Bob Jackson Super Tourist (fitted with Suntour Superbe!) .

Nice. I ride a 1984 peugeot pgn10 it has a modern drive train. I also have a 1988(ish) giant that my son rides also with a modern drive train.

My city bike is a late 70s free spirit. It is a lugged framed and would have been their top end ( it's still a free spirit). It is interesting because it has a Shimano positron RD. So it is indexed at the derailuer. Failed experiment. But interesting part of bike tech
Shimano Positron II derailleur (DG-200)

My mountain bikes are newer and nothing interesting.

There is also a 72 varsity that never get ridden. Although my son will be taking it to college

**JensE** · 03-03-2022, 03:03 PM - **1 Like**

I explained my approach in Bicycling with Long Lens - PentaxForums.com - worthwhile read for other opinions as well. If you really want a backpack, the choice depends on your position on the bike. For fast cycling, I generally prefer my narrower Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW over the otherwise excellent Mindshift Gear rotation180 (Panorama, I think, the first 34l model), mainly because of the narrower belt. The camera compartment of the rotation180 however is what I use for the K1 with a somewhat larger lens, such as the 15-30mm/2.8, in an Ortlieb Back Roller, It can also hold 4 smaller lenses in addition to one attached to the K-1 fairly securely. It nicely fits the shape of the pannier, with the belt wrapped around and closed, giving a little extra padding on the sides. For day-hikes and X-country skiing it's my favorite bag by a large margin anyway, so it serves dual purpose.

**robgski** · 03-03-2022, 06:22 PM

A Cotton Carrier Skout is made for exactly this sort of use.

Macario · 03-04-2022, 01:13 AM

Originally posted by JoelA

Reaching out the brain-trust please.

I am a very serious bicyclist, and am looking to bring my K1-II and some K & M series lenses with on short to medium rides (20 -> 50 miles).

Can anyone please recommend a backpack that is well balanced and could carry the camera body and a couple of lenses?

My fear is the equipment banging around and into each other. I simply have not been able to find a good solution. I’m not worried about crashing or anything like that.

I’m trying to avoid purchasing panniers that would mount directly to a bike (although it’s a consideration).

Any guidance would be super appreciated – especially if there are any cyclists with first hand experience.

Apologies if this is in the wrong sub-forum - I was unsure where to place this message...

Thanks!

If you can find them second hand, the Clik Elite Probody sport (don't know if the K-1 will fit fine in the Compact sport, otherwise that is a fine bag too) or Clik elite Cloudscape are fine backpacks to bike. Both are very light, and can cary more than just camera gear. And both are pretty smallish, so you don't have the feeling that you have a big backpack on your back. Both do not take much camer agear. A body with lens and 2 extra lenses is about it. If you want more than that then the F-stop Kenti (again second hand) is a fine bag. Also pretty slim, but can take more gear.

**W412ren** · 04-14-2022, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by JoelA

I am a very serious bicyclist, and am looking to bring my K1-II and some K & M series lenses with on short to medium rides (20 -> 50 miles).

Can anyone please recommend a backpack that is well balanced and could carry the camera body and a couple of lenses?

Late post but I have been mulling something similar but my stumbled-upon solution will not work for a K-1 - it simply doesn't fit.

Originally posted by JoelA

This is definitely for road riding.

I had totally forgotten about handlebar bags!

