DIY Camera Insert for a Backpack
I LOVE my Lowepro Slingshot 200AW for dedicated photo trips or shoots. But I also decided that I want to have my camera with me at all times and my Lowepro just isn’t the right bag for that. In my search for the right bag to replace my slingshot, I realized that there are not very many good choices for an all-around bag. Something that can hold my laptop, my gym clothes, my lunch and other shtuff. What options that do exist, are either really expensive or they can’t handle my 17inch laptop.
So I set out to find another way. My solution was to buy the backpack that I really wanted, which turned out to be a Northface Box Shot. Part 2 of this solution was a SLR insert. You can buy these from Domke, Pacsafe – but again the choices are limited or expensive(for what you get). In my case I couldn’t find one that was configured the way I wanted or the right size…. So I did what any nerd would do, I made my own and here is how.
WHAT YOU NEED
1. FOAM – I used a cheap camping mat for putting down under a sleeping bag.
2. TAPE – Duck Tape – Black
3. GLUE – Some kind of glue. Something that 
bonds to foam or plastic.
4. TIME – Took me about 90 Minutes.
TOTAL COST – 90 Minutes and 10 Dollars.
Step 1
The first thing I did was take some measurements of my camera, my bags interior, lenses etc. I drew up a rough sketch just to make sure I knew how i wanted to construct the insert.
Step 2
Next, I set about cutting up the different panels that I need to build the insert. I measured them out first and traced them with a marker. I also labeled each piece
Step 3
Once I had them cut out, it was time to start glueing and taping them up.
Here I have the basic box together, now just time to cover the whole outside in tape for extra stability.
Step 4
The final step in the construction was just to decide where I wanted the divider to go, cut it and glue it in. Also, you can’t see it in the pictures, but I put about a 1” block in the botton of the main compartment for the attached lens to rest on. It actually keeps the camera and lens assembly quite sturdy, and allowed me to leave enough room for it to fit a larger attached lens, depending on what I am using at the time.
ALL DONE
I was pleased with the results, and the only thing I might do now is line the interior with some kind of fleece or micro fiber, just for looks and added protection.
Hope you found this useful, thanks for reading!
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great idea!! I sometimes just use a towel or sweater too
Yeah, a towel ore sweater was my solution until this. I just like the extra security of knowing that its held in place by something solid! Not to mention that I often keep other clothes in there, and the thought of yanking my gym shorts out only to send my camera flying out on the floor just made me cringe.
Thanks for reading!
This is a fantastic tip and the exact thing I am looking for. I have a North Face Recon that I use for skiiing and carrying around a multitude of other things off season. This looks like an easy way to cut down on carrying an extra dedicated bag. Glad I found this before I head to Europe later this year!
Thanks James – I’ve been using this thing since I wrote the article and am loving it.
Perfect!!!
I’ve been searching for inserts I could buy to through in my small dakine daypack but it has not been going well. I hadn’t considered building one myself until I came across this and saw it shouldn’t be too much trouble and I can personalize it as much as I need.
Thank you for posting!
Thanks Andrew – glad you found it helpful!
Good to know I’m a member of the ‘nerd’ team. I was thinking the same thing: I needed the backpack with the anti-theft features (going to Europe), but also needed to bring my DSLR. What a girl to do? I didn’t want to be carrying extra camera bag… This DIY camera-insert is perfect! I’m off to my garage to dig through the camping gear and see if I have one of those mats. Thanks, you saved me a headache!!!