Hi!

All I want is a good fit, especially driving my bike, even in the rain, and all I want to carry is just one M6 (maybe some day two), three lenses, some film, couple of filters, keys, money, pen and paper, that's about it. How about Tamrac or Billingham? Got any recommendations here? Thanks, even if you say "Vests? No way!".

Mike

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), June 26, 2001

Answers

Mike:

IMO, from all of the photo companies, Domke makes the best vest. However, Orvis, Eddie Bauer, LL Bean, Travelsmith, Norm Thompson and Bananna Republic all offer a variety of "travel" vests that make make excellent photo vests for the Leica - plus you have a huge selection of colors and materials available. Take the following example from Orvis - two pages of vests in different materials/colors/genders to choose from!(Http://www.orvis.com/store/search_results.asp? page=1&keyword=travel+vest&dir_id=0&image1.x=16&image1.y=7) The other companies all have similar offerings, and most of them can be found at www.theircompanyname.com. Happy shopping!

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), June 26, 2001.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Cabelas.com - A lot of outdoor sporting and travel gear including their Safari or Serenghetti line.

Also, for what it's worth, I have two vests, one from Bananna Republic, the other from Eddie Bauer and like them both. (BR has more pockets and is a bit longer, EB is a bit more stylish) Either will easily hold one or two M bodies, two to three lenses, 20 rolls of film, filters, a sandwich, water bottle and notepad.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), June 26, 2001.

Hey Jack! Thanks for the giant offer!! Now out hunting!!!

Mike

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), June 26, 2001.

Vests are not such a good idea while cycling as they will make you sweaty and, possibly, get your gear wet too. A waist pack is a better alternative. A waist pack also puts the weight lower so that it will not swing around as you manoeuvre. I have used both the LowePro "Photorunner" and "Sideline Shooter" both of which will accommodate your needs.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), June 26, 2001.

Thanks John, I already bought a Lowepro beltpack "Orion Mini" which has the right shape for me (1 body with lens on it pointing down plus 2 lenses on either side) but this, like that from Tamrac and all others (Domke too) are still all TOOOO big, especially on a bike). Maybe I should wait till this posting is filled up, then I'll start over with the hip or waist stuff.

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), June 26, 2001.

Iīm with John; vest had been for me very uncomfortables specialy if moving around full loaded; why donīt Mike you look into the bicycle shop for something you can hang on your bike and around your waist; such a specialiced bag could be found some where else; I love my Domke FX5 waist pack, for two bodies and four lenses and some film, it is great.

well Mike let us know your pick.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), June 26, 2001.

I'm a great afficonado of photo vests, have at least a half dozen. The thing I can see being a problem using them on a bike (I'm taking that to mean bicycle, not motorcycle)is that due to their usual length, if you've got hard, heavy stuff in the lower pockets they're going to bang and slap against your thighs when you pedal, even if you zip the vest up. If you can find a flyfishing vest with big enough pockets to hold the gear you want, that might solve the problem.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), June 26, 2001.

Hi,

I have a good outdoor jacket made by Columbia Sportswear. It's water proof and with many pockets. The sleeves are removable and the good thing is -it's not like a fishing-vest, the length is just fine, not too short or long, actually good looking even wearing it to 5 star restaurants.

I bought it at Macy's for $60+ something.

-- Fred O. (yo54@columbia.edu), June 26, 2001.

I have the Domke and have used it with 3 lenses and 2 M bodies. In my opinion, the weight is just not distributed evenly enough. The weight rests on your shoulders, not on your hips. Suggest waist pack or small backpack which can also hold othe items. Don

-- Don M (maldos@home.com), June 26, 2001.

Try Filson. They make tough as nails waterproof outdoor clothing out of oiled cotton. Extremely tough lasts a lifetime products, high quality.......just like a leica.

-- Yip (koklok@krdl.org.sg), June 26, 2001.

Thanks for all of your great suggestions.

Same player shoots again. Yup, waist bags are good, maybe better. Got lots for tools when underway on my mountain bike. Backpack carries my tripod and lunch. BUT... M6-bag has to be REALLY SMALL: ONE BODY with lens (pointing down) between one lens to the left and one to the right. I looked at all bag postings in all threads here and all company catalogs. Practically everything (of small stuff) is even for 2-3 bodies, sizes like R8, giant zooms and/or 4-6 other lenses, flash, 20 films etc etc (hope I'm not too biting).

I'll keep looking but still welcome noting all your favourites.

-- Michael Kastner (kastner@zedat.fu-berlin.de), June 27, 2001.

If a vest is what you want, please look at the Tenba and you will find the best IMHO. It fits well and has enough pockets to let you forget were you placed the object you must have right now. These are large, secure and well placed as well as small tucked away. Neat feature is internal belt to snug up the waist.

-- Steven Alexander (alexpix@worldnet.att.net), June 27, 2001.

Tilley vest

-- martin tai (martin.tai@capcanada.com), July 06, 2001.

Tilley Endurable is a world famous travel wear company, their Tilley hat and VOMP are very popular

VOMP stands for Vest of Many Pockets, it has 16 pockets, including a build in backpack and hidden pocket, great for travel photography, you can carry camera bodies, air line tickets, passports, Leitz table tripod, BW films, color films, lens hood, lenses, lenspen for cleaning lens, all in VOMP.

The price is in Canadian dollar, one USD is about 1.5 CDN $

-- martin tai (martin.tai@capcanada.com), July 07, 2001.

I could not get directly to Tilley VOMP

Click on Men's_Wear then Jackets and Vests and then VOMP

-- martin tai (martin.tai@capcanada.com), July 07, 2001.