I looked at these for ages and couldn't find anything that worked well with the rest of the gear on the handlebars. I also gave up on taking the K-1 and turned instead to an older workhorse.
So my reply is only really for anyone who is struggling to find their own solution to safely carry a DSLR on a bike.
My very recent solution to carry a K-5iis (one of the smallest Pentax DSLRs) with a DA40 limited fitted and a DA15, DA70 along with it is this:

Podium® Flow? Belt 2.5L with 620ml/21oz Dirt Series Bottle - Shop from CamelBak UK
(Can be found for much less if you shop around)
The zip pouch at the front carries a couple of ziplock bags and desiccant as this is not a waterproof bag. There is adequate room for a spare battery and SD cards alongside the camera.
This has proven to be stable and comfortable on both a road and a gravel bike ride.
Some images to illustrate:

gatorguy · 04-14-2022, 08:52 AM

I just got shipping verification on our e-bikes and have already ordered and rec'd a RockBros pannier bag for the stock rear rack of mine. It's larger than I had thought it might be, which is great, and I think it will be just the ticket for a K1 with lens plus a spare. The side bags will roll out to accommodate my monopod, with room on the other side for incidentals. K3III with be on a Spiderpro belt, locked in when riding. So two cameras that should be a relatively easy and secure carry when I use the bike.
amazon.com : ROCKBROS Bike Panniers for Bicycle, Bike Trunk Bag Rear Bike Rack Bag for Travel Bicycle eBike Accessories Cargo Carrier Bag : Sports & Outdoors?tag=pentaxforums-20&

We'll see if it works as I hope soon enough. I'm really anxious to get these so that my wife can accompany me on some of my photo trips. I'm big on hiking, but she not so much. Unless she's going along I'll probably still walk.

Webstormer · 04-16-2022, 01:12 AM

Well, I am not a specialist in biomechanics but one thing is for sure, a low profile backpack with a compartment for the camera itself right at the less moving part of your body, i.e. approximately 8 to 10 inches above the tailbone and in the center would be to me best. Then, you'd just have to be careful about the way to spread the rest of your load. Hope it helped.

**rvandenbrink** · 05-01-2022, 01:27 PM

I use a tourbon trunk bag, with a 2” layer of foam in the bottom. Added a length of pipe for the monopod / tripod. Make sure the kickstand is up to the task though!!

GreenRich · 05-01-2022, 02:02 PM

I use a Carradice, which has quick release but is fairly large. It's my general commuting bag
Super C SQR Slim - Carradice Bicycle Bags

gatorguy · 05-01-2022, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by gatorguy

...ordered and rec'd a RockBros pannier bag for the stock rear rack of mine. It's larger than I had thought it might be, which is great, and I think it will be just the ticket for a K1 with lens plus a spare. The side bags will roll out to accommodate my monopod, with room on the other side for incidentals. K3III with be on a Spiderpro belt, locked in when riding. So two cameras that should be a relatively easy and secure carry when I use the bike.
amazon.com : ROCKBROS Bike Panniers for Bicycle, Bike Trunk Bag Rear Bike Rack Bag for Travel Bicycle eBike Accessories Cargo Carrier Bag : Sports & Outdoors?tag=pentaxforums-20&

We'll see if it works as I hope soon enough

And YES, it is large enough for the K1 with a DFA50 and a 15-30, which is what I typically carry now as the second camera when visiting the marsh, and an extra battery, cleaning cloth, and SD card case. It would save me from needing the LowePro sling when the bike comes along.

It's a well-padded bag with an expandable section if you're carrying tall items, a bungied exposed top for flattish items, two large panniers, and a rain shield. Oh and a place for water. It really works out well, today being the first time it had been put to use in the field.

Shhh... I told my wife I got it for her short, quick trips to the grocery.

**ChrisPlatt** · 05-02-2022, 11:41 AM

Riding with a backpack just sounds like a bad idea, i.e. higher center of gravity
and balance, potential damage to gear and/or rider in the inevitable spill, etc.

Not to mention that backpacks on their best day never facilitate photography.

Flame away,
Chris

P.S. Next I'll take on the photo vest fans...

