I've had a few different setups. I shot a fair bit, and depending on the level of gear I'm taking with me. If I'm doing a pre-arranged photoshot, if I'm exploring, or if I'm just out riding and want to bring a camera along for snap shots. I have different bags. Here was my breakdown for last season.
Bag 1) Crumpler - I have one of the larger crumpler bags, I used to use then as my "general" bag, it had a good "chest" strap but wasn't really suited for sled usage. I still use it when I'm doing "non-sledding actives or as a secondary pack for my lighting that I strap to the tunnel if I'm bringing out everything. It's really well insulted and tough (I've accidentally had it drag from a sled, with no damage to my gear) what I like best about it, is it looks like a real backpack, not a camera pack.
Bag 2) Waist pack Video Bag, I have a smaller Dakine Video bag it's as messenger style pack made for a camcorder. It has a really solid waist strap that holds the bag in place on your hip. It's good for a DSLR camera and 1 lens, (70-200, and a smaller lens like a 24-70, or a fish). If you don't have alot of gear and don't need an "avy pack" as well this is the way to go, it's light and easy to assess while riding, (since you don't have to take your pack off to pull out your camera.
Bag 3) Dakine-Nomad "Camelbak", (this is what I usually take out my main riding bag with or without my camera). I picked up the largest mountain bike hydro pack. It allows me to fit 1 Body w/lens attached usually my Canon 1d, and 70-200 lens. It has a ton of pockets for extra stuff like food, tools, GPS, cell, I can strap my shovel to it, my probe, or my helmet, having a hydro pack is a huge plus if your like me and ride a Sled with no seat pockets. It also has Waist and chest straps which keep it everything snug, and take alot of the strain off your back.
Bag 4) Dakine Sequence, this replaced the crumpler as my main "photo bag", It's by far the best bag I have had. It has padded waist straps, and adjustable shoulder straps which really helps disperse the weight and make it alot easier to lug around a full to the brim bag of gear, as somebody who has 3 broken verts..anything I can do to ease stress on my back when riding is a huge plus. When I started using this bag I found myself much less fatigue after riding for a day. This pack does it all (if you have alot of gear) I can fit 2 bodies, 4 lens, portable flashes, tripods, all my riding gear (shovel, probe, gps, food, water, ect), even strap my skis or board to it. the bag it's self is not that heavy, but once loaded down adjustable correct it really molds to your back. Between the removal insert and all the front pockets you can really load this thing down. This is the second version of the sequence I've used and I am beyond impressed. If your going to be in the BC I highly recommend this pack. It was made for the backcountry photographer. Everything is highly water proof. The only draw back is having to stop and take your pack off to get to your gear.
