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Anyone else using an ATV to get in "deeper"? I finally bit the bullet and bought a ATV to help me access some of the more remote areas close to home. But I'm still trying to work out all the details of how to properly protect my gear while having it available for a quick grab when needed. Right now I'm tying down my backpack camera bag but it takes a bit of time to then access the gear. If anyone else doing this and if so I'd like to hear your solutions.

I personally am thiking a padded bag or or soft case with an easy access zippable top lid. It will need tiedown points from the sides though. I'm also thinking about a quiver to hold a tripod for easy access while protecting it from mud, flying debris, branches, etc.

I've also go to get a silencer on the machine as it is way too loud for me. I grew up riding horses in the mountains of Virginia and miss the quietness of that form of mountain transportation. I never was a big fan of these machines and I sort of feel like I've sold my soul to the devil now. Still, I can be way up in the mountains (on approved trails) in no time and that is a great advantage.

Is anyone else doing this and if so I'd like to hear your solutions.

thanks,
Jim

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Jim,

Yes I've been using both a trail bike and ATV for the last few years to get way back there (see pics below). I use a chest bag to carry my D300/18-70mm combo. This gives me pretty quick access. I only carry the chest bag when riding the trail bike. When I want to take more equipment, I use the ATV. I carry most of my gear in a Lowpro microtrekker backpack (my D200/100-300mm lens, 105mm macro, my flash and other assorted items). I have a six-pack rack on the back of the ATV that I strap my Gitzo tripod on. The backpack is too heavy for the trail bike (need more balance there) but is great for the ATV. I really like being able to get 30-40 miles back into the mountains or desert.

I know what you mean about being able to react quickly. I was riding a logging road one day when a black bear cub jumped out of a tree and stood in the middle of the road looking at me. By the time I got my 100-300mm lens out he decided to take off. All I got was the back of him.

Geo