03-03-2022, 03:03 PM - 1 Like	#21
JensE Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Leipzig Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,969	I explained my approach in Bicycling with Long Lens - PentaxForums.com - worthwhile read for other opinions as well. If you really want a backpack, the choice depends on your position on the bike. For fast cycling, I generally prefer my narrower Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW over the otherwise excellent Mindshift Gear rotation180 (Panorama, I think, the first 34l model), mainly because of the narrower belt. The camera compartment of the rotation180 however is what I use for the K1 with a somewhat larger lens, such as the 15-30mm/2.8, in an Ortlieb Back Roller, It can also hold 4 smaller lenses in addition to one attached to the K-1 fairly securely. It nicely fits the shape of the pannier, with the belt wrapped around and closed, giving a little extra padding on the sides. For day-hikes and X-country skiing it's my favorite bag by a large margin anyway, so it serves dual purpose. Last edited by JensE; 03-03-2022 at 03:18 PM.

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03-03-2022, 08:43 AM	#16
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Good advice so far. If you want to use a backpack, I'd recommend simply something with good hip support. My guess would be a Mindshift Gear rotation180 backpack: Review of the new rotation180 34L backpack from Mindshift Gear - Review Announcements \| PentaxForums.com The Wandrd Prvke would also be a good choice: https://www.lightandmatter.org/2021/equipment-reviews/prvke-backpack-review/ I love Peak Design's backpacks, but would not recommend them for long rides. Mission Workshop had the Integer biking camera backpack but I'm not sure it's still being sold: Review: The Integer Backpack from Mission Workshop - Review Announcements \| PentaxForums.com

03-03-2022, 09:29 AM - 1 Like	#17
bicycle Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Minnesota, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 187	I haul my camera with me on virtually every ride. Can’t help with a backpack recommendation since I use panniers. I have made my own home brew arrangement which was pretty easy. I sewed up a couple cloth bags with the same cross section as the inside of my Ortlieb bags. In the cloth bags I put a block of dense foam (from the local craft store, think they were supposed to be seat cushions). I cut the foam to the cross section of the panniers so it all fits nice and snug. In the foam I cut out shapes the same shape and size as the camera to make a top and bottom to fit around the camera. I made the blocks so the camera sits with the sensor horizontal to the ground. I made a second set for a lens. The foam block with camera goes in the cloth bag and into the pannier. The cloth bag makes it easy to whip the camera out of the pannier without worrying that something is going to flop out. This all fits nice and snug in the pannier, the bag is waterproof. The arrangement seems to work and I haven’t worried about the gear in the bag yet, even when the bike fell over on the camera side once. I have been using this arrangement for years between a K5 and K3m3. Short of an accident with a car (knock on wood) I don’t really see any risk to the camera. No problems yet over the last 10+ years.

03-03-2022, 09:38 AM	#18
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	I bike with my camera around my head and shoulder everyday. Camera strap length is key. Too short and the camera won't raise. Too long and the camera swings. Perfect adjustment and the camera stays secure and will still raise up. 1 cm of strap can make the difference. A backpack would only be for extra lenses or a tripod.

03-03-2022, 10:27 AM	#19
BWG Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Monterey County, California Posts: 165	The K-1 is kind of big and heavy for what I do so you may want to invest in a Kp (I love spending other peoples money). I have a Lowepro sling bag. When riding I attach the chest strap so it doesn’t swing around to the front. I use a Peak Design clip and put the camera with a pancake lens against my chest. I’ve even done it with the 55-300 plm, however; that can be uncomfortable after a while. In the sling I’ll carry the other pancakes and maybe the fisheye or 100 macro (depending on where I’m riding). My bike is an ebike and I sit fairly upright. I wouldn’t try it on a road bike. A mountain bike would probably be okay if you stay on a smooth surface.

