Camera Bags – The Short List Dissected

Recapping my last post – I’m looking for a camera pack for my Japan trip in February 2014. I don’t think my requirements are excessive or out of the ordinary but I did struggle to find what I needed at a price I was willing to pay.

The pack has to serve two main tasks; the first is as a camera gear/laptop carrying carry on bag for transit with room for a few travel essentials the other is as a pack suitable for snowboarding with room for camera and back country gear plus hydration bladder compatibility.

Camera Bags, Snow Boarding & Carry On Luggage – Can You Have It All?

So here’s the deal…If you didn’t read my previous post, I’m off to Japan in February to hit up epic pow with mates and I had intentions of taking my camera gear to get some pics and build the portfolio a little. Sounds good on paper but the more I looked at it the more complicated it got. The issue as everyone knows is luggage allowance. One piece of carry on and one piece of checked in baggage can be very prohibitive. A rolling snowboard bag should take care of the boards and hopefully all of my gear and a change of clothes but trusting camera gear to baggage handlers is fraught with risk so carry on is the logical choice.

Carry on luggage has its own issues primarily the 7kg and 115cm size limits. This has foced me to consider the kit and bag I use to carry it.

Fathers Day 2013 – Snow, Sun and Time Out

Fathers Day is an interesting day. It’s one of those Hallmark holidays that some love and others loathe with thoughts of socks, jocks and handkerchiefs

I’m not particularly fussed either way when it comes to Fathers Day but hey who’s going to say no to some gifts and a bit of attention from your kids and partner. This year I scored some great new cuff links from the family including an  awesome spirit level set (pics soon!) Perhaps others out there got some new toys for the workshop/mancave?

For me the best present is some time out to recharge and with the awesome weather on Sunday I got chance to do just that! I set out up the hill to test my fathers day present latest purchase a new snowboard, a K2 Turbo Dream to be precise and what a great day it was. Wintry snow up the top of the hill, no wind and almost t-shirt temperatures. I’m not sure what the rest of you were doing, breakfast in bed if you were lucky or mowing the lawn if you weren’t but I was having an awesome time in the sun up in the magnificent South Island high country. It really does amaze me the scenery available in New Zealand with such small driving distances. While it hasn’t been the greatest winter for snow with the warm temperatures really punishing the snow who in their right mind is going to turn down a chance to get out of the office and appreciate the moment.

I’ve appreciated the moment so much of late that I’m currently planning a trip to Japan in February with some mates I haven’t seen in years. Can anyone say roadtrip? More details to come over the next few weeks.
In the meantime I need to sell you some product to make it all happen so don’t forget to visit the Direct2Trade web store and check out the awesome prices on tools & safety products including this months specials including some limited quantity DeWalt products at ridiculous prices. As always if there is something particular you need drop me a line liam@direct2trade.co.nz