I’ve been experimenting with this for years. Used everything from velcro to duct tape. So far, this method using nylon wire ties is the simplest, quickest and most easily reversible I’ve found for modifying your ski touring rucksack. Idea is one of the best places to carry a small camera such as Canon G is in a case pouch mounted on your rucksack shoulder strap.
First, find a small camera case or pouch you like (big box store helps, bring your camera and check fit, ordering online is tricky). Plan on mounting in a vertical orientation as a top loader. Some cases have small gussets behind the zipper so they don’t flop open completely. Those are best because your camera, radio or GPS unit can’t fall out while you’re unzipping, but anything small and functional will work. Here is the DIY:
First, figure out where you can mount the bag for easiest access and least discomfort while moving arm in normal skiing motions. I like it anywhere from the medium height position to fairly high and slightly offset towards the inside if strap and bag widths allow for offset mounting. I’m right handed and find that locating on left strap is the most ergonomic. If the bag isn’t mounted too high, the wire ties cause no discomfort; cover with a tab of duct tape if necessary to prevent chafing. Nice thing about this is you can reverse the whole deal with a few snips of your scissors and only end up with two small inconsequential holes in your pack strap.
Hot-melt holes through nylon with a reversed drill bit heated on your kitchen stove top. Top holes need to go through the pack strap for stability, bottom holes only need to be burned in the camera bag. Thread the wire ties so the latch on the ties is as protected and hidden as possible. After cutting the excess, smooth wire tie latch with sandpaper (they end up extraordinarily sharp).
Threading the top tie, which goes through both pack strap and camera bag.
Wire ties installed. Use high quality ties available as branded merchandise at hardware store. Discount wire ties can be substandard and snap when they get cold. If you’re likely to encounter ultra-chilly temps, perhaps thread a small cord through the same holes for insurance if the wire ties snap.
Ready camera access for ski touring!
(Note, I use this type of rig year-around, for everything from hiking to adventure travel. Give it a try. You won’t miss trying to dig your camera out of your pack every time you see something interesting.)
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
