How I Carry Camera Gear When Fly Fishing
How I Carry My Camera Gear When Fishing
For gear junkies this is a fun topic and perhaps an excuse to acquire new gear. I have progressed through multiple variations of how best to carry my camera gear so that it is easily accessible, comfortable, and protected. I have purchased several different packs, inner linings, water-proof stuff sacks, zip-lock bags and continue to this day to think about better ways to carry my camera gear.
I’ve tried a lot of camera carry options. The Patagonia Atom Sling (left rear) is well thought out and comfortable, but small and not waterproof and requires a zip lock bag. It does not house the Ape Case. The LL Bean roll top submersible hip pack is fully submersible, but small on volume and limits my ability to carry enough gear (it also does not fit the Ape Case lining); it takes a bit more to get into. The Fishpond Thunderhead Sling (right rear) is so far the perfect option in my opinion.
My Go-To Setup
As of this post, my go to set up (specifically when I am wading) is my Fishpond Thunderhead Sling with an Ape Case medium sized cube as a liner. Those of you with full DSLR kits may need to go to the larger size. The sling is totally submersible and large enough to fit my Ape case with body, 2 - 3 lenses (depending on what I bring), rain jacket, water filter, Garmin InReach explorer, a few fly boxes, and a few energy bars. It slings easily to my front placing the zipper right at my lower chest where I have the best control of my gear when taking the camera out or changing lenses. I’ve tried several other setups, and this has been my longest lasting. I’ve happily stuck with it for the last two years. Knock on wood, but I’ve yet to damage either my Fujifilm XT2 or XT3 or any of my camera gear for that matter since I’ve gone this route. I’ve found it convenient enough that I never hesitate to bring my camera kit and can change lenses quicly. I’m always searching for new methods and if I come across a better set up I’ll make a new post or update this one, but for now, it’s my go to. I can carry all my gear, and other than weight, I never feel like it gets in the way of fishing. I can essentially focus both on photography and fishing without either interfering with my ability to do each at less than 100%.
Thunderhead Sling with Medium Ape Case, XF 16-55 mm and XF 80 mm macros. Plenty of room leftover for fly boxes, snacks, rain jacket, extra reel, and more
Fishpond Thunderhead Sling - a great camera carry option
Full disclosure - It is not the perfect set up
While it is totally submersible and can carry a substantial amount of gear, there are some drawbacks. 1. It gets heavy. It gets pretty weighed down with this amount of gear, and it can only sling around one shoulder. By the end of a long day my right shoulder and trapezius is pretty worn out. 2. Decreased ease of access. Of all the options I’ve tried, this one remains the best. However, the Tizip zipper that maintains a waterproof seal is also finicky and requires a good bit of tug and two hands to open it. With a fly rod in hand when you are trying to quickly deploy your camera, this can take time and be a bit tricky (but, with practice, becomes muscle memory and second nature). 3. No hydration management. I love packs and slings that provide a way to hold a 32 oz Nalgene or Hydroflask but I suspect this pack would be quite uncomfortable with that much weight. I don’t like to drink from hydration bladders and stick with the tried-and-true bottle so I like to have a pouch or way to carry a bottle.
Maintaining Ultimate Access to my Camera
At this phase in my life, I prefer fishing with friends. In most scenarios, especially when wading, we are taking turns fishing. I’ve transitioned mentally from always wanting to be fishing to enjoying watching my friends cast and angle. I have a predictable window during my non-fishing turns to take photos (and let’s be honest, it’s typically far more interesting to capture photographs involving a subject other than the fish alone). If my focus at the time is taking photographs, I usually end up with my camera slung crossbody around my neck, with the camera tucked in to the top of my waders. This provides some modicum of protection (unless I fully dunk) while enabling rapid access to my camera. If wading to our next section gets treacherous or hairy, I’ll quickly place the camera back in the Thunderhead Sling pack.
Unfortunately, the Full Dunk is Inevitable
My buddy Dan dubbed it stumbly-feet phenomenon; it is real, and from time to time, I get it bad. Early mornings, lack of calories, lots of coffee, adrenaline rushing, slick rock and stumbly-feet phenomemon takes hold. I’ve dunked and ruined two older cameras worn sling-style. The way I insure against this now if I am keeping my camera out is two-fold. 1. Weather-sealed cameras and lenses. One of the benefits of the Fujifilm XT2 and XT3 and certain XF series lenses (and why I chose this mirrorless system) is weatherproofing. This certainly does not mean they are submersible, but they can take a substantial amount of water splash and keep on clicking. I learned this the hard way (see image below). 2. Insurance. I took out a personal articles policy with my insurance company. The cost is nominal, the peace-of-mind is huge. To date, I’ve not had to use my insurance policy, but I am sure there will come a time. With this peace-of-mind I have my camera out more often than not and thus capture more images and moments.
An inadvertent image taken unbeknownst to me after a slip, fall, dunk and impact of my Fujifilm XT3 and Zeiss Touit 12 mm f2.8 against river rock. The impact was hard enough to force a shutter click. It took this lick and keeps on firing without any obvious damage.