My DIY Pack

[Mark Williams]

While trekking in the forests I need to travel light. I have a Lowpro backpack which will hold all my gear but many times I only need a couple of lenses, audio recorder, water and a little food. My big pack is just too cumbersome. I started experimenting with various waist packs but they were uncomfortable and were always sliding down requiring constant belt adjustments.

So, I decided to put something together with off the shelf and inexpensive parts:

1. For the pack I choose the very well made Allen fishing pack $37.22
https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Company.../dp/B00MK16XJY

2. Toughbuilt tool belt suspenders $14.99
TOUGHBUILT Men's 1 Size Fits All Black Padded Suspenders-TB-CT-51 - The Home Depot

3. Two metal d-rings $.92 each
1 in. Zinc-Plated D-Ring-811168 - The Home Depot

4. Four belt keepers $7.32.
Tru Spec 4109000 Black Ballistic Nylon Duty Belt Keepers Pack of 4 | eBay

This setup ended up costing just $61.37. The suspenders and belt keepers help equalize the load and keep the rig from sliding down. It is nice having front storage for quick changing of lenses. I store my lenses in sock sleeves for added protection. I think it worked out pretty good.

croppedP1013810 by Natureman29, on Flickr

croppedP1013811 by Natureman29, on Flickr

[Chris Hurd]

Excellent -- thanks for sharing this, Mark!

[Mark Williams]

You're welcome.

[Alastair Traill]

Hi Mark,

Looks like a practical outfit for tricky terrain but how do you carry your tripod?

I have experimented with tripod designs that can be used as a ‘staff’ when walking. By using legs of different diameters that can be telescoped into each other the three legs become one i.e. the staff. The obvious drawback is some assembly is required before use. However the design makes it very easy to do low-level shots particularly so when using a zero gravity head. I have added a few pics and can provide more information if any one is interested.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/images/a...1&d=1471956669

[Mark Williams]

Nice set up.