DIY Camera Insert for Backpack

I've been itching to get a camera backpack for sometime now. And I was setting my eyes on the very slim Kata KT D-3N1-10 Backpack which I thought would be perfect for my needs.

**drool** 

However, I couldn't justify paying more than 300 bucks; coz I'm a casual photographer… hardly do much photography and like what 'someone' kept reminding me… I only have one lens at the moment… wot's the point… @#$%$#&*…

So I tried thinking if there's any possibility to convert a regular backpack into something that would serve as a proper camera backpack. And this made me remember that I have a High Sierra expandable hydration pack… which I bought for about USD25 bucks from Costco several years back when I was in San Jose.

It was supposed to be for my mountain biking trips… but since I've sold off my bike, it could now be used to serve other purposes. After rummaging through my mountain of junk, I finally found it still in good condition. But it did smell a little funny.

First thing I did was to remove the 2 litre hydration pack from the insulated compartment since I won't be needing it (for now).

Stored it somewhere for future use (ya rite… hahaha).

Next, it's off to Popular bookstore to get some materials to make the insert. First thing I need are some rigid plastic sheets.

These are pretty easy to work with and cut.

After some measuring, I prepared the pieces which would be needed to construct the frame of the insert. Bear in mind that I would need some protection for the DSLR, so I bought some EVA foam sheets as well to line the inner portion of the insert.

These are similar to neoprene in feel.

Using some white glue, I glued the plastic sheets to the foam sheet to create a protective surface.

Once it's dry, trim the foam to fit.

With all the sheets ready, it's time to assembly. I used heavy duty duct tape to construct the insert. Try to make it as neat as possible.

I decided to create a lower compartment with a lid which I'm able to store things like the lens hood, blower and extra battery… etc.

 The lid is opened by pulling on to the small loop of rope I attached. Don't look exactly pretty but it serves its purpose.

Now, the whole assembled insert is completed, but it still looks very 'raw' and ugly with all the duct-tape peeking out at all corners. So I decided to wrap a layer of EVA foam around the entire camera insert.

I had some problems sticking the foam around the insert (it won't stick), so I ended up having to handstitch the EVA foam around the edges using the old fashion way… using a needle and some thread. It looks a little rough… but I'm glad it holds up.

This is the completed camera insert on it's own (with my D5K inserted for fitting purposes).

Here's the insert placed into the bag. It's an extremely snug fit… due to some measuring errors. Also, you can see the bottom compartment open just for illustration purposes.

I need to further secure the DSLR within the insert, so I'm using some off the shelf sponge pieces. I couldn't find grey… so I have to make do with yellow.

Some quick cuts using the box cutter, and I placed 2 pieces to secure the lens and body from moving. Planning to encase these two sponge pieces in EVA foam if I have the time.

Finally, everything is in place.

The D5K is held nice and snug.

Zip up the bag, and there u have it.

A home made camera backpack ;)