We know camera buffs like to keep their valuable gear well padded and snug inside their bags. We asked photographer Matt Tarr to mod a Voltaic backpack so he can carry and charge his Canon 7D. We have some camera bag kits are available, you just need to add the foam dividers and car charger cradle for your particular camera battery.

We are also in the process of designing a dedicated camera bag. If you have thoughts on how it should be designed, please let us know.

Step 1: Parts and Tools

  • 1 Voltaic Solar Camera Charger Kit including three 10 Volt Panels (Most Likely Orange), 1 Old Model Backpack, Car Charger Socket ($75) Please note that this setup does not include a battery for power storage like typical Voltaic bags.
  • 1 Car Charger Cradle for your camera battery ($7-$25) – Search on Google for your battery type and the word “car charger”
  • 2 Domke Divider Kit ($8 each used at B&H Photo) or padding from another camera bag such as this LowePro bag
  • Scissors or very sharp utility knife
  • Camera Gear
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Step 2: Create cardboard pattern of bag interior
Insert a piece of cardboard roughly the size of the bag’s interior. Trim it so that it fits snugly inside the bag without any bending.
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Step 3: Design your gear layout
Place your camera equipment on the cardboard and mark out each of the sections. You should have a nice grid.
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Step 4: Test the depth
Make sure the height of the insert fits the bag at both the top and bottom.
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Step 5: Mark and cut
Using the traced lines, mark out the lengths of foam section you need and make the cuts.
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Step 6: Connect the foam inserts
Stack the inserts in your grid shape and connect them using the connectors provided.
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Step 7: Insert your gear and slide into bag
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Step 8: Charge your Battery With any car charger for your camera battery, you can connect the charger to the panels and charge up in the front pouch. As an example, a Canon NB2L battery will take about 3-4 hours of direct sunlight. Larger batteries will take more time. Other devices like iPods or phones can be charged with a car charger as well (if you buy a complete Voltaic bag, a battery is included which stores power to charge handheld electronics)
Step 9: Alternative Take the camera insert from another camera bag and slide it into the bag.
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Caveats: We’re working on designing a “pure” camera bag, so this is clearly a quick option to protect your gear and have charging capabilities. The biggest issue with this modification is access. The zipper does not come down far enough to make it super easy to grab gear in the lower part of the bag.

5 Responses

  1. Frederic

    Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s
    the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  2. admin

    This kit comes with a laptop sleeve that clips into the back of the bag, but it is admittedly tight to fit both the SLR and the laptop. Our bag in development will definitely has room for both.

    Reply

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