Digital SLR's and backpacking???

[Yam]

Ok, I've noticed almost all the discussion here is based on digital vs film, but how about digital SLR's?? I'm planning on bringing my Digital Rebel on a 1 month trip around western Europe mainly. Anyone have gone backpacking with a DSLR?? any feedback??

One of my main concerns is security, after all, a DSLR is a bit flashy and could be an easy target for stealing, specially if it's carried on a shoulder bag. I'm planning on getting my regular camera backpack www.tamrac.com/5747.htm but swinging to the front, and my daypack carried normally on the back. So I'll be having the daypack on my back and the camera pack swinging up front and this way I can always see my camera pack at all times. Do you think it'll work out or is it too much hassle??

Another thing is equipment. I have a couple of lenses, but Im definetely only bringing 2-3 lens max. Anyone have any reccomendations on which range I should cover?? I was planning on bringing the 18-55 for going wide, the 55-200 for more zoom range and maybe a 70-300 for that extra range. Any thoughts?? and how about a flash?? I don't wanna be carrying a lot of stuff I won't need, so any feedback is welcome.

Another question, I won't be bringing a laptop or anything, but was planning on having my CF card reader and just plug it on any computer anywhere (cyber cafe, hostel) and either upload them to my web site or burn them to cd. Will that work??

[MuvverRussia]

With regards to lenses, I'd go for the 18-55 and 55-200. I doubt you'll really need a 70-300.

As for compact flash readers, many places will be a bit dodgy about you plugging them in (or may have even disabled support for them). However, many photo shops will copy photos from memory cards to cd for a reasonable price - that's what I normally do and it's worked ok so far.

[Kim]

A man after my own heart - I have the Nikon D70.

So both dustoffmom and I travel with camera backpacks and we both have the kind that unzips in the middle to reveal the bottom that had room for a body and a few lens. The top has an empty section for a guidebook or whatever. This is really handy for customs as you don't have to take anything out - you just upzip it and flip the top so they can see in.

The thing is is you want to cut down on the weight so like you said, limit yourself to 2 lens. I wouldn't take the flash - there will only be a few circumstances that it may come in handy, not enough to make it worth it.

Agree with Muvver in regards to the card reader, most internet cafes won't let you plug things in, download etc. Getting CD's burnt is the best idea but make sure you check the pictures on the CD before you delete them.

Kim

[LHR02]

Film Nikon SLR devotee here....but this last trip I took 3 lenses, pretty much exactly what you are planning. Let me say, those darn things start to get heavy really quick.....I never once used my 300 but never felt comfortable leaving it anywhere so had to carry it with me everywhere. Take the 18-55 and the 55-200.....those two should more than supply you with the range you need. And agree with Kim on the flash....leave it at home. Again, the weight (which will seem like 20 pounds after awhile) and the little use it will be is not worth carrying it around with you. Two good basic lenses will be plenty.

[Yam]

Ok, so I'll drop the 70-300 and the flash. Wow I didn't knew about the restrictions on the Cyber Cafes, even though I know it's a pretty standard security measure. Well, cd burning it is then... Thanks a lot for all your help!! ;D