Motorcycle trips and packing camera gear

[crakoczy]

I'm planning a 21-day motorcycle trip for July, taking me from Connecticut to Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories. I'm debating which to take: film body or digital body.

Both take the same lenses, tripod, filters. The film body is less valuable to risk on the trip, but the digital is far more convenient during and afterwards editing and publishing images. I'd need to buy more film on the road as I doubt I'd carry enough for the whole trip. Or I'd need to bring the digital body's charger and a backup harddrive, which is more valuable and delicate gear at risk. Also, what of the durability of either? Some roads are unimproved and sure to be bumpy rides. And how about weather? Any suggestions and experiences?

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[BPK]

due the the roads i would think film would better take the vibrations. i would recommend a pelican or foam insert case for your gear which way you go.

[Bonish Photo]

I ride with my Canon 1D in my Tamarac Top Loader straped to my chest all the time. This is a great way to have access to the camera at a moments notice and is quite comfortable.

I ride a Suzuki 400SM and travel tons of back roads and double track trails and have never had a problem with the camera or the pack. One way to get around bringing so much gear would be to bring a good size CF Card, and then bring one of the hard drives that can accept the CF Card. This would free up the lap top and lots of cords. I know Epson has just come out with an 80 gig model that has a nice size screen and would be a great way to transfer the pictures off the card, and keep it seperate for securtiy.

SOunds like one hell of a trip, I wouldnt waste your time with the hassle of lugging film around for a trip of that length. When every ounce counts, you'll save a ton of weight with a good digital set-up.

Pat www.everymilesamemory.com

[BrianSudol]

I travel by motorcycle quite a bit, my travels this year will be from New Jersey to Yellowstone, then down to the panhandle. The Tour pack on my Harley Ultra holds my camera backpack quite well. I have my tripod bungied to the luggage rack. I do recommend that to get some type of rain cover for your camera if your planning on shooting near or around water.
Enjoy your ride keep the rubberside down

[totalyfrozen]

My brother and his wife travel on there bike and covered all the states, and now they are spending the summer in Europe. You can go here to check out what they do:

http://web.mac.com/usbygs/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html

They have been doing this for years and years(school teachers so they get the summers to play) Great blog, with nice photos and some video as well.