Topo Designs Klettersack
I am a self proclaimed bag and back pack junkie. Over the years I have accumulated quite a collection. Some purchased and many were given as samples. Yet, I am never satisfied (surprised?!). So the other day when my friend Errin shared about his new back pack and how awesome it was, I dug a little deeper and did some research. He pointed me to Topo Designs Klettersack. Could this be the one?
After some research, I decided it just might be. What’s to like? It’s simple with one big opening and a single zippered pocket on top. It’s light. You can attach stuff to it. It doesn’t have a bunch of zippers and bells and whistles. It comes in a bunch of colors. It is made right here in USA with the finest materials. I wanted a nice pack for daily use and to travel with that didn’t scream bike geek or photo geek, yet was capable for carrying all my stuff such as ipad/computer, photo gear and the occasional tripod. I wanted a pack with no waist belt as it makes it easier for quick removal and quick access to my camera. So….I went through my collection of packs and found 3 packs that didn’t fit the bill, brought them to work, re-gifted them to other fine folks I work with and ordered up my very own Klettersack. The only extra on my bag is that I added a sternum strap accessory otherwise it is just a standard Klettersack. For those that care, I used my own money for this and I am in no way affiliated with Topo Designs.
After a short period and a small snafu in my shipping address I finally received the bag. My first order of business was to put a camera insert in the bag. For this bag I used a Crumpler Haven, size large. This allows me to carry my camera and an extra lens as well as a few bits. The insert is not that big and it allows me to also fit other things inside. In this picture, I have my down jacket stuffed underneath the cameara insert.
My new Topo Designs Klettersack
I tried it out on a nice long ride into work yesterday along the MN river bottoms. In the bag, I have my iPad, camera, extra lens, and a down vest in case I needed it. In the top zippered compartment I carried my wallet and my charger. Overall it looks and feels just right. Works really well for my intended use. I also like how it looks (bonus!). It does carry a little high on the back compared to my Osprey Talon bikepacking bag but I like it for what my intended use.
Overall, my initial impressions point to a solid A+ and I am super duper stoked and I look forward to many years with this pack.
Glad you like it! I also got the sternum strap. That’s funny that you pointed that part out.
I was curious how it fit you. It’s big on me, and the straps are a little wider than I would like. Neither are deal breakers, but something that could be tweaked. Other than that it’s a great bag. I really dig mine.
I am digging the Crumpler Mild Enthusiast. It sits really well on my back and slings around to my chest on the bike.
http://www.crumpler.com/us/Camera-Bags/Camera-Bags/Mild-Enthusiast-M.html?LanguageCode=EN&SKU=ME2001-T01G50
Thanks guys.
Errin – The fit is just right for me. It carries a bit higher than I am used too with my Osprey Talon pack, but this pack isn’t really for cycling and I don’t mind that fact one bit.
Erik – That pack looks sweet. I hadn’t seen that one before.
Can’t help but think “pannier” looking at that sack on the tree as you show it. It would be good to see it on someone. Maybe that would change my perception.
GT it is a bit pannier looking in that picture. You’ll see it at Frostbike as it is my main pack and everyday bag. See you soon.
GT, here’s a pic of mine on me.
http://errinv.smugmug.com/Travel/New-York-2012/27363132_N2wWB4#!i=2301395367&k=4N3VQnv&lb=1&s=A
I am so glad that I took the time to visit your website. I’ve been looking for some way to carry my camera stuff in a regular pack and the Crumpler Haven appears to be the ticket. I continue to enjoy your blog and absolutely love the photography. Thanks for sharing:)
Thanks Vito. I’ve been checking your site out too. I always look there when I need some inspiration from MN’s North Shore.
Hey Gnat, I enjoy catching-up on your activities from time to time via this blog and always love the photography. Gravel riding, cyclocross and fat-bikes are super-rare down here in New Zealand (although mountainbiking is huge) so I look elsewhere for inspiration.
How do you carry your camera when riding with others and “shooting from the saddle†so to speak?
I recently lost my “I won’t cry too much if I break this†point-and-shoot and took the opportunity to upgrade to a “I will be depressed for a number of years and can’t afford another one if I break this†compact (Sony RX100).
I used to throw the old one in a Gastank on the top-tube or sometimes in the pocket of my shorts but don’t feel comfortable doing that with the new baby.
I was thinking of getting a bum-bag for quick access (not sure what those are called in America) as taking the camera in and out of my camelbak is a PITA!
How do you handle your smaller cameras?
Antoine, thanks for the note.
Carrying cameras and using them is an art form. At times it is a bit like dancing as well. I have several options depending on what camera I am using.
There is one common theme though that I have found, that is that every camera has a wrist strap and I don’t pull it out of the carrier without having my wrist through the strap. I have dropped and broken many cameras over the years. This simple methodology has resolved that issue.
Most often for road and gravel, I use a mountain feedbag from Revelate for my point and shoot camera. It mounts to the bar stem and has a cinch strap for rougher roads. Make sure you use it as I have thrown my camera from it as have a few of my friends that use this system.
For small point and shoots and for riding off road, I have used a Lowe neopreen hard drive case with a carabineer type of of attachment. I don’t know if they sell them anymore, but it also has a magnetic closure. Super nice for a small camera.
Lastly, I resort to a back pack or hip pack depending on the size and the bulk of a camera. I have found that I prefer back packs but obviously, this slows down the access and in turn reduces the number of times I take pictures. This is why I continue to shoot with smaller cameras despite the reduction in image quality.
The long and short of it is trial and error. There is no one single solution and it depends both on the size of the camera and the trail conditions.
Thanks again and let me know if you have any other questions?
Hey thanks for the almost instantaneous response, who says it’s not a global world!
Wrist-straps: Yes, I’ve learned that lesson – part of my routine too (tempted to screw one on my mobile phone).
I was looking at including feedbags with my next Alaskan mail-order, that’s a good idea. Maybe some foam in there too as a shock-absorber for the paranoid among us?
I think the Sony RX100 is going to prove popular with cyclists. Similar size to a Canon Ixus but a sensor almost as big as a micro four thirds camera and a nice fast f1.8 Zeiss.
I’m impressed with the image quality and you can even fake some DOF if the subject is close enough to you.
Check-out these two pics from my Flickr stream. First time I had taken the camera out to the forest and they were only shot as JPegs. (I’m experimenting with RAW now)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79498713@N00/8324300554/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79498713@N00/8344316068/in/photostream
Thanks for the tips – Antoine.