Hi all,
I just picked up my first dSLR (Nikon D90) and I am excited to start learning more about photography and to start taking it on hikes/climbs. However, I still haven't made up my mind on a bag that will allow me to carry it in the field. For now, I will just be taking it on hikes and backpacking trips...once I get a feel for carrying it and the best way of carrying it, I'd like to take it on some climbs too.
For the photographers out there, I'd like to hear your experience with taking your SLR on trips with you. I'd like to have easy access to the camera. When I go out, I'll probably only be taking a standard zoom lens (right now I have a Nikon 18-105mm, might be replacing with a 18-200mm)...I also have a 70-300mm zoom lens.
I've looked around online, and I have been impressed with the M-Rock bags, particularly the 651 - Yellowstone holster: http://www.m-rock.com/yellowstone-camera-holster-bag.html
This bag will hold my D90 and my 18-105mm (it will also hold the D90 w/ 18-200, if I end up swapping). It won't fit the 70-300mm (the Sierra 652 holster bag will make it possible to use both lenses, which may be a better choice). The M-Rock holster bags look really rugged and offer a lot of different carrying configurations. I haven't seen any other bag this versatile. With the holster bag, I can either strap in on the outside somewhere, or toss it in my pack. In addition to a holster bag, a lens bag might be good to add. Then I can carry both lenses on hikes, and keep the one I'm not using in my pack.
Also, I am going to pick up a shoulder bag to hold all my gear (D90 and two lenses). This will be a general purpose bag, which may or may not see the trail. Something comparable to the 661 - Glacier Bay bag: http://www.m-rock.com/glacier-digital-camera-bag.html.
Any suggestions (on bags, or how you carry your camera) would be great!