Recently I purchased the awesome GoRuck GR2 backpack as a replacement to my main bag I use when traveling that could also double as a camera bag. I wrote about the bag on a previous post [link].
But I wanted to show how I turn my GR2 into a camera bag to carry my gear when I travel internationally. FYI, think of this setup as version 1.0. It’s likely I will have an improved setup in the future after more trial and error.
Problem
The thing I’ve never liked about ‘normal’ camera bags is that they are quite limiting when traveling due to the pre-defined camera compartments. If you’re only bringing a couple items, everything is well protected but there’s a lot of wasted space.
So I knew my setup needed to be modular. So whether I’m only taking a few things or my whole kit, my gear is only taking up the space it needs whilst still being protected.
Thankfully, I don’t often need to bring a lot gear when I travel other than my camera body, 16-35mm lens, a selection of accessories like a cable release, a couple filters, small cleaning kit and things like a battery charger and card reader.
My tripod almost always comes with me but most of the time that goes in a suitcase, but it’d be good if I can get it in my carry-on. Occasionally I need to bring my 70-200mm lens along too.
Solution
After a bunch of research I decided to go with Think Tanks modular system. The pouches are actually designed for their belt / shoulder carrying system but work independently too. They provide great protection and also have a rain coat built in a zipped pocket in the base to protect them from rain.
I bought 3 different pouches for both lenses and my camera body:
- Lens Changer 50 V2.0 [amazon uk affiliate link] – For my 16-35mm Lens
- Lens Changer 75 V2.0 [amazon uk affiliate link] – For my 70-200mm Lens
- Slim Changer Belt Pouch [amazon uk affiliate link] – For my 5D Mark III
All that was left was to decide what to store my cables, charger, card reader & accessories in.
To me, the obvious choice was to use GORUCK’s GR2 Field Pack, which is a storage pouch designed specifically to fit the GR2 backpack. It’s the perfect size for what I need and it has a handle on it too so I can take it out on its own during a shoot if needed.
Setup One
1. Think Tank Lens Changer 50 V2.0 [amazon uk affiliate link]
2.Think Tank Slim Changer Belt Pouch [amazon uk affiliate link]
3. GR2 Field Pack [link]
4. Rollei Tribute TL0613 Carbon Fiber Tripod + Ballhead
This is the setup I’ll probably use most of the time as that is all the gear I need and because the GR2 is big, I can still use the space around the gear to store other things like clothes. Which is difficult to do in a traditional camera bag.
Setup Two
1. Think Tank Slim Changer Belt Pouch [amazon uk affiliate link]
2. Think Tank Lens Changer 50 V2.0 [amazon uk affiliate link]
3. Think Tank Lens Changer 75 V2.0 [amazon uk affiliate link]
4. GR2 Field Pack [link]
5. Rollei Tribute TL0613 Carbon Fiber Tripod + Ballhead
This is for when I need to bring everything. As I said, I don’t use the 70-200 lens nearly as much as my beloved 16-35 lens, but it’s always good to be prepared if I need to bring it along with me on a trip.
Setup Two Point Five
When I was setting up these shots I figured I’d try to see if I could get my tripod bag to fit into this setup. My thinking being that if I’m traveling and I need to make some space in my bag, I can still carry my tripod but having it in its own carry case.
Not sure if I’ll ever do this setup, but it’s good to know it can be done.
Conclusion
As I said at the beginning, this is version one of my camera bag setup for the GR2. I plan on evolving it as I do more traveling based on the setups you see above.
If I make any drastic changes or add anything substantial to it, I’ll do a new post and put an updated link at the top of this page 