Camera Bag - Is a Custom Solution the Only Real Option?

[AndreP]

Could a bikepacker’s framebag be adapted with foam padding? A suspended and well damped location potentially.

The main advantage would be its proximity to the bikes natural pivot point. Anything stored here will be least affected by all cycle movement and impact shocks to both wheels. It's also the safest place if the bike is dropped, as pedals and handlebar will do much to keep the framebag from making contact with the ground.

 

[ferrus]

That’s what I was thinking. The only problem might be the limited width available, especially with any protective padding.

 

[AndreP]

That’s what I was thinking. The only disadvantage is the limited width available, especially with the protective padding.

With the lens removed most cameras aren't too bulky, with the right kind of foam, nothing too thick and spongey, it should be doable.
You could make bumpers that attach to the outside of the bag with velcro. Again, using good quality low profile shock absorbing foam cut to shape.

 

[AndreP]

If I were going to take the frame bag route, I'd go the whole hog and get one custom made for my frame to ensure a snug fit, with straps in all the right places to keep it well secured. Alpkit do this and there are others out there.

If necessary attach your bottle cages elsewhere, if you don't have bosses on the underside of the downtube there are plenty of cheap solutions like stem, rack or saddle mounts.

 

[Rphil]

A rear-rack trunk bag can actually work really well if you control vibration, and the DIY route you’re considering is a perfectly legit solution.
For what it’s worth, I ended up doing something similar: I lined a trunk bag using some tool box foam inserts I had left over from another project. It’s easy to cut, holds its shape, and you can carve perfect pockets for your body and lenses. The EVA-style damping is surprisingly effective road buzz and small bumps get soaked up nicely as long as your rack and bag are tight and nothing can bounce vertically.
If your trunk bag is reasonably stiff and you float your gear inside a carved foam block, it’s honestly no worse than riding with a camera in a backpack. Bigger hits are still a concern, but normal city riding, curb drops, and mild off-road haven’t caused me any issues. So yes totally doable, and prototyping with foam is fast. If your build works, Lowepro would probably love to see the idea.

 

[SFP]

A rear-rack trunk bag can actually work really well if you control vibration, and the DIY route you’re considering is a perfectly legit solution.
For what it’s worth, I ended up doing something similar: I lined a trunk bag using some tool box foam inserts I had left over from another project. It’s easy to cut, holds its shape, and you can carve perfect pockets for your body and lenses. The EVA-style damping is surprisingly effective road buzz and small bumps get soaked up nicely as long as your rack and bag are tight and nothing can bounce vertically.
If your trunk bag is reasonably stiff and you float your gear inside a carved foam block, it’s honestly no worse than riding with a camera in a backpack. Bigger hits are still a concern, but normal city riding, curb drops, and mild off-road haven’t caused me any issues. So yes totally doable, and prototyping with foam is fast. If your build works, Lowepro would probably love to see the idea.

Exactly where I am going with this.

Thanks for the feedback and image.