Although it might look like I've got 10lb of semtex strapped to my chest, I haven't. What I have got is a Ribz front pack. I've been playing about with it for a while and I'm starting to like it.
There's a big pocket on each side with a smaller one on top of each big one. It's actually very comfy and more surprisingly doesn't get in the way when riding. It's handy for carrying those bits you need to get at quickly, map, gps, food, camera, etc. The two sides zip together down the centre, the rear of the harness remains attached to the pockets ... I imagine it's a bit like putting on a front loading bra
Interesting, looks big, what capacity is it and do you think you carry enough gear that you need quick access to, to warrant a purchase. Must admit that I have been toying with the idea of a chest mount camera bag for quick access as I sometimes find I skip photo opportunities because of the hassle/time it takes to get my camera out and packed again.
Front load bra's, memories of much fumbling, confusion and then embarrassment on encountering the first one of these items of ladies underclothing.
This one's about 12L but they do a smaller 8L one too.
I picked this one up S/H so the cost wasn't bad. I've seen them advertised in the UK for about £35 ... I really don't like rucksacks, so often use a bum bag instead but this gives me that bit more room. I imagine it'd be ideal for camera gear.
I spotted those a couple of weeks ago, they look interesting. I use one of the OMM Trio front packs on Ultra events and find the convenience fantastic just for keeping bits of food, sunscreen, shades, MP3 player etc handy, but it doesn't sit that comfortably when I'm on the bike, the lower bungees tend to loosen and the damn thing ends up clattering me in the knees.
Will be interesting to see how well it works with other backpacks, whether the double harness causes problems.
"Where you've been is good and gone, all you keep's the getting there..."
I carry my DSLR on my chest (Lowepro Toploader 55). At first I used the proper chest harness for the bag and just didn't get on with it. The bag would hang down, bounce about and get close to my knees whilst pedalling. To get round this, I scrapped the harness and ended using four mini-carabiners between the bag and the straps on my backpack. It's now spot on, with just enough slack so that it's not uncomfortable. The only downside is that it helps to take the camera out of the bag when wanting to take the backpack off...no big deal though as I don't take it off too often.
I like how the bag above is wide rather than long. I know if the type of bag I use was any longer it would hit my knees. I do wonder what it would be like when it has a bit of weight in though. The reason why my camera bag is so solid now is because my backpack is heavier than it.
- The seasons blow away, but the love is just the same -
I always land on my chest when I fall off. Snowboarding with a wallet in the pocket gave me a broken rib once in a similar situation. I've even broken another when landing on a clenched fist (pump track) *
I think I'll stick to carrying stuff on my back / waist.
I always land on my chest when I fall off.
* this may just be peculiar to me
I'm the opposite and have landed on my back quite a few times...this has happened whilst riding like a lunatic though, not something I'd do when bikepacking or carrying my camera gear.
- The seasons blow away, but the love is just the same -
*