Rucksack for skiing..kata/burton/dakine...

[marcwilson]

Hi,

I currently use a kata r-103 rucksack for when I ski with my camera gear.
A little big I do love it because it is incredibly strong and can hold my 12" laptop in its rear compartment not to take on the slopes but to take on the trip in general.
I do find it a bit big and so am looking at the about to be released R-101 which is the same but smaller..cons are no great storage for extras like top, book, etc.

Looking at two alternatives..the burton zoom and dakine sequence..if I can get hold of one that is..how do they rate in terms of strength compared to the kata bags and is it possible to fit a laptop in them somewhere just for the travelling.

Thanks,

Marc

[GregW]

Marc,

I know nothing of Burton packs or equipment so I can't comment on how they perform.

I've had a couple of Dakine packs and I've found them well designed and constructed.  I also have the 103 from Kata (main photo bag) and I don't think you'll find that the Dakine offers the same level of protection.  On the other hand you cant lace up a set of ski's to the Kata!  Although a great pack with speedy camera access i can't image it's much fun to ski with.

I've come to the conclusion that no one solution works for every situation so I tend to mix and match a bit.

I live in the Swiss Alps and spend a lot of time in the mountains.  For my needs (Maximum, Nikon D200, 17-55 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 12.24 f4, sometimes an SB-800 flash) I use an ice climbing pack (45l Black Diamond; mostly because it fits me well) with a Lowepro top-loader.  The lenses are packed in to lowepro lens cases.  I find this a very flexible solution which offers an adequate level of protection.  Once the camera's in I still have room for a basic climbing kit, skins for skis, first aid kit, spade, probes, radio and GPS.  Ice axe, crampons and rope attach to the outside of the pack.  For traveling something like a 12" Powerbook in a Tucano second skin will fit in fine.

If you need flexibility then I don't think my solution can be bettered.  If your needs are for a reasonable level of protection in a ski-boarding specific pack with little or no room for non photo equipment then I'd try the Dakine.  Their regular packs are great for piste and basic off-piste skiing but don't handle the weight of camera kit and safety kit as well as a specific mountain pack.  I'm going on a two week trip shortly so I'll try and get my hands on one to try.  I'd find something like that usefull on occasions - it's not like you can have enough camera bags!

I have on occasions used the top-loader and the harness it comes with.  It works well when just one lens (up to 70-200) is needed.  It's great for fast shooting and placed on your chest it's well balanced, secured and doesn't get in your way.

BTW.  I really enjoyed many of your 'alpine' images.  Particularly those in poor or overcast light.  It's not that hard to make alpine vista's look amazing in good weather but your use of poor light was something I really enjoyed and has inspired me to be a little less lazy and to try and make the best of my conditions.

[marcwilson]

Thanks Greg for all the input.
Yes the katas certainly offer such a level of protection for me that I think I may be dissapointed / more cautious with anything else!
Can't find any of the burtons or dakines to look at anyway but I may look into your suggestion of a more climbing like or similar..slimmer fitting bag..with compact photo bag in it....I do not really have to whip my camera out of my rucksack anyway so pulling an inner bag out of a outer rucksack is no problem for me.
Max kit is body + 3 lenses and a flash + cards, meter, etc so that should fit in quite nicely with some extra room for essentials such as top, gloves, water, bar of chocolate!! etc.

Thanks also for the words on my non 'nice' light alpine images..yes its often the ones in the non chocloate box light that make the best images..I feel.

Marc