03-03-2022, 01:45 PM	#20
Sidney Porter Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Columbus Ohio USA Posts: 353	Originally posted by JoelA The nice thing is that I'll be using a classic Bob Jackson Super Tourist (fitted with Suntour Superbe!) . Nice. I ride a 1984 peugeot pgn10 it has a modern drive train. I also have a 1988(ish) giant that my son rides also with a modern drive train. My city bike is a late 70s free spirit. It is a lugged framed and would have been their top end ( it's still a free spirit). It is interesting because it has a Shimano positron RD. So it is indexed at the derailuer. Failed experiment. But interesting part of bike tech Shimano Positron II derailleur (DG-200) My mountain bikes are newer and nothing interesting. There is also a 72 varsity that never get ridden. Although my son will be taking it to college

03-03-2022, 06:22 PM	#22
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,796	A Cotton Carrier Skout is made for exactly this sort of use.

03-04-2022, 01:13 AM	#23
Macario Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Hoek van Holland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,393	Originally posted by JoelA Reaching out the brain-trust please. I am a very serious bicyclist, and am looking to bring my K1-II and some K & M series lenses with on short to medium rides (20 -> 50 miles). Can anyone please recommend a backpack that is well balanced and could carry the camera body and a couple of lenses? My fear is the equipment banging around and into each other. I simply have not been able to find a good solution. I’m not worried about crashing or anything like that. I’m trying to avoid purchasing panniers that would mount directly to a bike (although it’s a consideration). Any guidance would be super appreciated – especially if there are any cyclists with first hand experience. Apologies if this is in the wrong sub-forum - I was unsure where to place this message... Thanks! If you can find them second hand, the Clik Elite Probody sport (don't know if the K-1 will fit fine in the Compact sport, otherwise that is a fine bag too) or Clik elite Cloudscape are fine backpacks to bike. Both are very light, and can cary more than just camera gear. And both are pretty smallish, so you don't have the feeling that you have a big backpack on your back. Both do not take much camer agear. A body with lens and 2 extra lenses is about it. If you want more than that then the F-stop Kenti (again second hand) is a fine bag. Also pretty slim, but can take more gear.

04-14-2022, 08:52 AM	#25
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	I just got shipping verification on our e-bikes and have already ordered and rec'd a RockBros pannier bag for the stock rear rack of mine. It's larger than I had thought it might be, which is great, and I think it will be just the ticket for a K1 with lens plus a spare. The side bags will roll out to accommodate my monopod, with room on the other side for incidentals. K3III with be on a Spiderpro belt, locked in when riding. So two cameras that should be a relatively easy and secure carry when I use the bike. amazon.com : ROCKBROS Bike Panniers for Bicycle, Bike Trunk Bag Rear Bike Rack Bag for Travel Bicycle eBike Accessories Cargo Carrier Bag : Sports & Outdoors?tag=pentaxforums-20& We'll see if it works as I hope soon enough. I'm really anxious to get these so that my wife can accompany me on some of my photo trips. I'm big on hiking, but she not so much. Unless she's going along I'll probably still walk.

04-16-2022, 01:12 AM	#26
Webstormer Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2022 Posts: 80	Well, I am not a specialist in biomechanics but one thing is for sure, a low profile backpack with a compartment for the camera itself right at the less moving part of your body, i.e. approximately 8 to 10 inches above the tailbone and in the center would be to me best. Then, you'd just have to be careful about the way to spread the rest of your load. Hope it helped.

05-01-2022, 01:27 PM	#27
rvandenbrink Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Stratford Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 256	I use a tourbon trunk bag, with a 2” layer of foam in the bottom. Added a length of pipe for the monopod / tripod. Make sure the kickstand is up to the task though!!

05-01-2022, 02:02 PM	#28
GreenRich Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Derbyshire Photos: Gallery Posts: 141	I use a Carradice, which has quick release but is fairly large. It's my general commuting bag Super C SQR Slim - Carradice Bicycle Bags

05-02-2022, 11:41 AM	#30
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Riding with a backpack just sounds like a bad idea, i.e. higher center of gravity and balance, potential damage to gear and/or rider in the inevitable spill, etc. Not to mention that backpacks on their best day never facilitate photography. Flame away, Chris P.S. Next I'll take on the photo vest fans...